Work Samples
Work samples are a valuable way to sell your skills.
Take work samples with you to a job interview. Use them to:
- Provide evidence of work that you've done.
- Illustrate your skills and abilities.
- Show the quality of your work.
Examples of work samples
The type of work samples that you show in a job interview will depend on your occupation. Here are some ideas of what to include in your portfolio:
| If you are: | You could include: |
|---|---|
| An artist | Photographs of your paintings, illustrations, sculptures, etc. |
| A photographer | Prints of your photographs |
| A dancer, actor, musician | Video and audio recordings of your work |
| A journalist, reporter, copywriter, technical writer, or other writer | Copies of your published works |
| A chef or baker | Photographs of your culinary creations |
| A tailor or seamstress | Pictures of the clothing that you have produced (and wear your own creations on the job interview) |
| Office support staff | Brochures, reports, newsletters, spreadsheets, and other examples of work that you have completed |
| Facilitator or trainer | Copies of presentation or training materials, participant evaluations, and video recordings of your presentations |
| Multimedia specialist | Copies of multimedia programs that you have created |
Consider creating an online portfolio of your work as well. If you do, potential employers and others can easily get to know your work. If you use eFolio Minnesota or another online portfolio, make sure to mention it in your cover letter and include the link on your resume.
Source: Creative Job Search, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
