PORT - Why Do I Need a Portfolio? [LESSON]
Why Do I Need a Portfolio?
You may wonder why you need a portfolio; it may seem like something you don't need to think about. More and more businesses and industries are using portfolios in their hiring decisions. Especially since the Covid pandemic, the methods of hiring people have changed and become more technologically based. In the past, you needed a good resume and cover letter that was sent by mail to the prospective employer. Now, you are likely to send in your employment documents like the resume and cover letter electronically by email or other means, and employers will review those documents along with your portfolio to determine who they want to interview. If you don't have a good portfolio, you are at a disadvantage to the other people applying for the job.
Employers like the portfolio because they can get a better picture of the applicant, it allows you to share more about yourself than can be shared on a resume and cover letter. If you are a member of online professional social networks, such as LinkedIn, you may even be found by an employer that you are unaware of.
If you are looking for a creative career, it is essential for you to show examples of your work. The portfolio also allows you to show your personality and how you will fit into the company. Companies no longer just look for someone with high grades, they are looking for someone that fits into the culture of the company. You can show your creativity and how you stand out from the others.
As you look at jobs, you'll see the job descriptions and what the company is looking for. You need to make sure that your portfolio matches what the company is looking for. It would be helpful to look at several advertisements for jobs in the career you are wanting to pursue to get a picture of what businesses are wanting. Then you need to make sure you have examples of how you can fill their needs.
The portfolio also is a way to show your leadership capabilities. You are telling a story to the viewer of who you are and what you can do. You want to give examples of situations that you have encountered and how you handled the situation and built a team. Your portfolio is not just your work, it also can show what causes are important to you. You can show the work you have done on a volunteer basis as well as your paid work experience. Through your portfolio, you can show your values as well as your abilities.
Other Uses for a Portfolio
Many colleges and universities are relying less and less on testing and grades, but are using portfolios to make admission decisions. It is important in high school to build a robust portfolio that shows you as a well-rounded individual that will be an asset to their campus.
In addition to college admissions and helping you find a professional position, keeping up your portfolio has other uses. It can help show your worth to your company. You can use this to help negotiate promotions and raises after you are working in a business. You should keep up the portfolio, show your accomplishments, and use it as evidence of why you should be considered for new positions and more money.
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