quarta-feira, 9 de janeiro de 2019


How to Knit Socks

Posted: 08 Jan 2019 04:00 PM PST

Knitting socks can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! You can knit socks on a loom even if you have never knit before. If you are a little more experienced, then you can try knitting socks on a pair of straight needles. Or, if you have even more experience and want to create socks in the round, then use a pair of circular knitting needles!

EditSteps

EditMaking Knit Socks on a Loom

  1. Attach a slipknot to the anchor peg on your loom. This is the small peg on the side of your loom. Loop the yarn around your index and middle finger 2 times to form a slipknot. Then, pull the first loop over the second loop and tug the tail of the yarn to tighten it. Place this loop onto the anchor peg.[1]
    Knit Socks Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • Do this 1 time to begin the sock.
    • Choose a chunky or super bulky weight yarn for knitting on a loom.
  2. Wrap the yarn around each peg in the loom 1 time and repeat. Next, begin your cast on rows by wrapping the yarn around each 1 of the pegs 1 time. Wrap in the shape of a lowercase letter "e." Go around each peg from inside the loom first, then around the peg towards the outside of the loom, back into the center, and towards the next peg.[2]
    Knit Socks Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • Repeat this for each peg on the loom.
  3. Wrap the yarn around each peg a second time and repeat. Repeat the exact same wrapping process a second time. These 2 rows will be your cast on rows.[3]
    Knit Socks Step 3 Version 3.jpg
  4. Lift the bottom yarn loop up and over the top loop and repeat. Insert the end of the hook into the bottom loop on the first peg in your loom (next to the anchor peg) and lift this yarn up and over the top loop and off the peg. This will leave 1 loop on the peg.[4]
    Knit Socks Step 4 Version 3.jpg
    • Repeat this for every peg in the round.
  5. Wrap the yarn around each peg 1 time and lift each loop up and over and repeat. Repeat the wrapping process again for each peg on the loom. Then, lift the bottom loop up and over the top loop on each peg.
    Knit Socks Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • Repeat for a total of 10 rows.[5]
  6. Place the stitches from the first row onto the pegs. To create a cuff for the sock, bring the bottom edge of the knit piece up through the center of the loom. Then, use your fingers and the loom hook to open up a stitch from the first round and place it onto a peg. Continue placing 1 stitch onto each of the pegs until you have a total of 2 stitches on each peg.[6]
    Knit Socks Step 6 Version 3.jpg
    • Make sure that the stitches you are putting onto the pegs are the same ones that you knit with those pegs. Check the rows to ensure that they are even.
  7. Lift the bottom loop over the top loop and repeat. Use the hook to lift the bottom loop on the first peg up and over the top loop. Repeat this for the whole round. This will secure the cuff of the sock.[7]
    Knit Socks Step 7 Version 3.jpg
  8. Loop the yarn around each of the pegs 1 time and repeat. Then, lift the bottom loops over the new loops you have created. Knit the rounds by wrapping the yarn around each peg 1 time and then lifting it up and over the top of the peg.[8]
    Knit Socks Step 8 Version 3.jpg
    • Repeat this for 5 rows.
  9. Knit pegs 1 through 12 for the heel flap. Wrap the yarn around pegs 1 through 12, but do not go beyond peg 12. Then, lift the bottom loop of the yarn up and over the top of each peg to knit.[9]
    Knit Socks Step 9 Version 3.jpg
    • Repeat this for 4 rows.[10]
  10. Decrease and repeat for the next 6 rows. To decrease on the loom, start each row by lifting 1 loop off the first peg and placing it onto the peg next to it. Then, wrap the yarn around pegs 2 through 12 and knit them as usual. Knit the 2 loops on the second peg at the same time.[11]
    Knit Socks Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • Repeat this for the next 5 rows for a total of 6 decrease rows.
    • When you are finished, look for 3 empty pegs on either side of the remaining heel stitches (pegs 4 through 9).
  11. Pick up the stitches from the sides of the heel. Place 1 of each of these stitches onto an empty peg. Use your hook to lift up the stitches that you have taken off of the pegs and put them back onto the empty pegs.[12]
    Knit Socks Step 11 Version 3.jpg
    • For example, place 1 stitch onto pegs 1 through 3 and 10 through 12. Then, place 2 stitches on pegs 4, 9, 13, and 24.[13]
  12. Knit and repeat until the foot portion of the sock is the desired length. Once all of the stitches are back on the loom, wrap the yarn around each of the pegs in the loom. Lift the bottom loop (or the 2 bottom loops if there are 2) up and over the top loop to knit.[14]
    Knit Socks Step 12 Version 3.jpg
    • Continue to knit until the sock is the desired length. You can measure the length against an existing sock, or put your foot through the loom to check the length.
  13. Wrap the yarn around the loom 1.5 times and cut it. Wrap the yarn around the outside of the loom 1.5 times. Cut the yarn at the end of this length.[15]
    Knit Socks Step 13 Version 3.jpg
  14. Thread a yarn needle, sew through a loop, and repeat. Insert the end of the yarn through the eye of a yarn needle. Then, begin sewing through each of the loops on the loom. Insert the end of the needle through a loop on the loom. Go into the loop from the bottom of the loom so that the needle is right up against the peg. Push the needle all the way through the loop and pull until the thread is taut. This will lift the loop up and off the peg.[16]
    Knit Socks Step 14 Version 3.jpg
    • Repeat until all of the loops are on the strand of yarn and off the loom.
  15. Invert the sock and sew up the toe. Turn the sock inside out so that you can sew up the toe from the inside. This will hide the seam. Hold the edges of the sock together and insert the needle through 2 stitches at a time. Pull the thread taut after each stitch.[17]
    Knit Socks Step 15.jpg
    • Repeat until the sock is completely sewn up and then tie off the last stitch and cut the excess yarn.
    • Make your second sock in the same way.

