Portolio of Work on a CD-Rom? 1

[djs45uk]

Hi all

I am a web developer looking to move on from my present job and so need to put together a portfolio of work to hopefully impress at interview.

the easiest way I can think of to do this is by putting something together on CD-ROM. I don't think a paper copy would do it justice.

Do you think anyone would bother to look at it on a CD though (either at or after interview)? Is it common practice to put together porfolios this way or are they usually paperbased? Has anyone tried the CD approach and had any success?

Many thanks for your help!

Daniel

 

[LadySlinger]

I would definitely do the CD-rom portfolio if I were you. For one thing it saves on ink & paper. I would take it with me to the interview as that a non-verbal that shows the employer that you're prepared [for at least the interview].

The only time I would use a paper based portfolio in this day is if all of my information was on paper. But even then I would consider scanning all of it onto a CD-rom.

 

[djs45uk]

Excellent, that's reassuring -- thanks

Dan

 

[BocaBurger]

Let us know if it works, or if the HR person sets his coffee cup on the DC.



BocaBurger
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The pen is mightier than the sword, but the sword hurts more!

 

[chiph]

I would save it for the in-person interview, or if they had specifically requested to see a portfolio in the job posting.

You could also set up a portfolio online, and put the URL in your cover letter or resume.

Chip H.


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If you want to get the best response to a question, please read FAQ222-2244 first

 

[KornGeek]

You could also set up a portfolio online, and put the URL in your cover letter or resume.

I think that's a great idea. It allows them to see the actual work (rather than printouts), but saves on CD burning and distribution cost and effort. Also, if I were a hiring manager, I would prefer to receive a bunch of web links rather than a stack of CDs. After you find your candidate, you're not left with a stack of CDs on your desk.

I've considered putting together a portfolio of some of my programs onto a CD, but unfortunately the stuff I would want to show off the most is owned by the companies I worked for when I produced it. They wouldn't be too happy if I had obtained a copy.

 

[kHz]

Why not get a domain (which you can register for as low as $1.99/year) and then create virutal servers for each of your projects. Then your potential employers can navigate it for themselves and "feel" it.

 

[djs45uk]

Thanks for your messages!

I have a domain and I have considered using it to demo my work but my actual job title is 'Web & E-Learning Materials Developer'. You can probably guess by this that not all my projects are web-based. I produce all kinds of learning materials as well as the website. Some of these are simply more 'messy' on the web like access databases etc.

I was intending to take the CD to an interview rather than just sending them out randomly in the hope that HR will look at them. I just wonder whether they will take the time to open it.

dan

 

[kHz]

How did you get a job like that? Sounds like something I would enjoy, given my degree in education and background in teaching, and my intense love of drawing and graphics (was an art major at one time in my undergrad studies).

 

[djs45uk]

I was working at a very hi-tec comprehensive school and sixth form (who are very into e-learning etc) as a learning support assistant. I suggested to the Headteacher that they consider creating a new position to help develop high-end e-learning materials for teachers (rather than teachers having to create them all by themselves with limited technical ability). I had already created a website for the college about a year before so the Head knew my capabilities and that I had a degree education so was very keen.

There are these kind of jobs popping up everywhere though! E-Learning is very big and all schools/colleges must have a virtual learning environment by something like 2008. With the virtual learning environment comes the need for e-learning materials.

If you don't mind working for the education sector (less money than industry sector), you should look at schools, colleges or universities for these jobs.

I should add that I am in the UK so I'm really referring to the situation as it stands with the education system in Britain. I don't know much about elsewhere.

Dan

 

[SQLSister]

I can tell you that if you have work samples in whatever format, you will stand out as a candidate in the interview process. be aware though that your samples must be such that they do not violate any confidentiality agreements at your workplace. (unless they are bad samples of course!) Remember that your employer owns your code, you don't. When I give a prospective employer some work samples to look at I always make sure to tell them that they have been changed from the code that is property of the company or that I have permission to use the code as a work sample. This also let's the employer know that you are an ethical person.

Questions about posting. See faq183-874
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