If it’s true that a picture is worth 1,000 words, why don’t jobseekers come to job interviews prepared to show and tell? One of the best ways to do this is with a “brag book,” otherwise known as a portfolio, leave-behind, or interview presentation binder.
While portfolios are expected in certain “creative” professions, jobseekers in many more “traditional” fields could benefit from preparing a brag book to use in an interview. A brag book is also an excellent confidence booster. There’s just something about seeing all of your accomplishments in print that boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
Here are some of the kinds of things you can put in your brag book:
Education/Training
___Copies of the certificates or diplomas for trainings/workshops/degrees listed on your résumé
___Documentation of knowledge of a foreign language (certificate, grade, or test result)
___Licenses
Work-Related Documentation
___Performance evaluations (or excerpts of evaluations) from supervisors or managers
___Work samples (projects, newsletters, photographs, case studies, proposals, surveys)
___30-60-90 Day Plan — what you plan to do in the first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job in your new position
Awards and Honors
___If you mentioned an award on the résumé, include a copy of the certificate or photo of the trophy
Feedback/Testimonials/Endorsements
___Include copies of any thank you letters you’ve received, including letters and emails from customers and/or co-workers
___Letters of recommendation from previous supervisors and managers
___List of references
___LinkedIn Recommendations — you can either select a few and put one on each page, or put together a page of Recommendation excerpts
Community or Organizational Involvement
___List of professional affiliations, including leadership roles
___Photos of events you helped organize
___Newspaper clippings featuring you at work or your involvement in charity work or with a nonprofit organization
Other Documentation to Include
___Full résumé
___LinkedIn summary
___Career overview (bio or list of positions/dates)
___Photographs of you in action (on the job, or involved in volunteer activities)
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