Create your table of contents after you finish your portfolio but include the list at the front of your other material. You do not need to list page numbers if you do not include them in your portfolio, but if you do decide to number the pages in your portfolio, list those numbers in your table of contents.
Include your contact information, including e-mail address, phone number, and mailing address at the top of the page. List your basic career or academic goal. List your academic credentials, including any degrees or certificates. Describe your work experience.
For short-term goals, describe where you see yourself within one to two years. For long-term goals, explain what you want to be doing five to ten years from now. Your personal statement should also include information about what you stand for in terms of work ethic, creative philosophy, management philosophy, and so on. [2] X Expert Source Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ. Career & Life Transition Coach Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.
List any jobs that required you to use the skill mentioned. Explain, briefly, which on-the-job tasks developed or made use of that skill. List any personality traits that exemplify that skill and provide specific examples. Also list anything you learned, officially or unofficially, that indicates the use or existence of the skill in question.
For graphic arts and related fields, you will need to include visual photographs of your work. For writing and related fields, you will need to include text samples. You can include print samples, DVDs, videos, and other multimedia examples when appropriate.
You can include recommendations from customers, clients, employers, co-workers, professors, or reviewers. Employer evaluations can also be included, especially if they are notably favorable.
If you received certificates for any such awards, include photocopies in your portfolio as proof. If you do not have certificates for your awards, simply list the name of the award, when you won it, and why you won it or what the award was issued for.
Make special note of any conferences or conventions you presented at. Also list any that you merely attended.
List any degrees, licenses, and certifications. Also provide an official transcript, if possible, or a list of relevant courses.
National journals and large newspapers are the most impressive sources, but you should still include articles written by local news sources, academic institutes, and Internet sources.
Include information about any awards, badges, or ranks you earned during your time in the military.
Choose wisely and ask permission from each source before listing him or her as a reference. Include full names, job positions, e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, and phone numbers. Also briefly state how that reference is connected to you. Limit your references to a single page and list between three to five people.
Begin with any samples required by the organization you are sending your portfolio to. [8] X Expert Source Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ. Career & Life Transition Coach Expert Interview. 15 December 2021. For instance, if a potential client wants to see work samples of advertisements geared for the music industry, include any examples you have of that before including additional examples. Also include a few samples loosely related to the field that you are most proud of, even if they do not match the exact requirements requested. [9] X Expert Source Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ. Career & Life Transition Coach Expert Interview. 15 December 2021. Vary your sample types as appropriate. If you are submitting a writing portfolio, you only need to include writing samples. Those samples can include a range of genres, though, from journalism articles to blog posts or short stories.
Use 35-mm film or high-quality digital prints. Show your work in the best lighting and from multiple angles. If including an article published in a magazine, newspaper, or journal, photocopy the volume’s front cover and table of contents as well as your article.
For print copies of your portfolio, you should slide the DVD samples into a CD pocket and attach the pocket to your portfolio binder.
Keep things professional. Avoid “cute” or “cool” clip art and other unnecessary add-ons. These will only distract others viewing your portfolio. A good design does not need to be flashy. On the contrary, it should be fairly simple and straightforward. Include headings on each page and maintain the same text font, sizing, and coloring throughout. The keys to a good design are accessibility and consistency.
For print copies, organize your portfolio in a three-ring binder and place labeled dividers in between each different section. For digital slideshow copies, include a title on each slide to indicate which section the information belongs to. For websites and blogs, separate each section by giving it its own separate webpage.
You can ask academic advisers, trusted employers, or acquaintances in the same field. Alternatively, you can also try to locate career centers and workshops in your community for help. Check with your local library, town hall, or local churches for free or cheap career services.
Digital copies in the form of websites and blogs are especially helpful. You can send prospective employers, clients, or customers a link to your online portfolio along with your initial cover letter. Additionally, having your portfolio in a fixed location online will allow potential employers and clients to find you even without you seeking them out first.
Build a graphic design portfolio. When creating a portfolio with graphic design in mind, only include samples of graphic design work. Construct a photography portfolio. Search through your collection of photographs to build a portfolio of photographs illustrating meaningful content and ideal aesthetics. Gear your portfolio toward art school. If you decide to put together an art portfolio for the purpose of getting into art school, you will need to put together a range of work that demonstrates the skills the art school will want to see.
Build a male model portfolio by studying poses used by other male models. Do a baby model portfolio by taking professional photos in a variety of poses and outfits. Continually update the portfolio as your baby ages.
Build a stock portfolio or make a mutual funds portfolio by diversifying and investing wisely. Construct a property portfolio. Research various properties to determine which can produce positive cash flow. Create a gold-based wealth portfolio by learning about the best ways to invest in gold and precious metals.
