Portfolio or not?

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 12, 2012

It's a little much. I suggest carrying a briefcase or some sort of portfolio file to contain it discretely. Have the materials available to pull out one by one. Then during the interview, you could ask if the interviewer would like to see any of it. The interviewer might not want to see the whole big thing, but might be interested in a portion of it. For example, if transcripts are not required for your current application... they might like to see yours if you offered it. Or letters of reference from your faculty members, etc. ... things that aren't part of your current application, but might be of interest.

For example:

"Last year, as a new graduate, I was required to have a complete portfolio. I have those materials with me today, just in case you might like to see any of them. Is there anything in there that you would like to see?"

Lisap91010 · Apr 12, 2012

I too was required to make a portfolio when graduating, and I have found it to be helpful along the way. I have kept mine up to date and bring it with me to all new interviews and use it to store licenses, certifications, recognitions, ongoing education, volunteer work, etc... I have found it to be especially helpful for me to keep this information in one spot for a multitude of reasons.

1. I always have a copy of my previous resume (and multiple copies in the plastic sleeves when at interviews) just in case I lose the electronic copy and have to start over. I hating writing that thing the first time and it is much easier to tweak as the years go on. This also helps me fill out those in depth online applications.

2. It gives me one spot to store all those important documents

3. Doesn't hurt that when I interview with management I pull out my professional looking 3 ring portfolio with all my credentials, education, accolades.... and say I have my portfolio available for you with all of my information for you to review if you would like. Most have actually asked if they could just make copies of my licences and certifications located in the portfolio while in the interview.

For me my portfolio has been indispensable. I however have spent a few years as a travel nurse then decided to marry a military man, so keeping my professional documents organized is essential for me since I am looking for new employment every 3ish years. However I think its a good practice for everyone.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 12, 2012

I'm not a new grad anymore, and I keep a portfolio. I don't hand over the entire thing to the interviewer, but I do as llg suggested, and remove whatever materials are applicable to my interview. As far as it being a bit much...I think it's better to have the portfolio and anything you may possibly need, then to have to tell the interviewer, "uh...can I get back to you with that?" Also, no interviewer has yet to criticize me for having one...if anything, their reaction has been favorable.

My portfolio is in a plain little binder, nothing flashy. It has the resume, copies of all licenses and certifications, recommendation letters (I make it a point to try to get one from someone at every job I work at), references, transcripts (hey,you never know!) and other materials. I also keep a typed list of information for my own use when filling out applications or paperwork: things like my last several addresses of residence, addresses and contact info for my schools and former employers, license/certification numbers, reference names and numbers, etc.

I update the portfolio monthly, even when not searching for a job...because if something does catch my eye and I want to apply for it, I'll be ready.

witty_online_moniker · Apr 13, 2012

Is there a "standard" list of what types of things should be included in a nursing portfolio? I'm a student and our instructors want us to have all of our peer skill check-offs included in our portfolios, along with a summary of the skills we have performed and patients we have cared for during our clinical rotations. What level of detail is generally required as far as skills? My current portfolio seems a bit excessive with printouts of every single lab skill included. I have it in in 2-inch binder and it is bursting at the seams.

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 13, 2012

witty_online_moniker: Yours is the type of portfolio that I think is "a bit too much" for a job interview. For an employer, you need to summarize and condense. For example ... for all those skills check offs, just make a single list of the skills that you have been able to master during your schooling: it should not take more than 1 sheet of paper for the entire list. For the descriptions of patients you cared for, summarize the types of care you performed for each class or clinical site.

A potential employer is interested in seeing the "big picture" and does not want to get mired down in all the little details. If they want more details, then that gives them something to talk about during the interview. Be prepared to discuss the details, give examples, etc. during the interview. That is partly what interviews are for. But don't overwhelm them with a lot of written details that will make it harder for them to see YOU and the big picture of who YOU are.

stephanie2012 · Apr 14, 2012

Hello, maybe there is different regulation, you may come to ask your supervisor for suggestions .I guess it would be good.