Keith writes:
I am currently moving up the ladder in my career in the IT world. I have a lot of varied experiences, and think my skills are in pretty high demand. I’ve been thinking of putting together an online portfolio to showcase my work experience. Any thoughts? Pros? Cons?
The Career Doctor responds:
Career portfolios are a hot subject around my office — and among career professionals and recruiters alike.
I think one of the emerging career trends is that of managing your online visibility or presence. We’ve invented a new verb — and I know some of you purists won’t like it — but we’re now “googling” potential job candidates — especially those in mid- to higher-management, as well as freelancers and consultants.
Prospective employers want to see some proof of your accomplishments. And traditional print career portfolios are a way to show that proof in a job interview, but an online portfolio is a way to have those accomplishments available 24/7, adding to your “Google” rating. Besides an online portfolio, articles that quote you and projects that cite you will also add to your rating. By the way, it’s also a good idea to check for anything controversial that shows up with your name attached to it.
I don’t see any negatives to developing an online portfolio — unless you don’t put the necessary energy into it. For example, if the design is flawed or the content is weak (or becomes outdated). Or, if you put unprofessional material in your portfolio. I would think that for an IT professional, whether actively or passively job-searching, an online portfolio is a great tool.
We also found — according to a recent study titled Career Portfolios: Proof of Performance, and conducted by Quintessential Careers — that job-seekers learn more about themselves and their qualifications by preparing a career portfolio, thus boosting their confidence and preparing them for job interviews — regardless of how they actually use the portfolio.
Here are some of the things a job-seeker could put in his/her portfolio: resume(s), reference list, career goals summary, list of accomplishments, work samples, leadership experience, performance reviews, awards and honors, transcripts, degrees and certifications, professional-development activities, professional memberships and volunteering/community service.
Most of the research participants in our study recognized the value of online portfolios, but think that the emphasis is — and should be for the short-term at least — on print portfolios, suggesting that job-seekers develop an online portfolio after they have created the print version. Several reinforced, however, that online portfolios make the most sense for white-collar professionals, especially those involved with the Internet.
In a time when many employers are skeptical of the claims many job-seekers make on their resumes concerning their experiences and contributions, a career portfolio can be just the tool to use to show rather than tell.
Read more on Quintessential Careers: Proof of Performance: Career Portfolios an Emerging Trend for Both Active and Passive Job-Seekers.