EditUsing 2 Straight Knitting Needles

  1. Make a slipknot to start the cast on row. Loop the yarn around your index and middle finger twice. Pull the first loop through the second loop. Then, tug on the tail of the yarn to tighten the base of the slipknot. Slide the loop off your fingers and onto 2 knitting needles held together. Tug the tail again to tighten the slipknot around them.[18]
    Knit Socks Step 16.jpg
    • The slipknot counts as your first cast on stitch.
    • Make sure to use a medium-weight yarn for knitting on 2 needles.
  2. Cast on 36 stitches while holding 2 needles together. This will result in looser cast on stitches and help to ensure that the socks will be large enough to fit over your feet. Form a loop of yarn with your fingers, pinch and twist it 1 time at the base, and then slide it onto the 2 knitting needles.[19]
    Knit Socks Step 17.jpg
    • Repeat until you have a total of 36 cast on stitches.
  3. Work in the rib stitch for . Knit 1 and then purl 1 stitch going all the way across the row to work in the rib stitch.[20] Then, reverse the pattern going back across the row.[21]
    Knit Socks Step 18.jpg
    • The rib stitch will make the top of your sock stretchy, which will help to keep it in place.
  4. Knit until the sock is the desired length. You can make the sock as long or as short as you like. Measure it against your foot or against an existing sock to determine when the sock is long enough.[22]
    Knit Socks Step 19.jpg
    • For example, you could make an ankle sock, a mid-calf sock, or a knee-length sock.
  5. Bind off the last row. When you have finished your sock, knit 2 stitches to start casting off. Then, lift the first stitch up and over the second stitch. Knit 1 again and lift up and over again. Continue to knit 1 and lift 1 up and over the new stitch.[23]
    Knit Socks Step 20.jpg
    • Repeat this to the end of the row.
  6. Sew up the seam to close the toe and side of the sock. To complete your sock, leave a tail that is about after you finish binding off. Then, thread this yarn through a yarn needle. Fold the rectangular piece in half lengthwise and begin sewing from the corner of the toe. Sew all the way cross the toe, and then down the length of the side of the sock. Tie off the end of the yarn and cut the excess to secure your sock.[24]
    Knit Socks Step 21.jpg
    • Do not sew across the sock opening!

