Showing a picture is better than trying to explain something- at least most of the time. Here are ways you can show your work.
Part of your strategy to build career stability should be to build an online reputation of excellence.
One of the best ways to do this is to show your work. Featuring work samples and highlighting your career achievements through pictures is something anyone can do.
Every aspiring actor, every politician, anyone who wants to gain attention uses publicity. Luckily for you (and me) we don’t need to hire a publicist to get our work noticed. All you need to do is compile your work and have a strategy for where you’ll share your good news (past, present and future).
Explain With Pictures
Have you ever tried to explain something and get that blank “I-don’t-know-what-you-are-talking-about” stare in return? It’s up to you to make sure people understand what you are talking about!
Example
I loved hearing a story of a who used a diagram to back up her claim that she could map out a process for improved efficiency.
During the job interview, she used a STAR story to answer the a question about a time she improved efficiency. At the conclusion of her story, she carefully watched the interviewer and listened for interest. When the interviewer asked follow-up questions, she produced her diagram. (Of course, there wasn’t any proprietary information on the diagram.)
Make A List
What evidence do you have to support your claim? Do you say on your resume that you have:
- Presentation skills?
- Writing skills?
- Streamlined a process?
Use a visual to back each one up! Review your achievements and list ideas for supporting documentation! Here are some ideas:
- Photos of you attending or speaking at an event
- Articles you’ve written
- Testimonials
- Work samples
- presentation slidedeck
- report, executive summary, flow chart
- outline of your research
- Process diagram or flowchart
- A mindmap to show your logic
- Gantt chart, data visualization, org chart
Infographics Are Trending
Infographics are a hot, rising trend! A good infographic is supposed to simplify complex information.
Whether you choose to create an infographic resume or an infographic to summarize data, try using them.
I love a good infographic. In fact, I often share them on my Career Sherpa Pinterest page. If you don’t follow me over there, go have a look!
I’m An Excellent…
You fill in the blank. If you say communicator, then I would expect proof in the form of writing samples of published work, a list of presentations or events you’ve spoken at, or better yet a video.
If you say you are super at project management, ditto. What kind of proof can you present?
Start Gathering Your Documentation NOW
In order to show your work, you need to have samples. Begin collecting testimonials, screenshots, and examples and remember to keep them on your personal device! This makes it easier to share on the go!
Don’t Stop Here
Share examples of your work! Make it easy for people to see this stuff!
Post it to your LinkedIn profile or personal website!
Share it as a status update on LinkedIn too! Ask your network to take a look and provide feedback!
More Ideas To Show Your Work
If you are looking for more specific recommendations on how to include examples in your Linked profile, take a look at Make Your LinkedIn profile Media Rich.
Or create an Instagram, or Pinterest account or About.me page. The more places you begin showing your story, the greater the chances of your being found!
Remember, you are being googled!
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
