Stand Out During Your Next Interview by Using a Professional Portfolio

How do you choose a watermelon? Some people tap it and listen for a particular sound. Others look for a uniform shape. Still others check the color of the side of the watermelon that rested on the ground. So many watermelons in the bin to pick from, but you are going home with just one. Whatever method you use, that one watermelon will have some quality or characteristic that differentiates it from the rest.

Now, people are not watermelons, but during the interview process when hundreds of resumes flood in, it becomes hard to tell one candidate from the next. What can you do to differentiate yourself enough to land the job?

It's up to you to display qualities and characteristics that undoubtedly differentiate you from other candidates.

Enter the Professional Portfolio. Read more about this interview tool at "4 Steps to Build Your Professional Portfolio." How do you use it during the interview?

First, the interview without a Professional Portfolio:

Now, the interview with a Professional Portfolio:

OK, maybe the ending is a bit optimistic, but you can see the difference in how the conversation flows.  

Two things happen when you introduce your Professional Portfolio into the conversation. First, the hiring manager will most certainly pick an area where they need help, so you will get an idea of problems facing the company. Second, you have great examples and stories about any of the areas selected to talk about.

An experienced interviewer will dig deeper into areas that may not be in your Professional Portfolio. You may be asked to complete tests and assessments. That’s to be expected. But, what you’ve done is display qualities and characteristics that undoubtedly differentiate you from other candidates. 

Plus, the next time that manager is picking out a watermelon, who do you think will come to mind?