Leaderonomics

“Make a good first impression.” That’s what everyone usually says when they hear you’re going for an interview.

Be confident, ask questions and show how well you’ll blend in with the team, they say.

Although these examples are important in helping you stand out, leaving something behind for the company to keep can make a greater impact.

A leave-behind is basically a collection of work samples that features your qualifications and skills in a real and practical way.

Angela Smith in her Daily Muse article entitled The New Secret To Interview Success: Leave Something Behind lists a few “leave-behinds” that job seekers can try in an interview:

1. Examples of previous work

Bringing sample work is commonly required for roles like designing or writing. Examples of past work are useful to showcase your skills and prove your experience.

For example, you could pass to your interviewer an annual report you worked on, or a link to all your published articles.

2. A custom creation

Impress your interviewer by creating something especially for the position you are applying for.

“A sample marketing plan or a strategy for expanding business into new markets, for example,” Smith writes.

You would be able to show the hiring manager how efficient you are and give them more reason to hire you.

3. Endorsements, testimonials or recommendations

Another way you could be even more memorable is to compile a few sentences from references into a “testimonials” document.

This will boost your credibility to be hired for this job. You can also include full letters of recommendation though these are not necessary unless requested.

4. A list of awards, professional associations, or other accomplishments

Include extra information in your leave-behind if you do not think that it fits into your resume.

According to Smith, this may include your professional affiliants, boards that you sit on and other relevant activities you are involved in.

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