1. California Career Center

2. What is a portfolio? A portfolio is a compilation of your educational and work experiences and your accomplishments. It can also highlight your goals and future plans.

3. The portfolio as a document: To be used when filling out applications To be reviewed before an interview To demonstrate your skills, abilities, and accomplishments

4. The portfolio as a process does the following: Makes you think about and reflect upon who you are Helps you decide on your professional goals Helps you realize how much you have accomplished

5. What goes into a portfolio? Resume

6. A job resume is: A one-page summary of your education, skills, accomplishments, and work experiences Usually your first introduction to a potential employer A professional reflection of you

7. Purpose of a job resume: For you to get a job interview For the employer to screen job applicants looking for those with skills and capabilities needed for the job

8. An academic resume is: A one-page summary of your educational endeavors, scholastic accomplishments, and community involvement Presented during a college interview A document that sets you apart from others during the interview process

9. To start your resume… Go to the California Career CenterCalifornia Career Center Select “Getting a Job” from the left navigation bar Select Resume Writing Tips to help you develop your resume

10. What goes into a portfolio after the resume? Resume Cover Letter or College Essay

11. Cover Letter: A professional business letter of two to three paragraphs emphasizing what you are able to contribute to the company or organization To be sent with your resume to a potential employer

12. To start your cover letter… Go to the California Career CenterCalifornia Career Center Select “Getting a Job” Select “Cover Letter Tips” to help you develop your cover letter

13. College Essay: Topics for college essays vary by college Refer to handout “Common College Application Essay Questions” for additional ideas Check out individual college and university admissions websites for details.

14. What goes into a portfolio next? Resume Cover Letter and/or College Essay Skills and Qualities for Success Profile

15. Skills, Qualities for Success Profile: Skills needed to be successful in school, on the job, and in life Write a brief paragraph for each skill and quality you will bring to an academic and/or career environment and provide an example of how you have demonstrated that skill or quality Doing this helps you think about your valuable skills and experiences

16. Identify your skills and qualities… Go to the California Career CenterCalifornia Career Center Select “Career Options” from the left navigation bar Select “Skills and Qualities for the 21 st Century World of Work” At the bottom of the page, select “Skills and Quality Activity” Complete the activity and save it in your “My Stuff” account or download the activity and select the areas you believe are strengths for you These are the skills and qualities you will address in your brief paragraphs

17. What else goes into a portfolio? Resume Cover Letter and/or College Essay Skills and Qualities for Success Profile Unofficial Transcript

18. Unofficial Transcript: List of school courses and Grades An official transcript must be spent directly from your school, an unsealed transcript in your possession is unofficial

19. What goes into a portfolio after transcripts? Resume Cover Letter and/or College Essay Skills and Qualities for Success Profile Unofficial Transcript Evaluation/Recommendation

20. Evaluation/Recommendation: Work evaluation from a current or recent employer reviewing your work performance Letter of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, or a community leader; refer to handout: “Recommendations: Student Self-assessment” to help you assist anyone who will be writing you a letter of recommendation

21. What goes into a portfolio after evaluations? Resume Cover Letter and/or College Essay Skills and Qualities for Success Profile Unofficial Transcript Evaluation/Recommendation Awards and Recognitions

22. Awards and Recognitions: Certificates for academics Certificates for athletic competitions Certificates for completion in Regional Occupational Program courses or Career Technical Education courses Certificates for perfect attendance

23. What is the last item to go into a portfolio? Resume Cover Letter and/or College Essay Skills and Qualities for Success Profile Unofficial Transcript Evaluation/Recommendation Awards and Recognitions Outstanding Work Samples

24. Outstanding Work Samples: Essays Class Projects Research Project Art Work

25. Resume Cover Letter and/or College Essay Skills and Qualities for Success Profile Unofficial Transcript Evaluation/Recommendation Awards and Recognitions Outstanding Work Samples