EditKnitting With Circular Needles

  1. Use a pair of US size 1 (2.25 mm) cable needles to cast on 64 stitches.[25] Make a slipknot and place it onto the right-hand needle for your first cast on stitch. Loop your working yarn over your left-hand needle. Then, insert your right-hand needle into the loop. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the loop.[26]
    Knit Socks Step 22.jpg
    • Repeat until you have 64 total stitches.
    • This is the ideal number of stitches for a medium-sized pair of socks for an adult, but you can cast on 8 more for larger socks or 8 less for smaller socks.[27]
    • Opt for a fingering or sock weight yarn to make socks on US size 1 (2.25 mm) circular needles.
  2. Work in the rib stitch for to create the cuff. The rib stitch will make the top of the sock a bit stretchy. Alternate between knitting 1 and purling 1 for the whole round to work in the rib stitch.[28]
    Knit Socks Step 23.jpg
    • Repeat this for each round until the cuff measures .
  3. Knit for . After you finish knitting the cuff, begin working the leg and ankle portion of the sock. Knit all of the rounds until the body of the sock measures .[29]
    Knit Socks Step 24.jpg
    • You may use a different stitch if desired, but the knit stitch is the easiest option.
  4. Shape the heel of the sock by working short rows. Work back and forth across a small portion of the sock to shape the heel. Follow this sequence for working the heel of your sock:
    Knit Socks Step 25.jpg
    • Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.
    • Knit the next 3 stitches.
    • Purl the next 29 stitches.[30]
    • Place another stitch marker after the 29th purl stitch.
    • Repeat the knit 3 and purl 29 row a total of 28 times.
  5. Pick up stitches to complete the round. After you have finished working across the heel rows, use the end of your needle to pick up the stitches along the sides of the heel. Insert your right-hand needle into the first stitch on the edge of the heel portion of your socks. Then, loop the yarn over the end of the needle and pull this loop through the stitch.[31]
    Knit Socks Step 26.jpg
    • Continue to do this until you have picked up all of the stitches on 1 side of the heel. Then, knit until you get to the other side of the heel and pick up these stitches in the same way.
  6. Work decreases to shape the foot portion of the sock. Knit 2 and then knit 2 together until you are back to the original number of stitches in the round. To knit 2 together, insert your right-hand needle into the first 2 stitches in the round. Then, yarn over, and pull through both stitches.[32]
    Knit Socks Step 27.jpg
    • As an example, if you have 100 stitches in the round and need to get back to 64, knit 2 and then knit 2 together until the total number of stitches in the round equals 64 again.
  7. Knit until the foot portion of the sock is the desired length and bind off. Measure the sock against an existing sock or against your foot. When the sock is the desired length, bind off the stitches. Knit 2 to start binding off the round. Then, lift the first stitch up and over the second stitch. Knit 1 again and lift up and over again.[33]
    Knit Socks Step 28.jpg
    • Continue to knit 1 and lift 1 up and over.
  8. Sew up the end of the sock. Leave a tail and thread the end of it through the eye of a yarn needle. Then, turn the sock inside out and sew up the toe. Hold together the stitches at the end of the toe and sew through 2 stitches at a time to secure the end of the sock. Tie the end of the yarn through the last stitch and cut the excess to finish the sock.
    Knit Socks Step 29.jpg
    • Repeat the process to make a second sock.

EditTips

  • Follow a pattern to make a specific type of socks. There are many free patterns available online.

EditThings You'll Need

EditMaking Knit Socks on a Loom

  • 2 skeins of chunky or super bulky yarn
  • 24 peg loom
  • 1 loom hook
  • 2 skeins of chunky weight yarn
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle

EditUsing 2 Straight Knitting Needles

  • 2 skeins of medium-weight yarn.[34]
  • 1 pair of US size 7 (4.5 mm) straight knitting needles.[35]
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle

EditKnitting Socks With Circular Needles

  • 2 skeins of fingering or sock yarn
  • US size 1 (2.25 mm) cable needles
  • 2 skeins of fingering or lightweight yarn
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary


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How to Cook a Top Round Roast

