1. Begin by brainstorming a list of items (e.g., resume, awards, letters of recommendation, license, publications, continuing education credits, special work projects such as creating patient teaching handouts) and then collect the original documents. List everything you can think of even if you have to hunt through your files or send away for information.
2. Make copies of original documents to save on wear and tear.
3. Store important originals in a safe place: items such as licenses, certificates, and board results, should be kept in a safe-deposit or fireproof box.
4. Gather supplies such as a 3-ring loose-leaf notebook or binder, dividers with tabs, plastic page protectors, highlighters, and stick-on notes. Choose a notebook 1-inch thick or larger, depending on how much you plan to include. One set of dividers is usually enough. Page protectors may add some thickness and weight to your portfolio but they will protect your documents. Use highlighter and stick-on notes to flag and label key phrases or focal points.
5. Organize the information under subheadings so you can find it easily. Choose a format: sequential (by job title or employer), chronological (by years or time periods), or functional (by identifying a central theme based on your expertise and capabilities). For example, if you are looking for a promotion to patient educator, emphasize items related to your teaching and learning experience.
6. Show your portfolio to a few colleagues to get their feedback and suggestions for improvement. Practice succinctly presenting the highlights of the information in your portfolio. Point out the items that are relvant to the job you want. And don’t forget to keep your portfolio up-to-date!

Valerie Restifo, RN, MA, MS, is a career consultant and educator in private practice in Annapolis, MD, and a frequent contributor to Nursing Spectrum.