How to Make a Writing Portfolio

A portfolio of your published writing clips declares that you are a real writer and not just an amateur. As you toot your own horn over your impeccable writing skills and persuasive copy, you words will carry more weight if you can produce clips of published articles that someone else considered worthy. A portfolio is the evidence that backs up your resume, showcasing your skills and demonstrating that you are a real writer.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Binder or Folder
• Sample materials
• Resume
• Business cards

1. Gather samples of your work. Anything that has been published-in print and on the web-is fair game. Copy you have written for brochures, advertisements, websites and newsletters are all good choice. Even great examples from class assignments or done on your free time can be used, if you don't have many published clips. Choose a wide variety of materials to demonstrate the scope of your abilities.

2. Include the actual printed piece torn from the magazine or full brochure and adhere onto a solid piece of cardstock, along with the publication name and date at the bottom of each sheet. This can be accomplished by copying the magazine's masthead or by creating a computer printed caption for each piece.

3. Make quality photo copies of your printed pieces. If the clip or brochure is in color, make color copies. The actual clips will stay in your permanent portfolio and the copies can be mailed or left behind at the interview.

4. Add or subtract materials based on the portfolio's specific purpose. If you are interviewing for an advertising copywriting position, include several samples of ads you have written. Alternately, if you are a SEO copywriter, include several page views of websites you have written for.

5. Arrange your samples in your portfolio along with your resume and a handful of business cards. Keep all your items in a high quality binder.

6. Reevaluate your portfolio for each job interview. Gather materials over time and review past work as you prepare for the next new endeavor.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a habit of keeping clips and samples of all the materials you produce within your job. Set aside a specific folder within your file cabinet for this purpose.

• Bring enough samples to make your point but don't overwhelm the interviewer by bringing out everything you have ever done. Bring out samples as the discussion invites.

Resources

• Purchase leather portfolio at Overstock.com.