Job Search Portfolios

 A job search portfolio is a tool that you develop which gives employers a complete picture of who you are: your education, your talents, your attitudes, your accomplishments, your activities, your experience, your skills and abilities, and what you have the potential to become. You can use the portfolio in job interviews to showcase a point, to illustrate the depth of your skills and experience, or to use as a tool to get a second interview.

Portfolios should be kept in a professional, three-ring binder. You should include a table of contents and use some kind of system, such as tabs or dividers, to separate the various parts of the portfolio. To hold materials, use non-glare plastic sheet protectors. We encourage all students to seek feedback and advice from their faculty and advisors on how to best create and present your portfolio for your field.

And remember... once you have created your job search portfolio, be sure to take it with you to all interviews and use it as a tool to get job offers. Once you accept a job offer, keep your portfolio current.

 

Sample Contents of a Job Search Portfolio

  • Resume
  • Transcript(s)
  • Student Involvement Transcript
  • Degrees, Licenses, Certifications
  • Awards, Honors, Scholarships, Grants
  • Area of Emphasis
  • Research, Publications, Reports
  • Presentations
  • Designs
  • Photography
  • CD-ROMs, Videos (produced or appeared in)
  • Brochures, Flyers, Publication Material
  • Workshops, Seminars, Conferences
  • Events Planning, Programming
  • Special Events and Projects
  • Languages
  • Examples of Recruiting (papers, articles, proposals)
  • Organization Membership, Committee Involvement
  • Evidence of Community Involvement
  • Letters of Recommendation, Testimonials
  • Letters of Commendation/Appreciation for Excellent Work or Service
  • List of References

Additional Items for Education Majors

Job-seeking Documents:

  • Student Teaching Evaluations

  • Teacher Test Scores
  • Licensure Papers & Other Educational Certificates
Professional Statements:
  • Philosophy Statement - summarizing your beliefs as an educator
  • Personal Statement - describing reasons and motivations for choosing the teaching profession
  • Goals Statement - list immediate and future goals you want to achieve as a teacher and citizen
Evidence of:
  • Writing Skills
  • Creativity
  • Organization
  • Curriculum Integration
  • Teaming
  • Innovation
  • Leadership
  • Initiative
  • Technology
Examples of:
  • Unit/Lesson Plans
  • Planning Materials
  • Teaching Style and Strategies
  • Student Work/Accomplishments
  • Assessment Instruments
  • Teacher Journal

Showcase Portfolio

This is another form of a portfolio that is becoming common during the job hunt.  Your main portfolio is often large and in depth, and your time with an interview can be brief.  This leaves little, if any, time for them to review your full portfolio.

A showcase portfolio is a mini version of your full portfolio customized for that employer and job.  This is a short, low cost version that you can leave with the interview to read at their leisure.

The showcase portfolio should contain only a few work samples, copies of photos and any other documentation that is critical for the job.  It  should not contain any items the interviewer already has (resume, references, etc.).  It should still be well organized and representative of you as a candidate.  Bring both portfolios to an interview, but offer to leave them with the showcase portfolio to review later.

Virtual Portfolio

Especially if you are in Computer Science, Graphic Design or News Media, you may wish to develop an online portfolio or website.  All the same rules apply, but this allows you the flexibility to share your portfolio both before and after an interview.  If you have one, you should include the web address in the contact information section of your resume, in your hard copy portfolio (if you have one) and on business cards.

Last Modified: May 29, 2012