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.