screenspot

Who is Adam, and what's he really like?

I read an article the other day about an employer who had placed an ad online for a Web Design position he wanted to fill. Days later he found himself drowning in a sea of resumes; faceless pages clamoring to be seen; cover letters shouting to be heard; a whirlwind of abilities and accomplishments fluttering about, trying to win a seat at that much coveted interview.

It suddenly became clear to me that an online resume and portfolio wasn't enough to distinguish me from the masses of talented and talent-less people. I needed to figure out how to show prospective employers what I am all about in a way that resumes are incapable of doing.

Here's the thing - Resumes are good at stating the tangibles - noting achievements. But what about the intangibles? So much of what makes us who we are lies in the realm of the intangible. My resume might state that I graduated from UMASS Boston with honors, but what does that actually say about me? Does that imply that I'm a smart person? Or a hard worker? The stuff that I think is really helpful in forming an accurate assessment of a prospective employee is inappropriate to put on a resume. Granted, we can and often do list our skills on our resume but that list can't realistically include statements like, "I'm a pleasure to work with" or, "I react well under pressure" or, "I make a strong first impression with clients."

Herein lies the issue. The personality traits that actually offer employers insight into a candidate's character and whether or not he/she would be a good fit with the Company cannot be conveyed in a traditional resume and portfolio.

So, with that said, let me tell you who I am.

First of all, I'm a dad. Seeing as this page is supposed to be about me, I will refrain from waxing poetic about how amazing my daughter Lola is. Take my word for it, she’s great!

I am a self-taught musician. I have played guitar since I was 4 years old. I used to get up at the crack of dawn, sit at the top of the stairs by my parents' bedroom and make up songs.

I love movies, books, food, and good company (I could have put “good” before each of these, but that is not always the case).

I tend to fix up my space - be it a house or an office, or a cubicle. I like to create comfortable spaces.

I love learning new things and evolving in my process as a designer. I am inspired by the creativity and passion of others, whether they are designers, developers or janitors. Wisdom is everywhere.