TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS^1
While most people can create an electronic portfolio of some kind, there
are many technical requirements and limitations associated with this
process that must be taken into consideration to create a valuable prod-
uct. Considerable thought, technical aptitude, and time are required to
reap the potential benefits of an electronic portfolio.Technical Considerations When Selecting a Digital Format
Computer Literacy
Use formats that you have mastered. Ultimately, whatever elec-
tronic portfolio you present is a de facto piece of the portfolio itself. Pre-
senting a mediocre HTML portfolio says that you produce mediocre
work and are comfortable presenting it. On the other hand, a powerful,
multifaceted Internet presentation of your portfolio could be a strong
piece of documentary evidence about your technological capabilities.Effective Format
It is important that your intended recipients be able to access your
portfolio easily. Therefore, you must select a format that can be easily
downloaded. After all, you want to talk with others about the content of
your portfolio, not its problems with transmission.Size
Bandwidth and storage limitations still play a large role in elec-
tronic communication. Many recipients will find it cumbersome to
download and store a 5-megabyte mail message, even if they are antic-
ipating your correspondence. An overly long transmission would cer-
tainly discourage people from passing it on to other parties who might
be interested in seeing your portfolio. Even when using the latest tech-
nologies, keep it short and sweet.Transmission Time
Select a format that can be transmitted quickly enough to add
value to your portfolio. For instance, it would be very effective if you
could say in a phone interview,“For an example of my work in restruc-
turing, look at http://www.myname.com/portfolio/restructuring,”and because
this material is in HTML format, your interviewer could access it
quickly.Expense
Some formats require software and services that cost considerable
amounts of money. These formats should be avoided, as your recipient
may not have the appropriate software to work with them.Chapter 9: Digital Options for Your Portfolio and Resume 133
(^1) This section was contributed by Ames Brown, with the reminder that the technical capabili-
ties of the various digital formats described here will no doubt improve with the introduction of
new versions.