Collect Reference Letters: Unlike job references, which are often just a dull list of tasks, reference letters come from former supervisors, reputable individuals, or clients who describe in a few sentences what they appreciate about you and for what they are grateful. Ensure these references highlight skills relevant to your next job. The advantage of references is that praise comes from a third party, not from you. People trust the opinions of others, which is why review platforms and social media are so popular. For instance, when booking a hotel, we not only check its website but also look at reviews on sites like booking.com. Similarly, in an application, while your resume and cover letter describe yourself, the reference letters underline your competence and enhance your attractiveness. Ask people who value your work for a letter that confirms your professional and/or social skills from their perspective. The letter should include the sender’s name, date, an excellent statement about your competence, and the sender’s signature and contact details. For example, here is a reference from Mrs. Renate Kaspar, Head of Gender Unit at the Medical University of Graz: “Doria Pfob has excellently and competently supported the UniKid-UniCare network in Graz as a moderator. Her exceptional commitment and methodology achieved the set goal within the given time to the utmost satisfaction of all parties involved. We sincerely thank her for this remarkable achievement and are happy to highly recommend her. We look forward to continued successful collaboration!” Now it’s your turn. Consider the following factors: Who can provide positive feedback about you? Is this person’s judgment significant? What competencies need to be mentioned? You don’t have to include all competencies in one letter; you can collect different skills in various reference letters.
Create a Short Presentation of Yourself on about.me: This free website offers a single page to present yourself in a few sentences. Use it to highlight your strengths concisely. Take a look at my page for inspiration: https://about.me/doriapfob. Avoid merely repeating your resume; instead, distill your strengths and unique selling points. This page allows you to emphasize aspects that will make the reader want to learn more about you. You can update it as needed. When writing your application letter or email, reference your “about.me page” in your personal details or as the last sentence before expressing your interest in a conversation. This gives a genuine glimpse into who you are and ensures that potential employers see what you want them to. Based on experience, feedback from employers and HR professionals is very positive. Try it out.
Start a Blog: A blog allows you to share your expertise, showcase your thinking, highlight your skills, and express your interests. People rarely believe solely in written words; they need recurring, visible proof. Would you trust a doctor from the phone book or one who writes about their expertise, shares patient solutions, discusses health topics, and offers insights on other experts and research? Don’t worry about making mistakes; stay true to yourself, and others will understand what you bring to the table. I use http://www.wordpress.com for my blog. Demonstrating competencies visibly and engagingly gives you a competitive advantage. The blog provides that opportunity.
Use a One-Page Portfolio: Summarize your ideas for how you will apply your skills to the future company on a single A4 page. This shouldn’t be a long essay but rather a graphical representation of how you plan to use your skills. Focus on how you will contribute rather than on changes you want to make. For example, outline steps you would take (using the conditional tense) to achieve goals, or how past expertise will benefit the team and what can be achieved as a result. You can supplement this portfolio during the interview and offer it to your interviewer as a takeaway. Well-designed and useful presentations ensure that you remain memorable, especially when they reflect shared ideas. This portfolio presentation demonstrates that you have thoroughly considered your role in the new company, highlighting your commitment and willingness.
Apply these four methods to make your strengths visible and increase your value in the eyes of future employers. Good luck!
For more great tips from Doria, click HERE!!!
