RE: job interview question: ethical issues about portfolio

[Kat Nagel <katnagel -at- bluefrognet -dot- net>]

I've used all of the approaches Bonita mentions, with a couple of wrinkles.

First, I always ask for one or more copies of appropriate docs to use 
in my portfolio.  If the client (or previous employer) says no, then 
I don't use that sample.  I create a look-alike using the same (or 
better :-) ) software, using dummy names for companies and products, 
and making sure I omit anything that would be recognizable as 
proprietary information.  I do NOT try to pass this off as a real 
project.  I include a cover sheet with a brief description of the 
real project, and a statement that the sample document was created to 
demonstrate features of the real document without violating 
confidentiality or revealing proprietary information.  So far, I've 
gotten only positive feedback about this approach.

Second, whenever possible for real samples and for look-alikes, I 
find a project manager or contact person at the client company who is 
willing to talk with my prospective clients/employers about the 
quality of the work I did and my ability to work well with clients 
and developers.  I check back with these people every year, to verify 
the contact information and confirm their willingness to act as a 
reference.  This way, every sample I include in my portfolio has 
contact information for someone who can actually discuss my 
contribution to the project.  Not every prospective employer checks 
these references but, if they are needed, they are prepared for the 
calls.