What should I include in my high school senior job portfolio?

I'm building a job portfolio for post-graduation opportunities and I’m unsure what to include. Should I gather recommendations, evidence of leadership, or maybe past projects? What are the key components colleges or employers really care about?

Creating a high school senior job portfolio is a great initiative as it can showcase your skills, talents, and experiences to potential employers. Here are a few key components you might include:

1. Resume: This is a cornerstone of any job portfolio. It should detail your education, experience (including internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work), skills, and achievements.

2. Cover Letter: A generic cover letter is a good start. However, it's a better idea to tailor it to fit specific jobs or roles you're interested in. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and ability to fit into a specific role or organization.

3. Letter(s) of Recommendation: Having one or two letters of recommendation can definitely strengthen your portfolio. If you engaged in internships or jobs during high school, consider asking your supervisors or managers to provide a letter. Teachers, school counselors, or coaches can also be good sources of these letters, especially if they can attest to qualities relevant to the job field you're interested in.

4. Work Samples: If you have tangible examples of projects you've worked on, whether in school or volunteering capacity, include them. Photographs, design work, blog posts, or anything else that can give visual representation to your skills are helpful.

5. Awards or Certificates: Include these if they are relevant to the jobs you're applying for and showcase your talents. They can range from academic honors, sports awards, community service recognition to certificates from workshops or courses.

6. Skills Summary: A brief section highlighting key skills you possess. For example, if you have strong skills in graphic design, event planning, or coding, make sure to highlight these.

Remember, the goal is to tell a comprehensive story about who you are, what you've accomplished, and what you're capable of. Therefore, choose and present your elements clearly and professionally to put your best foot forward.