“I don’t have a portfolio. How do I show I can do the job?” Use my Proof-of-Work Technique.

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The Challenge We’re Solving Today

“I don’t have a portfolio. How do I show I can do the job?”

Let’s be real — you're not applying to be a designer.
But when you're pivoting out of the classroom, hiring managers need proof you can think and work like someone already in the role.

Here’s what I hear all the time:

“Steph, I’m a teacher. I don’t have deliverables. I can’t show results the way corporate folks can.”

Yes, you can.
You just need a smarter (faster) way to show it.

Why This Matters to You

Right now, entry-level roles are disappearing and recruiters are overloaded.

That means:

✅ You need to stand out fast
✅ You can’t rely on your title to tell your story
✅ You have to show how you think, not just what you’ve done

The right 'proof-of-work' makes people say: ‘We need to talk to that person!’ And that’s exactly what you want.

You don’t need an entire polished portfolio.

You need a single, useful artifact that proves your value.

Common Solutions and Why They Might Not Work

What teachers try:

• Uploading old lesson plans

• Copy-pasting projects into Canva portfolios

• Listing every PD or leadership role on their resume

Why that doesn’t land:
Hiring teams aren’t looking for education materials.
They want to see how you'd solve their problems.

Try My "Proof-of-Work" Technique

Build a 1-page sample of how you’d think and work in the role.

Aim for relevant. Don't worry if it isn't 'perfect'.

Pick a real-world task the job requires and show how you’d tackle it — with teacher skills, just repackaged.

Here’s an example I use with teachers moving into Implementation Specialist roles:

🏁 Proof-of-Work Sprint: Implementation Specialist

Goal: Show you can own a go-live plan.
Deliverable: 1-page checklist:
"First 14 Days to Launch [ToolName] at a 10-School District"

Steps:

1. Talk to one person using a similar tool (or look up onboarding guides)

2. Identify key risks and blockers

3. Draft your checklist in a Google Doc (tasks + timelines)

4. Add a short caption

5. Post it on LinkedIn or attach to messages during outreach

*Remember:

You don’t need all the fanciest design skills. 

You need clear thinking and a Google Doc.

Summary

• You don’t need a full portfolio to stand out

• One page, one project, one hour. That’s enough

• Choose a real-world task and show how you’d solve it

Your Next Steps (15-Minute Task)

1. Pick a job title you’re targeting (CSM, Implementation, Ops)

2. Search for onboarding or support tasks in 2–3 job descriptions

3. Open a Google Doc: Title it “How I’d Support a New Client in Week 1”

4. List 5–7 steps you’d take, based on your teaching experience

5. Save it and be ready to send it with your next DM or application

See you next week.

Steph Yesil

Find me on LinkedIn, Get My Career Change Kit, Book a 1:1 Call