If your work involves creating documents, designing websites, developing plans, creating spreadsheets, or anything that would be more clearly explained using a visual format, an e-portfolio will help you communicate your capabilities much more clearly than a traditional resume. These portfolios are a much more up-to-date and tech-savvy approach compared to using the traditional binder.
These systems, also known as e-folios, provide tools enabling you to organize, manage, and display your academic and career information through multimedia platforms that effectively promote your achievements. Eventually they may replace the printed resume altogether. Portfolios are already being used and taught in many schools. Young people entering the workforce are coming with skills to take advantage of this emerging career advancement technology, and you can learn to do the same with popular sites like LinkedIn.
Once you have a LinkedIn profile, it can be developed as a simple, easy-to-use e-folio system. However, most people don’t take advantage of the visual display capabilities available. Work samples including videos, presentations, photos, letters of recommendations, awards, and other graphics can be added to the Summary, Education, and Experience sections LinkedIn profiles. Scroll down to the section you want and move your cursor over the “add media icon” (it looks like a square with a plus sign).
If you want to develop a more sophisticated e-folio, there are several online platforms that you can use at no cost. Some states provide platforms; Minnesota residents can create an e-folio at www.efoliominnesota.com. There are also other free sites where individuals can select an attractive pre-designed template and enter any content they’d like to share. Among them are www.wix.com and http://yola.com.
The following tips will help you develop and use an online portfolio to showcase your career achievements:
, select only the items from your portfolio that are most important to show your relevant qualifications. Make high quality color copies to display at appropriate times in the interview. Use a small three-ring binder with sheet protectors for interview presentations. Practice displaying your portfolio pieces before using them in interviews, and send copies or e-folio links to the interviewer(s) following the interview.
While the most obvious help your portfolio might be is selling your qualifications for a job, a career portfolio can also be useful in helping you realize themes in your work that can assist in your decision making about your next steps. Remember your portfolio is a living document; it needs to be kept up to date. If it is, it may very well attract a new employer.
What types of content would you include in your e-folio? Tell us in the comments below.
Clara Hurd Nydam, Chief Talent Strategist, established the company in 1989 in MN and in 1994 WI. Clara sold her interest to current CEO, Cory Erickson, in 2014. Clara is known for coaching thousands to achieve successful career transitions. She holds a BS in Education from the University of South Dakota, and a M.Div. from Bethel University, MN. Her professional designations include Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Master Career Development Professional from NCDA.
Career Partners International provides top quality talent management services to organizations of all sizes. Their offices around the world help assess, engage, develop, and transition talent in any industry. To find out more about Career Partners International and how you can maximize your organizational performance, reach out to an office near you or contact us today!