Developing Your Skills Portfolio What is a Skills

Developing Your Skills Portfolio

What is a Skills Portfolio? n A Skills Portfolio is a collection of materials presented to demonstrate a person’s skills, accomplishments, experience and attributes. n A skills portfolio is NOT a resume substitute.

Why create a Skills Portfolio? n Skill awareness n Relevance and adaptability n Record of acquisition n Interview boost

Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek n n n n n 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? n Does a resume fully express these skills and qualities to an employer? n Does a Skills Portfolio? n Employers want EVIDENCE.

Some Assembly Required n You will need: ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ A three ring binder Awards Certificates Photos Writing Samples Evaluations, Recommendations Transcripts Creativity

Some Assembly Required n Cover Page n Career Goal Statement n Resume n Skills

Career Goal Statement n n n Cornerstone of Skills Portfolio Concise and Specific Answers: ¡ ¡ n Why this career? What is your career’s purpose? Avoids: ¡ ¡ “I’ve always wanted to be a…” Cataloging achievements or lecturing

Resume n Attend Kick Start workshop series! n Call or stop by Patterson 111 to schedule an appointment with a career advisor or peer counselor for a resume critique!

Skills n Skill Types ¡ ¡ n Technical Skills Transferable Skills Skill Sources ¡ ¡ Work experience Life experience

Transferable Skills n Example Subheadings ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Communication Teamwork Interpersonal Skills Creativity Leadership Flexibility/Adaptability Analytical Problem Solving Organization

Technical Skills n Example Subheadings ¡ ¡ ¡ Technology Laboratory Skills Patient Care Animal Care Agriculture

Skill Example Communication n 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 n 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 n 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 n n n Prepare beforehand STAR Method Focus on three key skills Accept rejection gracefully Professional appearance