Chapter 2: Revitalize Your Job Search Documents
Portfolio Tips for Print and Digital
- Target your approach.
Focus on keeping your portfolio relevant to your career goals. Selectively choose items from your portfolio to strategically strengthen your points related to the job you’re interviewing for. - Make sure it’s organized and user-friendly.
Ensure that your print portfolio and digital portfolio are easily accessible, compatible, and easy for employers to navigate. - Maintain formatting and consistency.
Maintain consistency throughout your portfolio, indicate appropriate headings, don’t over use bold, italics, and underline, use the same font type and size throughout, and ensure that you balance white space appropriately. - Ensure a professional presentation.
Ensure that your documents are neat and organized. A visually appealing and well organized web layout will draw in the attention of the reader. Use text that is easy to read, separate your sections in a logical manner and use crisp and vivid imagery. For print, use dividers and page protectors. Consider having your document secured in a folder or binder. Sheet protectors will allow you to neatly store several copies of each document that can be given to the interviewers as required. You can also add or remove items easily when updating or targeting for each job. - Provide copies.
In your print and digital portfolio’s never provide your original documents; make several copies of each of your documents in advance and/or have back up’s of your electronic files. - Keep it up-to-date.
Your portfolio should be maintained over the course of your education and career. Make it a point to update it on a regular basis and you will be prepared to showcase your skills whenever the next opportunity presents itself.
When selecting an online platform to house your portfolio, ensure that you research your options thoroughly. Ideally, you want a platform that:
- will allow for changes to be uploaded quickly
- has a cloud based backup and portability
- is user friendly and easily navigated
- can handle multiple multimedia formats
- can be viewed on mobile devices
There are a number of online services, many of which are free of charge, that allow you to create your own customizable website or portfolio. Explore some of the following sites before getting started:
