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Well presented. One might add to the portfolio any "certifications" obtained. Also, one might add a "dollar" value to some prime projects. It is indeed hard to do, but during an interview, or a review, being able to state that a particular project resulted in "x"$ more sales, or "y"$ less support cost is a rather big point (IMHO).
I agree, I was one that made waves and was laid off constantly, and without certs but pure experience I was targetted often for termination from the contract. I will consider the thoughts in my current help desk position to stay employed.
I have always been a big fan of portfolios. I find it very hard to tell people of my accomplishments, but it is easy for me to bring examples out of a portfolio. Besides, how many times are you asked during interviews to talk about a particularly successful project? It's easier to do that if you keep a portfolio. It's also very impressive if you have something that you are able to leave with an interviewer that shows what you can do. I understand that many projects either contain confidential information, or maybe the project itself is covered by a nondisclosure agreement. If that is the case, find a way to "pad" your portfolio. I don't mean to fake entries to your portfolio. I just mean that you need to be creative.
I am a DBA, and I do work occasionally as a database designer. It's nice to bring screenshots of a project that I am proud of to show interviewers. I don't know what everyone thinks of that idea, but it works well for me. In order to have projects that you can include in your portfolio, you may need to do some volunteer work.
I got into the portfolio habit early in my career because of my art background. I never got to be very good as an artist, but it's still one of my hobbies. Occasionally I get a stray graphic design contract, but that is rare. Me being a visually oriented person means I express myself better, and I understand better through a "picture" which is what the portfolio provides for the interviewer.
I am a DBA, and I do work occasionally as a database designer. It's nice to bring screenshots of a project that I am proud of to show interviewers. I don't know what everyone thinks of that idea, but it works well for me. In order to have projects that you can include in your portfolio, you may need to do some volunteer work.
I got into the portfolio habit early in my career because of my art background. I never got to be very good as an artist, but it's still one of my hobbies. Occasionally I get a stray graphic design contract, but that is rare. Me being a visually oriented person means I express myself better, and I understand better through a "picture" which is what the portfolio provides for the interviewer.
Trying to think back to past sucesses can be difficult on the spot. Having it in a portfolio would make recall so much easier.
Being one of two in an IT department, the accomplishments stated in the article, are tasks i'm involved in on a weekly basis. What would you consider as an accomplishment when those above me see those tasks as what I should be doing in the first place. I place a "created by" on every report I create. I've been assigned to take calls any time of the day or night and weekends so taking a call at 1am from a senior exec who needs to recover data is seen as just part of my job. I've stayed in the server room till 6am the next morning troubleshooting MS Exchange issues (haven't we all 
). I would love to get more recognition but how do you present it to those above me in a manner that may change their views?
). I would love to get more recognition but how do you present it to those above me in a manner that may change their views? 
I've recently started a project similar to this. I've started a blog and I have been using it to keep a career journal. I contribute to it weekly or so, a brief overview of the events of the week. Being the "go to girl" to solve many random problems a week, then reflecting on the work later it can easily seem just part of the job even though they are accomplishments and things to be proud of.
I was discussing this with a colleague the other day and he told me an interesting story.
The company my friend previously worked for had laid off 13 application developers, including my friend. Of the few application developers that they kept, one was clearly less qualified than the others.
My friend was convinced that because of self-promotion, the less qualified developer was not laid off. Apparently he maintains a web site archiving all of his training and accomplishments, as well as his speaking engagements, articles, and newsletters that he has written for.
The company my friend previously worked for had laid off 13 application developers, including my friend. Of the few application developers that they kept, one was clearly less qualified than the others.
My friend was convinced that because of self-promotion, the less qualified developer was not laid off. Apparently he maintains a web site archiving all of his training and accomplishments, as well as his speaking engagements, articles, and newsletters that he has written for.
At a military retirement briefing, I learned that a wonderful tool for job hunting was a 'Love Me' book. This is a binder that contains the esential documents and exhibits in document protectors and several copies of your resume in the cover pocket. Your original resume is in the front followed by education transcripts, diplomas, certificates, awards, supporting documents (for security clearance, military service, etc.) and examples of your work. You should also have copies of transcripts in the back pocket. This is so you can provide verified copies of your transcripts and certicates if necessary. Completed transcript requests are also a valiable item to have on hand.
Put in anything you feel will help you look prepared and organized at an interview (any type of interview!) I thank the folks at Robins AFB Family Services for the class and the advice that caused me to build my 'Love Me' book. With it, I have managed to impress many an HR type and the boss.
Good Luck with your book...
Put in anything you feel will help you look prepared and organized at an interview (any type of interview!) I thank the folks at Robins AFB Family Services for the class and the advice that caused me to build my 'Love Me' book. With it, I have managed to impress many an HR type and the boss.
Good Luck with your book...
It wouldn't be good to put in there "I made a mistake, but mangaed to recover and put it right!"
Make sure all the examples have a positive, proactive fee.
Make sure all the examples have a positive, proactive fee.
The author of the article suggested "good failure" examples. I would think this could be something that was not the result of an mistake you made but where something went wrong outside of your control: i.e. the Exchange upgrade went south and here's how I recovered before start of business the next day. On the other hand, you would want to work for someone who understands human error and wants to know how fast and how well you can recover.
I agree with all the characteristic on building your carrer, But it seems like Its lacking of being a team player. You must be also a team player to promote your self .If your a team player those peole you work with will remember you and give good feedback.
I feel that being a team player was covered, although not directly." Not only are you being a good coworker by sharing your information, but people will learn that you are also a great source of information in the future". I feel that the point he is driving is focused on building your future, this was a really good read.
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