Build a Knowledge Portfolio...increase your chances of getting a job!
It's not easy to find a job these days. The competition has become fiercer, the employers are harder to impress, and there are more people looking for work than ever before. So how do you give yourself the best chances of finding work? Most people think building up their CV is enough...and it can be an effective strategy in some cases but building a knowledge portfolio is a much better idea!
In our article we explain how you can build your portfolio and why this highlights your skills. It will show employers what skills you have (rather than just what you've done in the past). It shows you have ambition and that your skills are transferable. It also shows employers that you're a valuable person to have on their team as you're able to bring something extra to the company.
What exactly is a knowledge portfolio?
A knowledge portfolio is a collection of documents and information that show the employer what knowledge, skills, experience and achievements you can offer the company. This could include your CV or resume, letters of recommendation, articles or blogs you've written, sample products or designs you've made and other examples of work. You might think this is common sense...and maybe it is...but many people don't think about it from this perspective.
When are employers looking for this information?
If you're like most people then you're probably wondering when to put together your knowledge portfolio. The simple answer is that it's something you should create before you need it! Just like a CV or resume, the portfolio can be improved as your skills improve and new examples of work can be added. You also may want to tweak your portfolio depending on the type of job you're applying for. A portfolio can verify the skills and experience required...and show how you fit in with what the employer is looking for. For example, if you're applying for a job working with software developers then it might be helpful to use examples of your experience working with software rather than marketing.
What information should you include?
Rather than simply saying 'get a job', we'll give some ideas on what to include in your portfolio and how to put it together. This will help you in the long run so it's well worth the time and effort!
CV/Resume: Your CV should be part of your portfolio as it shows your key skills and history of employment. However, if you've already included this on your CV then think about how you can change or update it to meet the needs of the company you're applying for work at. At times this may mean removing sections you've already added to your CV (e.g. if you're no longer working in that industry or if the job has changed). Don't be afraid to experiment or to take a risk!
A big part of the section on your CV should be talking about your skills in writing, technical and communication skills. This shows that you have a wide, transferable skill set and it's worth stating what you're good at (rather than simply listing everything you've done in the past).
Letters of recommendation: You'll need someone to write a letter of recommendation for you so find someone who will be able to write one. It doesn't matter if this is someone from your previous work or if they're someone important in your life (such as a professor). If they can recommend you with confidence then it says something positive about your skills and achievements. Ideally though, try to get two or three letters.
Articles and Blogs: Blogs are a great way to share your ideas and experiences with people. If you're writing on a particular topic then include the title of the blog, the date it was published, the medium (e.g. print or online) and how many people have read it. This shows that you have a voice that others want to know about so use this to your advantage! Business articles can be included in your portfolio as well but if your blog gets updated then make sure you capture this information too!
Sample Products or Designs: As long as you've thought about whether your designs or products can be used by other companies then include links to them on your portfolio page. This can sometimes be tricky but if you research what other companies have done with the same products then this will enable you to include them too.
Other examples: If you've done lots of activities or things throughout your life then there might be other examples that another employer might want to see. For example, if you've been a member of a charity sports team then include this somewhere on your portfolio page as well.
Writing Skills: Make sure that you mention any abilities or skills in writing (and not just with your CV). Give some examples of reports and magazines articles you've written too. Just think about how these skills will help the company and how they might show you're suitable for the role.
Summary: Again, it's worth taking a few moments to think about what you want the employer to know. If you want them to think about your skills and achievements then it's important to use those terms in your summary. For example, if you want them to see that you can work well under pressure then don't just state that, say something like "I'm a good team player and I work well under pressure."
Author Bio: Topsy Staff Writer – Alex Bartlett is a Copywriter with Topsy and specialises in technical writing (e.g. content for websites). His focus is on technical SEO, web design and online content creation. Alex is currently studying at the University of Brighton where he is undertaking a BSc in Computer Science. He's also an avid blogger and enjoys sharing information with others through his Writing blog, AlexBMart.com
Image Credit: Shutterstock/arindambanerjee
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Conclusion
So, this was all about creating a portfolio page. That's what you'll need to put together in order to show the world what you have to offer them. Hopefully you now have some ideas about what makes a good portfolio and it's all backed up with the work of others. Now it's time to put your own imprint on this - so off you go!
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