How to Put Together a Mailing Portfolio

A mailed portfolio can be a great tool to use to reach out to potential clients or employers. A well-put together portfolio puts all the information a potential client needs at their fingertips and can provide a stronger experience than a link to a portfolio web site. Read on to find out how to put together a strong portfolio.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Search Engine
• Word processing program
• Paper
• Envelopes
• Stamps
• Your work samples

How to Put Together a Mailing Portfolio

1. Research your market.
   You can save time and money by sending your portfolio to those most likely to be receptive to it. While many potential clients might benefit from your skills, you could be more suited to a particular segment of your market. Sending your portfolio to these recipients can get you a better return for your postal investment.
   You should also find out what kind of material these potential clients want to see. Sending contacts the information they actually want to see will make them more likely to respond to you and look favorably on your work.

2. Write a personal and effective cover letter.
   You want to avoid sending a bunch of samples over with no context for their arrival. A cover letter will introduce or reintroduce you to these recipients and set your samples apart from the others.
   Your cover letter does not have to be long, but it should be personal. Try starting with an opening that does more than list your accomplishments. Be friendly and personable and let the contacts know they have the opportunity to work with someone who is more than a bot, but who has personality and a great dynamic.
   Make sure to let the contacts know in the context of your letter what it is that you're looking for. If you are following up on a particular position, then say that. If you are hoping to work together in the future, say that.
   If you have any accolades to mention, do put that information in your letter as well.

3. Select your best samples.
   Using the information you found during your research, select the pieces you think are most reflective of your skill and of what your potential clients are looking for. It could be that these pieces differ slightly depending on what each contact is looking for.

4. Check the little details: addresses and postage are important.
   Nothing can sink your hard work like getting the addressee or their address wrong, or sending over a package with postage due. So make sure that you have checked these details before you send your material.

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