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In hearing many opinions on this matter, and after seeing a few really
good portfolios, according to the data you provided, I would suggest the
following:
* include the best example from the different categories that you
indicated (forms, employee handbooks, etc).
* rather than including the whole 40 page manual, include the first
chapter, or section, and the INDEX (if appropriate). Examples of good
indexing will sell me every time on a candidate.
* put the portfolio together in a professional looking way, but not
one that makes it too expensive to leave behind. Another tip--It may
be a good idea to construct 4 or 5 of them at the same time if your
presentation causes construction to take some time.
* customize the portfolio when possible. If you know that the job you
are applying for will stress a certain ability, show the best examples
you have that correlate. If you customize appropriately, the
interviewer is less likely to feel like s/he is sifting through a
lot of "junk" (if you'll pardon the expression). It is better to
have a thin appropriate portfolio than a thick, cumbersome one that has
everything you've ever written in it.
