Archive for job interviewing
Is your resume up-to-date?
Posted by: | CommentsAs I review resumes for my clients who are trying to fill administrative support positions, I am continually surprised at how poorly most people prepare the most important document of the job hunting process – the resume!
Your resume is your primary marketing tool in broadcasting to everyone who sees it just how competent, capable, professional, and skilled you truly are. I am convinced that many potential employers miss a lot of potentially great candidates because the candidates’ resumes were not a good representation of who they were and what they were capable of doing. Don’t be afraid of bragging or putting yourself in the spotlight. To get yourself in the door for a face-to-face interview, your resume has to be impressive enough to make them say, “I want to learn more about this person…bring him/her in.”
Resumes should be updated quarterly with on-the-job accomplishments, professional associations, promotions, certifications, etc. If you are a member of an event planning committee, it should be reflected on your resume. If you are a member of IAAP, make sure it’s on your resume. If you have served on a committee, held a chapter officer or committee chair position, make sure you include that, also. Did you work on a project team or provide support to a project team that achieved their goal (maybe even in record time because of your additional support)? Did you streamline a process or develop a training manual for your position? Did you coordinate or arrange a special event or trade show for your team or company? All of these things should be reflected in the accomplishments you list for your various work experiences on your resume.
Updating your resume and developing and maintaining a professional portfolio take time and effort. But my experience has proven that the time and effort invested in both elements can and will make all of the difference in the job search process and the salary you ultimately receive.
To receive a copy of my “Resume Update Workbook for Administrative Professionals” or to learn more about how you can update your resume to get results, e-mail me at Julie@julieperrine.com.
Julie Perrine CPS/CAP
Qualified MBTI Administrator
The Importance of a Professional Portfolio for Administrative Professionals
Posted by: | CommentsAs an administrative professional, how do you prove you can do what you say you know how to do? One way is with a Professional Portfolio of your work.
As I interview candiates for my clients who are trying to hire GREAT administrative talent, I am always amazed that the large marjority of these candidates do not have a portfolio of work samples to show me during the interview process. When I request work samples, they can typically produce some items for my review. However, it’s not something they have put much thought or energy into before I request it.
What is a professional portfolio?
- A professional representation of you
- A record of your professional development
- Demonstrated proof of your on-the-job performance and accomplishments
- A way to show your efforts at developing new skill sets
Why create a professional portfolio?
It’s a valuable tool for career planning:
- Market your capabilities in job interviews or performance reviews
- To negotiate promotions and raises
- Document quality and quantity of your professional development…shows what you are capable of
- Point of candidate / position differentiation
- Reinforces interview / one-on-one conversations
- Continues the “sale” after the interview conclusion
- Proof of performance
- Professional signature
It’s a valuable tool for your personal use as well:
- Self-confidence builder
- Employee self-evaluation tool
- Opportunity for professional reflection and identification of “career bests”
- Moving towards “career bests” helps create matched growth in current and future opportunities
- Becomes a permanent, personal record of your accomplishments and skills development
Julie Perrine CPS/CAP
