portfolio basics
What is a portfolio?
A collection of your work, achievements, skills, and experiences that demonstrates your abilities
What is a cover letter?
A formal letter sent with a CV/resume to introduce yourself and explain why you are suitable for a position.
Which document normally contains your education, experience, and skills in a structured format?
A CV/resume.
What does achievement mean?
Something successful that you accomplished.
“Dear Sir/Madam, I want job in your company.” What is wrong with this sentence?
It is too informal and unnatural. A better version is: “I am writing to apply for the position of…”
What is the main purpose of a professional portfolio?
To show evidence of your skills, experience, and achievements to employers or universities.
What should you mention in the first paragraph of a cover letter?
The position you are applying for and why you are interested in it.
Which document explains why you want a specific job?
A cover letter.
What does qualification mean?
A skill, certificate, degree, or other requirement that makes someone suitable for a position.
“I am the best candidate for this job.” Why can this be weak?
It makes a strong claim without providing evidence.
Name two things that can be included in a portfolio.
Projects, certificates, awards, CV/resume, writing samples, presentations, or achievements.
What is the purpose of the body paragraphs?
To explain your relevant skills, experience, achievements, and why you are a good fit.
Give one example of evidence you could put in a student portfolio.
A project, certificate, competition result, research paper, presentation, or internship work.
What does relevant experience mean?
Experience that is directly connected to the job or position.
“I have good communication skills.” How could you improve it?
Give evidence: “I developed my communication skills by delivering presentations and participating in team projects.”
Why should a portfolio be organized clearly?
So the reader can quickly find important information and understand your strengths.
Should you send exactly the same cover letter to every company?
No. It should be customized for each position and company.
Which is stronger: “I am a hardworking student” or “I completed a research project while studying full-time”?
“I completed a research project while studying full-time,” because it provides evidence.
What does tailor mean in “tailor your cover letter”?
To change or adapt something specifically for a particular person, job, or situation.
Why is copying a cover letter from the internet a bad idea?
It may not match your experience or the specific job and can sound generic or dishonest.
What is better in a portfolio: simply saying “I am good at teamwork” or showing evidence of teamwork?
Showing evidence, such as a group project or team achievement.
What should the final paragraph of a cover letter usually include?
A polite closing, appreciation for the employer's time, and interest in an interview or further discussion.
If a company is looking for someone with communication skills, what could you include in your portfolio to demonstrate this?
If a company is looking for someone with communication skills, what could you include in your portfolio to demonstrate this?
What does demonstrate mean?
To show something clearly, often by providing evidence.
Which is better?
A) “I need this job because I need money.”
B) “I am interested in this position because it would allow me to apply my analytical and communication skills.”
B, because it focuses on your skills and motivation for the position.