The Career Portfolio: A Practical Job Search Tool

While resumes and interviews are a part of the typical process of obtaining a job, they are not the only tools that can be used.  A career portfolio is a more complete tool.  In the portfolio, the applicant includes a resume but adds evidence of abilities, knowledge, skills, and potential.  These documents build credibility.  A student who is graduating and seeking an entry-level position would likely include documents produced during academic coursework.  Across a career, such documents would be replaced with projects completed on the job and with the permission of the employer.  It can assist the individual demonstrate qualifications in a performance evaluation or for promotion.  Thus, the career portfolio can be useful in obtaining an internship or entry-level position and throughout a career’s progression.