CAD Portfolio?

[Swampdude]

I've managed a design drafting department now for 10 years. I've interviewed around 60 people and hired most of them. In the past I did most of the weeding out in the resume's. Which I've usually solicited from local paper adds, but actually received about half of them from word of mouth - and some from recruiting services. I've given cad tests and asked lots of technical questions. I've gotten better at weeding through the actors. But I think my main 3 things I would suggest would be:

1. A simple straight forward 1 page resume, listing your capabilities and past experience (and yes I think FIRST counts). But don't bulk out your first contact info - because the employer is usually busy and not wanting to root through a giant pile of info.
2. Word of mouth is usually the most successful route. Since you've posted this here, you may be on your way. But if nothing here happens, be sure to call on all the old friends you've made in FIRST and second cousins etc that know someone who knows someone. Because a personal reference is worth a lot and also catches the ear of the employer better.
3. Be persistent. I can think of 3 people I've hired because they just wouldn't leave me alone.

A catchy portfolio is nice, and having tons of experience is good. But some of my best employees didn't even know CAD when I hired them. I've just learned how to spot talent. It's the people who are smart, driven and focused who succeed in this business. Obviously they need all the relative experience they can get, and a propensity for "Mechanical, Architectural, Electrical" etc. Not people with lots of credentials and papers. I've had to let more of those go than I care to admit.