Portfolio, A Simple Guide

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” ― Jimmy Johnson

This is just a little something I have put together over the years. Its merely meant to be some advice if you wish to do a little extra when job searching.

Getting Prepared

~I recommend starting with a portfolio. It can be a simple folder or binder that shows your past work or future goals. I recommend this because employers love when you can hand this for them to view and reference during the interview.

My set up for a portfolio goes as following:

Content page

Letter of introduction

Career-Pursuit information

Samples of Work

Personal Interest/Achievements

The Content page is simply a page that shows exactly what I typed and in that order.

The Letter of Introduction is a cover letter where you introduce yourself while showing off qualifications.

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Cover-Letter

Career-Pursuit Information is where your resume will go. I also include any past performance reviews.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Resume

Samples of Work is a fun one for a baker. Pictures of past works will go in this section. So in the case of a baker, I placed pictures of desserts that I made here.

Personal Interest/Achievements is where any awards or certificates will go. Examples are ServSafe certificates, food handler certs, office awards, computer certificates, etc. If you are in or recently out of school then putting your ACT and transcript scores in helps.

How you design your portfolio is up to you. I usually make a binder that I allow employers to glance at and then leave a simple more summarized folder with them to look over. I do recommend not putting in to much information as they will grow bored of trying to look at it if they do actually look at it.

~If making a physical portfolio is to much or if you want more than it, I also recommend making a portfolio website. It summarizes the portfolio and resume in a fun way and can be included in your resume under where you will put your email. Employers enjoy this option because it allows them to see some of your personality with how you design it.

An example of a simple but colorful verison is jennybailey.wix.com/bakersportfolio.

~I also recommend business cards for personal use. Generally these cards only include your name, email, and phone card. I like this option because its small enough to fit in a wallet and its cleaner than writing down your information. They can be given to employers, potential friends, and even for winning free stuff. Nothing wrong with free stuff. ;)

Finding a Job

~Use websites designed for job searching. The let you search by job type, location, and even pay. Most sites help you set up resumes and cover letter too. My favorite one to use is careerbuilder.com.

~Job coach. I personally don't recommend this one as they don't always seem to care about you so much as being paid by the hour. They are suppose to help you prepare for interviews, building portfolios, and finding a job.

~Go out there and search. Do your research on what job has openings and put yourself out there. Go to the job location and introduce yourself. Ask if they are hiring and if they have applications. (Most jobs will hand you job applications but some only let you apply online.) I prefer going in person as it allows to me to introduce myself and meet some of the employees.

#job #business #advice