Employers always consider the bottom line. Your goal is to present your skills in such a way that they can quickly recognize the value that you can bring to their team. Your portfolio is a marketing tool. Once you organize and present it well, your portfolio should stand up in an interview.

A portfolio can take many forms. It can be presented in a binder, or it can be digital (such as on a DVD) or stored on a website. Choose the format that makes sense for your type of work.

Essential sections for the portfolio will vary depending on the type of job and industry in which you are working. Only include sections for which you have content. Any information you include should enhance your opportunity to market yourself. Sections might include:

A Career Summary

This is a description of your professional identity by using your accomplishments. Include elements, not in your resumes such as work ethic, professional interests, life goals, and charities.

Goals

Talk about where you see yourself professionally in one, two, and five years.

Your Personal Philosophy and Mission Statement

This is a personal statement about your guiding principles that define your purpose. Consider this your personal executive summary.

A Resume

Include a good, crisp copy of your resume. Have extra copies in case someone in the interview panel needs one.

Know the company. If they ask you for an uploaded resume, have a copy in Word or pdf format. Use Times New Roman font without extensive formatting. Replace bullets with dashes. Be certain letters are uniform size, and spaces and breaks are identical to the paper copy.

Successes

Include a comprehensive list of your major career accomplishments. These are critical elements in your portfolio.

Brand accomplishments to match your resume. Include examples you can refer to during your interview. Depending on your field, you might conduct a paper or multimedia presentation. Include comprehensive examples in this section.

Work Samples

Use printed or multimedia formats of your work depending on your audience and environment. Include spreadsheets, reports, white papers, studies, brochures, press clippings, Powerpoints, etc. Make sure copies are crisp and clean. Use plastic inserts to protect your samples.

Reports, Publications, and Research

Highlight your writing, research, and conference submissions, using these examples.

Letters of Recommendation and Testimonials
Recommendations are powerful. Include recommendations and testimonials in this section. Also, consider including your performance evaluations and reviews if appropriate.

Honours and Awards

Such as appropriate certificates, scholarships, and awards.

Workshops and Conferences

List industry conferences, skills training, workshops, and seminars you have attended. Include completion certificates, program tracks, or agendas.

Degrees, Certifications, Licenses, and Transcripts

Employers rarely ask for transcripts, but sometimes they request copies of degrees or certificates.

Professional Development

List professional associations you belong to or volunteer for.

Military Awards and Records

Detail your military service, if appropriate.

Volunteering and Community Service

Describe volunteer service as it relates to your career.

Professional References

References should include three people who speak favourably about your strengths, abilities, and experience. At least one reference should be a former supervisor.

Now take some time to write your portfolio in the space provided in your guide.