Calgary’s growth over the past decade has significantly influenced the city’s infrastructure, with extensive suburban and inner-city development. This has created numerous work opportunities for individuals in the construction, planning, and architecture sector. Additionally, the city offers various employment opportunities for professionals in different fields. Calgary has the highest personal income per capita and labour productivity of major cities across Canada.
As Calgary is home to many professionals, the job market can be competitive for some industries. The key to standing out among other applicants is to create a portfolio that effectively highlights your skills and achievements. Here are a few ways you can use your portfolio to enhance your job search in the city.
Highlight Skills & Experience
A resume and cover letter can be effective when seeking a new position, as they allow you to demonstrate your skills and experience. However, the limited space on the templates makes it challenging for individuals with diverse experiences to showcase their work.
Using a portfolio enables job seekers to illustrate their skills and experiences on a larger platform. A well-crafted portfolio also showcases your dedication to your job and demonstrates your ability to grow. You can also share your portfolio with your friends or professional network, allowing them to keep your mind for positions they come across.
Provide Samples of Your Work
When a job posting does not ask for sample work, you may find it challenging to demonstrate your abilities through your resume and cover letter. But you can add a link to your portfolio on your resume, allowing employers to view your work and make an informed decision about your abilities. Sometimes, people with limited experience don’t get equal opportunities at a potential position. However, they may have vast knowledge. A portfolio allows them to show the employer that they are efficient at their job and may be a valuable addition to the team. In fact, a study found that a work sample’s “primary purpose is to evaluate what one can do rather than what one knows.”
Use Advanced Tools to Stand Out
Many employers look for candidates with an active online presence as a part of their overall qualifications, and a portfolio is a great way to showcase that. Thanks to technology, you can use various advanced tools to help craft an impressive portfolio.
LinkedIn is one of the most common tools to build an outstanding portfolio, which includes a timeline of everything you have accomplished professionally. You can add visuals, articles, videos, and short updates, allowing employers to view your profile to determine your skills. Other tools that can also add to your portfolio are website builders. You can choose a platform that best allows you to display your work.
Some tools are free, while others may require a first-time payment or subscription fee. Investing in these tools can be highly valuable for your future as it could land you a high-paying job. But it can be challenging to pay for these tools if you don’t currently have a job. If you need financial help, consider taking a short-term loan from a licensed online lender like FlexMoney, as this can give you quick access to the cash you need. One of the most incredible benefits of an online lender is the simple application process, saving you the time and hassle of visiting a brick-and-mortar location to seek a loan.
Calgary is a dynamic city with many opportunities for professionals in different fields. Taking some time to build an impressive portfolio to enter this rewarding market can help you enhance your job search.
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