career development manitoba A Guide to BUILDING a Career

Transcription

1 career develpment manitba A Guide t BUILDING a Career Prtfli

2

3 Table f Cntents Acknwledgements... 3 Intrductin... 4 Abut This Guide... 4 What is a Prtfli?... 5 Hw Will a Prtfli Help Me?... 5 Hw Can I Use It?... 5 Types f Prtflis... 6 Master Prtflis... 6 Targeted Prtflis Hw D I Prepare a Master Prtfli?... 8 Step 1: Identify Knwledge, Skills, and Abilities... 9 Step 2: Gather Evidence... 9 Step 3: Grup Evidence Int Themes Step 4: Organize and Assemble Develping Occupatinal Gal Statements Develping a Persnal Missin Statement Putting It All Tgether Design Tips String Yur Prtfli Cntents Style Tips fr Putting Tgether Yur Prtfli Online Prtflis Hw D I Use My Prtfli? Using My Prtfli in Career Planning Using My Prtfli t Evaluate Jb Opprtunities Using My Prtfli t Prepare fr an Interview Prtfli Examples Paper-Based Prtfli Example Online Prtfli Example Prtfli Tips Summary Appendix A: Prtfli Template Appendix B: Guide Links PAGE 1 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

4 Acknwledgements This resurce package was develped thrugh a partnership invlving Manitba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade and Life Strategies Ltd. Prject funding was prvided by: Manitba Children and Yuth Opprtunities Manitba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Manitba Immigratin and Multiculturalism PAGE 2 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

5 Intrductin Abut This Guide A prtfli is a cllectin f items that shws a persn s wrk. It cntains evidence f yur knwledge, skills and abilities in the frm f real dcumentatin. This guide was develped t help yu effectively put yur prtfli tgether. It will walk yu thrugh the prcess f cllecting, selecting and rganizing the cntent f yur prtfli. This guide will als shw yu hw t use yur prtfli fr career planning and yur jb search, whether yu are just beginning yur career r changing careers. If yu are having difficulty with any part f the guide, anther helpful resurce is yur lcal Emplyment Manitba Centre. T find ne near yu call: r g t Sign up t create yur wn n-line eprtfli by calling Wrkplace Educatin Manitba s WEST Center s message line at and an appintment will be made with yu t discuss the prcess. EPrtflis are learner-wned websites which demnstrate what the learner knws and can d, using web and multimedia technlgies. D yu want t see an example eprtfli? Check ut ur main page Once there, click n Take a lk at what yu can d in this example eprtfli t view a sample. PAGE 3 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

6 Several symbls are used in this guide t help highlight key pints, suggestins, cautins, tips and examples. indicates an example Example utlines items t remember Remember intrduces an activity t cmplete Activity indicates things t avid Avid PAGE 4 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

7 What is a Prtfli? A prtfli is a cllectin f items that shw what yu ve learned, what yu knw and what yu can d. It takes time and effrt t develp a prtfli, but it is simple t maintain ver the years. The prcess f develping and updating yur prtfli will help yu t reflect n what yu have accmplished and what yu wuld like t d in the future. Hw Will a Prtfli Help Me? A prtfli can help yu t: assess yur knwledge and skills prepare fr interviews review and evaluate past experiences and learning present yur knwledge and skills highlight yur transferrable skills increase yur persnal cnfidence be mre cmpetitive in tday s labur market illustrate hw yur qualificatins have prgressed set career and educatin gals keep an nging recrd f skills and achievements identify areas that require further study create a system fr dcumenting yur accmplishments and results Hw Can I Use It? A prtfli can be used in varius situatins. Once yu ve built yur prtfli, yu can custmize it fr different purpses r audiences by adding r remving items. Yu can use a prtfli when yu want t: identify skills and knwledge shw examples f learning develp and track learning utcmes recrd self-assessment results cllect curse wrk samples help ease transitins frm schl t wrk identify new ptins and chices take stck f yur knwledge and skills and identify ther pprtunities recgnize a need r desire fr further learning advance within yur rganizatin cnduct a persnal assessment (ex: identify gaps in training) plan a career and learn abut yurself identify skills explre career ptins make decisins PAGE 5 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

