Online File Sharing sites?

[MrsSmith]

I need to be able to include a link in email (cover letters for my resume) to an online file sharing site where I can upload samples of my work - files to include word docs, pdf and jpg files. Very important that the person clicking the link be able to view all files without joining, downloading anything, or otherwise "committing."

Can someone recommend a good site that doesn't require jumping through a ton of hoops, either for me or the end receiver?

Thanks!

[red headed stranger]

I like to use dropbox for such purposes.  You can set privacy on individual files, and you can send a public link to your recipient.  

Here is their description on how to do it:

http://www.dropbox.com/help/16

[Physics]

Google docs can do this IIRC.  Also, you can share links with dropbox (again, IIRC).

[MrsSmith]

I tried dropbox, but when I "shared" the folder with a friend to test it, he had to either download something or join. Potential employers likely won't do that. Click a link and look at files, but that's about it.

Forgot all about Google Docs. Have to test that and see if one link will link to a folder of various files.

Open to other ideas as well.

Thanks!

[red headed stranger]

I tried dropbox, but when I "shared" the folder with a friend to test it, he had to either download something or join. Potential employers likely won't do that. Click a link and look at files, but that's about it.

Thanks!

No joining necessary for the recipient.  All you have to do is share the public link to the document. 

for instance:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/87337/test%20doc.rtf

[Nick1911]

All of these tend to strike me an unprofessional.

Find a friend with some publically addressable server space (you can probably find one here...) and use either their domain name pointing at it, or spend ten dollars on your own domain to point at the same box.

So intead of something like:

My work history can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dhn2vcv5_843fgbk2dk

You have something like

My work history can be viewed here: http://www.mrssmithmarketing.com/2008/portfolio.pdf

It shouldn't, but in my experience minor things like this are very important in controling the inital impression especially when it's not a F2F contact.  That inital impression is critical to getting to the point where you can fully elaborate and use your smashing interpersonal skills to seal the deal.  Links to third party sites, at least in my perception, come across like the nigerian scammer emails.

[Doggy Daddy]

I tried dropbox, but when I "shared" the folder with a friend to test it, he had to either download something or join. Potential employers likely won't do that. Click a link and look at files, but that's about it.

Try this link and see if it meets your needs: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5017724/How%20to%20use%20the%20Public%20folder.rtf
 That's a link to a file in my Dropbox.
DD

[Harold Tuttle]

but use a tinyurl to link to the huge url

www.tinyurl.com

[Doggy Daddy]

but use a tinyurl to link to the huge url

www.tinyurl.com

good thought!

http://tinyurl.com/3kpqr73


DD

[MrsSmith]

I did try that DD, but I'd need a link for every item because the link won't work for an entire folder. Portfolio contains several files - writing clips, images, etc.

Found a site called MediaFire, thought it was going to work - photos showed up, but the writing clips have to be downloaded. There has to be something out there.

Will do a website at some point but don't have time to create now. I'm trying to apply to a specific job and the longer I wait to do so...

Thanks guys!

[Doggy Daddy]

I did try that DD, but I'd need a link for every item because the link won't work for an entire folder.

Ahhh, okay.  Gotcha now.

DD

[Doggy Daddy]

As an aside, I signed up for some space on the Amazon cloud.  $20 for 20 gigs for 1 year.  Sounded pretty good, since I can also upload mp3s and not have them count towards the 20 gigs.

I discovered the drawback: you can only download the files ONE AT A TIME!  Idiots.

DD

[Ben]

I like Nick's idea.

[Nick1911]

I like Nick's idea.

Thanks.

Will do a website at some point but don't have time to create now. I'm trying to apply to a specific job and the longer I wait to do so...

I'm not suggesting you build a website.  You're significantly overestimating the effort this will take; I'm suggesting you put your files somewhere - ANYWHERE - publically addressable, then pointing a domain name at it.  You might even be able to use a free google apps account for it.  Domain names run $10/yr.  It's your call, but I think such things speaks volumes on professionalism, or the lack thereof.

[MrsSmith]

Actually, took Ben's advice and created a "Google Site." Just used a basic template, home page explaining the site in very brief terms, then a page for my res, page for photography, page for writing, contact me page. Once I figured out how to navigate their page layout structure, it took no time to put it together.

In the cover letter I sent via email to the company in question, I created a hyperlink that said, "View my online portfolio here."

Looks professional, no glitches, easy to navigate, they don't have to download anything, and I have multiple examples of my writing and photography for them to view.

So Nick, basically took your suggestion, just left out a step and didn't point an actual domain at it.