Step One: Determine your purpose. You may want to keep a portfolio as a general documented system of achievements and professional growth, or you may have a specific reason, such as attempting to receive credit for prior learning experiences.

Step Two: Determine criteria. The U.S. Department of Labor's Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) identified skills and competencies needed for success in the workplace. They apply to all kinds of jobs in every occupational area. You may add specific criteria to this list as they apply to your situation. Like many things in life, you will want to think about what is most important to include in your portfolio. Personal qualities are highlighted in the portfolio as being essential for school and job success. Think through what you consider essential skills, competencies, and information that you want to present to others that highlight your strengths.

Step Three: Assemble your portfolio. The following list is a general guideline for the contents of your portfolio.

• COVER
• COVER LETTER
• COVER PAGE
• TITLE PAGE
• CONTENTS PAGE(S)
• INTRODUCTION
• LIST OF SIGNIFICANT LIFE EXPERIENCES
• ANALYSIS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• INVENTORY OF INTERESTS, APTITUDES, VALUES
• INVENTORY OF SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
• INVENTORY OF PERSONAL QUALITIES
• DOCUMENTATION
• WORK PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS
• RESUME
• INTERVIEW PLANNING
• SAMPLES OF WORK
• SUMMARY OF TRANSCRIPTS
• CREDENTIALS, CERTIFICATES, WORKSHOPS
• BIBLIOGRAPHY
• APPENDIX