Making An Effective E-Portfolio

If you are going to make an e-portfolio, then it must be effective. Handing a possible employer a bad e-portfolio could be worse than simply giving them your résumé. Employers will be looking for specific things, and if you don’t have them, then your e-portfolio will be passed over just as easily as another person’s résumé. If you do have them, though, then it could make a very large impact on whether you land that interview or not.

So, what are some things you should include in an e-portfolio? According to Fitchburg State University, there are three critical things: your resume, transcript, and some letters of recommendation (Creating An Effective Portfolio, n.d.).

1. Résumé 

The ultimate purpose of an e-portfolio is to get you a job or at least an interview, so your resume needs to be included. You need to “feature your name in bold or make it stand out in some way. Your address and phone number should be easy to find.” (Creating An Effective Portfolio, n.d.). If an employer doesn’t know who you are or how to contact you, then you won’t be getting a call from them. 

2. Transcript

This may be more important for students just entering the workforce than for those who already have work experience, but good grades can always help you get an interview.

3. Letters of Recommendation

Fitchburg University recommends having between 3 and 7 up-to date letters in your portfolio at a time (Creating An Effective Portfolio, n.d.). This can be a good way to showcase your ability to work with others and give some examples of things you’ve done before even getting the interview. It shows that people are willing to recommend you, and that can give employers a push in the right direction. 

Some other things you can include are: samples from a work experience, classroom assignments, certificates of programs you’ve completed, designations you have, and many more. The versatility of the e-portfolio is probably it's greatest asset. You never know what might grab an employer’s attention and get them to give you a call!

REFERENCES

Creating An Effective Portfolio. (n.d.). Fitchburg State University. Retrieved October 15, 2015, from http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/offices/student-services/career-services/creating-an-effective-portfolio/

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