Start Your Interview Portfolio

To help you start your interview portfolio, we have developed a document for each ASTP track that gives a brief overview and describes the core courses that you were required to complete. Please feel free to print the document for the program you participated in by clicking on the appropriate link:

• ASTP Program Requirements for All Trades
• Carpenter Program Requirements
• Electrician Program Requirements
• Mason and Plasterer Program Requirements
• Plumbing and Steamfitter Program Requirements
• Refrigeration Mechanic Program Requirements

How to Use a Portfolio to Market Your Skills

An interview portfolio is another tool to use in your job search. It is a collection of documents showing your experiences, activities, training, skills, and accomplishments. A portfolio is used during a job interview to provide evidence of your skills and abilities. It demonstrates that you have taken the time to get organized and prepare for interviews.

Gather together examples and documentation of trainings you have completed. Collect and file evidence of your accomplishments and skills, assignments, internships, special training, workshops, and other activities in your life.

While a resume is a document that says what you can do, a portfolio enables you to demonstrate examples of your qualifications.

An effective portfolio is well organized and thought out. It can contain the following:

• Resume
• Evidence of professional affiliations (for example: NYS Nurses Association)
• Licenses or certificates
• Letters of reference
• Documentation of training

These documents are usually stored in a 3-ring binder using plastic sheet protectors to cover them. Never give out your original documents, you may need them in the future. A photocopy is fine.

Developing a portfolio also helps you prepare for interviews by allowing you to think critically about your life experiences and accomplishments. When preparing for an interview, this process will enable you to highlight specific experiences or trainings that led to the development of valuable workplace skills. In addition, preparing a portfolio allows you to see how well your qualifications match those of the position for which you are applying. It can also be used during the interview if you get nervous because you have something in writing that you can refer to and refresh your memory. By using a portfolio you are not just telling the employer you are the perfect person for the job you are showing proof!

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