How to Present a Portfolio at an Interview?

[SillyInScrubs]

I am going to be graduating in a couple of weeks and I heard some rumors that my first choice hospital I applied at is starting to call external candidates this week to schedule interviews. I went out yesterday and bought a nice blazer and put together everything I want to include in my portfolio (CEUs/material from conferences I attended, awards, emails/cards from patients, faculty, and preceptors I've worked with, etc.) and I think I'm on my way to a good professional image. But how do I bring the portfolio into the conversation? It just seems awkward. Do I bring it up at the end of the interview, or try to find a good point to bring it into the conversation? I know it seems silly, but having a plan will bring down my anxiety, I think. I want to be ready to rock it! :rckn:

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would probably do something like this:

When you first meet the interviewer, ask, "Did you get a copy of my resume?" as you reach into your briefcase/bag/etc. Of course give them a copy if they need it. If they already have a copy, say, "And I also brought along a few other things you might like to see ..." and pull out your portfolio. They will probably glance at it quickly or say "later" etc. If they don't mention it again, you can say, "Did you want to take a look at my portfolio?" as the interview winds to a close.

Don't make a big deal of it. Don't try to force it on them. Let them know you have it and give them the choice.