Posted: 08 Jan 2019 08:00 AM PST

A top round roast is a relatively lean section of meat taken from the inside of a cow's hind leg. Despite being an inexpensive slice of meat, it is lean and very flavorful. Like its name suggests, roasting is the most common way to cook a top round roast, although it can be incorporated into stews. Once the meat reaches the desired temperature, it can be eaten right away or even used as deli-style roast beef.[1]

EditIngredients

  • 1 top round roast
  • fresh parsley, chopped
  • Dijon mustard
  • olive oil
  • unsalted butter
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1 shallot, minced

EditSteps

EditSeasoning the Roast

  1. Defrost the roast for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. This process can take a while due to the size of the roast, so get started ahead of time. Leave the roast in its original packaging while it thaws. You will have an easier time rubbing in the spices and cooking the meat after it is unfrozen.[2]
    Cook a Top Round Roast Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • If you're in a hurry, you can try defrosting it in the microwave. Heat it at a low temperature until it is no longer frozen.
    • Another way to speed up defrosting is to submerge the meat under cold water. Do this only if your roast is in a watertight container. Change the water out as it warms.
  2. Remove the roast from the refrigerator an hour ahead of time. The wait time brings the roast up to room temperature, causing it to cook more evenly. It won't be out long enough to make bacteria an issue. You can vary the resting time between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on how much time you have available.[3]
    Cook a Top Round Roast Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • If you need to get the roast in the oven right away, that is fine. It will still cook well and taste good.
  3. Mix all ingredients besides the roast in a separate bowl. Choose a mixing bowl and pour of olive oil into it. Add of Dijon mustard along with of butter, of chopped parsley, and a minced shallot. Sprinkle in about of both salt and pepper before stirring the ingredients into a paste.[4]

    • You can mix the ingredients 24 hours in advance and put them in a bag with the roast. The meat will absorb more of the flavors while the salt draws out flavor from the meat.
    • Experiment with your ingredients. For example, you can leave out the shallot and mustard. You can add other herbs and spices or make a balsamic glaze.
  4. Rub the entire surface of the top round roast with the paste. If you have a basting brush, use it to easily coat the outer surface of your roast. A brush is helpful if your mixture is too liquid. You can also pour the paste onto the roast and try to spread it using a knife or other tool.[5]

    • Dry rubs and pastes can usually be worked into the meat by hand. If you're not shy about getting your hands dirty, you don't need to reach for a brush.

EditRoasting the Meat

  1. Preheat your oven to . Turn on your oven and give it a few minutes to get up to the proper temperature. Once it is heated, begin cooking the roast as soon as you can. You may see recipes using wildly different temperatures, and cooking the beef at a different temperature is fine if you want to experiment.[6]
    Cook a Top Round Roast Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • Lower temperatures mean slower cooking, so adjust your timer accordingly.
    • Instead of using an oven, you can cook roasts in a dutch oven. Start by searing the meat in oil, then add beef stock and other ingredients. Put the dutch oven in your oven for 2 to 3 hours.[7]
    • Another option is a slow cooker. Sear the meat before adding all of your ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook for about 4 to 6 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low.
  2. Place the roast in a roasting pan with the fat side up. Look for a layer of white fat on top of the red meat. This fatty end will usually appear rounded, while the opposite end is flatter and easier to rest against your roasting pan. Put the roast directly in the center of the pan.[8]

    • You can also use a roasting rack. Fit it over a roasting pan or baking sheet, which will catch any dripping juices. If you use a slow cooker, don't use a rack and instead cook the roast in the stock or other liquid you use.
    • Another option is an oven bag. Seal the roast in the bag, then set it in a pan. Cut a few vents in the top.
  3. Multiply the weight of the roast by 21 minutes to find your cooking time. For example, a top round roast takes about 84 minutes, or 1 ¼ hours. Larger roasts take longer to cook than smaller roasts. Similarly, a cold roast takes a little longer to cook than one at room temperature. Keep a close eye on your roast and test it with a meat thermometer if you aren't sure it is done.[9]
    Cook a Top Round Roast Step 7 Version 3.jpg
    • This is the average time to get your top round roast to medium rare. If you want it to be closer to well done, expect it take 30 to 35 minutes per pound. Roasts are best served medium rare, though.
    • The average roasting time can also vary depending on your oven and the heat setting you use.
  4. Place the meat on a center rack in your oven. Position the meat, making sure it is in or over a pan that can catch any dripping juices. Close the door as soon as possible so the heat doesn't escape. Then, set your timer as your roast begins to cook.

