Portfolios
A professional portfolio is a collection of your best work samples that can be presented to employers either electronically or in a hard copy form. Portfolios are a tool that individuals can use during their job search and interviews to ensure that employers have a thorough understanding of their skills and abilities. Portfolios are not just for design and art fields - other job seekers can benefit from having a portfolio!
For additional information, check out our Design Portfolios Handout.
What to Include
The most difficult part of creating a portfolio is deciding what to include. Once you have decided to create a portfolio, save all of your work from academics, jobs and volunteer activities. What your portfolio includes may vary widely depending upon your line of work. Some examples of what to include:
- Resume
- Writing samples
- Computer work
- Awards
- Transcripts
- Class projects
- Documents created at internships
- Student leadership examples
Electronic Portfolios
The digital portfolio is more the norm now. Electronic portfolios can be created by loading work samples into a website. The URL for a web portfolio can be put on your resume allowing an employer to view your work before or after an interview.
Online Portfolio Websites
There are many available online portfolio websites to choose from. Consider purchasing a domain name for your website. Some of these sites may have this option:
Hard Copy Portfolios
Hard copy portfolios include copies of your work placed into a professional looking binder. It is intended for use during an interview where items are shared while answering questions so employers see real examples of your skills and accomplishments. The benefit of a hard copy portfolio is the employer is able to actually see the work and you can elaborate on the items if needed.
- Sample Portfolio (PDF)
- Sample Portfolio 2 (PDF)
Hard Copy Portfolio Tips
- Place items in a professional binder or case.
- Label each item that briefly explains what the item is and what skills it shows.
- Group items into logical categories by project or skill area to make them easy to find.
- Include a table of contents, divider tabs/pages for a clean organized look.
- Make your items visually appealing – include color when possible or print out items on different colored paper.
Utilizing Your Portfolio in an Interview
Once you have a portfolio, it is critical to spend time thinking about how to use it most effectively in an interview. A few suggestions:
- Only bring relevant items to your interview (10-20 key items) not everything you have saved.
- Integrate the portfolio item throughout the interview (don’t simply share it at the end).
- Explain the item and what skills are illustrated by the document.
- Once you have explained the item, remain silent as the interviewers review the item. After you have their attention again, ask if they have any questions.
- If the employer asks to keep your portfolio consider referring them to your electronic portfolio or giving them a photocopy. Originals are valuable and can be lost if left behind!
Portfolio Tips from Professionals
- “The digital portfolio is more the norm now, but always have a backup printed.”
- “What were some of the challenges you experienced? Employers want to see how you problem solve. Even if there were things that didn’t go well, talk about that. Don’t assume that it was a failure. Talking about it can illustrate to the employer how you move past it and problem solve.”
- “Done is better than perfect. Just get it out there. Missing out on an opportunity because you want your portfolio to be perfect doesn’t serve you.”
- “Portfolios are not just a collection of stand-alone images, it’s really about displaying a beginning, middle and end…being intentional about the diagrams and drawings you select and bringing them to a level where they clearly tell the story of a project.”