The portfolio is a binder (notebook) that displays professional documents that you want to share with a prospective employer or interviewing team.
I would suggest a "view" binder (one that has a clear plastic insert) that allows you to personalize your cover. You will also need to purchase index tabs to divide the sections and a package of clear plastic sheet protectors to hold your individual pages. The size of the binder (1/2" to 2") depends on the number of professional documents that you want to exhibit. Choose a color that whispers "professionalism", not one that screams "tacky". I would suggest black, white, or blue.
You can determine the design and text for the portfolio cover. Although you may want to be creative, this is one place where "less is more." The words, "Professional Portfolio" or "Personal Portfolio" or some other similar text should describe the contents. The design is more flexible and allows you to express your individuality. Usually a similar page is placed before each section of the portfolio. The cover and each of the section dividers do not have to be the same color, but consistency is key.
Do you need a little help getting started? Click on Portfolio Cover and Dividers to download a Word 2010 document that provides detailed instructions on designing your cover and section dividers. A note of caution--the use of color can make or break the professional image that you are trying to convey. With 16.7 million colors available in Word's color palette, you should have be careful to select a color that is both pleasing and professional.
You should introduce each individual section in your portfolio with a Section Divider. You can use the same instructions that you used for your Portfolio Cover and simply modify the content for each individual section.
Once the cover and the individual section dividers have been completed, it is time to print the cover and section dividers. All paper stock is created equal. Right? Wrong! You would be amazed at the quality difference between a 24 lb. photocopy paper and a 28 lb. inkjet paper with a 100+ brightness level. You're probably thinking--"Does she get out much?" Consider purchasing a package of HP Premium 28 lb. paper with a brightness level of at least 100. Your cover will transform from dull to dazzling.
Color is essential if you want your portfolio to get noticed (and isn't that the objective of building the portfolio?) Most of the University campuses and labs have a color laser printer that you can access with your printer card.
Place the printed cover inside the plastic insert on the portfolio cover and the section dividers in the plastic divider sheets before each portfolio section.
A white portfolio is great--but how do you keep it clean? Another little tip from "Susie Homemaker". Lemon juice will take smudges off the white portfolio and the clear plastic cover.