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Think about it.
When was the last time you said NO to a free sample of ANYTHING, especially
if its actually something you needed? At the supermarket, even when
you've already bought your bag of Potato Crisps, would you still say
"no, thanks" to the store clerk that offered you a free sample of
their new Cheese Sticks Deluxe?
The same goes
for the recruiter. Sure, they won't even bother with a 4-page long
resume, but walk up with a short portfolio of your graphics work for
that Graphic Designer opening and you'll definitely see interested
eyes. And you should all know by now that your resume isn't worth
squat if it doesn't get read by the recruiter. With the multitude
of other people applying for that one job you KNOW you really like,
how are you ever sure that it will?
But when you stick
a sample of your recent work to that resume, you're adding a certain
value to it in the eyes of the recruiter: you're telling them that
the package you sent them tells more about you professionally than
the hundreds of other applicants who sent their resume sans freebie.
And by adding a good sample of your work, you'll be the first to truly
show the recruiter that you're truly right for the job-even before
the interview.
If you'd like
to add that work sample to your resume, keep in mind a few reminders
to properly add the value you want to your resume:
- There are
other ways of "sending" a sample.
This is especially
true whenever you apply for a job through the internet. Keep in
mind that sending your resume as an email attachment can peeve
some recruiters off (slow loading, threat of viruses,etc); imagine
how it will make them feel when you attach bigger-sized files.
In this case, when you're applying for a job online, you can instead
post your work on a website and include the URL in your resume.
Be sure, however, that when you do so, put the conspicuous reminder
"Samples of my work are available at http://etc.etc" near the
top of your resume, so recruiters can see it at once.
- Make sure
your sample matches the company's needs.
If you're
applying for a copy-writing job at an IT firm, send a sample of
work done for a techie company. That way your sample becomes more
meaningful to them, which translates to them looking at your resume
more favorably as well. Each time you better demonstrate to a
recruiter that you can do the job FOR THEM specifically, why wouldn't
they want to shortlist you for an interview?
- Don't send
your entire collection.
One or two
good samples is enough for your first submission. You may want
to send the recruiter two newsletters or press releases you've
done for another company in the past, or maybe just post three
graphic samples on your website for them to see. Also, make sure
that whatever you show them, be sure you'll have better samples
of your work when the interview comes. Your "freebie" should always
say "the best is yet to come". Be sure to make good on that promise
when you meet face-to-face.
- Share the
credit were it's due.
Whenever there's
something in your sample that someone else helped you with, point
it out. Or at least, localize and specify as to what in the sample
is purely your work. Maybe someone else edited your sample press
release, or perhaps an old colleague helped with the Javascripts
on your website. This is just plain ol' good manners, of course,
but in addition, you show the recruiter that you do have what
it takes to be a professional, as well as a knack for teamwork.
- Include
a short note on each sample you provide.
A freebie
is another way of marketing your skills. Try to slip in a short
note on what your sample is highlighting; maybe it's a skill with
choosing colors and motifs for graphics, or incorporating good
page designs with fast loading times on a website page. Whatever
the case is, make your work sample a do its job - to take the
"skills" section of your resume one step further.
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