The common practice in the current job market is to submit a resume and cover letter when applying for the opportunity identified. While these two documents are significant, designing and presenting a professional portfolio is equally essential.  A professional portfolio ensures that the applicant provides the potential employer with more information about individual work and achievement (Nkonki, 2016). Therefore, two of the most suitable professional portfolio development strategies include: A professional portfolio is based on individual qualifications and achievements. Therefore, collecting samples of their works to help the potential employer to better understand the applicant as an individual and as a profession. These examples of personal work, may include evaluations, reports, and surveys, specific materials designed in college, or the previous place of work. In most cases, employers look beyond the academic qualification of an individual, which means that the inclusion of these works increases the chances of qualifying for an opportunity (Galán-Mañas, 2018). Besides, a candidate can go a step further and include photos of themselves working to prove that they participated in these activities. In essence, the primary objective of creating a professional portfolio is improving the visibility and credibility of an individual, which can be enhanced by a concise organization of personal documents. Putting the documents in a particular order, such as from the most important to less significant, shows the employers that the candidate is serious about the job.  Therefore, the candidate needs to ensure that all documents are up to date, clean, and organized in such a way that the employers or the audience do not spend more time to locate a particular document (Ahmed & Ward, 2016). For example, an individual might arrange his or her work from recent achievements to past achievements. Such a strategy shows that an individual has higher organizational skills. References Ahmed, E., & Ward, R. (2016). A comparison of competing technology acceptance models to explore personal, academic and professional portfolio acceptance behaviour. , (2), 169-191. Galán-Mañas, A. (2018). Professional portfolio in translator training: Professional competence development and assessment. , (1), 44-63. Nkonki, V. (2016). Lecturers’ perspectives on the effectiveness of portfolio assessment for a professional development course. , (1), 87-94.

The use of a professional portfolio in job applications has become increasingly important in today’s competitive job market. While a resume and cover letter provide a brief overview of an applicant’s qualifications and experience, a professional portfolio allows the applicant to showcase their individual work and achievements in more depth, providing potential employers with a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities (Nkonki, 2016).

One effective strategy for developing a professional portfolio is to gather samples of one’s work that highlight their qualifications and achievements. These samples may include evaluations, reports, surveys, or materials designed during previous academic or work experiences. By including these examples of personal work, applicants can demonstrate their skills and expertise beyond their academic qualifications, increasing their chances of qualifying for a job opportunity (Galán-Mañas, 2018). Additionally, applicants can include photographs of themselves actively engaged in their work to further validate their participation in these activities.

The primary objective of creating a professional portfolio is to enhance an individual’s visibility and credibility, which can be achieved through a well-organized presentation of personal documents. It is crucial for applicants to ensure that all documents are up to date, clean, and organized in a way that allows employers or audiences to easily locate specific documents (Ahmed & Ward, 2016). For example, an applicant may arrange their work from most recent achievements to past achievements, showcasing their ability to prioritize and demonstrate higher organizational skills. By presenting their documents in a particular order, applicants can convey their seriousness and dedication to the job.

In order to effectively develop a professional portfolio, it is important for individuals to consider the specific needs and expectations of the employer or organization they are applying to. Tailoring the portfolio to align with the desired qualifications and skills outlined in the job description can significantly increase an applicant’s chances of success (Nkonki, 2016). This may involve selecting and highlighting specific samples of work that directly relate to the position being applied for, demonstrating a strong alignment between the applicant’s capabilities and the requirements of the job.

Moreover, the presentation and design of the professional portfolio should be carefully considered. It is important to choose a format that is professional, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. A cluttered or disorganized portfolio may hinder the ability of employers or audiences to fully appreciate an applicant’s skills and accomplishments (Galán-Mañas, 2018). Utilizing sections, dividers, or tabs to categorize and separate different types of documents can improve the overall organization and accessibility of the portfolio.

In conclusion, the use of a professional portfolio in job applications is a valuable tool for showcasing an individual’s qualifications and achievements. By collecting and presenting samples of personal work, individuals can provide potential employers with a more comprehensive understanding of their skills and expertise. Proper organization and presentation of the portfolio are essential for conveying professionalism and enhancing visibility. By tailoring the portfolio to align with the specific needs of the employer and presenting it in a visually appealing format, applicants can increase their chances of standing out and securing job opportunities.