Job hunting portfolios

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What exactly is a portfolio and why should I have one?

When we think of portfolios and who uses them, we think of people in fine arts, designers, performing arts, models, photographers and education professions. However, all types of job-seekers can make use of a portfolio.  When a client asks me whether I think they should make use of a portfolio I almost always say “yes”. They can be effective in any field.  Think of a portfolio as a very handy tool in the job hunting process and a constantly evolving record that, if kept current, will continue to be of assistance as you progress along your career path.

A complete, well thought out and structured portfolio has numerous advantages. For one, it is a strong persuasive tool in the interview process to visually demonstrate evidence of your skills and abilities to an employer. Another advantage is that all your career related documents can be found neatly in one spot. This is very handy when you want to add that letter of recommendation or new certificate, and easy to refer to if you need to access any career documentation you might need.

Your biggest time commitment will be the initial development of your portfolio, but once you’ve developed it, keeping it current and up-to-date will be fairly easy.

Having a portfolio means you can back up what you are saying in a job interview with evidence. For example, when talking about your exemplary communication skills you can back your words up with actual samples that demonstrate your writing ability. Projects you have worked on such as workshops, PowerPoint presentations and articles for the company newsletter can all be included in a portfolio.

An important point to remember is that the portfolio is a tool. It is used in job interviews to back up or illustrate a point, not to simply hand over to the interviewer(s) to have them flip through.

And so how do I start my portfolio?

A black professional three-ring binder (zipper closure optional) is a safe option. Make sure it looks professional as it will be coming with you to your job interviews. A table of contents is important and an orderly system which identifies the various sections, (e.g. mission statement, education, professional development), using tabs or dividers.

Gather and assemble all your materials that you want to include in your portfolio. Wondering what to include? Think about documents that showcase  your education and work experience by showing examples and evidence of your work, skills, education and accomplishments.

Ideas of pieces to include are:

• your branding/mission statement which sheds light on the guiding principles that drive you and give you purpose, your work ethic, organizational interests, management philosophy, etc. and listing goals can be  included (ie: where you see yourself in five years time)

• your skills, qualifications and abilities, including a list of accomplishments highlighting your achievements in your career to date, samples of your work (e.g. Powerpoint presentations, reports, workshops you’ve developed, reports, publications, brochures, news clippings etc)

• testimonials, letters of recommendations and thank you notes from clients, colleagues and supervisors are always nice to include; some people even include favourable job reviews/evaluations

• photocopies of awards, licenses, certificates, degrees and scholarships

• any professional development activities; for example, provide a listing of professional associations and conferences attended and any other professional activities

• information about volunteer jobs and community service activities, especially those that relate directly to your career, can be included

• a copy of your current resume plus a scannable/text-based resume in case one is required (I would put the scannable resume in the portfolio’s pocket if it has one)

•  a reference list should also be included with the names of 3 to 5 people (including their full names, titles, addresses, and phone/email) who are willing to speak about your strengths, abilities, and experience; at least one reference should be a former manager

Besides the traditional portfolio, you should also consider developing an online web-based portfolio. Make sure your online presence/branding corresponds to your resume and your portfolio. The information should be similar online (ie: LinkedIn and any website you use for a portfolio) and back up what is in your resume.

The career portfolio is a great job hunting tool that sets you apart from other candidates, and if prepared correctly, it may help land you the job!

Making Job Fairs work for you — tips for making the best of a great opportunity

In this online age, when it seems so easy to job search and even network on the Internet, it is rare to have an opportunity to meet a potential employer face-to-face. Job Fairs are a one of those few occasions when employers make themselves available to meet, greet, answer questions and develop an impression of a job searcher that goes beyond simple words on a resume. A number of such opportunities are coming up in Toronto over the next few months, including The City Career Expo on June 25th 2011, The Canada Job Expo on July 6th 2011 and The National Job Fair, which takes place in September 27-28 2011. Each of these is an excellent opportunity to get yourself noticed and possibly even hired.

As exciting as these opportunities may be, they can also be quite unnerving. But as the expression goes, luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. So, instead of just hoping to be lucky, here are some tips to prepare for the job fair and make the most of this opportunity:

 

• Read through information you have about the Fair, especially noting the names of interesting employers and gathering information about them from the Internet. Plan your visit by deciding who you will be seeking out first, though it would be good to meet as many employers as possible.
• Write out a script that briefly outlines what you would like to tell employers about yourself, including your background (experience, education), skills, accomplishments and career goals. Practice until you have it memorised and sounding natural. Think of examples to illustrate your strengths, which you could share if asked.
• Make sure to have your resume and LinkedIn profile updated, complete and professional.
• Bring a well organised binder that includes multiple copies of your resume, as well as writing paper, a pen and your appointment calendar/smartphone.
• You may also want to consider preparing and bringing calling cards, which include your name, email, phone number, your LinkedIn profile address and a few brief lines listing the best and most relevant of your skills.
• Another item worth bringing is a portfolio-type folder which includes samples of your work, letters of recommendation and thanks from employers and customers, your reference list (which you will not give an employer unless they express interest in considering you for a position) and anything else you could show to an interested employer (Some people even bring mini portfolios which they could leave with employers).

On the day, dress as you would for a job interview and make a point to arrive early. Switch off your cell phone as you go in. Approach employers confidently — make eye contact, smile, shake hands and express an interest in what they do. Be patient and persistent, and prepared to answer questions and make conversation. Collect business cards and offer to stay in contact.

After the event, send thank you letters to those employers who met with you and expressed an interest. This will reinforce the positive impression you made at the Fair.

As with all aspects of the job search process, some preparation and effort might go a long way toward improving your luck. Contacts made at a Job Fair might present you with the opportunities necessary to widen your professional network, raise your profile and perhaps even change your future.