8 search fr a jb market and prmte yurself t emplyers develp a targeted resume prepare fr an interview supprt knwledge, skills, abilities, accmplishments and persnal characteristics referred t in yur cver letter and resume gain credit in pst-secndary institutins challenge curses in academic r skills training prgrams get credit tward a high schl diplma earn credits fr ccupatinal r prfessinal licensing and certificatin Types f Prtflis There are tw types f prtflis, master and targeted. It may be easier and take less time, t create a targeted prtfli; hwever, a master prtfli will allw yu t create targeted prtflis quickly. Master Prtflis Yur master prtfli will cntain all f the infrmatin that yu have learned and details what yu can d. A master prtfli will make it easier t custmize yur prtfli fr specific purpses such as: analyzing and reflecting n accmplishments, training and experiences highlighting specific skills, accmplishments r experiences supprting evidence t shw an emplyer during a jb interview In a master prtfli, include any cntent that will help demnstrate yur knwledge, skills, accmplishments, r attitudes. There are several purpses fr a master prtfli including t: keep track f life and academic experiences assist in creating yur resume and cver letter assist in preparing fr an interview reduce the time it takes t retrieve items fr a targeted prtfli 2 Keep yur riginal dcuments (ex: certificates, curse utlines, jb descriptins) in a master prtfli. Als, cpy key items t ensure yu re ready t create a targeted prtfli. Keep ne cpy f each dcument in a safe lcatin, separate frm yur master prtfli, in case yur master prtfli gets lst r destryed. Organize the cntents f yur master prtfli int themes (ex: jb descriptins, curse utlines) s that yu can easily find the items yu need PAGE 6 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

9 The Master Prtfli Template (Appendix A) will help identify the type f cntent t include in yur prtfli. Activity Targeted Prtflis A targeted prtfli will fllw the same frmat as a master prtfli but it is tailred fr a specific purpse. Yu culd use it t: demnstrate skills t apply fr a prmtin shw an emplyer during a jb interview shw prir learning Begin by gathering relevant infrmatin (ex: a jb descriptin). Write dwn required skills, educatin, experience, knwledge and ther qualities that yu require fr the jb. Using this list as a guide, review yur master prtfli. Select items that prve yur qualificatins and place them int a flder r binder t take t yur interview r meeting. During the interview, use yur targeted prtfli t demnstrate hw yur knwledge, skills and abilities match the psitin. PAGE 7 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

10 1 Hw D I Prepare a Master Prtfli? Building a prtfli is a prcess. Althugh the prcess will take time, yu will learn the prcess is just as imprtant as the end prduct. Because yur experiences, learning and gals are unique, yur prtfli will be unique. There are a number f steps t cmpleting a prtfli: 1) identify knwledge, skills, and abilities: What d I knw? What can I d? Hw have I demnstrated the skills and knwledge? 2) gather evidence 3) grup evidence int themes 4) rganize and assemble evidence Building yur Prtfli One Step at a Time LIFE EXPERIENCES Wrk, persnal skills, abilities, activities, hbbies, events, educatin, accmplishments, family, languages, etc. IDENTIFY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES STEP 1 GATHER EVIDENCE STEP 2 GROUP EVIDENCE INTO THEMES STEP 3 ORGANIZE & ASSEMBLE Reference: Teresita Chiarella, March 26, 2010 PORTFOLIO Intrductin, resumes, Cver letter, essential skills, KSA, writing utcmes, gals, functinal list, accmplishments, etc. Prtfli STEP 4 PAGE 8 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

11 STEP 1 Identify Knwledge, Skills and Abilities Yu ve gained many skills thrughut yur life. Yu may have develped them thugh wrk experiences, curses, internships, vlunteering r general life experience. Sme skills are clsely related t ne ccupatin (ex: perating a specific machine). Other skills can be used in many ccupatins; these are knwn as transferable skills. Use the Shw What Yu Knw Guide t help yu t identify yur knwledge, skills and abilities. Activity STEP 2 Gather Evidence As yu begin gathering evidence, cllect everything that might be relevant. When yu assemble yur prtfli, yu can chse the best items t shw skills yu want t highlight. As yu lk at each bject r item, it may be helpful t ask yurself these questins: Des this item have a psitive impact? What des this bject shw abut my skills? What des this item shw that I have learned? Hw can I present this bject as a part f my prtfli? Remember t cllect evidence f yur skills and experience frm all f yur activities, educatin, training, emplyment, prjects, cmmunity service, hbbies and accmplishments. Chse prtfli items that make yu lk gd. Review each item yu are cnsidering t ensure it is: free f errrs (ex: spelling mistakes) reliable and authentic current frmatted apprpriately PAGE 9 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

