Portfolio Guide

2011-2012

INTRODUCTION

At Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, we strive to help all students become highly-skilled, employable, successful, and literate. To become employable and well-educated, students must practice and master the PA Communications standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. All EWCTC students will build a multi-level Career Portfolio, under the direction of their teacher (advisor) with support from the Literacy Committee. Then, each senior will present their Career Portfolio before a panel of evaluators by April 21. Earning a passing score on the Portfolio is a requirement for a Certificate of Completion. Cooperative Education students must have an up-to-date portfolio prior to beginning co-op.

DEFINITION

The Career Portfolio is a compilation of student work requiring teamwork between the student, CTE teacher, academic teacher, and career counselor. It contains documents that support your important qualities, skills, knowledge, and talents. These documents are listed in the ‘Portfolio Components’ page. The student is responsible for the contents. Teachers are responsible for assigning, guiding, encouraging, reviewing and scoring the Portfolio entries.

A Career Portfolio is never finished—it’s a work in progress, always undergoing change, improvements and updates. Throughout your time at EWCTC and beyond, new items are continually added to a meaningful Portfolio. The Portfolio is in a constant state of becoming more perfect—reflecting your current skills, talents, and unique qualities.

PURPOSE

The Career Portfolio can be a great self-marketing tool for five main reasons:

1.  It draws attention to the key information you want to convey about yourself.

2.  It provides personal examples that connect you with an employment opportunity.

3.  It makes the key skills tangible.

4.  It adds to your credibility.

5.  It builds confidence.

Portfolio Components Due Dates

Cover Letter and Thank You Letter Jan 13

Resume Jan 13

Typewritten Job Application (Industry Specific) Jan 13

1-3 Letters of Recommendation/Commendation Mar 30

M.L.A. Career Research Paper Mar 30

Up-to-Date Task List April 20

Senior Interview Day/Portfolio Presentation April 20

Artifacts (see below)

An Artifact is a written reflection about a completed task or project. Academic Artifacts include items from the task list. Practical Artifacts include Cooperative Education, job shadowing, and/or volunteer experiences.

Senior

·  8 Artifacts &/or 2 BW (grandfathered) (Minimum of 10 Writing Assignments)

Junior and Sophomores

·  12 Artifacts Minimum (Total)

Transcripts (optional)

License and Certificates (if available)

Awards, Ribbons, and Recognitions (if available)

Cover Letter Guidelines

1.  Take the time to write a targeted cover letter for each employer. This means customizing each cover letter you write, so it specifically relates your skills to the job for which you are applying.

2.  State why you are writing, indicating your interest in the job.

3.  State where you learned of the position and the title of the position you are applying for. This way the person reading your cover letter will know which job you are interested in.

4.  Explain the reasons for your interest in the organization. Let the cover letter reviewer know why you are interested in the company.

5.  Express your enthusiasm for the job.

6.  Identify your most relevant skills and experiences. Don't just duplicate your resume. Rather, include the skills that most match the job.

7.  Refer to the qualifications for the position and illustrate how your abilities relate.

8.  Communicate your interest, motivation, and strengths.

9.  Emphasize your achievements.

10.  Indicate how you will follow-up, typically with a phone call or an email. Thank the company for their consideration.

Tips:

1.  Avoid clichés and meaningless or wordy expressions.

2.  Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume.

3.  Your cover letter is often the first contact with an employer; be sure it creates a good impression.

4.  Take the time to target your cover letter to the job you are applying for. DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE COMPANY.

5.  List all of your contact information in the heading. Your name, address, phone numbers and pertinent email. (Make it the same heading you use on your resume.)

6.  Write the letter in business format. Your info at the top, their name, business and address on the left, the date, Dear ______:, body, closing.)

