A career portfolio is a career development tool that can be used for a number of purposes. The biggest reason people use portfolios is to get a job. It also can be used to get promotions, receive good employee evaluations and to market yourself as a consultant. Portfolios can communicate and demonstrate someone's knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies in ways that a simple resume cannot. A number of professions have been using portfolios for years. These include artists, graphic designers, website developers, architects, marketing professionals, artists, and K-12 teachers. By using actual samples of their work, professionals can give clients a much better idea of their competencies and how they can help an organization.