The document provides tips for creating an effective career portfolio, including collecting necessary materials like resumes, references, accomplishments, and diplomas. It recommends organizing these materials with dividers and sheet protectors in a binder. The portfolio should include an interview information sheet, profile summary, and sections for company information, accomplishments, references, resume, diplomas, and other documents. Proper preparation of the portfolio and practicing interview skills can help candidates succeed in interviews.

1. How to create a Career Portfolio
Carmen Fischer © 2012

2. Introduction
The phenomenon of globalization demands nowadays to have more skills than our
parents. With the advancement of technology the current workforce has to keep up
today with this constant flow of new information and knowledge. Job seekers and
employers have indeed a constant challenge to encounter the present time. Going
back to my years when I started my first job in another country, the only requirements
to seek for a job was to have a certificate and the willingness to learn. In the year
2000 I started to learn that there were new skills and education that would lead me to
a new job. Through the years that I have lived in Canada, I have had the opportunity
to attend to different organizations that provided me with some information and
advice that helped me to land in my first job. I am like many HR professionals seeking
for opportunities to keep and apply the knowledge, skills and experience gained
through job experience and in the School. Through this presentation I would like to
give you some hints that may help you to take an step forward in your job search.
Carmen Fischer ©

3. Carmen Fischer ©

4. 1 Create a Check List
You have received the “Magic Call” and now you have to spend some time
preparing yourself for that big day and this is going to include doing some
homework. A portfolio is part of your preparation process for an interview.
A portfolio can be defined as “a group of pieces of creative work collected
by someone to display their skills but can also be a demonstration of the
person’s abilities in documentation for self-expression that reflects the
individual own learning and application of the knowledge learned by work
experience or school” .
What do you need?
The first thing that you should have at hand is a check list sheet that you
can create in Word or Excel. Your checklist will include:
•
Carmen Fischer ©

5. 1 Checklist Templates
Cons. Description YES NO
1 Company information - create a SUMMARY
2 Print driving directions to get to the interview on time and it will allows
you to be there at least 15 minutes before your appointment.
3 Interview Information Sheet
4 Your reference list
5 A stamped labeled thank you card
6 Some examples of your accomplishments
7 Diplomas
8 Business Cards – you can create your card using the templates in
Microsoft Office.
9 Copy of your Resume
10 Profile Summary
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6. Preparing your Career Portfolio
Prepare your Portfolio
• Supplies - Once you have collected all the items from your check list you will need to have the following:
• A view binder approximately 1 ½ inch with a pocket
• Dividers
• Sheet protectors
• Pen
• Small pad to take notes
You don’t need to spend a fortune. There are office supplies stores where you can find an extensive variety of items
from economy brands up to brand name items.
Carmen Fischer ©

7. Templates
2 1. - et Sheet
Presentation
The idea of a view binder is to give you the opportunity to be creative and show part of your skills to the
employer. A presentation sheet could look like this:
[Year] 2
2
Portfolio
Your name
[Type the abstract of the document here.
The abstract is typically a short summary
of the contents of the document. Type the
abstract of the document here. The
abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
[Type the company name]
[Pick the date]
You can create your own cover or use one of the customized covers in Word like the one previously
presented. Go to INSERT and select COVER PAGE.
Carmen Fischer ©

8. 3 Introduction Sheets Templates
- Include a pen, your business card and a note pad in the binder pocket.
I) Interview Information Sheet - Includes the name of the interviewer, department or building location, time of your
interview, phone number(s) and extensions. As many information you can collect before the big day as better you
are prepared to avoid delays in your arrival and will give you time to settle. Use the first sheet protector to insert
your Interview information sheet and driving directions.
II) Profile Summary – Describe in few paragraphs who you are, your background and current experience.
Carmen Fischer ©

9. Organize the content of your Career Portfolio - Prepare dividers with labels
4
corresponding to the respective content.
Company Information Accomplishments Reference List
1 2 3
History Brief description Name
Mission What is? Title
Programs Reason Company Name
Relationship
Services Result Telephone # and
Products Extension
E-mail
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10. Resume Diplomas Other documentation
4 5 6
Head Page All your education Can include letters of
(Address, e-mail, Phone #) diplomas that can References or any
include seminars or additional document
Career Objective professional that you wish to include
development. regarding your skills or
Skills Summary education such as
articles or publications.
Job Experience
Education
Carmen Fischer ©

11. Interview Preparation
Thank interviewer(s)
for the
Prepare your opportunity, send a
portfolio thank you card or e-
mail and follow up
Be confident, keep
Company and
eye contact, ask
Industry Research
questions, stay calm
and practice
and be professional
interview answers,
wear business attire
Arrive at least 15
Be prepared to have
min before the
any type of interview interview
(individual or panel)
or write a test
Carmen Fischer ©

12. THANK YOU!