Preparing for Job Interview

UNIT 5 PREPARING YOUR PORTFOLIO

Structure
5.0 Objectives
5.1 Warm Up
5.2 Reading Comprehension: Portfolio
5.3 Vocabulary: Nouns Used as Verbs
5.4 Grammar: Modals Indicating Obligation
5.5 Making Your Own Portfolio
5.6 Listening Comprehension: Portfolio on the Website
5.7 Pronunciation
5.8 Summary
5.9 Answers to Self Check Exercises
5.10 Answers to Activities
5.11 References and Further Reading

5.0 OBJECTIVES
In this Unit, you will learn about the purpose of having a portfolio. It also discusses
the type of material that should be included in a portfolio and the order in which
these should be kept. It also discusses the importance of having a web version of
a portfolio

5.1 WARM UP
Activity
1) Take a look at these pictures. What qualities of a person do you think each
picture highlights?

i) ........................................................
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ii) ......................................................
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 Preparing Your Portfolio

iii) ......................................................
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iv) ......................................................
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v) ......................................................
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2) Now look at the following character traits and decide which pictures best
represents these traits. You may add some relevant characteristics of your
own.
i) Creativity ii) Dedication
iii) Communication skills iv) Spirit of Competition
v) Teamwork vi) Ambition
vii) Spirit of adventure
3) Make a list of your strengths which you would like to highlight while
applying for a job.
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Preparing for Job Interview
5.2 READING COMPREHENSION: PORTFOLIO
Pre-reading
Before you read the passage on Portfolios, given below, attempt the following
questions. After that, read the passage and check your answers.
1) Is “portfolio” just another name for “resume”?
2) Is “resume” part of “portfolio”?
3) Can pictures be included in a portfolio?
4) How long does it take it take to collect documents for a portfolio?
Normally, when you talk to someone who is preparing for an interview and ask
if his/her portfolio is up-to-date, the response you get is that of bewilderment.
People never think of a portfolio, and more often question the need for one! But
as you can see it is a necessary and useful tool. However, you must always send
your CV or resume.

Portfolio
1) How is a portfolio different from a curriculum vitae or resume?
“Portfolio” is a comparatively recent development in the career
development scene. Called “career portfolio”, it can help you when you
apply for a job.
• A portfolio is not a resume. The first personal document in a portfolio
is the resume.
• It contains tangible evidence of your skills and competencies.
• It may contain graphics relevant to the skills and competencies
required for the purpose.
• A portfolio is not sent out like a resume; it is normally taken along at
the time of an interview.
2) How will you use your portfolio?
You can take it with you if you are attending an interview, to show it to
the interview panel.
OR
You can send it to with your resume, if you are applying for a job.
OR
You can send it to potential employers, along with your resume.
Depending on the purpose, you may need to make minor changes to
your portfolio, for e.g. the sequence in which the items are organised,
whether you need to include everything or only selected portions.
A portfolio is a powerful interviewing tool for all job seekers. It is a
visual presentation of your abilities, skills, competencies, knowledge,
qualities etc., and so it represents your potential. It presents tangible proof
of your skills and competencies.

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 Preparing Your Portfolio
Physically, it is a collection of things that represent work-related events
in your life. Remember that while pursuing hobbies or volunteer activities,
or simply pursuing your interests, you probably developed skills that can
now be extremely useful in a work-related environment. The portfolio
provides ‘evidence’ of your potential by demonstrating what you have
accomplished in the past.
3) Why is a portfolio worth the work?
A portfolio helps you to :
• Make focused preparation for interviews.
• Convince others of your skills, competencies and abilities pertaining
to the job requirement.
• Showcase and hence communicate your skills clearly.
• Demonstrate the results of your work.
• Establish the habit of documenting your achievements.
• Create a personal database.
• Assess your progress in your career development.
A portfolio can be an important learning tool for students to help them to
assess their learning and to compare it to what the job in question requires.
4) How do you make a portfolio?
First, look at yourself the way the prospective employers would look at
you. Your portfolio should have everything in it that would impress the
employer. The folder/binder, the contents, the organisation of the contents,
accuracy, style, relevance of the contents, etc. should reflect your
personality. Give meticulous attention to everything in the portfolio:
spelling, grammar, language, style.
The items selected for the portfolio should showcase your skills and
competencies and the relevance of these to the job in question. These
should be the very best of your achievements.
Start by developing a portfolio “collection” that contains all of your
artifacts. Include whatever you have achieved, written, developed, created,
earned. The format of these collected items could be a printout, a
photograph, a photocopy, or in digital format, or any other. The items
could include anything such as the following:
• Articles written by you or about you
• Awards /recognitions received by you
• Drawings made by you
• Educational qualifications, copies of certificates etc.
• Letters of commendation
• Letters of reference
• Appropriate photographs
• Presentations, if any made by you
• Training certificates.
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Preparing for Job Interview
5) Some important Tips
Ensure that the contents of your portfolio are relevant to the job in question
or the purpose for which you are using it, Don’t send everything, just
because you have it!
Include visual examples of your work, if available, e.g. photographs,
drawings.
Use shorter write ups instead of lengthy ones.
Don’t expect a prospective employer to read everything you have sent,
even if you think that everything you have sent is great!

