Putting together a portfolio is a great way to show prospective employers your accomplishments. When going to a job interview, it's helpful to be able to show people what you've done.

One thing to keep in mind when creating a portfolio is to collect material from each job. Student's work, lesson plans, reference letters, and observations all help show what you have done. As for reference letters, it's best to get a general reference letter right before you leave your job. This helps you in a couple of ways. First, you have something to show prospective employers. And second, it shows proof of employment. In addition, you have a copy of it, rather than simply having an employer email your former boss.

While many people have different ideas about what should be included in portfolios, it's better to have more items that allow you to pick and choose when going to a job interview, than have too little to show. Here's some things that you might want to include.

Academic papers and projects (for those who just finished university or a TEFL course)

Lesson plans and materials

CV

Cover letters

Certificates from conferences or short courses

Letters of recommendation

Teaching philosophy (discuss language learning and teaching)

Transcripts

Photos of you teaching

Student's work

Observations done by your supervisor

Photocopies of your degree and TEFL certificate

Photocopy of your passport

Police background check (Often required if working with children. Usually valid for six months.)

Once you've decided what to include, it's time to put your portfolio together. Look for a professional binder that allows you to add or take out pages as needed. Rather than punch holes directly into papers, it's better to buy plastic sheet protectors to put your papers inside. And there you have it, a professional way to present yourself to prospective employers.

Sharon de Hinojosa (naturegirl321) has lived and worked (mainly teaching English) in the US, Scotland, Spain, the Czech Republic, China, Korea, and Peru. As well as teaching short-term in Venezuela and Taiwan.

She has created The LA Job List http://www.thelajoblist.blogspot.com which lists schools, institutes and universities in 19 Latin American countries which offer English teaching positions.

Since living in Peru since August 2006, she wrote The Ultimate Peru List http://www.theultimateperulist.blogspot.com With 60 pages it's a comprehensive guide for those living in or moving to Peru.