Creating a Portfolio
Portfolios are no longer used just by artists to display samples of their finished work. Today people across all fields are using portfolios to allow hiring managers to see first-hand the quality and types of work they have produced; from business plans to sample letters.
A portfolio provides supplemental materials to be used in the application process. The exact nature of the material depends upon your area of specialization and your job search objective. Traditionally, portfolios have been used by artists, but they are now being employed by a variety of occupations. They allow you the chance to showcase and prove your talent. Many items can be included in your portfolio. It is important to remember that quality is more important than quantity, so include samples of your best work.
What to include
The following are suggestions of types of pieces you may want to include when putting together your portfolio:
- Documentation of education and training
- Brochures describing training events, workshops, etc.
- Samples of business letters or proposals
- Budgets you may have been responsible for pulling together (be careful of confidentiality issues)
- Training certificates showing course completion
- Performance evaluations/reviews
- Business plans
- Statements of work
- Reviews you might have
- Performance evaluations you completed of people under your direction
- Letters of reference
- Evidence of participation in professional organizations
- Evidence of customer/client satisfaction
 |
