#1 - Have each student set up his/her individual organization system. Use tote boxes, binder boxes, or expanding folders as a place to collect work samples.

#2 - Let students know that they may need more time to think about the issues then to actually create the samples.

#3 - Even the shyest student can use a portfolio to succeed in an interview by letting the career portfolio talk for him/her. Spend time role playing how to use the career portfolio to answer interview questions or to document the needs of an employer.

#4 - Collect measures and give feedback on the component parts of the career portfolio prior to final completion. Students can get et blocked with large massive projects. Give your students feedback throughout the portfolio process.

#5 - Establish objective measures of performance rather than subjective measures. Use interview questions as an oral component to audit if the student has completed the work personally.

#6 - Use peer feedback to help students brainstorm their skills. A friend or peer may be more successful than an instructor at reminding the student of his or her accomplishments. This also speeds the development process by allowing you to troubleshoot other components of the career portfolio.

#7 - Encourage your students to use keywords in the development process. Business and industry responds best to quick, easy to read materials.

#8 - If your students are feeling like they don't have any skills to include, take them through a day in their life and point out the skills they are demonstrating. Spend time identifying how skills can transfer to the workplace or the job market.

#9 - Remember, your hidden curriculum is to build self-confidence and assist students with personal goal-setting.