Whether you’re searching for a new job, making a case for a promotion or raise, showcasing your skills during your annual review, or simply want to be in a position to take advantage of opportunities that may come your way, a professional portfolio is an invaluable tool for any administrative professional.
Your portfolio should include your resume, letters of recommendation, awards and recognitions, past performance reviews, and certifications. However, one of the most crucial parts of your portfolio is your work sample section.
This example will show you how to use procedures writing samples in your professional portfolio.
Procedures are vital to making sure work gets done accurately, no matter who is responsible. Throughout my career, I’ve created a comprehensive administrative procedures manual for every position I’ve held. Here is a sample procedure using a template I developed to keep my procedures manual consistent.
Note: Procedures make awesome work samples because “how-to” instructions for many things we do are not confidential. Just make sure you leave out specific login and password details. Great examples include:
- How to Order Business Cards
- How to Order Office Supplies
- How to Setup a Webex or Zoom Conference Call
- How to Order Catering from a Local Restaurant
On my sample digital portfolio site, I have example procedures on the writing page: https://julieperrine.wordpress.com/professional-portfolio/writing/
You can see an example of creating a procedures manual using OneNote. There are sample procedures in PDF format that can be viewed online. And it links to related articles I’ve written on my blog. This single page spotlights several skills by sharing a few P.A.R. descriptions, a screenshot, photo, and several links to uploaded files or blog articles.
Procedures writing samples are a fantastic way to bulk up your professional portfolio because they’re so easy to create and can be made for virtually anything! They don’t just show that you can do something; they also show that you’re willing to document the process so that others can benefit from your expertise.
Are you ready to create a professional portfolio that will elevate your career and help you proactively prepare for whatever comes next? Check out our portfolio development tools here.
If you prefer a DIY approach, my latest book, Prove Your Skills! With a Powerful Professional Portfolio, is available here. Don’t forget to download the free resources that come along with it!
© 2023 Julie Perrine International, LLC
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Julie Perrine, CAP-OM, is the founder and CEO of All Things Admin, providing training, mentoring and resources for administrative professionals worldwide. Julie applies her administrative expertise and passion for lifelong learning to serving as an enthusiastic mentor, speaker and author who educates admins around the world on how to be more effective every day. Learn more about Julie’s books — The Innovative Admin: Unleash the Power of Innovation in Your Administrative Career and The Organized Admin: Leverage Your Unique Organizing Style to Create Systems, Reduce Overwhelm, and Increase Productivity, and Become a Procedures Pro: The Admin’s Guide to Developing Effective Office Systems and Procedures.