6) Organising the Portfolio

The portfolio should be housed in a smart and sleek binder. The binder
should be neat and orderly and the contents well organised.
Though there is no hard and fast rule about the size of a folder, it is
important to ensure that it is not extra large or too small. About 20 – 25
pages is ideal. This allows you to add or delete documents as per the
requirement.
The normal practice is to put the contents in the folder in chronological
order. However, sometimes it may be better to put the contents according
to their importance − the most important first and the least important
last.
One way to organise a portfolio is as follows:
First section: Index/contents page
This page should give the user of the portfolio a concise overview of
what is contained in the folder. This will enable him/her to look at the
documents of interest, and quickly get an idea about your achievements
etc.
Second section: Your resume or curriculum vitae. This concise
document should include brief information about education, work
experience and other achievements.
Third section: Copies of all certificates, commendations, reference
letters, any other document which is important.
Fourth section: Personal information about you, in brief, including
information on extra-curricular activities, hobbies, etc.
A portfolio, like a resume, should be fluid. Adjustments and re-
organisation will need to be made in it, as and when required depending
on the purpose for which it is used. It is also important to keep the portfolio
updated and complete. Your portfolio gives you the first and the best
opportunity to demonstrate your suitability to a potential employer. So
make sure that you have one which is perfect in every respect.

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Self Check Exercise Preparing Your Portfolio

Note: i) Write your answers at the space given below.

ii) Check your answers with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
Read the text on ‘Portfolio’ once again and answer the following questions:
1) Define a portfolio
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2) What are the basic differences between a portfolio and a resume?
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3) Name four qualities that a portfolio can represent?
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4) How does building a portfolio act as a learning tool for students?
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5) How should artifacts be placed in a portfolio?
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Preparing for Job Interview 6) When should a person start collecting artifacts for his/her portfolio?
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5.3 VOCABULARY: NOUNS USED AS VERBS

Activity
4) Find a word in the text on “Portfolio” that is similar in meaning to each of
the following words/phrases:
i) Results that are easy to see so there is no room for any doubt
ii) Evidence that shows people your abilities
iii) Ornamental objects of no great value
iv) Arranged in order of time of occurrence
v) An object produced or shaped by human craft
vi) An official award or recognition
vii) Expressing much in few words
viii) Coming before.
Look at the following sentence from the passage on “portfolio”.
“The portfolio should be housed in a binder”
As you are aware the verb “housed” is derived from the noun “house”. There are
other such words which are normally nouns but are occasionally used as verbs.
For example: carpet – carpeted, elbow – elbowed.

Activity
5) Fill in the blanks below, with the correct form of the words in the box

motor queue captain carpet pocket

pilot floor butter bud shoulder

i) I want my room ………………….

ii) We ………………….down to Lucknow.
iii) He …………………. the plane in a skillful manner.
iv) Who will …………………. the team?
v) We …………………. up for the tickets.
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 vi) After his father’s death, he…………………. all responsibilities. Preparing Your Portfolio

vii) Let me …………………. the toast.

viii) Plants …………………. in spring.
ix) He …………………. all the money and left.
x) His last question completely ………………….me.

5.4 GRAMMAR: MODALS INDICATING

OBLIGATION
Modals are auxiliary verbs that indicate the functions of the language. They
express functions such as suggestions, advice, capability, possibility and so on.

