10 Professional Portfolio Tips
Make Your Best Work Work For You at Job Interviews
Although dress and behavior are important during an interview, make sure to bring your portfolio and put your best work forward!
When you start heading out on interviews, don't forget that last important element that just might snag you that job or internship--your portfolio. Your portfolio contains your best professional work, and shows your abilities. Even if you’re not in the working world just yet, it’s never too early to start assembling your articles, design samples, proposals, or other work.
Invest in a high-quality, leather portfolio with a zipper. Leave your 3-ring binders in your dorm room and use them for class. Artists and other design professionals should have an artist’s portfolio case. You’re a professional now—make sure you look like one!
Keep all articles, design samples, posters, or other materials that you may have worked on. Especially if you are still a college student and don’t have much in the way of “professional” clips. Include it all. Be proud of your range and how you’ve grown in your field.
Make sure your pieces have not been ripped out of the publication. Use your scissors and avoid ragged edges.
Paste articles or smaller items on lightly colored paper and use double sided tape. The colored paper helps each piece to stand out, and the double sided tape will prevent a bumpy, uneven pasting job. Artists should mount their pieces on black mat board using spray adhesive or double-sided tape.
Keep your pieces in chronological order as much as possible. This makes it easier for the interviewer to see your professional growth. Remember to include the title of the publication and the date when your piece appeared.
Paste the original copies in your portfolio. The originals are most likely to be in color and have the best quality. You want to include the pieces that are the best reflection of your skills. Use sheet protectors to keep everything neat and clean.
Do not include papers or other classroom assignments. Your portfolio is the end result of your professional work, not the 10-page paper you churned out about the ancient Mesopotamians. Include work you may have done for your campus newspaper, clubs, and any pieces you did for your internship.
Include any certificates or special awards you may have received. Did you take on that 6-month training course to be a Certified Something related to your field? Be sure to stick your Certificate of Completion inside.
Don’t forget to bring it with you! Keep extra copies of your resume and references inside in a separate folder. This way, if the interviewer misplaced your resume, you have extras right at your fingertips.
Add to your portfolio as you grow professionally. Document your commitment to your career and to building your skills.
