How can you use interview evidence to strengthen your career portfolio?

Interviews are not only opportunities to showcase your skills and fit for a potential employer, but also sources of valuable evidence that can enhance your career portfolio. A career portfolio is a collection of documents, samples, and testimonials that demonstrate your achievements, competencies, and values across your professional journey. By using interview evidence, you can strengthen your career portfolio in several ways. Here are some tips on how to do that.

1 Identify your strengths and gaps

Interviews can help you assess your strengths and gaps in relation to the job market and your career goals. By reflecting on the questions you were asked, the feedback you received, and the areas you excelled or struggled in, you can identify what skills, knowledge, and attributes you need to develop or highlight in your career portfolio. For example, if you were asked about your leadership style, you can include a testimonial from a previous supervisor or a colleague that validates your approach. Or, if you were challenged on a technical skill, you can include a certificate or a project that demonstrates your proficiency.

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Anannd K Thoratt

South Sales ESPNcricinfo
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Use interviews as a valuable tool to evaluate strengths and areas for improvement. A reflection on interview questions and feedback to be used as a guide in developing skills, knowledge, and attributes.

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2 Showcase your achievements and impact

Interviews can also help you showcase your achievements and impact in a compelling and relevant way. By using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions, you can provide specific examples of how you solved problems, delivered results, and added value in different contexts. You can then use these examples to create or update your resume, cover letter, and portfolio samples that highlight your accomplishments and outcomes. For example, if you described how you improved customer satisfaction by implementing a new process, you can include a chart or a report that shows the before and after metrics.

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3 Align your values and goals

Interviews can also help you align your values and goals with those of your potential employer and industry. By researching the company culture, mission, and vision, and asking insightful questions, you can demonstrate your interest, fit, and curiosity for the role and the organization. You can then use this information to tailor your career portfolio to reflect your alignment and suitability. For example, if you learned that the company values innovation and collaboration, you can include a sample of a creative project that you worked on with a team or a testimonial from a client that praises your innovative solutions.

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4 Build your network and reputation

Interviews can also help you build your network and reputation as a professional in your field. By following up with the interviewer, sending a thank you note, and asking for feedback, you can establish a positive and lasting impression and relationship. You can then use this connection to expand your network, seek referrals, or request endorsements for your career portfolio. For example, if you received a compliment on your presentation skills, you can ask the interviewer to write a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile or to introduce you to someone who might benefit from your expertise.

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Anannd K Thoratt

South Sales ESPNcricinfo
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After interviews, leverage the opportunity to enhance your professional network and reputation. Strengthen connections by expressing gratitude, seeking feedback, and maintaining ongoing communication with interviewers. Utilize positive impressions to expand your network, secure referrals, and obtain endorsements, such as LinkedIn recommendations, to bolster your career portfolio.

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5 Update and improve your portfolio

Finally, interviews can help you update and improve your portfolio as a living document that reflects your current and future career aspirations. By reviewing your interview evidence regularly, you can identify what works and what doesn't, what needs to be added or removed, and what needs to be refined or revised. You can then use this feedback to enhance your portfolio with new or improved samples, documents, and testimonials that showcase your best and most relevant work. For example, if you noticed that your portfolio lacks diversity or depth, you can include samples from different projects, roles, or industries that demonstrate your versatility and adaptability.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Debra Boggs

CEO of D&S Executive Career Management | Executive Job Search & Board Candidate Expert | Corporate Outplacement Leader | Forbes NEXT 1000 Entrepreneur | Enthusiastic People Connector
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Your career portfolio should tell your authentic story, including both successes and setbacks. This honesty connects with others on a personal level, making your journey relatable and inspiring.

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Anannd K Thoratt

South Sales ESPNcricinfo
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Leverage A) LinkedIn, B) your professional network, and C) engage with a mentor to gain deeper insights into the job, helping you determine if it aligns with your career goals – acting as a guiding compass for your professional journey.

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How can you use interview evidence to strengthen your career portfolio?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Identify your strengths and gaps

2 Showcase your achievements and impact

3 Align your values and goals

4 Build your network and reputation

5 Update and improve your portfolio

6 Here’s what else to consider

Career Management

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How can you use interview evidence to strengthen your career portfolio?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your strengths and gaps

2 Showcase your achievements and impact

3 Align your values and goals

4 Build your network and reputation

5 Update and improve your portfolio

6 Here’s what else to consider

Career Management

Rate this article

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