In this Unit we will look at the modals which express “suggestions” and
“obligations”
The modals are should, must, have to, have got to, ought to, need to.
Examples:
• However, you must always send your CV or resume.
• Your portfolio should have everything in it that would impress the employer.
• You ought to carry the original copies of your certificates at the interview.

Suggestion Obligation No obligation Prohibition

should must needn’t mustn’t
ought to (strong) have to don’t have to can’t
need to shouldn’t

Self Check Exercise

Note: i) Write your answers at the space given below.
ii) Check your answers with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
7) Fill in the gaps in the following sentences using the words given below:

should shouldn’t have to/has to don’t have to

must mustn’t need(s)

i) Although you ……………………….. make a portfolio to apply for a

job, it helps to represent your skills and competencies better.
ii) You ……………………….. send/mail your portfolio to the
organisation, but take it with you to the interview.
iii) One ……………………….. preserve and file all records and proofs
of achievement in all fields in order to create an impressive portfolio.
iv) The first document in the portfolio……………………….. be the
resume.
v) The candidate ……………………….. to make adjustments in the
portfolio for each position sought.
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Preparing for Job Interview vi) One ……………………….. try to dress up the portfolio with
unnecessary frills to make look impressive. It ………………………..
look professional.
vii) It ……………………….. be put in a proper binder as this allows you
to add and delete documents when needed.
8) Choose the correct phrase /words in italics to complete each of the following
sentences:
i) Applicant must /need include the names of two referees.
ii) You needn’t/mustn’t stay back late, we have cancelled the meeting.
iii) You needn’t/mustn’t send that reminder to Khalid and Sons; they paid
their dues this morning.
iv) Airline pilots should/have to have excellent eyesight.
v) You should/must save the file before you turn the computer off, or you
will lose the data.
vi) Employees are reminded that they mustn’t/needn’t use the office phone
to make personal calls.
vii) You must not/don’t have to come to the meeting if you have more
important things to do.
viii) University teachers must/should be graduates in their respective areas.
ix) They must/should have a Ph D if possible.
x) They need/should have several publications in referred journals.

5.5 MAKING YOUR OWN PORTFOLIO

Activity
6) Make a portfolio of yourself. It should include your profile, resume, copies
of important certificates, copies of any awards or recognitions and brief
note on your extracurricular activities and hobbies. The portfolio should
not be more than 20 pages. You may show it to your teacher at the study
centre.

5.6 LISTENING COMPREHENSION: PORTFOLIO

ON THE WEBSITE
Listen to a talk on ‘Portfolio on the Website’ and answer the questions given
below:

With the ever-increasing popularity of the internet and web technology, it is

becoming increasingly important for you to put your portfolio on the website.
Consider creating a web version of your portfolio, with links to full text of your
publications. It is an excellent way to display your achievements and impress the
potential employers. Placing your portfolio on a website is extraordinarily
powerful. It also demonstrates that you are current and contemporary.

Remember that your portfolio is a work in progress. You don’t need to upload
everything at one go. Do it in phases. It is important to keep your portfolio up-to-
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date always. Check regularly to ensure that everything is in order, especially to Preparing Your Portfolio
ensure that there are no broken images and no outdated information. If you have
provided a link to your e-mail address, test it to make sure that the link is working.

From your resume give a link to your portfolio and mention this in your covering
letter, to enable the employers to access detailed information on you quickly and
easily.
Some Points to Remember while Building Online Portfolio
• If you decide to use free web space to create your portfolio, be mindful of
domain names and conditions on free space usage.
• Many free sites use banner advertisements to support their sites and you
will have no control over what type of advertisement might be displayed.
• Use images, graphics and colour to make your site attractive and lively.
• Edit and update your site regularly.

Self Check Exercise

Note: i) Write your answer at the space given below.
ii) Check your answer with the answer given at the end of this Unit.
9) Complete the following sentences. You may make points as you listen. The
answer may be in your own words.
i) Creating a web version of your portfolio is an excellent …………….
ii) Placing your portfolio on a website demonstrates that ……………….
iii) You don’t need to upload everything ………, you can do it in ………….
iv) You need to check your website regularly to ………….
v) If you use free web space to create your portfolio you must be ………..

