Career Portfolios

Imagine that you are in an interview and  are asked about information started on your resume that says you created an internal newsletter that improved knowledge-sharing of marketing activities.  You just happen to have your career portfolio with you and you can produce a sample of that newsletter.  That project becomes more tangible to your interviewer.

You may be making initial contact with a prospective employer by email.  In your email cover letter, you could also provide the web address to an online career portfolio with a multimedia presentation.  

Your portfolio to prospective employers, can include items such as:

• Resume
• Career summary
• Areas of expertise
• Details of your accomplishments (challenge, action and results)
• Charts and graphs
• Visual representations of your best work
• Your insights into the field and your work philosophy
• References (written – or audio in an online portfolio)
• PowerPoint notes or a video clip of a presentation that you have made
• Articles that you have written and media coverage that you have garnered
• Addresses or links to relevant sites (former companies, educational institutions, websites you have developed)
• Professional association memberships and service
• Certifications, degrees, awards and professional development goals
• Career goals for next five years
• Community service letters of recognition

Portfolios are becoming more common for any profession.  As there are more qualified candidates vying for the same jobs, it is necessary to stand out from the crowd.  Career portfolios will help to showcase your experience, skills and achievements.