Portfolios are not only for published, formal writings.

When I interviewed for my first professional job 3 years ago, it included:
Class assignments
Examples of work products from my paraprofessional positions
Certificates, articles, etc. about me and my successes

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Brian C. Gray
Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian
Kelvin Smith Library
Case Western Reserve University
http://blog.case.edu/bcg8
bcg8@case.edu

I do. I used my portfolio as a supplement to everything in my resume. It included work products, appreciation of "good work" by others, professional certificates, etc.

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Brian C. Gray
Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian
Kelvin Smith Library
Case Western Reserve University
http://blog.case.edu/bcg8
bcg8@case.edu

I need to say something about relying heavily on portfolios when screening job candidates. Several years ago, an employee was foisted on me (I was not involved in the initial interview; she would NOT have been hired if I had been) who had a very impressive resume and portfolio. This was for a non-library related field. The girl was a nightmare. It became obvious, within a week, that the clips she had *must* have been edited -- no, more like rewritten -- by at least one other party because she was incapable of even some of the most rudimentary skills needed for the job.

When you, as a manager, are looking through a resume or portfolio, you have to keep in mind how very, very easy it is to make things look better. That school assignment could have received a "C" grade. But the applicant -- especially in today's world of easy word processing -- could have easily gone back, made corrections, run it by a second or third party, and can make it look like an "A." A written article is even worse. Trust me, any article or letter that runs in a magazine, newspaper or journal has been through at least one -- usually two or more -- set of eyes. A hiring manager has no way of knowing if that article needed only minor edits or a major overhaul.

I might be in the minority on this, but if I were hiring, I would only look at portfolios if I were making a final decision between two very good, very equally matched candidates. I wouldn't bother with them otherwise. It's far too easy to for applicants to "cheat up" a portfolio.

Madeline,

I would also be suspicious of someone that used their portfolio as a way to get a job. I honestly don't think that is what it is for. Honestly, if someone cannot speak intelligently about their experiences, have a solid resume, good references, and demonstrate they are engaged in the profession I wouldn't put any weight in a portfolio. Besides, I don't think that is what a portfolio is for. I think they are for demonstrating professional development and tracking professional progress, not for getting a job.