5.7 PRONUNCIATION
Listen to these words and repeat them after the teacher.
portfolio creativity dedication
spirit of competition resume tangible proof
focused preparation curriculum vitae time of occurrence
Competencies

5.8 SUMMARY
A portfolio, like a resume, should be fluid. Adjustments and re-organisation will
need to be made in it, as and when required, depending on the purpose for which
it is used. It is also important to keep the portfolio updated. Your portfolio gives
you the first and the best opportunity to demonstrate your suitability to a potential
employer. So make sure that you have one which is perfect in every respect.

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Preparing for Job Interview
5.9 ANSWERS TO SELF CHECK EXERCISES
1) A portfolio is a visual presentation of a person’s abilities, skills, competencies,
knowledge and qualities. It presents tangible proof of these in the form of
artifacts, certificates etc. The portfolio provides evidence of a person’s
potential by demonstrating what he/she has accomplished in the past.

2) A resume is concise document that outlines all of a person’s relevant

credentials, education and work experience. It does not include any additional
documents. A portfolio on the other hand has detailed proof of these
credentials in the form of documents. It may also contain photographs. A
resume is always the first document in a portfolio.

3) Some qualities a portfolio can represent in the form of documented evidence

are a person’s skills, competencies, knowledge and achievements.

4) A portfolio acts as an important learning tool for students. It helps to form

the habit of documenting your achievements and to make a focused
preparation for interviews. It also helps you to assess your own progress in
career development and compare it with the employer’s requirements.

5) The portfolio begins with an index. The first document in a portfolio is

always the resume. The next section contains certificates, commendations
and other credentials. The third section has all educational degrees,
achievements, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work etc. The final section
contains brief personal information.

6) A portfolio collection is developed over a period of time. It is always a

“work in progress” and should be updated regularly. Whenever you develop,
create, write or do anything that could be of value to you in your work, you
should file a copy as part of your portfolio collection.
i) Although you don’t have to make a portfolio to apply for a job, it helps
to represent your skills and competencies better.
ii) You shouldn’t send/mail your portfolio to the organisation, but take it
with you to the interview.
iii) One should/must preserve and file all records and proofs of achievement
in all fields in order to create an impressive portfolio.
iv) The first document in the portfolio must be the resume.
v) The candidate needs to make adjustments in the portfolio for each
position sought.
vi) One shouldn’t/mustn’t try to dress up the portfolio with unnecessary
frills to make look impressive. It should look professional.
vii) It should be put in a proper binder as this allows you to add and delete
documents when needed.

8) i) must
ii) needn’t
iii) needn’t
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 iv) have to Preparing Your Portfolio

v) must
vi) mustn’t
vii) don’t have to
viii)must
ix) should
x) should
9) i) Creating a web version of your portfolio is an excellent way to display
your achievements.
ii) Placing your portfolio on a website demonstrates that you are current
and up-to-date technologically.
iii) You don’t need to upload everything at one go, you can do it in phases.
iv) You need to check your website regularly to ensure everything is in order.
v) If you use free web space to create your portfolio you must be mindful
of domain names and conditions on free space usage.

5.10 ANSWERS TO ACTIVITIES

1) i) Team spirit, creativity, artistic temperament.
ii) Sportsmanship, competitive spirit, ambition, dedication.
iii) Ambition, teamwork.
iv) Good communication skills, good interpersonal skills.
v) Team spirit, spirit of adventure, fearlessness.
vi) Innovative thinking, creativity.
2) Do it yourself.
3) Do it yourself.
4) i) Results that are easy to see so there is no room for any doubt – Tangible
ii) Evidence that shows people your abilities – Credentials
iii) Ornamental objects of no great value – Frills
iv) Arranged in order of time of occurrence – Chronological
v) An object produced or shaped by human craft – Artifact
vi) Official award or recognition – Commendation
vii) Expressing much in few words – Concise
viii)Coming before - Prior
5) i) I want my room carpeted.
ii) We motored down to Lucknow.
iii) He piloted the plane in a skillful manner.
iv) Who will captain the team?
v) We queued up for the tickets.
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Preparing for Job Interview vi) After his father’s death, he shouldered all responsibilities.
vii) Let me butter the toast.
viii)Plants bud in spring.
ix) He pocketed all the money and left.
x) His last question completely floored me.
6) Do it yourself

5.11 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

Bowstead, J.M. A Guide to Preparing your Portfolio. A&C Black, 2011, Print.
Brown D., Preparing and Managing Your Career Portfolio. 2013, Kindle Edition.
Ebook.

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