By Joan Burge, founder and CEO, Office Dynamics
Creating Star-Performing Administrative Professionals through Training and Coaching Since 1990
Whether you decide you want to move up in your chosen field, move out of the profession, or stay where you are, a career portfolio will be a valuable asset to you.
Why would it be beneficial to create a career portfolio?
· Shows you are proactive.
· You’d have a hard copy of your accomplishments; permanent history.
· “Shows” people what you are capable of doing.
· A tool to receive higher levels of recognition.
· Shows your creativity.
When and where can you use it?
· During your performance review.
· When writing your professional development plan for the upcoming year and tracking accomplishments.
· Competing for an internal job.
· When a new manager or executive comes on board and you want him or her to quickly gain an overview of your talents and experiences.
· Asking for additional responsibility.
· Outside work – if you are trying to obtain a leadership role.
· When being considered for committee work.
· External interviewing.
What can you put in this portfolio? Many things but here are some suggestions:
· Professional photo of yourself (no larger than 4 x 6)
· Record of any outside work; volunteer or committee work.
· Thank you notes from customers or clients on a job well done.
· Thank you letters from other divisions or executives on a job well done.
· Examples of your work (very important): graphic work; spreadsheets (be careful you do not divulge confidential company information)
· Past evaluations (not more than 3 years)
· Certificates of Completion from workshops, seminars, conferences
· Your mission statement and vision statement
· Customer appreciation letters
· Resume (have extra copies in the back pocket if you use a 3-ring binder)
· Emphasize results and accomplishments vs. job duties!
Be sure to place this in a nice leather portfolio, possibly with your initial on it. Or you might want to use a three-ring binder. Be creative. Remember the outside packaging also represents you and will send a message to the person viewing your portfolio. Think clean lines, professional looking, and quality products. Also think about the font style and size you will use—again keep it professional and the type and color paper. You might want to use some nice sheet protectors as well.
Extras could include a Table of Contents, cover letter, and an information CD!
Note: Do not leave this portfolio with the interviewer or others reviewing your portfolio. That is why you might want to leave an informational CD, have extra copies of your resume and a cover letter.
Office Dynamics
2766 Evening Rock Street
Las Vegas, NV 89135
OfficeDynamics.com
800-STAR-139
Copyright Office Dynamics, Ltd. 2004