12 Ensure yur master prtfli is kept up t date by cntinuing t cllect items. Remember Yur prtfli might include: letters f reference thank-yu letters transcripts degrees and certificates awards created dcument examples f technlgy skills phtgraphs Ensure yu are sharing dcuments that d nt cntain cnfidential infrmatin frm past emplyers r vlunteer rganizatins yu have wrked fr. If yu are unsure, get permissin frm that emplyer. Use the Cntent Checklist t mark ff items as yu include them in yur prtfli Use the ther categry at the end t list extra items t include. Activity PAGE 10 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

13 Categry: Abut Yu cver letter bigraphy reference letters thank yu cards self-assessment results hbbies interests travel experiences languages persnal missin statement Categry: Schl transcripts r reprt card papers assignments exam marks pwerpint presentatins phtgraphs f prjects cmputer skills wrk experience/practicum languages awards r schlarships degrees, diplmas, r certificates training curses learning exchanges prgram r schl brchures teacher evaluatins list f schls attended wrkshp brchures r handuts publicatins and research Categry: Teamwrk and Leadership invlvement in sprts invlvement in clubs (ex: drama club) invlvement in assciatins certificates fr teamwrk r leadership PAGE 11 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

14 reference letters fr teambuilding r leadership skills newspaper articles cmmunicatin skills anything that demnstrates ability t wrk with thers leadership psitin descriptins Categry: Emplyment jb descriptins skills, knwledge, abilities, accmplishments frm emplyment perfrmance evaluatins reference letters reference list recgnitin awards (ex: emplyee f the mnth) emplyment gals thank yu letters r cards certificates and licenses prblem slving examples infrmatin n prmtins custmer satisfactin reprts cmputer and technical abilities publicatins and research Categry: Cmmunity descriptins f vlunteer wrk certificates f participatin r achievement reference letters (ex: frm a vlunteer supervisr) newspaper articles thank yu letters r cards public speaking infrmatin PAGE 12 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

15 Categry: Other PAGE 13 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

16 STEP 3 Grup Evidence Int Themes Themes can be rganized in different ways: targeted skills (ex: cmmunicatin skills) types f experience (ex: custmer service) essential skills (ex: wrking with thers) Example Here are sme examples f themes: persnal/abut yu/persnal characteristics schl/educatin/training teamwrk/leadership emplyment cmmunity skills/experience/knwledge resume and cver letter accmplishments creative materials technical skills 6 After yu gather the cntents fr yur prtfli, use the space prvided t list themes that culd be used as prtfli tabs. Activity Use flders, binders, bxes, r ther rganizing tls t grup yur items int themes. 6 PAGE 14 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

17 STEP 4 Organize and Assemble Nw that yu ve gathered everything t put int yur prtfli, it s time t rganize it and put it all tgether. Example Frank Peters: Frank Peters, a 46 year ld man living in Thmpsn, Manitba, is putting tgether his prtfli. He has tw yung children and wrked as a heavy equipment mechanic at ABC Equipment Inc. fr 22 years. Frank didn t graduate frm high schl but did get his General Educatinal Develpment (grade 12 GED) 10 years ag. Six mnths ag, a wrkplace accident left Frank unable t cntinue his jb at ABC Equipment. Frank s putting tgether a prtfli t help him reflect n his skills and accmplishments. He ll als use this as a tl when he ges t jb interviews. Frank has already gathered items t include in his prtfli and, based n thse items, he s identified several skill themes. T help rganize his cntent, Frank wrte his themes n a piece f paper. Just as Frank has, n a piece f paper in big letters, write ut yur themes. Next, Frank cut ut his themes and placed them arund a large table. Cut ut the themes yu wrte n yur list and spread them ut n a table r the flr. Leave lts f space t srt the cntents f yur prtfli. PAGE 15 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

18 Next, srt the cntents f yur prtfli int the mst relevant themes (ex: a picture f a schedule yu created culd be placed in the sectin fr rganizatinal skills, a newspaper clipping f yur participatin at a fundraising event culd demnstrate wrking with thers ). Yu may want t srt by relevant skills r experience categries. Once yur cntent is srted, begin t create a Table f Cntents. Decide which theme yu want t place first in yur prtfli. If yu are using a binder with tabs, write yur theme n a tab and then list all the cntent under that tab. Develping Occupatinal Gal Statements A prtfli is als a great place t keep yur Occupatinal gal statements. These are statements that describe yur lng-term r shrt-term gals. They are similar t jb bjectives but prvide mre detail and are nt aimed at a specific emplyer. Occupatinal gal statements can help keep yu n track. Example Frank Peters: After Frank srted all f the items fr his prtfli, he develped a gal statement t include. Here s Frank s gal statement: My shrt-term gal is t get wrk in a mining peratin as a human resurces trainer. This will allw me t use my cmmunicatin skills and technical knwledge. I wuld like t expand my training rle t include develping and implementing quality assurance standards and prcesses. PAGE 16 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

