Enhancing graduate employability through targeting ePortfolios to employer expectations: A systematic scoping review

Lana Mitchell; Chris  Campbell; Mari  Somerville; Elizabeth Cardell; Lauren Williams

doi:10.21153/jtlge2021vol12no2art1003

Authors

Lana Mitchell Griffith University, Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7892-2131
Chris Campbell Griffith University, Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7749-8538
Mari Somerville Griffith University, Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4699-7278
Elizabeth Cardell Griffith University, Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8327-1003
Lauren T. Williams Griffith University, Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7860-0319

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21153/jtlge2021vol12no2art1003

Keywords:

employability, employers, ePortfolio, graduate, recruitment, resume

Abstract

Electronic portfolios (ePortfolios) are increasingly being used in university degrees to showcase graduate employability. However, evidence on employers’ views and use of ePortfolios has not been synthesised. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence on employer, industry representative and university educator views on the use of ePortfolios in recruiting graduates, including recommended ePortfolio content. Six databases were searched to identify original research on views and utilisation of ePortfolios published since 2000. Studies were screened in duplicate, and the full texts of 163 articles reviewed. Included studies were synthesised to reveal common themes. The 17 included studies represented a range of industries and most were conducted in the USA (n=10). Awareness of ePortfolios was low, as was use within recruitment. Perceived advantages of ePortfolios in recruitment included showcasing key skills/work; ability to comprehensively assess and differentiate between candidates quickly; and accessibility. The main disadvantages were the time taken to review, excessive information and establishing authenticity. Recommended ePortfolios content included samples of professional work, reflections, videos and photos. Inclusion of typical resume content, work experience, skills, transcripts, certificates, references, supervisor evaluations were important, as was a clear and concise structure.

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