The introduction to the portfolio serves to provide information to the reader about the author's background and briefly explain the things presented in the portfolio. If you're writing a portfolio for a job application, list any professional accomplishments you've had and some personal information to make your portfolio more quality. If you're writing a portfolio for schoolwork or continuing your education, briefly convey important information and learning achievements that make you stand out from the crowd. Before submitting, take the time to check and edit the foreword to give your portfolio a professional look!
Step
Method 1 of 2: For Schoolwork or Continuing Education
Step 1. Begin writing the introduction by conveying some information about yourself
Include your full name, purpose for writing the portfolio, and any other required information. The information that needs to be conveyed depends on the purpose of writing the portfolio, but usually, the introduction begins by writing your full name and educational background.
- For example: "My name is Steve Johnson. This portfolio describes the knowledge I have learned and my achievements while studying as a civil engineering student."
- The first part of the introduction contains a maximum of 3 sentences. Use the first person pronoun as the subject of the sentence so that it grabs the reader's attention more.
Step 2. Deliver portfolio content
Briefly state the main purpose of writing a portfolio in a few sentences. This section is almost the same as a book summary that is usually read before buying a book. In addition to providing important information, convey portfolio content concisely and clearly.
- Don't write down everything described in the portfolio. You may use the table of contents to present portfolio content.
- Include the main ideas you want to discuss or important information you want to convey through your portfolio.
Step 3. Explain why your portfolio is unique and special
Tell the reader why your thoughts or experiences are better than others. Thus, a portfolio can be a means of self-expression that makes you feel special to readers.
- For example, tell your readers about a unique experience in college when you worked in a cancer research laboratory for 3 years or your poem was published in several different magazines throughout Indonesia.
- Deliver the information near the end of the introduction so that the reader will remember it.
Step 4. Write a concise and straightforward introduction
Portfolio recipients will get bored and stop reading if the introduction is too long. Make sure that each sentence conveys clear and useful information. Don't beat around the bush.
Ideally, the introduction consists of 2-3 paragraphs
Step 5. Follow the defined portfolio writing guidelines
If you are writing a portfolio for a school assignment, your teacher or lecturer will usually ask you to include certain information in the introduction. Follow these guidelines and don't forget to check your portfolio to make sure your writing qualifies.
If the teacher doesn't provide guidance, ask what things need to be included in the introduction
Step 6. Take the time to review and edit the foreword before sending
Correct any misspellings, words, or grammar so that readers receive a good and professional portfolio. You can ask others to read your portfolio to make sure your writing is free of typos.
Another way to spot errors that may not be visible is to read the text aloud
Method 2 of 2: To Apply for a Job
Step 1. Provide readers with information about yourself and your activities
This information should be included in the first line of the introduction. In addition to your name and occupation, provide other important information about yourself, such as your home address.
- Write a portfolio introduction that describes your skills, such as teaching, writing articles, or designing buildings.
- For example: "My name is Kelly Smith. I design websites for small companies. I live in Bogor, but I am ready to build websites for users around the world."
Step 2. Decide on the professional experience you want to include
You don't need to list all of your work in detail in the introduction. Instead, provide concise, concise information about your profession. Choose 1 or 2 jobs that have been handled, then provide a brief description. In addition, list some of the assignments you've worked on so that readers can get an idea of your competence.
- For example: "In my 5 years as a photographer, I have photographed graduation ceremonies, weddings, and birthday parties."
- List your best performing work experiences, for example when you were a team leader for a factory expansion project or other assignment that had a positive impact on you and the company.
Step 3. Provide personal information so that you seem outgoing
If you're posting your portfolio online and hoping to get a positive response, share things that make readers want to hire you. For example, tell us that you have a cat, that you like climbing mountains, or that you want to travel around the world.
- Provide brief, straightforward information because this step aims to make the introduction more interesting.
- Another example, tell us that you have 3 children, have a hobby of cooking, or started learning to program when you were 7 years old.
Step 4. Use a professional but friendly style of language
The introduction should be structured using polite and professional sentences, but it doesn't need to be too stiff and formal. So, write the introduction in a friendly, informal style like you are communicating with someone while explaining your profession.
- Avoid non-standard words in the introduction so that the portfolio is of higher quality.
- Use first person pronouns to make your writing feel more personal.
- A communicative introduction makes you more likely to be contacted by readers.
Step 5. Upload a photo so readers can see your face
This step is more effective if you use a website so that readers can get to know you through your portfolio. Choose a photo that looks professional and make sure you're not with other people when you're being photographed. Crop photos if needed.
- Wear formal clothes according to your profession. Smile when you're photographed to appear friendly and outgoing.
- Make sure the photo is not blurry or too dark.
Step 6. Reread the introduction after checking
After writing the introduction, take the time to check and edit to make your writing look professional. Correct wrong letters or grammar. If needed, have a friend read and check your writing.
- When rereading, make sure the writing is not too long because the introduction contains only 2-3 paragraphs.
- Check the appearance of the introduction if you want to send it over the internet. Make sure all words and pictures are clear and intact.
Tips
- Choose a font that is easy to read and makes your writing look professional, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
- If you have ever received an award or been promoted, include this in your introduction.
- Reveal some of the skills that are your strengths to get readers to recruit you.
