Portfolio, what is it?

​Portfolio, what is it

Some text here about the topic of discussion

​Portfolio, what is it

Some text here about the topic of discussion

​A portfolio is a compilation of materials that exemplifies your beliefs, skills, qualifications, education, training and experiences. It provides insight into your personality and work ethic.  

​What is a portfolio?

​1.The traditional portfolio was used by artists, photographers, and architects to demonstrate samples of their work. Unlike a cover letter, resume, or application form, a portfolio demonstrates how one’s skills, experiences, and history match a position.

​Why create a portfolio?

​2.Today, with many applicants for each job opening and with the necessity of screening individuals efficiently and effectively, the portfolio is emerging as an excellent tool to accomplish this task. A one page list of the "Portfolio Contents"sent with your cover letter and resume allows the employer to screen your qualifications quickly and then request items from your portfolio, if desired.

​Why create a portfolio?

3.​The cost of training and maintaining excellent employees is high, both in terms of financial resources and time. A portfolio is a visible means of proving that one is well-matched to a specific position in an organization. Employers know that in the long run, time, energy, and resources will be saved by making the first choice the right choice.

​Why create a portfolio?

​Kick off your portfolio with personal information that makes it easy for your reader to get in touch. Be sure to include your full name, phone number, recent email address, and, preferably, links to your LinkedIn profile and any websites or social media accounts that are relevant to your work. For instance, if you're a graphic designer, you may want to include a link to your freelance business's website or the Instagram account you made for your digital art projects. If you're a writer, you may want to include a link to your blog and your Twitter account.

​What to include in a portfolio?

​1.Personal information

After you've laid out your contact information, share a short summary of who you are as a professional. What work have you done, what is your career philosophy and what makes you a unique opportunity for future employers? Then, include a list of your career goals over the course of the next "five years," according to Scot Chrisman, CEO of THE MEDIA HOUSE.

​What to include in a portfolio?

​2. A career summary and list of goals

Next, your portfolio should include a copy of your resume. The resume should be updated with your most recent professional experiences and tailor-made for the job you're applying to. In other words, make sure the roles and accomplishments you include make a case that you'd be great in the role you're seeking. ​

​What to include in a portfolio?

​3. Your resume

Your career portfolio should also include a list of your skills and accomplishments. These can be drawn from work you've done as a professional, as a volunteer or as a student. Each job you apply to will include unique required skills in its job description — "add at least three to five skills that are important to the job requirement you are applying for" to your list, Chrisman says. ​

​What to include in a portfolio?

​4. A list of skills and accomplishments

Work samples are the shining gem of the portfolio. This is your chance to show off the best work you've done over the course of your career and to illustrate the skills and accomplishments you claimed in your resume and earlier in your document. The hiring employer may specify that they'd like to see a certain amount of samples. If they don't, remember that quality is more important than quality.

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​What to include in a portfolio?

​5. Work samples

​Lastly, include a list of professional references who can confirm the skills and accomplishments you've laid out in your portfolio. These can be clients, former managers or former colleagues. If you've worked with clients or have especially good relationships with your former managers, ask them for a testimonial to include alongside their reference.

​What to include in a portfolio?

​6.A reference list