PA and Secretary Community - Deskdemon.com

I'm sitting here cleaning out my personal files in preparation for searching for a new job sometime between now and this spring (how long I hold out depends on how much things deteriorate around here - I'm trying to stick it out for various reasons).  Anyway, I have files and piles of stuff related to jobs going back just about forever, it seems.  How long do y'all keep the following (if you keep them at all):

letters of acceptance for past jobs

letters turning you down for jobs (I've kept them through the years so I'll remember where I've applied before)

copies of old resumes

reviews from past jobs

copies of completed projects, accomplishments, compliments

journals/notebooks/however you kept track of your day-to-day things from past jobs

letters of recommendation

Hmmm, what else is lurking around in the piles and files?  That may be it right now.  It's very hard for me to throw anything away, always fearing that I'll want it later and not have it (and it's happened that way before, too, which makes it even harder to do) so sometimes I need guidance on what to get rid of.  Any ideas, suggestions, comments will be welcome.

Thanks!

Deep breath!  Relax!  Put that stuff in make-sense categories in folders, and into a storage box.  Define exactly what you want out of your next position.  Then, go get a book on making a career portfolio, and WRITE DOWN your strategy to get that done over the next month or two.  Step-by-step you'll get it done.  Regarding tips on letting go of "clutter," checkout flylady.net.  The tips and techniques there are applicable to more than just housekeeping and do wonders for the soul.

I would pitch letters of acceptance from past jobs once you leave that job.  Those are a "contract" pertaining to that position and once you leave that position, it's of no use.  

I would pitch any turn down letters that are older than three years.  You can still reapply at those companies.  They might have an opening that fits your current skills.

Using the old resumes and journal/notebooks as a guide for addresses and phone numbers of past places of employment, and for skills information, update your resume and then pitch them.

Keep the copies of completed projects, compliments and letters of recommendation in a job portfolio.  When interviewing, pull only the pertinent information for the job you are interviewing for.  For instance, if you are interviewing for a job with an attorney, he won't be interested in seeing a recommendation or written compliment from your job at McDonald's.  Actually, I would keep only the information that pertains to your administrative professional career.  

Keep all certificates of completion and diplomas.  If you can get a copy of any grade transcripts, that would be a good idea.

The thing to do is with regard to any documentation, make a three-ring binder with divider tabs for each heading.  Three hole punch what you want to keep record of, and put the newest stuff on top.  The catergories you listed seem to be fine, but if you have too much, I would stick with anything five years old and under.  The information becomes dated as far as resumes, and letters.  But always keep record of things you've done.  Sometimes all it takes is a little modern "spin" on the discription to tie it to that new and exciting position!

Good luck!
Daisylee

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone; I think they'll be very helpful.  (Really, I'm one of those people who thinks, "Hmm, they say to keep bank information for 7 years?  Better make it 14.")

Things may be picking up here business-wise, so maybe I can stick it out till after we take our vacation.  At least I'm working today; I'd been cut back to 24 hours a week for the past couple of months.  I liked it, but right now we really can't afford it.  (If we could, I'd work part time at Michaels or Borders and have supper waiting for DH every night.  Maybe in a couple of years.  In the meantime, I'm trying to be the best AA I can.)

Thanks again!  This place is great.