Developing Your Skills Portfolio
What is a Skills Portfolio?
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A Skills Portfolio is a collection of
materials presented to
demonstrate a person’s skills,
accomplishments, experience and
attributes.
A skills portfolio is NOT a resume
substitute.
Why create a Skills Portfolio?
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Skill awareness
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Relevance and adaptability
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Record of acquisition
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Interview boost
Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek
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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?
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Does a resume fully express these
skills and qualities to an employer?
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Does a Skills Portfolio?
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Employers want EVIDENCE.
Some Assembly Required
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You will need:
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A three ring binder
Awards
Certificates
Photos
Writing Samples
Evaluations, Recommendations
Transcripts
Creativity
Some Assembly Required
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Cover Page
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Career Goal Statement
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Resume
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Skills
Career Goal Statement
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Cornerstone of Skills Portfolio
Concise and Specific
Answers:
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Why this career?
What is your career’s purpose?
Avoids:
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“I’ve always wanted to be a…”
Cataloging achievements or lecturing
Resume
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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
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Skill Types
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Technical Skills
Transferable Skills
Skill Sources
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Work experience
Life experience
Transferable Skills
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Example Subheadings
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Communication
Teamwork
Interpersonal Skills
Creativity
Leadership
Flexibility/Adaptability
Analytical Problem Solving
Organization
Technical Skills
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Example Subheadings
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Technology
Laboratory Skills
Patient Care
Animal Care
Agriculture
Skill Example Communication
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A person proficient in
communication:
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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
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Reflection Questions
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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
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Sample Items to Include
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Photos of you presenting
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Evaluations of your presentations
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Thank you letters from groups to which you
have made a presentation
Slides from Powerpoint presentations
The Interview
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Prepare beforehand
STAR Method
Focus on three key skills
Accept rejection gracefully
Professional appearance