DAVIS COUNTY — With the recession placing more and more importance on every job interview, it’s important to go into each one with the best artillery you have.

One of the most important pieces of that artillery is the portfolio. Chris Dallin, currently the Public Relations, Media, and Business director of Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital and former president of the Davis Chamber of Commerce, recently shared some advice at the Chamber’s Women in Business luncheon about how to create the best portfolio possible.

Don’t confine yourself

According to Dallin, the view of a portfolio as being only what can fit into a single three-ring binder is a limiting one.

“When you’ve been in business for awhile, you forget about some of the cool stuff you’ve done,” he said. “Your portfolio can be boxes and boxes that you just pull stuff out of when you need it.”

He suggested that people keep samples of everything they feel proud to have been involved in, whether it be a budget or marketing plan. Letters of thanks are also excellent additions to a portfolio, along with reminders of the people that you’ve worked with on a particular project.

Decide what you want

It’s not practical, however, to bring boxes and boxes into a single interview. For this, Dallin emphasized the importance of sitting down and determining what you want out of your professional life and what your own definition of success is.

After you determine that professional goal, use it to focus what parts of your portfolio you collect and bring to the interview, as well as what interviews you decide are worth your time.

“It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks,” said Dallin. He cited legendary examples like Walt Disney who bucked the disapproval and disbelief of others to go after what he wanted. “If it’s something that you want, focus on it and accomplish it.”

Determining a goal can also help you to find out whether or not a particular company will help you accomplish that goal.

“You’re interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you,” said Dallin. “Find a business that meshes with your values and that you can really sink your teeth into.”

Use it to take charge

A well-prepared portfolio can guide an entire interview, particularly when used wisely.

“Use the portfolio and say to the interviewer, ‘Let me tell you about myself,’” said Dallin. “It sets the pace of the interview, and it lets you tell a lot of great stories rather than just asking questions.”

The confidence of being able to guide the interview can also help you set a good tone for the meeting.

“Ask the interviewer what they like about their job, or what positive things the company has done for the community,” said Dallin, adding that subtly echoing the interviewer (crossing a leg when they do, etc.) can also create affinity. “It leaves a positive feeling in the room.”

Relax

It’s easier not to get stressed out about each individual interview when you realize that it’s not the end of the road.

“You don’t really have a decision to make until the offer’s on the table,” said Dallin, who added that he often goes to interviews a few times a year just to stay in practice. “You’re just creating an opportunity for yourself.”

jwardell@davisclipper.com