Careers Blog

I decided to set up this site as a blog where I will post regular advice on all aspects of careers - eg how to find a job and also how to perform effectively once you are in a job.  If you want to find out more about the author of this site, please click the About tab or link.

I will aim to create a new post each week, discussing a particular topic in detail.  If you have any comments, feel free to add them using the link on each post.  In my first post I will discuss how to create a portfolio of your work.

Now, you may be thinking that portfolios are only useful for people who work in creative industries (eg art, fashion design, modelling etc), but they can actually be used more widely than you may think.  If, like me, you are a shy and reserved person, a portfolio can be a good way of promoting your achievements to others.  Portfolios can prove useful in job interviews and appraisals (performance reviews).

In my job, I have an appraisal every six months, so I maintain a porfolio that I can take with me to show my manager what I have achieved during the preceding six months.

I keep an achievements list, which is a running list detailing all the things I’ve achieved at work, for example developing a new database.  It consists of a Microsoft Word file, and I divide it into categories based on the different competencies on which I am judged at my appraisals.  For example, you could have categories for teamwork/working with others, customer service, managing relationships, implementing change, personal development, making things happen, effective communication and so on.  I then list my achievements under the relevant sub-heading.  I usually spend a few minutes each Friday afternoon updating my achievements list, while everything is still fresh in my mind.  This is a lot easier than trying to recall all your achievements just before the appraisal or job interview, by which time you may have forgotten a lot of the fine details.

Before I have an appraisal or go for an interview, I print out the latest version of my achievements list and insert it into my portfolio folder.  You can also use the examples from your achievements list to help you prepare for interviews, so that you can have some examples revised in your mind so you can mention them in response to relevant questions.

In my portfolio I also include print-outs of thank-you emails I’ve received from people with whom I’ve worked on major projects.  When I know I have an appraisal coming up, I ask a few of my co-workers and internal customers (3 or 4 people is probably the ideal number) to send me some written feedback about how I’ve performed over the last few months, and also what I can improve upon during the following six months.  I include these in my portfolio too.

If you have been mentioned in any articles in the staff newsletter or company intranet site, cut them out or print them out and include them too, if you feel that they highlight a particular achievement of yours.

You could also include examples of work you have produced over the last few months; for me this would be copies of reports I’ve designed and produced, screenshots of database systems I’ve developed etc.  If appropriate, you could also include photographs of your work. 

If you are creating a portfolio for the purpose of finding a new job (as opposed to using it at an appraisal) you could include copies of reference letters from your previous employers.  It is also a good idea to include a copy of your up-to-date CV or resume, copies of your exam certificates and details of your future goals and plans.

For the portfolio which I take to my end-of-year appraisal, I include a list of my objectives for the current year, along with commentary on how I’ve met them and details of any major challenges I’ve faced during the year.

The next thing you need to consider is the format of your portfolio.  My portfolios are usually paper-based, and I keep all the documents in a special display folder (a folder which has plastic wallets in which you insert the documents), but you could equally have an online portfolio or even one on CD-ROM.  The latter two options are probably best if you work in graphic design or web design.  For most other industries, a paper-based portfolio will probably suffice, although there is no reason why you couldn’t also set up a website detailing your main skills and achievements, and include a link to it in your CV/resume so potential employers can visit it.

Here are some examples of how you can use a portfolio in your particular industry.  If you are a chef or a cook, you could include photos of dishes you’ve made, and copies of any recipes you’ve written.  Secretaries can include examples of any correspondence, spreadsheets and other projects they’ve been involved in.  Teachers can include lesson plans and any sample tests/worksheets they’ve created.  Programmers can include a demonstration disk of the programs they’ve developed.  IT Testers can include print-outs of defect-reports they’ve written.  Just about anything you have designed, developed, written or produced can be included as part of your portfolio, so be creative.  The items you include should showcase your abilities, personal style, talents and your potential.

If you are using your career portfolio to apply for a new job or a promotion, make sure the items you include are relevant for the particular role and the needs of the company.  When the interviewer asks what your major accomplishments are, or what your goals for the future are, show them the relevant sections of your portfolio.  You don’t need to show the interviewer everything in your portfolio, so select the pages which are most appropriate to the situation.

I hope this article will be useful for you.  If you have any feedback or anything you would like to add, please post a comment.