Job Search Portfolios

A job search portfolio is a job-hunting tool that you develop that 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.

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.

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 Major

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

Last Modified: December 5, 2011