If you have ever had the chance to look at an online
portfolio for a graphic designer you probably would have been amazed at what
you saw. Seeing what someone can do is tangible and often excites us more than
hearing about what someone can do. Online portfolios (e-folios) can help you
showcase sample of your work in the form of pictures, blogs you have written,
links to websites and social media. Essentially an online portfolio is your own
personalized website, and a way to market yourself competitively in the
employment market. A local employer Brenda Manion from Community Care City of
Kawartha Lakes stated “we enjoy having a competency based portfolio because it
can provide the information that an interview not always can.”
When you have an online portfolio and you apply for a job
you can easily copy the link to that online portfolio directly on your cover
letter. This allows the recruiter for the position the availability to review
your online portfolio if they wish to see samples of your work. In the
interview stage you could also refer to your online portfolio outlining that
samples of work completed can be seen online. Not only does the recruiter get
to see what you can do but it also showcases your ability to create an online
portfolio, determination in the employment market and your marketing savvy
approach to job search.
The online portfolio website many job seekers have used in
the past is www.weebly.com which is a free
source. There is a pay for service option on Weebly however; payment is not
required to create a basic e-folio.
For guidance on creating an e-folio please contact Amanda
Middleton at VCCS Employment Services 705-328-0180 ext. 253 amiddleton@careerservices.org