If you think that a portfolio is an out-of-date thing or that it is an accessory of artistic people like designers and model, you are mistaken. Portfolio is something that you can use in different situations when searching for a new job with many advantages for yourself.

With a good and impressive portfolio you can make your potential employer value you and treat you more seriously than if you didn’t have anything to show or back up your words.

What to Include?

- Start collecting e-mails or other paper or electronic proof of your good work and prominent results. Your current employer praises you? Don’t delete such letters. You have received a certificate on finishing a computer course – include it in your portfolio as well.

- When the content of your portfolio exceeds the amount of pages you plan to have there, make a selection. Look through all the papers included and choose those that directly concern your job, responsibilities, describe features of your character relevant to the profession and position. Don’t include abundant descriptive writings of the same content. If you portfolio remains precise and good organized, it will be successful.

- The appearance of your portfolio matters as well. Try to avoid a commonly used three-ring binder if it is possible. It is better to be a little bit more original and use a book with plastic sheet covers, for example.

Using Your Portfolio

Having a portfolio won’t help if you don’t use it at appropriate time. Make sure you refer to your portfolio during an interview especially if you want to support your words with relevant examples and opinions of your friends, colleagues or your previous employer.

Be careful, nevertheless, since you may give an impression of a too self-confident or vainglorious person. Practice at home how to include examples from a portfolio and how to point to a necessary paper without appearing too importunate.