When you are on a job search you want to give an employer reasons to hire you. You want to showcase your education and work experience by providing persuasive evidence of your work, skills and accomplishments.
So create a portfolio, an historical scrapbook that address common interview question categories such as team-building, problem-solving, leadership, management, culture building and ethics. You may want to also create a web-based portfolio.
Remember, the purpose of the portfolio is to give an employer reasons to hire you.
Career Summary and Goals
A description of what you stand for, such as work ethic, organizational interests and management philosophy. Also, where you see yourself in two to five years. Show employers you have a plan for the future and that they are in your future.
Include a professional philosophy/mission statement – guiding principles that drive you and give you purpose.
Resume
Stay professional, but make your work interesting. List a summary of your education, achievements and work experience, using a chronological or functional format. Keep it explanatory, but direct.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities and Marketable Qualities
You should offer a detailed profile of your skills and experience. This section should include the name of the skill area, the performance, knowledge or personal traits that contribute to your success in that skill area, and your background and specific experiences that demonstrate your application of the skill.
List of Accomplishments
Your accomplishments are one of the most important elements of any good job interview, and employers would rather hear about what you have done than what you promise you are going to do.
Research, Publications and Reports
This is a great way to showcase multiple skills, including your written communication abilities. Include any published papers, projects and articles. Also include a list of conferences, seminars and workshops you’ve participated in and/or attended, and any certificates of awards, honors and scholarships you may have received.
Volunteering / Community Service
A description of any community service activities, volunteer or pro bono work you have completed, especially as it relates to your career. Showing you reach out to the community and serve sends a loud message.
References List
A list of three to five people (including titles, addresses and phone/email addresses) who are willing to speak about your strengths, abilities and experiences. At least one reference should be a former manager. You may want to include a collection of any kudos you have received – from customers, clients, colleagues, past employers, professors, etc. Some experts even suggest including copies of favorable employer evaluations and reviews.
Tell the employer who you are.
