It is pretty common for creative types to bring a portfolio of work samples to an interview. Little known fact: it can be very useful for many other positions too.
All the stuff that you have been saving in a file folder in your desk or inbox now has a use. Organize it into a nice zippered binder with those neat plastic page protectors and some dividers. It does not have to be any fancier than that.
Things to include:
- Resume
- Degrees, certificates
- Awards, accolades
- Course curricula
- Presentations
- Community recognition
- Complimentary emails/letters
- Newsletters/articles that mention you/your product or service
- Performance reviews
Just the act of putting together a portfolio can be very constructive. Think about making a scrapbook of your career and how useful it would be, especially if you are in transition or think you would like to be in transition.
Your career portfolio will serve two purposes:
- when your work feels pointless, it will remind you of your successes
- when you go to an interview and the hiring manager says “Tell me about yourself”, you can pull it out and give a concrete illustration of your successes to date. You will also look very organized and confident.
There is one more added benefit. You now have a place to store future “career souvenirs” – your portfolio. When someone next invites you to come and explore a new opportunity, you just add the new material and you will be fresh and ready for a successful career conversation.
This a great project for this coming weekend. It is a perfect way to procrastinate yard work or spring cleaning and still feel pretty good about things.