Buford B. Smiley

123 Happy Lane

Bucolic, PA 15000

Home: 724-666-0000

Cell: 724-888-1234

Mr. Robert Builder

Bob the Builder Construction

144 Roberts Way

Latrobe, PA 15650

June 1, 2010

Dear Mr. Builder:

I am responding to your advertisement for a carpenter specializing in kitchen/bathroom remodeling. Though you did not list specific skill requirements, I am a recent graduate of Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology’s Building Trades program. As a student, I was exposed to basic cabinetmaking, masonry, and plumbing before focusing on the building trades. I am comfortable with blueprint reading, demolition, wall construction, wiring, laying flooring and setting fixtures.

I have previous work and volunteer experience related to construction, specifically kitchen and bath remodeling. These positions have given me confidence in my skills and have helped me to expand my communication abilities. I am eager to share my skills with a construction team who shares my interest in providing customers with quality work. I look forward to meeting with you to present my portfolio and learn more about your business. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Buford B. Smiley

Resume Guidelines

General Information

  • CAPITALIZE proper nouns – ONLY
  • Check spelling. Do not rely on spell check and verify spellings of all proper nouns.
  • Format should be organized and neat.
  • Always tailor the resume to match the job.
  • Do not put references or “References upon request,” on the resume.
  • Objectives should briefly mention what you can contribute to an employer. Objectives should not focus on what you are looking for in a position.

Headings

  • Headings should include name, address, phone numbers (home and cell). Email should be included only if applicable and you check it often.
  • Your name should stand out on the page.

Parts of a resume

  • Parts of a resume should be organized to show your strengths first. If you don’t have applicable job experience, list skills first.
  • Label each part of the resume.

1.  Skills

  • Use your task lists! Highlights strengths and skills applicable to the job. Big companies scan resumes for key skills.
  • List your communication skills, teamwork, and/ or computer skills to round out your resume.

2.  Employment

  • List work experience in chronological order. (Note the last place first.)
  • List month and year of start date and month and year of end date. If you are currently employed, list month and year of start date to “present.”
  • List a minimum of three duties performed on the job.
  • List the name of the business, city, state, and your position title.

3.  Education

  • List name of school, city, state and graduation year. Add your GPA if it is 3.25 or higher.
  • Be sure to list your home school and EWCTC separately. Note your program with EWCTC’s info.
  • If classes have been taken at a community college, list them, the start date and end date. Also, list the total number of credits taken if you have several.
  • Do not list your middle school unless you went there last year. Never list elementary school.

4.  Volunteer Experiences

  • List volunteer experience in chronological order.
  • List month and year of start date.
  • List a minimum of three duties performed on the job.
  • List the name of the business, city, state, and your position title.

5.  Awards and Certifications

  • Certifications are key! List every relevant certification you have.
  • Awards should be listed only if they are important to the job. If using an award, mention where and when you received it. (Ex. Eastern Westmoreland CTC – Teamwork award – Fall 2010.)

Objective

To perform carpentry skills with precision on construction sites

Qualifications Summary

Educated in the construction trade, reliable, works with accuracy and innovation, follows safety regulations and

custom job specifications

Skills

·  Capable of operating common hand tools and power tools safely

·  Measures with accuracy

·  Completes tasks with minimal scrap

·  Proficient in roofing, framing, and drywall

·  Adept in basic cabinetmaking skills such as building kitchen and bathroom cabinets

·  Competent floor installer, familiar with ceramic tile, hardwood, synthetic hardwood, and vinyl

·  Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

·  Reads blueprints

·  Strives for customer satisfaction

·  OSHA Certified, 2010

Education

Certification of Completion in Building Trades, 2010

Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, Latrobe, PA

High School Diploma, 2010

Derry Area High School, Derry, PA

Work Experience

Laborer Summers 2008-2010

XOX Construction Company, Latrobe, PA

Duties include kitchen/ bath demolition, basic framing, cabinet installation and job site cleanup

Volunteer Experience

Maintenance Volunteer Jan. 2009 - Present

Action for Animals, Latrobe, PA

Duties include building fencing, repairing kennel gates, laying new ceramic floor tiles and participating in

fund-raising activities.

