Unfortunately, some people don't have a job to go today.  I thought I would share a tip that has worked for me in the past-- I call it the "Portfolio Approach".

Everyone has a resume, but honestly they all look the same.  Years ago I decided to stand out when I submitted a resume (whether by paper or electronically).  I started to include samples of my work product.  What are samples of your work product?

• Writing samples
• Reports
• Websites
• Spreadsheets
• Presentations
• Prototypes
• Models
• Systems Flowcharts
• Photos
• Illustrations

I don't believe in doing work on spec (doing "free" work on speculation) . . . but there is nothing wrong with showing past work (just don't give up trade secrets of former employers).

This sort of stuff is especially important for knowledge workers to demonstrate tangible evidence of their intangibles.

Why should you do this?  It shows you can:

• Write
• Organize
• Think
• Analyze
• Draw conclusions
• Use software
• Etc.

The real power is that it allows a potential employer to imagine you doing this work for them and doing it quick.  The best story I have about this, is the day I was sitting across the table from a partner in a worldwide consulting firm as he described what he wanted a new unit to do.  I took out a sample and slid it across the table and said, "You mean something like this?"  On day one of interviews, I had a job offer by the end of the day.

This post originally appeared on DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com, here is the link to the original post, Not Back to Work Today? Try the Portfolio Approach.