19 In the space prvided, write ut yur gal statements. Activity PAGE 17 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

20 Develping a Persnal Missin Statement Yu may chse t include a persnal missin statement in yur prtfli. This statement shuld reflect wh yu are and let the reader knw yur gals in wrk and life. Yur persnal missin statement shuld help yu stay fcused n the things mst imprtant t yu. Example Frank Peters: I strive t apprach tasks with fcus, determinatin and the highest standard f excellence. When wrking with thers, I apply the spirit f c-peratin and teamwrk skills that I learned when I wrked as a funding member f Tastmasters and as a sccer cach. In the space prvided, write ut yur missin statements. Use actin verbs when writing yur statement. Activity PAGE 18 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

21 Putting It All Tgether Once yu ve srted all f yur items, it s time t assemble yur prtfli. T help yu get started, here s a sample Table f Cntents: Title page (Intrduces yu t the reader) Table f cntents (directs the reader t the apprpriate sectins) Intrductin (summarizes the gal f yur prtfli) Occupatinal (jb) gal Persnal missin statement ( describes the persn yu are, persnal characteristics and wrk ethic) Resume (describes paid and unpaid wrk histry, skills and abilities) My Skills Prfile (wrking with thers, rganizatinal skills, critical thinking) Letters f recmmendatin (Letters frm emplyer, vlunteer rganizatin) Dcumentatin (prvides evidence f knwledge, skill and experiences) Prfessinal develpment (Certificates, transcripts, class assignments) Cmmunity/Vlunteer participatin (newspaper clippings, samples f wrk) Evidence Sample wrk (presentatin utline, charts, graphs, writing samples) In the previus sectin yu listed sme themes yu culd use as prtfli tabs. Use yur list t develp yur Table f Cntents. Activity The next sectin f this guide cntains design tips t help yu frmat yur prtfli. PAGE 19 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

22 2 Design Tips String Yur Prtfli Cntents Hw t stre yur prtfli cntents is a persnal preference. The gal is t keep it rganized. Sme ptins include: a binder a prtfli case an accrdin file a website PAGE 20 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

23 Style Tips fr Putting Tgether Yur Prtfli After yur cntents are rganized and yur Table f Cntents created, begin t put yur prtfli tgether. using clear plastic cvers is a gd idea t prtect yur dcuments. If using a binder t stre materials, with clear plastic cvers yu can avid hle punching items. Create tabs based n the themes yu develped when rganizing yur cntent. Be as creative as yu want in creating tabs; hwever, mst prtfli cases cme with designated spaces t insert tabs. If using a binder as a prtfli case, page dividers wrk well as tabs. Online Prtflis Creating an nline r web-based prtfli is becming a ppular prtfli ptin. Online prtflis save paper and are envirnmentally friendly ( green ). An nline prtfli: Is easy and quick t update (fr individuals familiar with cmputer technlgy) Can supprt multi-media frmats (ex: phtgraphs, vides, dcuments, links) Can be less expensive than paying fr prtfli cases, paper, printing and phtcpying Organizing the cntents f yur nline prtfli is similar t rganizing a paper-based prtfli. T begin, use the Cntent Checklist t create a list f items t include. Next, gather relevant items. Fr items already saved n yur cmputer (ex: phts, Wrd dcuments, vides, thank yu s), create a new flder and cpy and paste each item int that flder. Fr paper-based items, such as newspaper articles r thank yu cards, scan items int yur cmputer and save them int yur prtfli flder. Once all yur items are upladed t yur cmputer, create themes (see the sub-sectin n Hw D I Prepare a Prtfli? fr mre infrmatin). When yur prtfli items are upladed and themed, yu are ready t develp yur nline prtfli. Sme websites that yu can use t create an nline prtfli include: Manitba Careers: (Free f charge) Career Cruising: Career Prtfli Manitba: PAGE 21 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

