I got the job!

I conducted a job search recently for a position as a data analyst.

While I don't show my involvement in Excel Forum on my resume, I do worm it into the conversation during the interview. First I explain what Excel Forum is, and then cite that I have 7,000 posts and 2,800 "atta-boys" on the site. This proves two things: (1) I am an expert and (2) I do this for fun.

My current employer was impressed and it turns out that several of my now-coworkers are familiar with Excel Forum, mostly from the "asking for help" side. This made me an instant celebrity. My boss, his boss and my boss' boss (the Chief Operating Officer) already have high expectations for me.

The experience I gained here made me the expert. Yes, I got help from other experts, but nothing sharpened my skills more than helping other people, even in areas in which I've never worked such as HR, academia and even geology. I would often take on projects that would "stretch" me.

I am sure that my experience here was a good part of "blowing them out of the water" at the interview.

Well done.

Yep, congratulations. Enjoy the new challenges

Fantastic!! Dont know why you didnt tout the forum in your resume, I always do - plus, like you did, I always bring it up in the interview...I just dont see a down-side to showing off your excel skills.

Anyway, great stuff, and as Pete said, you know where to come for back-up

Congrats and good luck with the new job.

Huge congrats!

As the Beatles said, "I get by with the help of my friends."

I suppose we should also say "hi!" to your now-coworkers, who will, no doubt, be reading this.

Good Show! And, Hi to your co-workers also good show for knowing about us!

I found out one more thing today. I got this job through a recruiter. I provided the recruiter with a portfolio: links to wikis I published on another site plus two specific examples that I posted here. The recruiter called to see how it was going today and told me about that. Now I know why they think I am as good as I think I am. I certainly haven't had a chance to show my best stuff yet.