  5. Cook the roast in the oven for about 1 ¼ hours. Leave the roast in the oven for the amount of time you calculated earlier. Don't open the oven door if you can help it, since doing so lets out the heat. If you think the roast may be done before the time is up, you should definitely check it to avoid overcooking.[10]
    Cook a Top Round Roast Step 9 Version 3.jpg
    • You can start the roasting process at a higher temperature, then lower it after about 15 minutes. The high temperature can give the roast a nice, brown sear.
    • Another option for browning is to heat olive oil in a pan, then sear the meat about 2 minutes per side. Put the roast in the oven when you are done.
  6. Use a thermometer to test the roast for a temperature of . Slide the thermometer's tip into the center of the roast about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up. A temperature of indicates a medium-rare roast, but you should remove the roast before it reaches this level of doneness.[11]
    Cook a Top Round Roast Step 10 Version 3.jpg
    • A rare roast has a temperature between when it is done.
    • A medium roast reaches , while a well done roast reaches .

EditServing the Meat

  1. Take the roast out of the oven before it finishes cooking. The meat gets hot enough that it continues cooking even after it is taken out of the oven. Plan on taking it out when it is 5 to 10 degrees below the desired internal temperature. This way, you get the exact doneness you want in your meat.[12]

    • For example, if you want a medium-rare roast, remove the roast from the oven at the mark.
  2. Tent the roast in foil and leave it on your counter. Move the pan to a safe location, such as a counter or your stovetop. To tent the roast, wrap a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the pan. The foil seals in the heat, allowing the roast to finish cooking to its final temperature. You do not have to remove your thermometer if you used it to test the meat earlier.[13]

    • If you have the roast on a rack, take it off the rack and wrap it loosely in foil. Be careful not to burn your fingers!
  3. Allow the roast to rest for 15 minutes before carving. The additional waiting time is needed for the roast to cook up to the proper temperature. It also allows the juices to seal inside the meat. Instead of getting a bloody mess, you get a juicier piece of meat when you finally cut the roast.[14]
    Cook a Top Round Roast Step 13 Version 3.jpg
  4. Cut the meat into thick slices against the grain. Unwrap the roast and look closely at its surface. You should be able to see lines running across it, which are the meat's muscle fibers. Instead of cutting along those lines, cut across them. The exact size of cuts doesn't matter, but try slicing the beef as thinly as possible for lots of flavor with a minimal amount of chewing.[15]

    • Use a sharp knife to ensure the meat cuts cleanly.
    • Cutting the meat against the grain leads to delicious, tender pieces that are easier to chew.
  5. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer. You can wrap the beef tightly in plastic or foil if you don't have a container big enough. Also consider cutting the beef into multiple chunks in order to make storage easier. Keep it in the refrigerator if you plan on using it right away or make use of the freezer for long-term storage.[16]

    • The beef should last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If it looks slimy or smells bad, throw it away.
    • Beef stored in the freezer will last up to 3 months. You can defrost it as needed before storing it in the refrigerator.

EditTips

  • Consider making gravy with the drippings from the roasting pan. Drain excess fat, then combine the remainder with a mixture of milk and water boiled over medium heat.
  • Increase the amount of olive oil you use in your rub if the roast is very lean. The oil's fat is essential in keeping the meat moist while it roasts.
  • Top round roasts can also be braised in sauces in a slow cooker or Dutch oven, although roasting is more common with top round roasts.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Roasting pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Oven
  • Meat thermometer
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sharp knife

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary


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How to Create a Career Portfolio

