introduction to portfolios copyright © 2015 texas education agency, 2015. all rights reserved

Introduction to Portfolios

Copyright © 2015 Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights

reserved.

1. A collection of records showcasing your accomplishments and attributes

2. A demonstration of your knowledge, skills, and preferences

3. A way to document and understand your career path

4. A tool to convince an employer to hire you

What Is a Portfolio?


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Benefits of a Portfolio

A portfolio can…1. Exhibit your skills and experience

to employers.2. Present a more thorough picture of

you than a resume can.3. Help track your career progress.4. Help build your self-confidence.5. Demonstrate your personal and

professional growth.


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Portfolios and Goals

1. Creating a portfolio forces you to define your goals.

2. Keeping your portfolio up to date is one way to measure your progress toward those goals.


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Types of Portfolios1. Master Portfolio: A complete

record of all of the essentials of your background that could be useful in a job search. Anything you might need to manage your career.

2. Employment Portfolio: A portion of the documents from your master portfolio, selected and arranged for a specific job being sought.


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Three Portfolio Approaches1. Experienced Approach: For

those with extensive work history. Includes many examples of career accomplishments.

2. Potential Approach: For those with limited work history. Emphasizes academic achievements, community involvement, and personal attributes.

3. Balanced Portfolio: Blends elements of the other two types. Copyright © 2015 Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights

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Using Portfolios in the Job Search

1. For tracking progress2. To fill out job applications3. To help in writing resumes and

cover letters4. In career exploration5. To help answer interview questions6. To make a positive impression on

an employer7. To emphasize skills, abilities, and

accomplishmentsCopyright © 2015 Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights

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Getting Started

1. Define yourself2. Define your

opportunities3. Define a strategy4. Define your

approach

Portfolio Design


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Seven Section Portfolio Model

A common way to organize a portfolio is by including these seven sections:

Personal Information Personal Goals and History Values Accomplishments and Job History Skills and Attributes Education and Training Testimonials and

Recommendations


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Personal Information

This information can be useful when applying for jobs or filling out forms. This section might include: Birth certificate Health records Social Security card Passport Work permit Noncitizen status papers Test or assessment results


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Values

Values define what you want from life and from your career and motivate your behaviors. This section might include: A statement expressing your values Evidence of public or community service Church involvement Charitable or volunteer work


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Personal Goals and History

Describes your career goals and objectives. This section might include: A detailed action plan A timeline for past and future

accomplishments A personal mission statement


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Accomplishments and Job History

Highlights work experience and job-related accomplishments. This section might include: Resume Complete work history Performance evaluations Certifications Charts, graphs, photos, or brochures as

evidence of your accomplishments


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Skills and Attributes

Documents that show your skills in use or verify that you have those skills and attributes. This section might include: Performance evaluations Customer comment cards Examples or samples of work


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Education and Training

Your complete education and training record. This section might include: Course descriptions Copies of transcripts Certificates of completion Professional certifications Lists of scholarships and awards


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Evaluations and Recommendations

Any positive feedback that you have received in your career so far. This section might include: Evaluations Letters of recommendation Honors and awards received


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Displaying Your Portfolio

• Make it look professional• Use original documents when possible• Use separators to divide sections• Include graphs, pictures, drawings, and

any other visuals when possible• Use a nice looking binder• Handle it carefully and keep it safe


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Electronic Portfolios

Can be put on a CD/DVD or a flash drive or posted on a website

Makes long distance networking and job application easier

Ensures that original documents stay safe Cheaper to update


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Electronic Portfolio Dos and

Don'tsDo Include images,

video, or other visual elements

Update frequently Include contact

information Keep it simple and

compact

Don’t

Say that you are looking for work

Put your picture on your website

Include too much personal information


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introduction to portfolios copyright © 2015 texas education agency, 2015. all rights reserved

Documents

texas education agency

balanced portfolio

portfolio forces

employment portfolio

portfolios copyright

career progress

job applicationsto help

job historyskills