PRESENTING YOUR PORTFOLIO Is it important that your portfolio is put together in an auditable, logical manner. Over the years I have seen some terrible examples of portfolios, the worst type consists of a bundle of papers, which lack any structure or format. The best examples are indexed, easy to read and follow a structure. This is definitely the type of

portfolio that the potential employer or training provider would want to read. It is worth spending some time and putting thought into the order and presentation of your portfolio. If a potential employer is presented with a twelve portfolios, each six inches thick, what is going to make your portfolio stand out?

TOP TIPS FOR PORTFOLIO BUILDING n A well-presented CV. Think again about what will make your CV stand out. CVs that are written more like a personal statement are probably the best. Personal statement style would be relevant, to the point and concise. Employers and assessors are busy people and may not be interested in reading about your entire life, but however you present it, make yourself stand out. n Include a comprehensive index system including page numbers n Split your portfolio into sections, for example event work, injury, soft tissue skills, whatever is relevant n Ensure that you include multiple forms of evidence that are current, authentic, valid and sufficient n Include easy cross-referencing to show where specific types of evidence can be found n The portfolio should not contain more than is necessary. An assessor or employer will just switch off if reading reams of irrelevant information n Update it regularly – little and often is a good approach, make it a working, ongoing document n Edit it for its audience. If you are using your portfolio to prove job competency as part of a staff

VALID, AUTHENTIC, CURRENT AND SUFFICIENT

EVIDENCE NEEDS TO BE

appraisal check the competency list against what you have. If it’s for a job interview, check the job description and requirements. If it’s for a professional body CPD review, check their documentation (which can usually be found on their web sites these days). n If you are not currently practicing but retain an interest in reading about your industry, keep a record of what you have done just in case you decide to return.

CONCLUSION

Just doing CPD is not enough to satisfy professional standards. You have to prove that you have done it and that you have put your learning into practice. Proving it can be simple, as we can see a portfolio of evidence does the job. It also serves as an aide memoir to help you reflect on what you have learnt as well as a record of your progress and as a shop window for your achievements. One last tip: It’s easy to love your

own work and not see its faults, so before you submit your portfolio get a colleague to look at it from the point of view of an assessor, boss or interviewer. Remember that you never get a second chance to make a first impression so be sure that the feedback is honest even if it means you have to put in more work. Time spent on planning and presentation will be time well spent. It might be the passport to your dream job, a pay rise or a distinction.

Bibliography: 1. ENTO (2004) Excellence in assessment and verification. Putting into practice. Leicester. Read on Publications Ltd. 2. Health Professional Council. www.hpc-uk.org/registrants/cpd 3. National Occupational Standards (2009), http://bit.ly/cTalXC

THE AUTHOR

THE PORTFOLIO IS ABOUT ‘SELLING’ WHAT YOU DO

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Eileen Baron has a 1st class honours degree in education. She has worked in education for 12 years teaching health, fitness, sports science, anatomy and physiology and sports massage. In her spare time (ha ha) she runs a private clinic. She is also a board member of the Sports Massage Association.

sportEX dynamics 2010;24(Apr):24-26