It may be hard to imagine how something as simple as a presentation binder can make the difference between landing the job of your dreams and getting a “thanks, but no thanks” letter from a potential employer. However, in this competitive job market, you may be surprised at what a difference little details like this can make during the interview process.

Imagine the following scenario: You get invited to interview for the perfect job for you – the right company, the right location and the right level of compensation. The problem is that there are several other qualified candidates vying for the same position. Without question, you will need to distinguish yourself from your competition and the creative use of a presentation binder is a great way to accomplish this.

Here are a Couple of Unique Ways to Use a Presentation Binder During a Job Interview

Customized Brag Books. Often, you will need to demonstrate your achievements in prior positions during the interview process. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep records of any sales awards, performance reports or any other job-related accomplishments. Further, you will want to store, organize and present these materials in a clear, easy-to-read format. A sleek, high-quality presentation binder is a very professional way to share this information with the hiring manager. Not only will this show that you are a top performer in your chosen field, but it also shows that you are organized, prepared and respectful of their time. Further, the presentation binder will protect these valuable (and often irreplaceable) documents from getting lost or damaged.

Interview Projects. For many job openings, the interview process spans over a series of face-to-face meetings. In some cases, the interviewer will ask the job candidate to gather additional information related to the job or company in question. They do this to ascertain whether the candidate is serious about pursuing the position and to see the quality of work he or she will submit. Some candidates will remove themselves from the interview process by not completing the task at all, while others will take advantage of this opportunity to shine. If a hiring manager asks you to complete a task, think of ways to go above and beyond his request to really create an outstanding first impression. Organizing and presenting your findings in a spiral-bound presentation binder will show that you took the time to do a complete and thorough job.

This, in turn, is a great indicator of what kind of employee you will be should you accept the position.
In this tough economic climate, there are a lot of qualified people looking for work. Therefore, you’ll need to come up with creative ways to show potential employers that you are the ideal job candidate for the position you want. The effective use of a quality presentation binder is a great way to stand out from the crowd and show that you are professional, organized and ready to get down to business.