In the age of social media we are encouraged to use a photo in our professional profiles. This is a great networking tool and provides a very important first impression to the readers, many of whom are employers trolling for job candidates. How often have you seen a profile photo cropped to showcase the head-only of person knowing full well that the cocktail in their hand and the party in the background has been cut out? It doesn’t matter how good you looked at that wedding – it’s time to get a professional photo!

If you are using LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and the myriad of other sites to promote your professional activities, or to pursue job leads, you need an appropriate photo. Think of this photo as an investment in your professional toolkit. Perhaps you are writing articles in your field, or including your bio on your website to illustrate your credentials to prospective clients. A picture is worth a thousand words and having a great shot will strengthen your public image and your credibility.

You need not spend a fortune on photos. Shop around in your area and ask for references and portfolio examples. Dress according to your career industry. If you are a yoga practitioner, you don’t want to wear a business suit. You might even consider a few different outfits to use for different purposes – the Board of Directors position you hold, your community volunteer post and your business might all have different looks.

Sable Hunt is featured this week on the story tab and she also believes everyone should have a great photo. She reported that she felt like a movie star during her photo shoot. Find a photographer with whom you can develop a good rapport so you feel relaxed in front of the camera. This should be a pleasant experience to showcase you at your best. With digital photography, you can view images during the shoot and adjust your smile and posture accordingly, if need be.

Pictures taken by a trained photographer will set you apart from the competition and distinguish you as a professional. It says that you are serious and that you value your public image in the career world. Think about how you want to be seen by others. Help your photographer capture the real you and don’t be afraid to show your personality. You should have a consultation first to discuss your needs and to build a relationship with your photographer so you feel comfortable at the shoot. Be sure to get digital files you can use for the web (compressed in size) as well as electronic print files (300dpi). Remember, these shots are not going on your mantle in a frame – these photos are part of your professional package.

Consider getting your shots taken every year or two so you always look current. It’s disastrous when someone uses a photo that is 20 years younger than they are at present when they show up for a public appearance. Your photo should look like you do now. And lastly, don’t forget to say cheese!

Fine artists have been using portfolios for decades to showcase examples of their work. This multi dimensional tool is gaining popularity in the job market for other professions as well. By assembling an archive of your work, you can show employers why you will be a value-add to their organization.

Similar to the resume, the portfolio should be customized for each unique opportunity. You should include your resume and/or CV as well as letters of recommendation, quotes or special comments from key constituents and examples of what you do well relevant to the new job opportunity. A mission statement can articulate why you want the job as well as why you are an excellent match for the position.

I like to include a list of my top skills with descriptions of how they will be applicable to the new job.  A goals or future plans section can help you articulate how you will grow in a particular role in the organization. Employers will see you as a strong, long term investment for their team.

If writing is a desired skill for the new job, include samples that showcase your best work and a variety of styles. Get creative and use graphics or photos for visual pop but keep text pithy and succinct using headers, bullet points and tag phrases instead of long paragraphs.

I encourage my clients to bring the portfolio to the interview so you can walk your future boss through the document and leave it behind when you are through so the hiring committee can have a lasting impression of you as a candidate.

Spiral bind your portfolio so the pages are secure and be sure your full name and contact information appear clearly on the cover page. While you want to show the breadth and depth of your experience, keep the portfolio brief so the readers don’t lose interest while viewing.

This secret weapon can set you apart from the competition. An added bonus of assembling a portfolio is the valuable self reflection process that will put you in tip-top shape for your interview, giving you the opportunity to focus on your strengths in an articulate manner.

Q:  I will be graduating with my BS in Marketing in May. I’ve been with my current employer for 7 years. How do I get them to recognize my new accomplishment and consider me for promotion and upward movement within the company?

A: Congratulations on the imminent minting of your degree! The timing is perfect for you to schedule a meeting with your boss and take the lead on a new kind of performance review where you articulate your value add to the company.

So few people take the time to show their bosses what they are doing well and the reality is that most supervisors are so busy with their own work they don’t have a realistic understanding of what you are doing to distinguish yourself in the organization.

The key is humble confidence – approach the meeting without arrogance or a bragging mindset but simply an opportunity to illustrate what you do well. The new degree should be at the top of your list and be sure to mention relevant courses that have empowered you to be successful in your current position. Perhaps you have gone above and beyond on a particular project or exceeded quotas in a given time period – now is the time to talk about these successes as well.

Consider putting together a brief portfolio that illustrates your message with examples of what you have done, new skills, and the completion of your degree. If you are serious about staying with this company, create a game plan to show your boss how you want to grow your career there. Give specific ideas about how your talents could be used in the company and be sure to articulate your 7 year loyalty to the organization and your interest in taking on new challenges to earn upward mobility.

By scheduling a good news appointment with your boss, you will have his/her undivided attention when you share your accomplishment portfolio and future promotion track plan. Have your hard copy portfolio to leave behind so your boss can share it with the powers that be in the organization. Be an empowered employee by taking the steering wheel of your career car. It’s perfectly acceptable to talk about what you do well and propose a plan for personal growth.  The proactive individual often gets promoted faster than others who wait to be recognized. Go for it!