Portfolio interviews – What are they?
You may not have heard of them, but portfolio interviews are becoming more popular as they help people stand out from the crowd in job search.
Anne Richardson from the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service, explains
Regardless of what you do for a living, you can show your future boss or clients that you are right for the job.
A portfolio with real examples of your work communicates more than just the quality of your work.
It demonstrates your passion and commitment to your profession.
A work portfolio is a collection of the best examples of your work. No matter what kind of work you do, it showcases what you excel at.
For example if you are a chef, you can include things like your menus, written recipes of your specialties, restaurant reviews, training certificates and inspection reports.
If you are a construction worker, you can include photos of the buildings you have worked, records that illustrate your ability to meet deadlines and maintain high levels of safety, as well as your training certificates.
Time invested in creating a portfolio can reap rewards. Evidence speaks louder than words.
Interviewers regularly hear interviewees say they are the best person to hire and they want the job.
Often, there is little separating most of the applicants – so what they look for are the candidates who make it obvious they are a perfect fit for the job.
Interviewers are looking beyond your basic company knowledge and work history to focus on what you can realistically do for them in the future.
The best indicator of future performance is the past work you have done.
Showing them what you can do with a portfolio lets them see how good you really are, and eliminates any question about you exaggerating.
If you need further information, please log onto www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers to find your local careers adviser.
This site also carries extensive information on education, skills and training.
You can contact the Careers Service too by phone on 0300 200 7820.