important way is similar to the kind of work you would be called upon
to do in the job for which you are interviewing.
An example might be a copy of a marketing plan you created while
volunteering for a community service organization. You could show this
as a way of indicating that you have had experience creating market-
ing plans. A letter commending you on the job you did coordinating
some event at your school could be presented as an example of your ex-
perience as an event planner.Accomplishments
In this section you would include items that document your abili-
ty to do outstanding work. You might have a copy of a letter associated
with an award you won or maybe a picture of you receiving an award.
The actual award is not necessary, though a photocopy of an award
is certainly an option. Another possibility would be a summary of fig-
ures describing a situation before you took charge and a second set of
figures that document the results you were able to achieve. (Naturally,
you will want to be careful not to release or share any proprietary in-
formation owned by the organization you were working for when you
achieved these results. To avoid doing this, you might have to blank out
certain proprietary information on the printout.) A letter of apprecia-
tion that details what you achieved could also be an entry under “Ac-
complishments.”
The items included in this section should highlight your ability to
solve problems and to create value.Knowledge
In this section, you document the useful knowledge you have that
would help you to excel in the job for which you are being interviewed.
Include evidence of your specialknowledge that adds value and sets
you apart from other candidates.
Certificates and diplomas are, of course, a way of demonstrating
your formal mastery of a subject. However, there are many other ways
of demonstrating that you have significant knowledge in an area that
is important to an interviewer. For example, if you have traveled ex-
tensively or lived abroad, and the job for which you are interviewing
has a strong international component, you could include a copy of your
visa or copies of the pages of a much-stamped passport. If you do so,
take time to point to some of the stamps in your passport and describe
things you learned about these countries that you think would help you
perform well in the international arena.Skills
While the knowledge category focuses on the things you know, the
skills category in your portfolio focuses on your ability to docertain
things that would be valued by an employer. Obviously you have to
know a lot to be proficient at something, but the emphasis here is onChapter 1: Introduction: What Is a Career Portfolio? 11