Posted: 08 Jan 2019 12:00 AM PST

Your résumé may have gotten you an interview, but once in the interview, you want to make sure you really stand out. A career portfolio provides you an opportunity to showcase your achievements and samples of your work product to give potential employers a better idea of what you bring to the table. While it may take you a little time and effort to prepare your portfolio, that work could pay off if your portfolio helps you land the job of your dreams.[1]

EditSteps

EditHelp Building a Career Portfolio

EditPopulating Your Portfolio

  1. Start with an up-to-date copy of your résumé. Your résumé is one of the most basic, and perhaps most important, documents in your portfolio. This document summarizes your education and experience and should always be in your portfolio, even if you've already submitted it separately to the potential employer.[2]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • You may want to keep more than one copy of your résumé in your portfolio, in case a potential employer wants one.
  2. Create lists of skills and qualifications. Think about all the things you can do and make a list. If you have skills in a variety of different areas, you may want to categorize them, or create separate skills pages so you can add or subtract as needed to make your portfolio relevant to the job for which you're interviewing.[3]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Include people skills, such as the ability to negotiate, lead, or communicate well. You can include references or examples in your portfolio to back these skills up.
    • Feel free to include self-taught skills. In your portfolio, you have room to provide samples that show you know how to do something even if you don't have a formal certification for it.
  3. Include proof of licenses, degrees, and certifications. scan or make copies of paper licenses and certificates to include in your portfolio. For degrees, you might include transcripts and highlight relevant courses.[4]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're including transcripts, scan it so you can make multiple copies. You may be applying for different jobs for which you would highlight different courses.
  4. Get letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation from people with knowledge of your skills and work ethic can persuade potential employers. If someone else had a good experience working with you, it gives a potential employer an idea of what they can expect.[5]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Former employers are good sources for recommendations, provided you left on good terms and had a good relationship with your boss or supervisor. Ask for letters of recommendation from someone who supervised you directly and observed your work.
    • Professors or instructors are good sources for recommendations as well, particularly if they taught a course that is relevant to your career. For example, if you're looking for work as a web designer, you might get a recommendation from the instructor of your front-end development class.
    • You also shouldn't overlook community leaders or political figures, provided they know you personally and have some experience working with you or observing your work ethic.
  5. Collect samples of your work. Choose samples that are recent, showcase your skills, and generally make you look good. If you're just getting started, you may want to include samples from school projects rather than something you produced at work.[6]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • You can create examples of your work just for your portfolio, but don't go overboard. Potential employers will be more impressed by something you created for a former employer or in a class, where you were under time constraints and your work was evaluated by a supervisor or instructor.
    • With your work samples, include any feedback you got from them. For example, you might include the fact that you got an "A" on the project for a class, or that your supervisor recommended you for a promotion after you finished the project.
  6. Highlight awards and accomplishments. Your portfolio is the place to let yourself shine, so you also want to include information about anything that you're proud of – even if it's not necessarily related to your career. Employers generally like having high achievers working for them.[7]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, if your rugby team won the state championship, by all means include that in your portfolio.
    • Athletic honors and community leadership awards definitely have a place in your portfolio. Generally, leave out honors that are political or religious in nature, unless you're interviewing for a job with a political or religious organization where they would be relevant.

