Your interview secret weapon

Throughout my professional career, I have met with many job-seekers. Being part of the job seeking process, I can relate to their agony when they found out that a company has selected another candidate. Although there is no guaranteed way to ensure you get the job, there are a variety of methods that can dramatically increase one's hiring probability. One of my biggest secrets is the Career Portfolio.

A career portfolio is a collection of materials used to show proof of ones past job experience and the quality of work. While it should not include everything one have done at every organization, it should include selections that one are most proud of. Some of the sections one should consider include:

1. Resume/References
2. Academic transcripts
3. Letters of recommendation
4. Work samples from school
5. Work samples from previous jobs/internships

A portfolio also demonstrates one's presentation skills. My previous supervisor at the U.S. Federal Executive Board has taught me that perfection is the best impression. Below are some tips that she provided as well as some that I have learned along the way.

• Spend the extra money on a binder that presents well. I recommend the Avery Frame View Binders.
• Place your business card in the business card holder.
• Use tabs to separate work based on what agency it was for (i.e. school, company, etc.) Ensure tabs are visible, readable and the that a viewer can differentiate them.
• Include a title page with the position title, requisition number, and contact information (also include this information on the front of the binder).
• Use sheet protectors to separate samples and maintain the quality of your work.
• Print the job announcement and include it in the binder. It will show the interviewer that the candidate is familiar with the position and also make his/her job easier.
• PLAN TO LEAVE THE BINDER WITH THE INTERVIEWER. As soon as one enters the interview, he/she should present the binder and inform the interviewer that its theirs to keep.

Making a portfolio can be costly but it will pay off if it secures a job.