The presentation of a professional portfolio can position you as a candidate who is a step above the rest by visually demonstrating your credentials to a prospective employer.

Although most hiring managers do not require their candidates to bring a portfolio to the interview, a top-notch candidate will do so voluntarily, and this sets them apart and most likely ahead of the other candidates for a position. Once a portfolio is left in the hands of the hiring authority, it remains on that individual's desk long after the candidate has left. It then serves as an on-going reminder of the job applicant. It also allows a candidate to share key information that he/she may not have had the chance to share in a time-limited interview session. All managerial, professional and technical job applicants should consider the benefits offered by the creation of a professional portfolio.

Start off by purchasing some inexpensive binders or folders with tabs so that you can label and separate the different sections of the portfolio. Label your portfolio sections based on relevancy to your specialty and then provide the relevant materials that demonstrate your experience or achievements under each section.

Listed below are some examples or ideas for the tabbed sections you may wish to include in your portfolio: