You can put together a portfolio that will help you at interviews. Visual techniques are remembered, and showing skills and achievements mean much more than telling. Your portfolio can accompany you at every interview and can be adapted according to the needs and requirements of the job. Starting a portfolio now will enable you to build a history of skills, strengths, and achievements.

You may want to include the following in your portfolio:

• Resumes
• Fact sheet highlighting your skills and what you like to do best
• Biography - if there is anything unusual about you not described in your résumé
• Certificates, Awards, Honors
• Clippings of any accomplishments, community involvement, or activities
• Letters of thanks, commendation, or recommendations
• Writing samples
• Creative writing, artwork, or design samples
• Examples of training programs or educational tools developed, and responses indicating successes
• Evidence of computer skills or technical knowledge useful in the job
• Programs from events you helped to plan or participated in, including relevant volunteer programs
• A list and description of workshops, seminars, trade shows, and any special training programs relevant to the work you want to do
• Quantitative indications of achievements - pictures, drawings, computer designs, numbers, and percentages

You can purchase a 9X12 portfolio for under $20.00. This project takes time, effort, and organization, but it works. Try, and see what happens.