It will be helpful to select documents that position
you as a great candidate for a potential job. Examples
of information to consider adding to your portfolio
include the following:
• causes where you have active involvement
• certifications and diplomas
• courses related to your desired job or career
• honors and awards
• internships
• leadership positions in organizations or jobs
• letters of recommendation
• outstanding test scores
• patents
• references
• résumé
• volunteer work
Organization and presentation of a portfolio is nec-
essary. Two common types of portfolio formats are
print and electronic. For print portfolios, the creator
hand carries the portfolio to job interviews to provide
potential employers a chance to review pertinent work
samples. Print portfolios are effective for original cer-
tificates, achievement awards, grade transcripts, and
résumés.
An electronic portfolio contains data and content in
digital form. Some common tools used to create an
electronic portfolio are Microsoft Word, Microsoft
PowerPoint, YouTube, Prezi, or WordPress. It is a best
practice to develop your portfolio using familiar soft-
ware, rather than spend time learning a new program.
You may use a flash drive or CD that you leave behind
with the interviewer, or you may use a hosting service.
Career Portfolio
Overview. When applying for a job, one way to demonstrate your
qualifications is to present the interviewer with a portfolio. A portfolio is a o
selection of related materials that you collect and organize to demonstrate
your job qualifications, skills, and talents. For example, a certification showing
you have completed your Microsoft Office Specialist training could help you
get a job at a local newspaper. A portfolio is a dynamic document, which t
means it should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
Artists and other communication professionals have historically
presented portfolios of their creative work when seeking jobs or admission
to educational institutions. However, portfolios are now used in many
professions. Figure 1-11 lists types of portfolios and potential uses for each.
It is helpful to identify which type is appropriate for the industry in which you
are applying for a position.
Commonly used formats for a portfolio are print and electronic. Job seekers will need adequate copies
of a portfolio in both formats when applying for a position.
A print portfolio is a hard-copy version that can be carried to an interview. It can be presented in a o
three-ring binder with divider tabs or any other method that works for you.
An electronic portfolio is a digital version of a print portfolio. It can be saved to cloud-based storage o
services, fl ash drives, or CDs. There are many creative ways to present a digital portfolio. One option is
to create an electronic presentation with slides for each item. Websites are another option for presenting
a digital portfolio. Another option is to place the fi les on a CD. The method you choose should allow the fi
viewer to easily navigate and find items. fi
As you collect materials for your portfolio, you will need an effective strategy to keep the items clean,
safe, and organized for assembly at the appropriate time. Structure and organization are important when
working on an ongoing project that includes multiple pieces. Photocopy each document that you want to
include and fi le the original in a safe place for future reference. Never include an original document in fi
a portfolio. A large manila envelope works well to keep hard copies of documents, photos, awards, and
other items safe. File folders also work well.
1. Review Types of Portfolios listed in Figure 1-11, and select the one that is most appropriate for you.
2. Consider and plan for the technology that might be needed for creating and scanning documents for
an electronic portfolio. You may need access to desktop publishing software, scanners, cameras, and
other digital equipment or software.
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Chapter 1 Preparing for Your Career