24 Yu can btain a user name and passwrd t access the Career Cruising website by cntacting ne f the fllwing agencies listed in the links belw: Middle Years Schls and High Schls - Students please cntact yur schl guidance cunsellr MB4Yuth - Yuth ages 16 t 29 Adult Learning Centres (ALCs) and Adult Literacy Prgrams (ALPs) Manitba Emplyment Centres fr all Manitba residents Fr thse attending a cllege, university r ther pst-secndary institutins user ID and passwrds can be btained frm yur lcal schl cunseling ffice. Remember t get permissin frm thers befre uplading any persnal infrmatin nline (ex: reference cntact infrmatin). Remember T begin creating yur nline prtfli, create tabs fr each f the themes yu identified. Example Darel McDnald: Darel McDnald, recently laid ff frm his jb as a General Laburer, created an nline prtfli. He wanted t shw his technlgy skills and als save mney n printing. Since leaving high schl in grade 10, Darel has wrked as a General Laburer fr varius emplyers. He is lking fr wrk again as a General Laburer and will use sme f his prtfli items (ex: cver letter, resume, references, and relevant educatinal dcuments) when he ges t interviews. The fllwing diagram is an example f the tabs Darel has used. Please nte that sme free prtfli websites may already be set up with tabs and creating yur wn tabs may nt be an ptin. In such a case, re-rganize the cntent f yur prtfli t fit with the existing tabs. PAGE 22 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

25 Instructins fr editing infrmatin, uplading dcuments, and frmatting will differ depending n which nline space yu use fr yur prtfli. Check t see if the system yu chse has a user guide t help with the technical aspects f creating yur nline prtfli. PAGE 23 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

26 3 Hw D I Use My Prtfli? Once yu have created yur prtfli, think abut hw t use it effectively. Sme f the mst cmmn uses fr career prtflis are: career planning evaluating jb pprtunities interviews Each time yu use yur prtfli, think abut the persn yu will be sharing it with. If pssible, try t find ut what that individual cnsiders mst imprtant and target yur prtfli t highlight thse characteristics r qualificatins. Using My Prtfli in Career Planning Yur prtfli is a great tl fr career planning. It s a gd place t stre infrmatin allwing yu t take stck f yur skills and determine hw they can be transferred t different psitins r hw yu can build n them t reach yur gals. Identify the skills yu liked using the mst. See if yu can start a career plan that utilizes these skills. When yu lve what yu d it desn t seem like wrk. Example Frank Peters: Yu met Frank in an earlier activity. He s 46 and is nw lking t make a career change due t a wrkplace accident. He wants t find a new jb and created a prtfli as part f his career planning. Because he s lking fr wrk that s different frm what he did befre, he ll use his prtfli t shw evidence f a variety f skills. 7 PAGE 24 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

27 Using My Prtfli t Evaluate Jb Opprtunities Yur prtfli is a useful tl t help yu evaluate whether r nt t apply fr certain jbs. Sme surces f jb infrmatin that yu culd cnsider are: jb advertisements jb descriptins infrmatinal interview ntes labur market infrmatin (ex: Once yu review the jb requirements, yu can lk thrugh yur prtfli t see where yur skills, abilities, and experiences match. Ding this matching will als help yu t see if there are any gaps between what the jb requires and what yu have t ffer. If yu have a skills r experience gap, cnsider hw yu culd fill it: curses, wrkshps, training prgrams jb shadwing vlunteering interning After yu ve cmpared yur prtfli items t the jb requirements, and identified the specific items that yu can use in a targeted prtfli, yu may find that yu need t cllect mre items as evidence f yur fit with the jb. Example Jennifer Meyer: Jennifer is a recent cllege grad with limited wrk experience. She fund a jb ad fr a Junir Assistant Netwrk Administratr. This jb is a gd fit with her educatin. She wants t apply fr the jb and is ging t use her prtfli t help her see if she has all f the skills that the emplyer is asking fr. PAGE 25 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

