You've landed an interview and you're prepared to talk about your strengths and successes. But what should you take with you to the meeting? In today's high-tech workplace, how do you showcase samples of your work? What is appropriate to leave behind with, or send as a follow-up to, a potential employer?

With the increase in digital communication and archiving, fewer people are relying on hard copies, making it important to rethink your portfolio and samples strategy. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Portfolio or No Portfolio?

• Do not bring a hard copy of samples or a portfolio to interviews. The interview is an in-person dialogue to determine personality and fit, so taking out samples or a portfolio could distract from that. If you choose to bring it, keep it in your bag until someone asks for it.
• In general, it is unlikely that you will need a portfolio (virtual or otherwise) unless you are interviewing for a writing role. A portfolio or samples are usually tactical, showing materials you have produced, and for senior-level positions the focus is on the strategic element; samples would not be relevant.
• For junior positions, writing samples (press releases, bylined articles, media pitches) may be more relevant because at that level, jobs are primarily tactical.
• A portfolio is necessary if it is relevant to the specific type of job (for example, speechwriting jobs at any level will require sample speeches), or if a potential employer specifically requests samples or a portfolio, in which case you can tailor the samples for that position.

Suggested Approach if Necessary

• One alternative is to develop a "leave-behind" file with a few impressive samples.
• If you feel you need a portfolio for the type of work you do, consider a virtual portfolio. You can post it on a website and provide the link with your follow-up note. Some candidates save their portfolios on a USB drive, then send it after the interview. Such an approach is memorable, contemporary and creative -- and will make you stand out, especially if you are interviewing for a digital job.
• Be sure to keep your portfolio current - it should be a sampling of the last three to five years of work, and it should include a sampling of work that is well rounded (speeches, press releases, white papers, etc.)
• Make sure the portfolio is not too large.

Keep in mind that if you are interviewing with a recruiter, the same rules apply: a recruiter will ask you to bring samples or a portfolio if needed. Otherwise, bring yourself, well rested and up to speed on the company and position for which you're interviewing. Focus your efforts on making the best impression possible during the interview.