Developing Your Skills

Portfolio

What is a Skills Portfolio?

A Skills Portfolio is a collection of

materials presented to
demonstrate a persons skills,
accomplishments, experience and
attributes.

A skills portfolio is NOT a resume

substitute.

Why create a Skills

Portfolio?

Skill awareness

Relevance and adaptability

Record of acquisition

Interview boost

Top 10 Qualities Employers

Seek

1. Communication Skills
2. Honesty/Integrity
3. Teamwork Skills
4. Interpersonal Skills
5. Strong Work Ethic
6. Motivation/Initiative
7. Flexibility/Adaptability
8. Analytical Skills
9. Computer Skills
10. Organizational Skills

Do you have these

qualities?

Does a resume fully express these

skills and qualities to an
employer?

Does a Skills Portfolio?

Employers want EVIDENCE.

Some Assembly Required

You will need:

A three ring binder

Awards
Certificates
Photos
Writing Samples
Evaluations, Recommendations
Transcripts
Creativity

Some Assembly Required

Cover Page

Career Goal Statement

Resume

Skills

Career Goal Statement

Cornerstone of Skills Portfolio

Concise and Specific
Answers:

Why this career?

What is your careers purpose?

Avoids:

Ive always wanted to be a

Cataloging achievements or
lecturing

Resume

Attend Kick Start workshop

series!

Call or stop by Patterson 111 to

schedule an appointment with a
career advisor or peer counselor
for a resume critique!

Skills

Skill Types

Technical Skills
Transferable Skills

Skill Sources

Work experience
Life experience

Transferable Skills

Example Subheadings

Communication
Teamwork
Interpersonal Skills
Creativity
Leadership
Flexibility/Adaptability
Analytical Problem Solving
Organization

Technical Skills

Example Subheadings

Technology
Laboratory Skills
Patient Care
Animal Care
Agriculture

Skill Example Communication

A person proficient in
communication:

Conveys ideas clearly and fluently

Interprets information for others
Teaches and advises
Displays effective speaking skills such
as active listening, summarizing,
clarifying, and checking for
understanding.

Skill Example Communication

Reflection Questions

Do you have experience giving

presentations or as a debater?
Do you have face-to-face customer
service or advising experience?
Have you taught or tutored?
Are you comfortable using
technology associated with
presentations such as Powerpoint?

Skill Example Communication

Sample Items to Include

Photos of you presenting

Evaluations of your presentations

Thank you letters from groups to which

you have made a presentation

Slides from Powerpoint presentations

The Interview

Prepare beforehand
STAR Method
Focus on three key skills
Accept rejection gracefully
Professional appearance