28 Charge University Charge University is a leader in pst-secndary educatin and rated as ne f the Tp 100 cmpanies t wrk fr in Manitba. We are lking fr an utstanding candidate t fill ur Junir Assistant Netwrk Administratr psitin. Candidates must have a diplma in cmputer science r equivalent educatin and experience, be able t wrk in a team envirnment, and be skilled with Windws Server (20XX), exceptinal cmmunicatin skills, prvide technical supprt t clients and Exchange mail servers. Qualified candidates shuld submit their resumes t: hr@ .ca r Ms. Keisha West Human Resurces Manager, Charge University th Street Brandn, Manitba, R7A 6A9 Jb Characteristics Diplma in cmputer science r equivalent educatin and experience Able t wrk in a team envirnment Skilled with Windws Server (2003) and Exchange mail servers Prtfli Evidence (3 r X) Items t Include in Targeted Prtfli Diplma, Cmputer Systems Technlgy, Assinibine Cmmunity Cllege, 20XX Transcript f curses and grades Perfrmance review frm tw-mnth wrk practicum Perfrmance reviews frm service industry jbs Jb descriptin frm wrk practicum Relevant curse descriptins frm cllege prgram PAGE 26 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

29 Use the fllwing chart t cmpare a jb ad r jb pprtunity t the cntents f yur prtfli. Activity Jb Characteristics Prtfli Evidence ( r X) Items t Include in Targeted Prtfli PAGE 27 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

30 Using My Prtfli t Prepare fr an Interview Reviewing yur prtfli befre an interview is a great way t refresh yur memry abut yur skills, abilities, accmplishments, knwledge and qualificatins. It s nt a gd idea t bring yur entire prtfli t an interview. Emplyers are mre interested in what yu have t say than reading thrugh a prtfli. Instead f presenting yur entire prtfli at an interview, chse a few relevant items t supprt yur interview respnses. Gabriela Tmagan: Gabriela Tmagan (46) mved t Winnipeg frm the Philippines a year ag. In the Philippines, Gabriela wrked fr a pharmaceutical cmpany as a lead researcher. Gabriela is interested in finding wrk similar t what she did in the Philippines and is preparing fr an interview as a research assistant at a lcal university. Example As Gabriela reviewed her prtfli, she identified imprtant elements t speak abut during her interview. These included her: educatin and PhD in Chemistry experience wrking at a pharmaceutical cmpany in the Philippines skills and knwledge in research and science ability t wrk as part f a team and t supervise and manage a team T highlight these qualificatins, Gabriela selected the fllwing items frm her prtfli t bring t the interview: her Philippines Pharmaceutical Research Leader award a published article which summarizes her research a cmpany brchure frm her previus jb t demnstrate hw it was similar t the ne she will be interviewing fr She brught the items in a file flder t keep them neat, rganized and easily accessible. Use prtfli items t strengthen yur answers in an interview. Be prepared t respnd t questins withut the aid f supprting dcuments. 8 Remember PAGE 28 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

31 Use the fllwing checklist when preparing t use items frm yur prtfli in an interview. Check ff each relevant step n the list. 9 Activity Yu ve prepared by rganizing the items yu plan t bring making extra phtcpies f dcuments ensuring yu are nly bringing relevant items practicing hlding yur items s everyne will be able t see incrprating the items int interview respnses using yur prtfli t reflect n yur transferable skills (ex: cmmunicatin) speaking highly f yur achievements, skills, and accmplishments practicing speaking clearly and making eye cntact ensuring the Internet will be available if using an nline prtfli Success always cmes when preparatin meets pprtunity. ~Henry Hartman PAGE 29 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

32 4 Prtfli Examples Paper-Based Prtfli Example Frank Peters: Frank Peters has already gne thrugh the prcess f recgnizing his skills, accmplishments, knwledge and attitudes; has identified and cllected items t include in his prtfli; has themed the items he is ging t include; and has started t rganize his prtfli. The fllwing sectin includes tw items t supprt each theme Frank will include in his prtfli. Frank has included a written descriptin fr each item that is nt self-explanatry. Example Fr mre prtfli examples visit: dcuments/exemplars.htm#id3 Title Page Frank Peters Prtfli Cntents: Letter f Intrductin Occupatinal Gals Persnal Missin Statement Resume Organizatinal Skills Schedule Critical Thinking Certificate Training Brchure Wrking With Others Caching Experience Funding Member f Tastmasters Vlunteer Experience Taking Initiative frm Supervisr Cmputer Skills Typing Test Results 9 PAGE 30 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

33 Letter f Intrductin PAGE 31 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

34 Occupatinal Gals My shrt-term gal is t get wrk in a mining peratin as a human resurces trainer. This will allw me t use my cmmunicatin skills and technical knwledge. I wuld like t expand my training rle t include develping and implementing quality assurance standards and prcesses. Persnal Missin Statement I strive t apprach tasks with fcus, determinatin and the highest standard f excellence. When wrking with thers, I apply the spirit f cperatin and teamwrk skills that I learned when I wrked as a funding member f Tastmasters and as a sccer cach. Resume PAGE 32 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

