Who are you, and what are you about?
Okay, so you?ve registered with The Last Mile, and you?re all ready to start uploading your
showcase. It?s a bit daunting, isn?t it? There?s so much you want to say about
yourself, and you have to think about the best ways to get across just how good
you and your work really are. Take a deep breath, give yourself half an hour of
uninterrupted time and try this:
- Find a watch or clock (maybe on your mobile
phone) and a clean piece of paper, or open up a new document on your computer
screen. Now write down the following four headings, with space for answers: Who am I? What can I do? What have I done? What do
I want to do?
- Give yourself fifteen minutes and write down
whatever comes into your head. Don?t worry about making it perfect, this is
just for you ? as long as you can understand it, it?s just right. When the time
is up, turn your paper over, or minimise your document (make sure you save
first!), and don?t look at it for at least ten minutes.
- Now imagine the opportunity you want ? be
realistic, you won?t be directing operations straight away! Imagine you are the
employer, or the person offering an opportunity to a new recruit like you. What
would you be looking for?
- Remember that employers aren?t
looking for perfection, but they are likely to be looking for evidence of: talent, enthusiasm, commitment, personality and a professional outlook. Employers want someone who will
make the most of the opportunity that they are offering!
- Now turn your paper back over, or maximise your
document on screen. Ask yourself whether, as an employer, you would choose
yourself. Be honest. What would they think about you? Have you made the most of your work and experience?
- Go back through what you wrote and make any
changes you need to, to make the most of yourself. Remember, this is your
chance to present yourself: make sure you?re being positive about what you?ve
done and what you can do.
- Save your document and keep it in a safe place.
Use it to refer back to if you get stuck as you upload your portfolio on The Last Mile.
