As job seekers know, competition for opportunities can be fierce, especially in economic times where dozens of applicants are vying for the same position. Presentation, of course, is essential. While a good resume can help and great preparation for interviews is important, what if it’s not enough?
In a tight job market, actions speak louder than words. And there is a growing trend in which candidates are subjected to testing, role playing and even demonstration of their abilities by prospective employers.
Take, for instance, the Dream Job Challenge, a contest devised by Scott Graham, the CEO of Xtreme Personal Assistant Concierge Services (XPACS) out of California. The prize? Three jobs with a combined pay of $250,000 a year, consisting of one $100,000 job and two $75,000 per year job.No resume is required, and no interviews will be conducted.
Here’s the wrinkle: In “Apprentice”-like fashion, Dream Job Challengers will be required to complete weekly tasks related to social media. In the end, the person with the best demonstration of how to market the XPACS World Class Concierge service package will win. There’s still consolation for those who don’t make it, as there is commission compensation for those who do sign up for WCC through you.
While this is one of the most visible examples, it demonstrates that employers are looking beyond your resume and your interview. They want proof that you, as a job candidate, are the right person for the job. Here are some ways in which you can present yourself in an actionable manner.
- Create a portfolio online – Work samples have always been required in some industries. Now, more than ever, it is important that you have your work in one place. This can be accomplished by developing your own Web site or creating a profile on a site such as VisualCV that allows you to create links to or upload samples of your previous work.
- Excel at the task given you – Employers, particularly software firms, will give you a task as a demonstration of what you know. Take the time to do it right and, after several revisions, submit your final draft.
- Study hard – Testing has always been used as an assessment of a prospective employee’s abilities and/or potential. Make sure you know your material. It wouldn’t look very good if you say you’re an Excel expert, then bomb the company’s exam.
Being at your best through the tasks that are asked of you are key in rising the to the top of the job candidate hill. Take advantage of all your abilities and push forward.