35 Organizatinal Skills Persnal i am a very rganized individual. I have rganized many speaking nights fr tastmasters and created the schedules. Keeping an rganized schedule helps me t be bth dependable and reliable. PAGE 33 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

36 DATE: Octber 11, 20XX Memrandum TO: Frank Peters FROM: President Tastmasters Club PHONE: FAX: SUBJECT: Assistance Setting up Speech Nights On behalf f the tastmasters club, I wuld like t thank yu fr yur dedicatin and cntinued supprt in setting up speech night. Yur rganizatin f the night exceeded expectatins and we appreciated the careful planning that yu put int it. I wuld als like t thank yu fr taking the initiative t set up the critic sessins. Members have fund the added feedback valuable as they prepare fr future presentatins. We knw the rganizatin f the critic sessins significantly added t yur wrklad and this additinal effrt yu have made is greatly appreciated. The club truly values yur strng cmmitment and ability t run smth speech nights and critic sessins. Thank yu, Tastmasters President PAGE 34 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

37 Critical Thinking Additinal training and certificatin is smething I ve always been eager t attain as I believe it is imprtant t keep my skills and ability t think critically up t date. In 2009, I earned my Standard Level First Aid certificate frm St. Jhn Ambulance. I ve included a cpy f my certificate as well as a brchure with infrmatin n the training. In the brchure I have circled the electives I cmpleted. PAGE 35 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

38 Standard Level First Aid Designed t meet industry, business and gvernment requirements, Standard level first aid is a mdular curse fr thse wh require cmprehensive first aid training. The Standard level first aid curse is built n the same cre lessns as the Emergency level curse. The curse includes cre and elective lessns as well as a written exam. The elective lessns may be custmized n private curses based n yur needs. Fr example, cmpanies may ask fr specific lessns based in industry specific risk. Electives in a curse, intended fr the general public, are based n lcal r prvincial safety regulatins. Lessns that make up the Standard and Emergency level curses are utlined belw. Bth the Standard First Aid and emergency First Aid curses include five cre lessns (fur hurs). 1. Emergency Scene Management 2. Shck, Uncnsciusness and Fainting 3. Chking (Adult) 4. Cardivascular Emergencies and One-Rescuer CPR (Adult casualty) 5. Sever Bleeding There are 18 elective lessns. The Emergency curse includes apprximately 1.5 hurs* f electives, while the Standard curse includes abut 7.5 hurs.* 6. Medical Cnditins (Diabetes, Cnvulsins, Asthma, Allergies) 7. Child Resuscitatin 8. Infant Resuscitatin 9. Tw-Rescuer CPR 10. Autmated External Defibrillatin 11. Secndary Survey 12. Bne and Jint Injuries 13. Head/Spinal and Pelvic Injuries 14. Chest Injuries 15. Wund Care 16. Multiple Casualty Management 17. Rescue Carries 18. Eye Injuries 19. Burns 20. Pisns, Bites and Stings 21. Heat and Cld Illness and Injuries 22. Emergency Childbirth and Miscarriage 23. Artificial Respiratin PAGE 36 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

39 Wrking With Others ver the past five years I ve managed the Thmpsn Bys Summer Sccer Camp. In 20XX, I successfully cached a yung team t win first place in the camp sccer finals. This trphy represents my leadership abilities and strengths in wrking with teams. Being a funding member f the Tastmasters club demnstrates my ability t wrk in a team and take n leadership rles. As a funding member, I was elected t prmte the club and gain memberships. In ur first year, we had mre than enugh registrants t keep the club active fr the next several years. The funding team was instrumental in rganizing meetings, establishing prtcl and successfully managing new members. PAGE 37 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

40 I vlunteer my time as a sccer cach. In additin t spending early weekend mrnings n the sccer field, I ften hld practices in the evenings n weekdays. I manage this particular team n my wn and am respnsible fr rganizing carpls t and frm the games and keeping parents up t date with the schedule. I als train, cmmunicate and prvide supprt fr the team t help each player imprve n his game. Over the past five years I ve c-rdinated several fundraising events fr the Canadian Cancer Sciety. As a vlunteer, I have helped raise awareness and cllect dnatins. I als assisted with rganizing cmedians fr a cmedy fundraiser night, rganized raffle prizes and sld tickets fr the event PAGE 38 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

