Interview preparation can feel a bit daunting, and it's easy to miss some of the basic items you might want to bring on interview day. One item that is often overlooked until the night before is a leather interview portfolio (sometimes also referred to as "leather padfolio" because it holds a notepad) to hold your resume prints, pen, and notepad. In this post we'll help you identify the right leather portfolio for your upcoming interview for any budget.
Best Value Leather Portfolio On a Budget (faux leather, under $25): Samsill Stitch Leather Padfolio
The Samsill leather portfolio is our favorite choice in the value category for portfolios. The faux leather Samsill comes in black, brown, and bergundy (note, each color has a unique price point) so you can choose a color that complements your outfit or style. Our recommendation for any low-cost portfolio is to choose a black color, because the quality of a faux leather portfolio just isn't there to pull off brown or other colors really verll. If you really want that brown leather look, consider upgrading to genuine leather portfolio at a higher price point.
One great feature about all Samsill resume portfolios is the open-style pocket which is ideal for easily sliding a resume in or out without worrying about creasing corners. We liked that this version has an optional zipper, which gives it a bit of versatility and perhaps more practical use beyond the interview.
Best value leather portfolio on a budget, runner up: STYLIO Padfolio
If you stopped reading this article at the STYLIO black faux leather padfolio, you'd be safe. The sleek black design is simple and carries a notepad, pen, and includes a pocket for resumes. While the STYLIO padfolio is a great value product, it does only come only in black. Pro-tip: the resume pocket isn't super flexible out of the package, so loosen the pocket with one hand while you slide your resumes in to help keep your resume prints in tip top shape. This resume portfolio is one of the highest selling in the U.S.
Best Value Leather Portfolio for Women (Faux Leather, Under $25): Samsill Trifold Envelope
Just like the other Samsill leather portfolio on our list, this trifold envelope offers a reasonably stylish option tailored for women. While standard bifold designs can be used by men and women alike, these trifold designs offer a somewhat unique, sleek, and feminine touch. Expect the same quality and general design as other Samsills, but with an added flap that curls over the top when closed. In the added flap you'll find a pen holder and business card holder.
Best Value Genuine Leather Portfolio ($25 - $100): Alpine Swiss Genuine Leather Writing Pad Portfolio
Best Value Genuine Leather Portfolio ($25 - $100), runner up: Royce Genuine Leather Portfolio
Bonus: Best Premium Genuine Leather Portfolio ($100+): Bosca Old Leather Portfolio
The Bosca Old Leather Portfolio is everything you might desire in a premium leather portfolio. Bosca delivers simple design focused on core features and quality. The hand-stained leather offers an elevated look and feel considerably above the most leather portfolios. This leather does have a tendency to scratch if roughly handled, but if well-taken care of this product will age beautifully over years. Bosca offers a variety of premium leather resume portfolios, we only settled on this model as our favorite because its simple and elevated design best fits an interview setting. Bosco also carries similar models with zippers, but at this price point we tend to favor the sleek leather portfolio design over the utility of a zipper.
About Resumates
Resumates is an online resume printing service: we print your finished resume and deliver it to your door in two days, saving you precious hours to prepare for your upcoming interview or career fair. Our resume printing options are on premium paper, including white, ivory, and almond resume paper and a variety of paper weights. Skip the copy shop and relying on that old dusty old printer - simply upload your resume, select your favorite paper, and receive 25 prints of your finished resume within two days ($11.95+).
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