Beta Launch Update

As of July 4th, 2009, we officially opened up the New and Improved Distinct Portfolios 'Beta' to you with so many new and amazing features! We wanted to give all of our users a quick update on these features and future additions currently in development:

• 2 more portfolio templates have be uploaded this week with 10 more in the works for launching this summer and fall.
  
• Email signature file creation has been integrated...very cool!
  
• Template customization feature is in the works and scheduled to launch mid August 2009.
• Form creation feature under development and scheduled to launch mid August 2009.
• Embed Code feature developed using AJAX, working well, and looks awesome!
• Export your portfolio to a CD/DVD (Virtual Business Card) is being tested and will be launched at the beginning of August 2009.
  
• Payment gateway for upgrading to premium memberships has been fully tested and is now activated.
• Upload CV feature has been added which works to add an additional area in certain portfolios for downloading resumes/CV's.
• All other features have been going through rigorous testing and appear to be running smooth.
  
• More in-depth demo currently in development which will give you a head-to-toe explanation of Distinct Portfolios and features.
• "Creating Your Portfolio 101" video in development to compliment DP's help library and support team.
• Integrating a Resume Builder for easy resume development within your digital portfolio.
• Building up Tips & Tricks section along with resume and cover letter examples for you to use as templates when developing your portfolio.
• And so much more that we will cover in future blog posts!!!
  
• We test (and will continue to test) all applications within the site daily to ensure a working and high quality product for you!

We have many more features in the development phase but would love to hear your thoughts on what you'd like to see...so if you think of anything, please contact us or email us at development@distinctportfolios.com.

Of course, check back with our blog and twitter account for information on new features, news, and more!

Preparing for a second job interview

If you've gotten through the first job interview and you're moving on toward the second one, the odds of being hired have just gone up. With that in mind, you really want to be prepared for that second job interview. The questions will be tougher and things will be more complex in a second interview. Make sure that you dress appropriately and that you are on time. You probably did that for the first interview, too, but make sure you do it for the second one, since that's likely going to be where the final decision is made about hiring you or hiring someone else who presented himself or herself better. If you find that you'll be late for your interview for any reason, call ahead. Let someone know. That's much more responsible than breezing in the door fifteen minutes after your scheduled appointment time and saying you're sorry you're late but traffic was bad, etc.

Another thing you should do is make sure you know about the company before you go to that second interview. You can't know everything, but you can Google the company and read what is said about it. You can visit its Website if it has one. You can also see if it has a Wikipedia entry. If it's a big company, it probably does - and some smaller companies do, too. While it's never wise to believe everything you read on the Internet, this kind of information will give you a lot of knowledge about the company overall, and you'll notice things that don't match up properly. If you've done anything very important in between a first and second interview, such as received an award or completed your degree, be sure to update your resume and bring the new one to your interview. There's no shame in letting your potential employer know that you're still moving forward with your goals. It shows your desire to work, and that's important. Ultimately, relax and be honest at a second interview. Think about what kind of salary you're really looking for, and know what's common for that position. You might be asked about it. Honest answers are very important for success.