For those in the creative industry, sometimes, a resume is not enough to get you noticed - or to show the employer exactly what your skill set and background all entails. While writers, marketing professionals, web and graphic designers and other creative professionals are brilliant at what they do, many can get stumped when it comes to showing how to best present their work and experiences to potential employers.
Below is a real-life question and situation from an Examiner.com reader, and a response from Tony B. Nelson, Principal of Minneapolis-based TBN Consulting, LLC, a search firm for direct-hire, contract, and freelance professionals within the marketing profession (strategic marketing, marketing research, sales, marketing communications, and creative services).
Question: I have a diverse background that includes experience as a writer, working at newspapers, working in marketing for a real estate firm, and freelance work. My experience also includes creative work and building and maintaining web sites. When an employer asks for work samples, what is the best way to put together the creative samples? Can a standard resume work? Is a portfolio needed? When do you send the portfolio? Do you send the resume first, then portfolio, later, like at an interview? What if they ask for samples with the resume when making initial contact, do links suffice?
Nelson's Response: "Less is more in this case," says Nelson. "Gain as much information about the hiring manager's needs and target your response to those needs. If the hiring manager needs a writer for direct mail projects within the medical device industry send a few of your very best medical device direct mail samples. The key here is to display your ability to do the work that needs to be done."
Here are some additional responses from Nelson:
When an employer asks for work samples, what is the best way to put together the creative samples?
Professionally. This could vary depending on the specific samples needed. Present creative samples in the best light possible. Make it easy for the hiring manager to review your samples without having the presentation platform be distracting. Treat your creative as if it's valuable art. If you present creative in a leather bound portfolio slowly using both of your hands it will have a much higher impact than if you nonchalantly toss a manila folder holding your creative across a desk. When presenting the creative electronically consider attaching a PDF of your creative. If you decide to use a website or an online portfolio make sure it's professionally done, on target for what the hiring manager is looking for, and does not lead the hiring manager to your competition.
Can a standard resume work?
Yes, a standard resume can work very well. I've seen web developer’s list specific development assignments with their responsibilities and accomplishments for each assignment. Then list a web address that links to the actual web site created. Very effective.
Is a portfolio needed?
For most creative positions (graphic design, art direction, etc.) a portfolio is needed. Again, only a few samples of your very best work that happen to be relevant. Resist showing everything you have ever done. Keep the portfolio targeted to the hiring managers needs. Writing samples can often be presented in a nice folder or in PDF format. If you're applying for a web design position the hiring manager will most likely expect you to have your own web site to display your portfolio.
When do you send the portfolio?
Ideally you bring it with you to the interview or hand deliver it to the hiring manager. However, many hiring managers request that you provide the work samples prior to meeting. In this case do your best to understand specifically what types of work samples they are looking for and present your work samples that are most relevant along with your resume.
Do you send the resume first, then portfolio, later, like in an interview?
Ideally, yes, bring the portfolio with you to the interview. However, many hiring managers resist meeting prior to seeing your samples. In this case send a few samples of your very best work, again relevant to the hiring managers needs.
What if they ask for samples with the resume when making initial contact, do links suffice?
Respond by saying "I look forward to presenting you with some of my work samples. When I present samples I like to be prepared to show you how I do work that matters most to you. What's the biggest challenge you foresee for the person you are going to hire for this job? What specific types of work samples are you looking for? Would you have time to meet so that I can show you my work samples that are most relevant to your needs?" If this does not work to get a meeting it will provide you insight into what they are specifically looking for. At this point I'd recommend attaching a few of your very best work samples to your resume. Links will suffice and are often appropriate as long as they go directly to your work samples. Again, make it easy for the hiring manager to review your samples.
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