A tool long used by artists to showcase their work, the professional portfolio is an opportunity for jobseekers in any field to stand out from the pack. The job of a good resume is to get you an interview, after that, its work is done and the focus is shifted to you. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little backup? Consider a professional portfolio as that additional assistance during a job interview. It can 
be a digital portfolio or hard copy portfolio depending on your level of tech savvy. Either way, when done appropriately, a professional portfolio can be an effective tool in your job search and career development efforts.
Resume vs. Portfolio – What’s the difference?
Resume – 1-2 page document that lists your education, experience, and relevant skills. The purpose of the resume is to get an interview.
Portfolio – includes your resume and supporting documentation. The purpose of a portfolio is to add credibility to your self-proclaimed skills and accomplishments.
Why bother with a portfolio?
- More comprehensive: provides a more complete picture of who you are. Resumes are limited to one or two pages.
- Employers don’t necessarily believe everything they read! A portfolio is PROOF of your past successful performance.
- Keeps all of your work-related samples and documents in one place and protected.
- Easy to access materials for job search, performance appraisal, or application for a promotion.
- Employers are not accustomed to seeing portfolios and it can help you stand out from the crowd.
- You can be more creative in your portfolio – use a variety of paper, graphics, and colors to display your work to its best advantage while keeping a polished, professional tone.
Every Portfolio Should Have:
Title page
Table of Contents
Resume
Letters of Recommendation
Education and Training Section
Skills and Experience Section
Achievements and Awards Section
Other Items You May Include:
Philosophy Statement
Professional Goal Statement
Values Statement
Transcripts
Copies of certifications or licenses held
Research Projects
Evidence of successful teamwork
Documentation of leadership experience
Positive evaluations from employers or educators
Academic honors
Thank-you notes
Pictures or newspaper clippings of you doing something of note: volunteer leadership, receiving an honor, etc.
Writing samples
Journal of travel abroad experiences
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A note of caution: be aware of the right time to offer your portfolio in an interview! Do not use it as a crutch and refer to it too often.
Here are some guidelines for using your portfolio in an interview:
- Wait until asked a question relevant to your skills or achievements to show your portfolio.
- BRIEFLY show only one or two relevant items.
- Do not allow the portfolio to take over the interview.
- Offer to leave the portfolio with the employer. Contact the employer a week or two later to arrange to pick it up.