Show and Tell: How to Create a Career Portfolio
Whether you decide you want to move up in your chosen field, move out of the profession or stay where you are, a career portfolio will be a valuable asset to you. It's not enough to just "tell" people what you do or to give them a resume.
In today's competitive job market, where you might be competing against 10 other top-notch assistants interviewing for one job, you must use tools that will give you the edge. Think of a Career Portfolio as a "show-and-tell," giving the potential employer a picture of your accomplishments, demonstration of your skills, and an impression that you're serious about your profession.
A Declaration of Proficiency
Why would it be beneficial to create a career portfolio?
- Shows you're proactive
- Provides a hard copy of your accomplishments: permanent history
- "Shows" people what you're capable of doing
- A tool to receive higher levels of recognition
- Shows your creativity
When and where can you use it?
- During your performance review
- When writing your professional-development plan for the upcoming year and tracking accomplishments
- Competing for an internal job
- When a new boss comes on board and you want him or her to quickly gain an overview of your talents and experiences
- Asking for additional responsibility
- Outside work - if you're trying to obtain a leadership role
- When being considered for committee work
- External interviewing
Essential Items
What can you put in this portfolio? Many things, but here are some suggestions:
- Professional photo of yourself (no larger than 4 x 6)
- Record of any outside work: volunteer or committee work
- "Thank-you" notes from customers or clients on a job well done
- "Thank-you" letters from other divisions or executives on a job well done
- Examples of your work: graphic work, spreadsheets (be careful not to divulge confidential company information)
- Past evaluations (not more than three years)
- Your mission statement and vision
- Customer appreciation letters
- Resume (have extra copies in the back pocket if you use a three-ring binder)
- Emphasize results and accomplishments vs. job duties!
Presentation Points
Be sure to place this in a nice leather portfolio, possibly with your initials on it. Or, you might want to use a three-ring binder. Be creative. Remember: The outside packaging also represents you and will send a message to the person viewing your portfolio. Think clean lines, professional appearance and quality products. Also, think about the font style and size you will use - again, make sure the type and color of paper looks professional. You might want to use some nice sheet protectors, as well.
Extras could include a Table of Contents, cover letter, and an informational CD!
Note: Do not leave this portfolio with the interviewer or others reviewing it. That's why you might want to leave an informational CD, bring extra copies of your resume, and include a cover letter.
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2 responses to Show and Tell: How to Create a Career Portfolio
GonJo May 30, 2009 4:15:21 PM
GREAT ARTICLE! It has encouraged me to get motivated and create a portfolio for myself. Its such a great idea for when your evaluation comes up you can show (proof) of all your ideas you have shared with the company in creating a better office flow. Thanks!!! Linda =o)
OfficeAssist2Day Jul 29, 2009 5:19:45 PM
Thanks, Linda! We get requests for this article a lot. In fact someone was just asking about it today. It's so wonderful to have a tool like this to take along with you to an interview or even your annual career review, as you mention. This shows your executive so much more about you than just your skill. It shows you have the ability to take initiative and you care about your career - and so much more!
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