What Is An Employment Portfolio?

An Employment Portfolio is a tool that will help you tell your story to an employer. It gathers all the documentation you need to show an employer who you are as a potential employee. It will contain some standard items you need for your job search and a couple of additional pieces for those who have a long job gap or criminal convictions.

If you have a unique background (like me), the most challenging thing about documenting your history and highlighting your accomplishments is organizing the information. The Employment Portfolio solves that problem because it allows you to think about, write, and gather all your info in one place. I’ll touch on the necessary components here and expand on a couple of them in greater detail.

The basic elements of an Employment Portfolio are:

Resume

A general document that can be easily customized for each position you apply for by adding or subtracting keywords and phrases.

Cover letter

An employer-specific letter which should be different for every job you apply for.

Recommendation letters

Letters from co-workers, supervisors, mentors, or community leaders that help demonstrate to an employer that you are trustworthy.

Other documents

You also want to include certifications and transcripts for any classes you’ve completed or skills you’ve acquired. These kinds of documents help demonstrate your skills and expertise. Even if you won’t be using those skills at the job, they show that you are a well-rounded individual with a variety of contributions to make. Achievements made after you entered recovery will have the most impact, but highlight any achievements that could be valuable.

Letter of Explanation

This is critically important if you have a criminal record because it will allow you to provide a brief, factual explanation about your criminal convictions while also pointing out all the things you have done to change your life.

By giving some thought to your situation and preparing these documents in advance, you will be ready to handle whatever questions an employer may ask.