EditOrganizing Your Portfolio

  1. Look at the types of material you want to include. For most careers, most if not all of your portfolio contents will be standard, letter-sized paper. However, for some fields you may want to include over-size or digital media in your portfolio.[8]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Your portfolio can include anything portable. Larger documents can also be folded to fit in the confines of your binder.
    • If you are in the technology field, you can create a CD of your work to include in your portfolio.
  2. Buy a 3-ring binder or presentation binder and supplies. Physical portfolios typically look neatest in a 3-ring binder. Get a set of tabs to help organize the sections of your portfolio. You may need other inserts, depending on what you've decided to include.[9]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, if you have a career in tech and have included a CD, you can get CD holders that fit in 3-ring binders to easily secure your work.
    • You can find the supplies you need online, at office supply stores, and even at discount stores. Generally, you'll find everything you need anywhere office or school supplies are sold.
  3. Start with a title page and table of contents. Your title page should have basic information about you, including your name and contact information. Your table of contents sets out the sections of your portfolio and the types of documents included in each section, for quick reference.[10]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • You can buy sets of tabs with a built-in table of contents page that coordinates the name of each section to the tab behind which that section falls.
  4. Categorize your portfolio contents. Your categories may differ somewhat depending on your skills and career field. Generally, however, the easiest way to organize your portfolio is to think about how a typical job interview would go.[11]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 10.jpg
    • For example, most interviewers start off the interview with a question along the lines of "Tell me a little about yourself." Make this question easy by making "About Me" the first section in your portfolio. Include your résumé, information about hobbies and interests, and personal skills such as languages you speak. You can also include reference letters in this section, or you can create another section for them.
    • You may also have separate sections for education, employment, and leadership or community involvement.
  5. Create tabs for each of your different sections. Inserts with tabs on the outside allow you to quickly jump to the section you need without having to thumb through the pages. They can also protect the pages in your portfolio from too much damage.[12]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 11.jpg
    • Colored tabs with a table of contents typically don't have anything written on the tab itself. Instead, you'll use the table of contents to navigate through the sections.
    • You may also have tabs with inserts where you would write the title of each section. If you use this type of tab, pick a set where you can type the names of the sections on a computer and feed the inserts through a printer. These sets have instructions for formatting your word processing app to print the tabs correctly.
  6. Proofread all portfolio documents carefully. Before you put a document in your portfolio, check it several times to ensure it is free of grammar and spelling errors. You might also have someone else look over it to pick up anything you might have missed.[13]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 12.jpg
    • Your portfolio should present your best image. A glaring error on any page of your portfolio sends the wrong message to potential employers, and all your hard work may backfire.

EditUsing Your Portfolio

  1. Bring your portfolio with you to interviews. At interviews, you can reference your portfolio when necessary. Look for opportunities to let the interviewer know that you have samples of your work and other material that they can look at.[14]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 13.jpg
    • Be prepared to leave your portfolio behind if the interviewer wants some time to look it over after the interview. Don't bring your master or only copy of your documents.
  2. Customize your portfolio for each job opportunity. Your master portfolio includes everything you might ever want a potential employer to see. However, all of those documents won't necessarily be relevant to every opportunity you have. Add and remove documents as necessary to target particular employers and positions.[15]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 14.jpg
    • Letters of recommendation are a good place to customize. For example, if you have a job interview scheduled and you know the interviewer is an alumni of your university, you might include letters from professors more prominently.
    • When targeting work samples, include only samples of work similar to what you would probably be doing if you were hired by that company. For example, if you're interviewing for a job as a graphic designer, the interviewer likely won't be interested in the short story you wrote for your English class – even if it was published or won an award. It has nothing to do with your skills as a graphic designer.
  3. Review your portfolio to assess your career development. Make it a habit to sit down with your master portfolio at least once a year. Look at each document, updating as necessary, and removing older work that has lost relevance.[16]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 15.jpg
    • Looking back at your career in a nutshell like this can help you identify gaps in your training or areas where you might need continuing education to stay up-to-date with recent trends in the field.
    • You may also notice the development of new skills that may open doors to new opportunities you wouldn't have considered before.
  4. Create a digital backup of your master portfolio. Once you've gone to all that work, you don't want to lose it. If you have a digital backup of all the documents in your portfolio, you can easily update it or recreate it if anything happens to your physical copy.[17]
    Create a Career Portfolio Step 16.jpg
    • You might also consider putting your portfolio on a website. You can include a link to the website on your résumé. This could be especially helpful if you're in tech or media.

EditTips

  • If you have newspaper articles for your portfolio, find a PDF of the page the article was on, or scan the page and create a PDF yourself. Use a photo-editing app to black out the entire page other than the article you want to showcase.
  • Avoid numbering the pages of your portfolio. This will make it overly complex to add or remove pages when you need to update it.[18]
  • Any documents you create specifically for your portfolio should all use the same font and font size, so your portfolio looks orderly and consistent.[19]

EditWarnings

  • Avoid including work product that may reveal proprietary information that belongs to a previous employer. If you're not sure, ask your old employer for permission to use it.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary


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