Thank You Letter Guidelines

1.  Thank each interviewer for the interview opportunity. This may mean that you have to write more than one letter.

2.  Be sure that you have spelled each interviewers name correctly. (Get this info before leaving the interview.)

3.  Write a paragraph discussing why you are a good fit for the position. List specific skills that match the job description.

4.  Show enthusiasm, but do not beg for the position.

5.  Remind the interviewer of what you discussed in the meeting. If possible, show that you have done additional research on information learned in your discussion.

6.  List all of your contact information in the heading. Your name, address, phone numbers and pertinent email. (Make it the same heading you use on your resume.)

7.  Write the letter in business format. Your info at the top, their name, business and address on the left, the date, Dear ______:, body, closing.)

Buford B. Smiley

123 Happy Lane

Bucolic, PA 15000

Home: 724-666-0000

Cell: 724-888-1234

Mr. Robert Builder

Bob the Builder Construction

144 Roberts Way

Latrobe, PA 15650

June 10, 2010

Dear Mr. Builder:

Thank you for investing your time in our meeting on June 9, 2010. I enjoyed learning about the types of jobs your company completes. After speaking with you, I drove past some of the buildings you mentioned. The addition on ABCD Building on Hippity Hop Way was especially impressive! Your work is impeccable, and I was really inspired by the quality of construction. I believe I could make some excellent contributions to your company because I bring skills in building construction with an emphasis in cabinetmaking. Scrollwork, similar to what I have seen on the ABCD building, is my specialty. I am also willing to learn new techniques and believe that I would be a good fit for your team. We seem to share many of the same ethics, interests and dedication to work. Again, thank you for meeting with me. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Please feel free to contact me with additional questions.

Sincerely,

Buford B. Smiley

9/6/11

Eastern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center

4904 Route 982 . Latrobe, PA 15650
Phone: 724-539-9788 . Fax: 724-539-1907
www.ewctc.net

Mrs. Marie Bowers, Administrative Director

ACADEMIC ARTIFACT

Student name: / Student Name / Program area: / Building Trades
Date Completed: / 5/6/2010 / Task / Competency: / Task Name / Number
Reflection:
Students will write about their project, addressing the following:
1.  Product
a.  Description/Definition
b.  Rationale
i.  Why did you choose this project?
2.  Process
a.  How does this project demonstrate what you know and what you can do?
b.  Self Evaluation
i.  What challenges did you face and how can you improve upon them?
3.  Purpose
a.  How can you use this skill in the future?
b.  How does this apply to your career/vocation? /
Instructor’s Signature

9/6/11

Artifact Scoring Guide

PRODUCT / PROCESS / PURPOSE / CONVENTIONS / IMAGE
The product or project is described and defined using logical rationale. / The process demonstrates knowledge, skills gained, and a self-evaluation. / The purpose of the artifact in future use and career application. / The use of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation. / Image of explained artifact
7/8 / Substantial, specific, and/or illustrative content demonstrating strong development and sophisticated ideas / Substantial, specific, and/or illustrative content demonstrating strong development and sophisticated ideas / Substantial, specific, and/or illustrative content demonstrating strong development and sophisticated ideas / Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation / Image/images are relevant, focused, and clearly depict the subject of the artifact. Color and significant enhancements are present
5/6 / Sufficiently developed content with adequate elaboration or explanation / Sufficiently developed content with adequate elaboration or explanation / Sufficiently developed content with adequate elaboration or explanation / Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation / Image/images are relevant, focused, and clearly depicts the subject of the artifact
3/4 / Limited content with inadequate elaboration or explanation / Limited content with inadequate elaboration or explanation / Limited content with inadequate elaboration or explanation / Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation / Image is not relevant, focused or inaccurately portrays the subject of the artifact
1/2 / Superficial and/or minimal content / Superficial and/or minimal content / Superficial and/or minimal content / Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation / No image


NAME: ______ASSESSMENT: _____ / 40 _____%

COMMENTS:

DATE: ______

TASK/COMPETENCY:______

9/6/11