1. Edie Blakley Clark College Career Services

2. Welcome and Introductions

3. What is a portfolio? A collection of documents and artifacts that validates your story A visual representation of your skills, abilities, work experiences and potential Supports and makes tangible the things you say about yourself It reflects your personality, as a professional It is not your life history, nor is it a scrapbook!

4. Why do you need one? It's an effective self-marketing tool for your job search or application to programs of study It enhances your ability to present yourself, clearly and credibly Draws attention to your key points Builds your self-confidence for the interview Because few jobs are “forever” and you never know when you might need one!

5. Who should use a portfolio? Students seeking a job or internship Students applying for scholarships Students applying for graduate school Candidates applying for competitive positions Those reentering the work force Career changers Those seeking a promotion, raise or reassignment Independent consultants Those applying for a small business loan

6. What supplies/software do you need? CD, zip or jump drive for an electronic portfolio Access to a scanner MS Word, Adobe Acrobat to make pdfs Color printer for hard copies Vertical file or manila folders for categorizing and storing your documents Binder/notebook with plastic protector sheets, or

7. Key Elements Title page Table of contents Introduction Resume List of references Letters of recommendation Employer evaluations Skills/accomplishments/work samples Honors, awards, certificates

8. Key Elements (cont’d) More possibilities: Academic transcripts (only if you have good grades) Samples of college coursework (research papers, class projects, proof of computer knowledge, etc.) Internship/co-op agreements, evaluations Employment projects (manuals, brochures, professional letters or memos) Photographs, prints, drawings List of conferences or workshops attended Professional organization involvement

9. Assembling Your Artifacts Sort through everything you’ve kept over the years Determine artifacts’ relevance to your objective Arrange in four piles: “Definitely include” “May include” “Keep for future use or reference” “Discard”

10. Assembling (cont’d) Examine artifacts for any damage; make clean copies, if necessary Scan documents for storage and uploading Never use your originals for hard copy portfolio; make color copies of certificates, letters of recommendation, etc. (you may not get them back!) Double check for relevance

11. Sorting & Organizing Be critical of the documents you have selected Choose samples that support your goal Put in reverse chronological order (most recent first) For Paper Portfolio: Decide on use of tabs or sections Use colored paper for emphasis Proof it, test it out by showing others

12. Update your Resume and References Make sure your resume is letter-perfect, and has been proofed by others Determine if your resume reflects your job or career target Ask your references for permission to list them; include phone, address and email Ask for updated letters of recommendation on letterhead, if possible

13. The Electronic Portfolio…What is it? A personalized website or blog that presents your skills, abilities and work experience Can be accessed through the Internet or stored on a CD, zip or jump drive Contains the same information as your hard copy, but is organized differently

14. LinkedIn Most common electronic format used by employers Professional electronic networking tool Easy to build, update and share You can connect with other professionals Show activity in your field Connect with employers Research companies

15. Why use an Electronic Portfolio? More flexibility in organizing and linking projects and documents Video clip or voice may be inserted Easily updated or modified It’s a showcase for your computer skills

16. Formatting Your Contents for a Hard Copy Portfolio Use text boxes to explain purpose or context of documents Consider inserting into a PowerPoint presentation, giving it a “letterhead” or standardized look to every page

17. Evaluating your Portfolio Are all your documents proofed for spelling and grammatical errors? Does it follow a logical order and flow well? Are all the artifacts clearly understood or do they need a text box or cover page for explanation? Do they represent your best skills, abilities and background? Does it have a professional look and feel?

18. How to use your portfolio Do not send it to the employer with your resume and cover letter Use a business card to include url or LinkedIn Address Do take it to the interview Peak employer’s curiosity by referring to it on your resume (state: Professional portfolio available upon request) Keep it updated

19. Course Requirements You must attend all meetings One on one – My office on Main Campus, PUB 002 Final presentation – June 7 You must complete all assignments

20. One on One May 12 – May 15, 2016 – call 360-992-2902 to schedule appointment. Bring the following: First draft portfolio Resume (Critiqued) Revised Resume We will discuss your The type of portfolio you are planning Personal Statement Any questions

21. Final Presentation Come prepared to present the final draft If you have questions contact me in advance Choose 2 or 3 artifacts to present Dress for success Listen respectfully –don’t be afraid to ask questions Information will be listed in your last assignment on Canvas!