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How to Prepare Work Samples to Leave at a Job Interview

For many creative jobs, including architects, engineers, artists and graphic designers, you may have to provide work samples to leave at a job interview for review. Prepare this portfolio of work carefully--it will speak volumes about you in your absence. Follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Binder, folder or portfolio

    Review Your Work

  1. Step 1

    Allow enough time to sort through your work and select several pieces you can use as samples for your job interview. Look for work that highlights your strengths.

  2. Step 2

    Narrow your selection to the appropriate number. Typically, a potential employer will let you know how many samples they require. If you aren't sure, three is a good number.

  3. Step 3

    Review your samples one last time the day before your interview to make sure they are the most relevant to the job. Ensure that each sample reflects skills appropriate to this new position.

  4. Prepare Your Work

  5. Step 1

    File paper documents in a simple, professional folder or portfolio. You can also three-hole-punch documents and put them in a monochromatic binder (black or white works best). Choose a binder with a clear overlay so you can insert a customized cover sheet with your name and contact information.

  6. Step 2

    Write your name and contact number on every document you submit, in case the work gets separated.

  7. Step 3

    Use 24 lb. bright white paper for typed documents and appropriate graphing or engineering papers for technical work.

  8. Step 4

    To show large work samples such as art pieces, use a professional leather portfolio with a sturdy carrying handle. Most times, you will not have to leave these with an employer.

  9. Expect the Unexpected

  10. Step 1

    Have one extra piece of work with you during the interview process. You never know when an employer will ask you to leave one more sample.

  11. Step 2

    Prepare extra work in the same manner as your initial portfolio.

Tips & Warnings
  • Some industries, such as screenwriting, often have concerns about piracy of work samples. To protect yourself, register your work with the appropriate agency. Writers Guild of America lets writers register their work online or at its headquarters for a small fee.
  • Take advantage of industry job search Web sites that have tips on how to select the work samples employers most want to see.
  • U.S. federal law prohibits discrimination against a job candidate because of age, race, religion, sexual orientation or marital status. You should never submit to questions regarding any of these areas.
  • Do not include a piece of work in your portfolio simply because it's your favorite. All samples must reflect your ability to fulfill the job's qualifications.
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