As you plan your job search and your career path, you also need a means of analysing and planning the best way forward and identifying your own personal career development requirements.

Well, the best way to keep track of all these things is by using a career portfolio.

When you create, keep and maintain this document, you will be able to reflect on your past achievements, offer proof of what you say you have done to a potential employer and at the same time plan, appraise and track learning experiences.

Let your portfolio talk

When invited to an interview, the great portfolio which you have created will help you to tell the story of your work experiences, the areas in which you have excelled and been recognised for outstanding work and achievements.

You can let your career portfolio do some of the talking (and some of the impressing also). You only have to choose the right moment to open it and take out relevant information or passing it over to the interviewer or panel for them to browse through.

Now that you know just how important such a tool is, here's a heads up on what it's all about.

How it works

How will the portfolio help, you may ask? Having these things together in one place will help you to make good job-hunting decisions. Your portfolio can be a folder (not a brown envelope, please!) maybe with inside pockets and tabs for labelling different sections - job, education, life goals etc - or it may have transparent pockets in which to place items.

A 'career portfolio' is now seen and recognised as an essential tool for any job seeker. Make it your very own portable arsenal of information to help in your job search and progress.

Your portfolio should include:

Results of assessment tests you have done.

A copy of your resumé. This should be kept up-to-date at all times by adding all new work experience, training programmes attended and qualifications as they are achieved.

A basic cover letter which you MUST update and modify to suit each job application.

A brief statement written by you outlining your career plans and goals, and steps you will take towards achieving those goals.

Copies of your external exam certificates. You will need these at job interviews as proof of your qualifications.

Certificates of achievement from school and extra-curricular activities and previous jobs. Photographs can be included also.

Records of things you have done and feel good about. These will be a good reminder and may be included in your resumé or when answering interview questions.

Letter of appreciation, commendation or any recommendation received at previous jobs or for community service.

Newspaper, magazine or newsletter clippings featuring you.