CAP506
Portfolios

Portfolio Project
The Power Portfolio

The portfolio is a hard copy collection of important and relevant documents that you can reproduce (always make a copy of originals and keep the originals in a binder in a safe place - don't take this portfolio around about). Be sure to take a lot of care with whatever you put in this portfolio - you want to make a good impression. Remember first impressions are very important - that's whensomeone decides whether or not they want to know you better - and more to the point - if they want to hire you!

Start with a well-designed cover sheet and table of contents. You can always update the table of contents when you add new material. Have a cover sheet for each section of the portfolio and number these for your table of contents.  Don't number the individual pieces in the portfolio - this would be a problem if you chose to remove something or add something. After the cover sheet for the section, describe briefly what is in that section and why it is important.  Think in terms of being able to leave your portfolio with a potential employer - and you want your collection to stand alone without you there to explain each item.

For example, for Resume and Biography, for business letters (cover letter sample, thank you and follow up letters) for testimonials (letters about you from those who have commended you on your work), awards or certificates, subject outlines of courses taken, outstanding sample work from your courses, photographs that show you in activities related to your field, etc.

First Impressions:
 Professional Looking Binder – and just inside a front cover sheet with contact information
 Inside Cover of the Binder  in the side panel - your business card
 First Cover and all Section Cover Sheets consistent and numbered
 Cover Sheet Design demonstrates Creativity
 Table of Contents gives page numbers for each section page

Sections – logical order of Sections
After Cover sheet for each section – List of items in section with a brief description of each and why important

Career Tools
What to include in this section? This section is to keep handy samples that can be adapted for various job applications.
Brief biography, Resume, Letters: cover letter and follow-up and thank you letters,
Reference letters and letters of recommendation

Artifacts: Certificates, Work samples, Projects, Documentation of Community Work, Sports Achievements, Additional Interests

Closing: The following items are all good or leaving your final impression -
Mission Statements, Goals, Future Plans, Thanks, Gallery of related Images

Tips:

• Every project or sample of work needs to be labeled clearly with a brief description of why it was done and results.
• Every aspect, every detail of the portfolio is an opportunity to market yourself!
• While it may be shown to the perspective employer, it should be able to stand alone without you narrating or explaining.
• Think Power Point – will each part of the portfolio communicate clearly the story that you are delivering?