The Final Decision

Two questions remain: Do e-portfolios have an effect on the hiring process? Is it worthwhile to make one? 

The answer to the first question is yes, e-portfolios have an effect on the hiring process. It can be used to differentiate applicants from one another and to demonstrate an applicant’s writing ability. In addition, it can be used in many different parts of the hiring process. It can help to pre-screen potential candidates, or it can be used as a differentiator when choosing between two possible applicants. (McMillan, Parker, & Sport, 2014). Therefore, it does have an effect on the hiring process, and this effect may only grow larger in the future. 

The answer to the second question, however, is more complicated. On one hand, an e-portfolio can be a source of competitive advantage for applicants. (McMillan, Parker, & Sport, 2014). However, many employers are not using e-portfolios yet, which means you could put in a lot of work for very little payoff. (Ward & Moser, 2008)

Ultimately, however, it will likely be worthwhile for you to create an e-portfolio. It will give you an edge with the employers who do accept them right now, and it will make sure you are prepared for those who do in the future. With technology always changing, new hiring methods could soon be developed that make e-portfolios easier to access, thereby increasing their importance in the hiring process. 

If you’re already prepared for that, then you will be one step ahead of all the other applicants. 

REFERENCES 

McMillan, L., Parker, F., & Sport, A. (2014). Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective hiring assessment tool. Nursing Management,45, 52-54. Retrieved October 15, 2015, from

http://journals.lww.com/nursingmanagement/Fulltext/2014/04000/Decisions,_decisions__E_portfolio_as_an_effective.11.aspx

Ward, C., & Moser, C. (2008, November 17). E-Portfolios As A Hiring Tool: Do Employers Really Care? Retrieved October 15, 2015, from http://er.educause.edu/articles/2008/11/eportfolios-as-a-hiring-tool-do-employers-really-care

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Advantages Of An E-Portfolio

E-portfolios have many advantages for both employers and users. According to McMillan, Parker, and Sport, “a student-developed website clearly demonstrates web writing skills” (2014). It also demonstrates a good grasp of technology and can demonstrate significant marketing skills as well. While this may be more important in some industries rather than others, a demonstration of good writing skills is never a bad thing.

They also state that an e-portfolio can be used in multiple stages of the hiring process, such as to “prescreen candidates” or to use it closer to the final decision between candidates in order to help demonstrate “a job applicant’s characteristics and potential for career development” (McMillan, Parker, & Sport, 2014). There are many different spots in the hiring process that an e-portfolio can be used, making it extremely versatile. One could even argue that it is becoming more versatile and relevant than the résumé itself!

The e-portfolio also offers many advantages to the students using them. In a world where competition for jobs is fierce, “including the e-portfolio URL on business cards, a résumé, or a cover letter becomes a point of distinction for students and often a competitive advantage” (McMillan, Parker, & Sport, 2014). Even if employers don’t look for e-portfolios or don’t have time to look fully through all your work, simply having one available could show them that you’ve put in a lot of effort and truly want the job. It is something that could make you stick out from the hundreds of other résumés and cover letters that a hiring manager must look through.

REFERENCES

McMillan, L., Parker, F., & Sport, A. (2014). Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective hiring assessment tool. Nursing Management,45, 52-54. Retrieved October 15, 2015, from  http://journals.lww.com/nursingmanagement/Fulltext/2014/04000/Decisions,_decisions__E_portfolio_as_an_effective.11.aspx

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