Tip for the day #2 when applying for a job

*Please note that when I use the phrase "we", "our", "us", it is by no means meant to create a rift between job seekers and employers -- this is not meant to come off as a "holier than thou" diatribe. On the contrary, the attempt here is to let job seekers inside the minds of those reviewing portfolios, to give them a better shot at making the best possible impression.*

There is no reason not to have an online portfolio these days.

The site you are on this very moment is one possible place to create an online portfolio; you can upload JPG files and have the freedom to do a little show and tell. Likewise carbonmade and behance exist so people can create free online portfolios. Those are just a few of the many sites that are free and easy to use. The days of sending discs that get lost or 17-meg files that get jammed up in cyberspace are over. (See LINKS section)

We understand many of you are busy being good at what you do. If you're a "passive" candidate, more allowances will be made. ("Passive" means we came to you, you didn't come knocking on our door.) However, it you are NOT a passive candidate, if you raised your hand asking for consideration, you really should hold off on doing that until you are a complete package ready for presentation, and that includes having an online portfolio.

For added assurances, don't forget to have that resume uploaded within that online portfolio, too! This way, in all future correspondence, you can simply sign off with your embedded email signature which should include name, title, phone, email, and portfolio url. Remember, the less anyone has to dig, the more likely you'll be contacted.