How to Build a Job Search Portfolio
A portfolio is not just for artists, journalists or others working in "creative" industries anymore. Job search portfolios are gaining popularity as a means of distinguishing yourself from other job candidates. Creating a job search portfolio requires some work, creativity and organization but the pay-offs can be huge--including being chosen over another job seeker for that job you really want. Learning how to create a job search portfolio will allow you to better represent your skills, accomplishments and qualifications to employers.
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Things You'll Need
- 3-ring Binder with Window Cover
- Dividers and sheet protectors
- Resume
- Cover letters
- List of qualifications
- Educational documents
- Interest, skills and values assessments
- References
Instructions
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Get organized. Compile all documents related to your job history and educational background. Find your resume and cover letter, and update them so they are as current as possible. Dig out your high school and/or college diploma. Buy a three-ring binder with a window cover, along with sheet protectors and several divider tabs.
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Divide the portfolio into sections, label each section and create a table of contents. Section titles should include "Profile," "Education," "Assessments" and "Recommendations and References." Print labels for each section and use the tabbed dividers.
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Start with your Profile section. The Profile section serves as a comprehensive summary who you are professionally and how much work experience you have. Include a statement that summarizes your professional goals and vision, your resume, a general cover letter and current job description (if available). Consider including several versions of your resume: Chronological, Functional and Biographical (which is in paragraph form). To learn more about how to compose each type of resume, visit iSeek Jobs or use a search engine such as Google to search for examples. Place each document in a sheet protector and include them in the order mentioned, with your professional statement first.
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Add your Education section. Make copies of all school diplomas and/or certificates, transcripts, award and honors certificates and continuing education certificates or course descriptions. Consider including a writing sample from school in this section as well; particularly if it deals with the field you are applying for. Place each item in a sheet protector and organize them with the most recent first.
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Add your Assessments section. Here you will include any pertinent interests, skills or personality assessments you have completed indicating that your chosen field is a good fit for you. It is very helpful for an employer to see "verification" that you will be a competent employee and are a good fit for their organization. A variety of assessments are available online if you have not previously completed any. Common interest assessments include the SDS (Self-Directed Search) and the STRONG Interest Inventory. iSeek Jobs' web site includes several skills assessments and PersonalityType.com offers a version of the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory. Print copies of your results and place them in sheet protectors within this section of your portfolio.
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Include a section with References and Recommendations. This should contain your job reference sheet with the names and contact information of each reference along with any letters of recommendation you have received. If you do not have any letters on file, ask a colleague, manager or college professor to write one for you.
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Create a cover sheet that looks professional and appealing to the eye. It should read something like "John Smith's Professional Portfolio." Insert this sheet into the window cover on your binder. Now you are ready to better highlight your skills and accomplishments for perspective employers. Bring your portfolio with you to interviews and allow the employer to consider all that you have to offer.
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Tips & Warnings
Use photocopies of documents included in your Education section. Keep the originals somewhere safe.
Update your portfolio regularly as you complete any additional education or work experience.
Proofread all documentation.
Consider creating an online version of your job search portfolio. Sites such as PortfolioResume.net can help with this process.