41 This was sent t me frm my emplyer at ABC Equipment in appreciatin fr ging abve and beynd in my jb as a general laburer. On the particular day referred t in the I nticed my emplyer was exceptinally busy and the new emplyees were standing arund waiting fr their rientatin. Having seen my emplyer cnduct rientatins in the past, and having a few spare minutes while I waited fr smething, I tk the initiative t shw the new emplyees the wrk yard and intrduce them t ther ABC emplyees. PAGE 39 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

42 Cmputer Skills Althugh I ve spent mst f my career wrking as a general laburer I ve als dedicated myself t being effective with a cmputer. In my ther rles such as cach, father and club member, I ften use a cmputer t type letters, create schedules and rganize tasks. In additin t having a fast typing speed I can effectively use several prducts such as Micrsft Outlk, Wrd, Excel, and can use the Internet fr varius tasks such as researching and netwrking. PAGE 40 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

43 Online Prtfli Example The fllwing pictures are examples frm Darel McDnald s nline prtfli. In each picture, imprtant elements have been highlighted. T view the rest f Darel s nline prtfli visit Keep clur, fnt, and frmatting cnsistent. Prviding a phtgraph is ptinal. If yu d use a phtgraph, ensure it s prfessinal. Include detailed cntact infrmatin. Actual street address is ptinal. PAGE 41 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

44 Get permissin t include thers persnal infrmatin nline. PAGE 42 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

45 Take advantage f nline functins such as creating pages unique t relevant training. PAGE 43 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

46 Take advantage f ther nline functins such as uplading pictures. Give yur nline prtfli a unique edge by including a qute n each page. PAGE 44 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

47 5 Prtfli Tips Remember use phtcpies f items (ex: certificates) categrize and keep infrmatin rganized include testimnials frm credible surces use a table f cntents keep fnt cnsistent tailr yur prtfli fr each use include phtgraphs f prjects ask instructrs t prvide written verificatin fr yur prjects (ex: have them sign a prject yu have cmpleted and make a statement abut the quality) ask thers fr ideas use favurable, up t date references use gd quality paper 10 Adapted frm Kurt Lewin PAGE 45 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

48 Summary This guide has prvided tips, examples and activities t help yu build a career prtfli. Here are sme key pints fr yu t remember. It takes time and effrt t develp a prtfli, but it s simple t maintain. Once yu ve built yur prtfli, yu can custmize it fr different purpses r audiences by adding r remving things. Having a master prtfli will make it easier t custmize yur prtfli fr specific purpses. Building a prtfli is a prcess and the prcess will take time. When gathering evidence it is best t cllect everything yu think might be relevant. Then, when putting yur prtfli tgether, yu can chse the best items t demnstrate the knwledge and skills yu want t highlight. Deciding hw t stre yur prtfli cntent is a persnal preference. It s a gd idea t make phtcpies f any riginal dcuments. Creating a web-based prtfli is becming a ppular prtfli ptin. Reviewing yur prtfli befre an interview is a great way t refresh yur memry abut yur knwledge, skills, abilities, accmplishments and qualificatins. This is ne f several guides in a series t supprt yur career planning and jb search. Fr mre infrmatin, visit PAGE 46 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

49 Appendix A: Prtfli Template Title Page Career Prtfli Name: Address: Phne Number(s): (wrk) (hme) Fax: I declare that all the infrmatin in this prtfli is accurate and true. Date: Signature: PAGE 47 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

50 Table f Cntents Letter f Intrductin Resume Career and Educatin/Training Plan Inventry f Knwledge and Skills Dcumentatin Index Dcumentatin PAGE 48 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO

51 Appendix B: Guide Links External Weblinks Carbn Made Career Cruising Darel McDnald s Online Prtfli Fr mre infrmatin abut career planning, tips fr success in the wrkplace and ther related tpics, please visit Manitba Careers Prtfli Examples Shaw Webspace Links In This Guide Appendix A Cntent Checklist Hw d I Prepare a Prtfli? Links t Other Guides A Guide t Cmpleting Applicatins A Guide t Planning Yur Career A Guide t Writing Resumes A Guide t Writing Cver Letters A Guide t Outstanding Interviews A Guide t Cnducting an Effective Jb Search A Guide t Success in the Wrkplace A Guide t Recgnizing Yur Prir Learning PAGE 49 A Guide t BUILDING A CAREER PORTFOLIO