Hot Tip -- by Christina Marriott

For those looking for an exciting Web career, a portfolio is a powerful self-marketing tool. Highlighting your skills and experience, a portfolio can tell the story of your life ­ past, present and future. Through pages of your work and life accomplishments, a portfolio can speak volumes to an employer.

It is rare that people looking for work in the Web field do not have some type of portfolio to take into an interview, whether a binder, CD Rom, or a Web site the employer can explore. This tool can help set the path for your career, so make it what you want it to be.

The following are tips for making certain your portfolio puts your best foot forward:

1. Quality counts

The portfolio itself should be of good quality and the pages should be easy to turn. Your documents should be protected using clear pages. If possible, include colour copies of your work.

2. Include your best work

Don't show everything you have ever done. Be selective and include pieces most powerful and relevant to the job. In this case, more is not better. Never put in any work you are not happy with.

3. Start and end with a bang

You should put your best work in the beginning and at the end. That's what people will remember.

4. Be honest

Your portfolio is a reflection of you. Do not include work not completely yours. If showing something from a group project, outline your contribution in a short paragraph beside the work. Be honest with the employer and do not take credit for work you didn't do.

5. Good presentation

No matter how great your portfolio is, you need to be prepared to show it off. Practice going through your pieces and describing your work as you would if you were talking with an employer. Be comfortable with the contents of your portfolio and have something interesting to say about each piece.

6. Avoid leaving your portfolio behind

If the employer asks you to leave your portfolio, do so for no more than a few days. Make sure there is enough identification on the portfolio and contact information. Instead of leaving your portfolio, try directing the employer to a Web site where your work can be reviewed. Developing your own Web site is the best way to let everyone see your creativity and previous work. Another option is to leave behind a personal business card with contact information and a Web site address.

7. Stay on top of things

Your portfolio is a dynamic piece. Constantly update and change the contents. Keep the information up to date.

(Christina Marriott is a career counsellor at the Calgary Youth Employment Centre.)