Like a resume,
a portfolio is an important marketing tool. Just as a well-written
resume can secure an interview, a thoroughly
organized portfolio can be the winning element of a good interview that
secures the internship, the job, the promotion, or the raise!
How can this be? Because during an interview, a portfolio allows
an individual to highlight, in a show and tell format, numerous aspects
of professional development through informative samples selectively chosen
to represent her or him.
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WHY
DO YOU NEED A PORTFOLIO?
Individuals should prepare
a professional portfolio to:
Market skills,
talents, abilities
Document uniqueness
through example
Substantiate verbal
declarations
Demonstrate range
of knowledge, skills, abilities
Highlight honors,
awards, affiliations
Accentuate personal
professionalism
Display understanding
of company needs
Boost confidence
and strengthen optimism through readiness to:
Surpass
the competition! |
BEGINNING
THE PORTFOLIO PROCESS
As you did when you began development of your résumé, you
need to allow time for reflection. Self-assessment
is absolutely necessary in portfolio construction. You want to create
the best marketing tool possible because you, and you alone, are your own
best marketing director. If you cant sell yourself, no one can!
This means that you need to consider all aspects of your life to best prepare
for any contingency, from basic employment to a promotion and raise.
You should begin by transferring to paper your mental list of personal
attributes so that they may be seriously considered and categorized.
You will need to organize as much documentation as you possibly can to
represent the numerous facets of your life. As with any research,
the more information you havethe better off you are. The greater
number of resources that you prepare now, the more focused your samples
will be when assembling a future portfolio for a targeted audience.
When you need to market talents during an internship interview or a job
search, or during raise or promotion negotiations, you will want to be
as selective of inclusive materials as possible to guarantee a clear and
concise representation of your qualifications. You should have little
trouble narrowing to a specific need if you have established a large information
base.
 A
PERSONAL STORY
Since
you are writing this book, the story line is up to you. As with
most publications, however, there are some formatting and presentation
conventions best followed. This does not mean that there is no room
for creative "building" on your part. Include what you believe best
reflects the total professional you! For ideas on what those chapters
could include, visit the A&S Careers Program in Olin Hall 325
to ask for a Professional Portfolio Item Sheet.
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MATERIAL/SUPPLIES
Three-ring
binderpreferably with a zipper
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This allows you to add
and remove information quickly while providing easy access to those interested
in reviewing the portfolio. The investment in a good quality
leather binder is worth consideration. It will pay for itself many
times over in durability and in the message it sends to those perusing
its contents. A second, less expensive notebook should be obtained
to house all original documents and should be retained in a safe place.
Protective
plastic sleeves
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These will be used to
shield each of your documents individually. Use connected sheets
to highlight a multi-page projects.
Tabbed
Indexes
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These dividers are best
if they have oversized, insertable tabs in case you decide to change marketing
strategies and rename a section of your portfolio.
Copy
Bond
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Because you are keeping
originals in a safe place and are using plastic sleeves, regular 20# copy
paper in white, off-white, or buff will be sufficient for making
inclusive document copies. This same weight bond may be used to create
the description inserts for each page, or you may wish to use a slightly
heavier paper or blank business cards to assure that it maintains
its position in the right-hand corner of the sleeve on top of the showcased
documentation.
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FORMATTING
Legible, clearly and concisely
written, error-free copies of all documents.
Consistent font size
and style on Description Inserts which should include information
such as the name of document, execution date, and purpose as in the examples
below. These description inserts should be placed in same spot on
each page without interferring with page's border of white space.
Policies & Procedures
ABC, Inc.
Fall 2003
Prof. Writing I assignment |
Spring Carnival Fund-raising
Proposal
Spring 2004
Freelance work |
Winter 2003 Newsletter
ABC, Inc.
Fall Internship |
Volunteerism article
Beacon Journal,
Akron, OH
November 12, 2003 |
[Some experts suggest you include a detailed list of developed competencies
related to each document. If you decide to do this, it may be advisable
to use a full page on which you include both a description insert and a
competencies explanation, displaying this page directly opposite the targeted
document.]
-
Omit page numbers, avoid confusion
when adding/omitting specific pages for targeted audience.
Consistent headings
and appropriate placement of documents:
Performance
reviews, awards, certificates, work samples, congratulatory emails, etc.
should be kept together according to personal preference and, of course,
in consideration of your audience.
Introductory Title
Page is always the initial page.
Table of Contents will
follow Title Page and, naturally, will change according to content.
It is best to keep this on an easily accessible disk for future changes.
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[Generally,
portfolio sections will reflect the specific segments of your life that
you wish to highlight, such as Honors, Education, Affiliations, Volunteer
Work, DTP Work, Fund-raising, Community Action, Research, Teaching, Advising,
Mentoring, etc. This is especially true for those recently graduated
or for students seeking internships. If you are interested in promotions
or raises at your place of employment, however, it may be beneficial to
replace the functional approach with a chronological listing of accomplishments.]
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COMPILATION
AND CONTENT
Introductory Title Page
Table of Contents
Resume or CV and Certificates
or Licenses
Transcripts
Professional Affiliation
documentation
Letters of commendation,
recommendation, thanks, reference
Community awards or recognition
for specific skills
Work samples
Course work
Volunteer or consulting
endeavors
Internship or Co-Operative
Education projects
Professional writing
projects:
proposals, press releases, reports, grant proposals, etc. |
| DON'T
FORGET TO:
Include the words Portfolio
Available on resume and perhaps, even again, in cover letter.
Practice discussing each
and every document included in portfolio.
Focus on intended audience
and compile portfolio accordingly.
Take advantage of every
opportunity for "show and tell" during interview.
Make portfolio available
before interview if asked, but do not leave official copy after
[You
might consider compiling a shorter version in affordable materials which
may be left with interviewer after interview.]
Keep portfolio current with
updated and pertinent material.
Be consistent in form and
content.
Have someone proof each
and every document.
Have someone proof each
and every document again.
Have someone proof each
and every document again and again and, perhaps, again! |
[A&S Careers Program
has books, handouts, and samples on Portfolio Preparation, OH 325]
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