Whether you are a freelancer or looking for your dream job, having a portfolio can open up a lot of doors. A well-crafted portfolio will make you stand out from the competition and show prospective clients your best work. It should be designed to quickly communicate what makes you unique, as well as an overview of the projects and skills that demonstrate your value as a professional.
In this article, we’ll explore how to create a portfolio layout that will showcase your best work in a way that is sure to draw attention from employers.
1. Clarify Your Goals
One of the first steps in creating a great portfolio is to clarify your goals. Think about the type of industry you want to work in, the roles and responsibilities you are best suited to, and the particular skills and expertise you can offer. Having a clear goal in mind will make it easier to prioritize the projects and work experiences that you choose to feature in your portfolio.
It will also help to give your portfolio structure, making it easier to navigate and allowing employers to quickly understand the value you offer as a professional.
2. Identify Your Strengths
Once you have identified your goals and objectives, it’s time to figure out what makes you unique. Think about the skills and qualities that you bring to the table. Take an appraisal of your experience, interests, competencies and personality traits.
Consider the successes you’ve achieved, the awards and certifications you have earned and the endorsements and recommendations you have received. Identify the aspects of your work that makes you stand out and zero in on them.
3. Choose the Content to Feature
Now that you have a better idea of your professional strengths, it’s time to decide what you will include in your portfolio. Again, having a clear goal will help to make it easier to prioritize the work that you showcase. Think about the type of job, industry or freelance project you want to move into and pick projects, experiences and achievements that are related or relevant.
A portfolio should demonstrate your best work and should always provide high-quality content.
4. Make It Visually Appealing
A well-crafted portfolio must also be aesthetically pleasing. Evaluate the visual elements of your portfolio and make sure that the design is professional and clean.
Simplicity is key here and you want to avoid cluttering your portfolio with unnecessary design elements. Try and bring out the important elements of your work without overwhelming the viewer. As a general rule, it is best to use two fonts, limit the color palette and make sure there is plenty of white space.
5.Optimise the Navigation
A portfolio should be an ideal showcase of your professional life, and should be easy to navigate. Spend some time optimising how viewers navigate through your work. Ensure that the menu is straightforward and logical, and that viewers are able to find the content they are looking for quickly.
Make sure every page of your portfolio has a back button. Don’t forget that optimizing for mobile devices is critical to make sure that employers can access your portfolio from any device.
6. Summarise Your Experience and Skills
Create a short summary of your experience and capabilities so employers can quickly understand the value you bring. You can also use this section to explain why you are the best person for the job or project. Think about what insight or positive results you have achieved and make sure to communicate this on your portfolio.
Keep it concise, but include as much detail as possible.
7. Provide Contact Information
Make it easy for employers to get in touch with you. It’s a good idea to provide a contact link on your portfolio that includes your email address and any relevant web-pages or social media links. You may also want to include a resume or CV for employers to download.
8. Showcase Testimonials and Recommendations
Testimonials from colleagues, clients, partners and even former employers can be very powerful in boosting the value of your portfolio. Always ask for feedback when finishing a project and make sure to showcase the best ones.
Even a link to your LinkedIn page with recommendations is a great addition.
9. Feature High-Quality Images
Always use images that are clear and of high quality in your portfolio. If you are showcasing a project, include pictures that are relevant to the project.
For example, if you are presenting a website, include a screenshot of it. Images will give your portfolio a professional touch and make it easier for employers to quickly understand the value of your work.
10. Write Impactful Descriptions
Take the time to write detailed descriptions for every project featured in your portfolio. Remember the aim here is to clearly communicate the valuable insight or results that you brought to each project. Make clear and convincing statements about your achievements and put yourself in the employer’s shoes.
Each description should provide the employer with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision.
11. Use Video and Audio When Appropriate
Whenever appropriate, use video and audio to add to the impact of your portfolio. You may have a video that introduces you, or audio recordings of talks and presentations you have given.
You can also include podcasts, music or other audio recordings that demonstrate how you can bring value to an organisation.
12. Promote Your Work
Portfolios are meant to help you promote yourself, so make sure to let people know where it is. Publish it on all the relevant websites, your personal website and social media pages and promote it to potential employers.
13. Update Regularly
Finally, you need to make sure to keep your portfolio relevant. A great portfolio is always up-to-date and showcases your best work.
In fact, it should be seen as an ongoing project. Regularly check for content that needs to be removed, add any new achievements or experiences and make any necessary changes to the layout.
Conclusion
Creating a great portfolio is an essential part of any job-search or freelance project. A well-crafted portfolio, with a clear goal in mind, will help to show potential employers the value you bring to the table. Keep these tips in mind when designing the layout of your portfolio and you will be sure to make a great first impression.