ESL Podcast 876 - Preparing a Professional Portfolio

ta da - a sound one makes when one is proud of something, is introducing or presenting it for the first time, and wants others to see and admire it

Ta da! What do you think of the new drapes on the windows?

portfolio - a collection of one's work, showing one's best pieces, often used to secure work with new clients

Before hiring a webpage designer, make sure you ask to see his portfolio.

sample - one piece of something, meant to show what other pieces are like

Anyone who applies for the job has to send in at least two professional writing samples.

highlight - the most impressive, important, or interesting part of something

Your presentation was the highlight of the three-day conference.

groundbreaking - innovative; new and interesting, not yet done by anyone else; pushing the boundaries of what is expected or accepted

She's doing groundbreaking research that could lead to a cure for cancer.

fact sheet - a one-page written document that provides basic information about someone or something, usually as a bulleted list (not with full sentences or paragraphs)

The company has a fact sheet on its website, and investors who want more detailed information can call the manager.

accomplishment - achievement; something that one has done, especially something that was difficult and required a lot of effort and determination

Getting a book published is a major accomplishment. Congratulations!

client - a person who purchases products or services from a company or an individual, especially when talking about consulting services

Krystal is at technical writer, and most of her clients are software developers.

award - an honor or prize given to a person in recognition of his or her accomplishments or outstanding performance

In elementary school, Jill received an award for perfect attendance because she hadn't missed any days of school.

resume - a written document, usually one or two pages, presenting an individual's name, contact information, professional experience, education, skills, and awards or honors, used to search for a job; a curriculum vitae

According to her resume, she used to be the human resources director for the hospital.

testimonial - a written or audio statement from a customer or recipient, evaluating the product, service, or experience interacting with a company, used to encourage other people to do business with the company

The first few pages of the book are filled with testimonials from business leaders who say it is one of the most important books they have ever read.

satisfied - pleased with something because it has met one's expectations, without any complaints

If you were satisfied with our service tonight, please fill out this brief survey to let our managers know.

a work in progress - something that is still being worked on and is not yet finished; something that is under development

They've been renovating their home for years, and it is still a work in progress.

blank - without any words, images, or other marks; without any information; not written or drawn upon

Let me give you a blank check, and you can fill in the amount I owe you once the work is completed.

thin - without very much substance or content; sparse; partly empty

The actors give a good performance, but the plot is a little thin.

room for growth - with opportunities for improvement and/or expansion; not yet finished or complete

We've increased sales significantly this past year, but there's still room for growth.

plenty of - a lot of; much

We'll have plenty of food, so please bring a friend!