Highlighting self-taught experience on a resume or portfolio can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. In a competitive job market, standing out is essential. A good way to do this is to focus on your accomplishments rather than your qualifications. This means being specific about what you have achieved and the skills you have developed throughout your studies.

It is essential to make it through the initial filter, as hiring managers only spend a few seconds looking at each resume. The average hiring manager will look at any individual resume for around 6-60 seconds. So you have less than a minute, and most times less than ten seconds to get their attention. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the resume is easy to read and includes only relevant information. Using bullet points is recommended, as this makes it easier for the hiring manager to scan the resume quickly. A good rule of thumb to follow is that for each place you have worked, you should have no more than three bullets. If you’ve worked there for more than three years, you can add one more bullet for every two years you’ve worked there.

When it comes to self-taught experience, taking credit for the skills you have developed is important. For example, if you have experience with Windows Server 2019, highlight the things you have accomplished using this tool. However, you must be prepared to discuss any self-certified skills in the interview. When it comes to getting hired for a job it’s important to be honest about your experience and skills. If you claim to have experience with a certain tool or technology, you should be prepared to talk about it in detail during an interview. If you can’t answer technical questions about something you claimed to be familiar with, it shows that you were not honest about your experience, and that can harm your chances of getting the job.

Remember that a resume is just the first step in the hiring process. Once you make it to the interview stage, you have the opportunity to showcase your skills and let your personality shine. Be prepared to answer scenario-based questions and discuss your achievements in detail. Be honest about your experience and do not exaggerate your skills. If you don’t have experience with a certain tool or technology, it’s okay to mention that you’ve heard of it or have some knowledge of it, but be prepared to talk about what you do know. Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t have experience with something, but show that you’re willing to learn.

In summary, the best way to highlight self-taught experience on a resume or portfolio is to focus on accomplishments, use bullet points, and be concise. While it may be challenging to get noticed in a competitive job market, taking credit for your skills and accomplishments is essential. At the end of the day, you are there to fill a hole in their company, you’ve just gotta show them why you deserve a chance over the rest of the bunch.