Lessons learned about resumes and portfolios
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Discussion started by Cheryl Bowsher , on 04 August 03:00 PM

Recently, we conducted interviews for a new Tech Writing position. Was I just being a perfectionist when I was shocked at the poor quality of some of the resumes and portfolios? A couple of applicants' work had dozens of errors: misaligned elements, inconsistencies, missing punctuation, and on and on and on.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: check your work before you submit it. Then double-check it. Then have at least two nit-pickers review it carefully.

Also, your portfolio should have docs that represent the type of doc typical of the job opening. If you are applying for a job writing maintenance manuals for hardware, and your portfolio contains just fluffy marketing docs, then you are at a real disadvantage. If necessary, create something just for your portfolio.

Opinions?

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John Limon
John Limon,
If the resume is from a recruiter representing the candidate, the document may be the victim of the recruiter's efforts to standardize, embellish, or somehow make it better fit their hiring process. Candidates should know exactly how their resumes are handled once they've been submitted to recruiters or hiring agencies. That doc you worked so hard to perfect may have been altered just enough that the writers with whom you will interview (who are most likely the most nit-picky set of eyes that will view your resume) will not give you a second look.
Sunday, 04 September 2011 01:14
 
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