Step One Assess: Portfolio

Your portfolio collects examples of your work and training, usually in book form. Compiling your portfolio helps you assess your past achievements and experience, which will help you determine what types of jobs to seek in the future. Creating your portfolio also helps prepare you for job interviews, where you'll show it to employers. In most cases, a physical portfolio is best but for some occupations, a web portfolio (see Job Hunting Online) is better.

Benefits of Having a Portfolio

During a job interview, your portfolio makes you stand out from the competition.

• Employers will be impressed that you prepared.
  
  
• Employers will see you really want the job.
  
  
• Employers will believe you can do the work.
  
  
• Employers will remember you.

How It Should Look

Your portfolio can be very simple:

• Use a new three-ring binder.
  
  
• Keep the cover clean — no doodling.
  
  
• Put pages in sheet protectors.
  
  
• Have a table of contents (see right).
  
  
• Divide sections with tabs — you'll find pages easily.

What to Include

Include only relevant material in your portfolio.

• Stick with work-related items; it's not a scrapbook.
  
  
• Use items that bring your résumé to life.
  
  
• Highlight items related closely to the job you want.
  
  
• Bring copies of material for the interviewer to keep.
  
  
• Include relevant volunteer and other activities.
  

Sample table of contents for an auto body
repairer's portfolio.

How to Use Your Portfolio

Your portfolio represents your work and it's valuable. Treat it with respect!

• Never send it with your résumé.
  
  
• During the interview, show examples related to the discussion; don't go through it page by page.
  
  
• Put it away if the interviewer seems uninterested.
  
  
• Never leave it with the employer.