Putting together a portfolio of your work is a great way to show potential employers the range of your skill set and secure future opportunities. A portfolio can also offer an invaluable insight into your creative process and your achievements.
Here are five things you must include in your portfolio to show employers that you are a talented professional.
Previous Relevant Work
The bulk of your portfolio should be dedicated to showcasing relevant work you have done in the past. List out the skills you have already accumulated and the work you have already done.
Your portfolio should be an opportunity to highlight your accomplishments – whether that’s professional, personal, or scholastic achievements. Be sure to include your qualifications and any awards you have received that prove your capabilities. It’s a great way to demonstrate to prospective employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to fill the position they are eager to fill.
For example, many designers and writers will often include a selection of their best work – either in a presentation format or prints – in their portfolio. You can also consider writing a narrative or portfolio statement that outlines your work process and your thinking when undertaking a task.
Most importantly, identify key projects that have had positive outcomes and emphasize the results achieved.
Personal Projects
The next thing to include in your portfolio is personal projects you have completed that demonstrate your commitment to a particular area or industry. Create a portfolio that reflects your personal strengths and qualities that are not typically highlighted in the professional realm.
Show employers that you know how to think outside the box and demonstrate how you are willing to learn and develop new skills. For instance, if you are a graphic designer, highlight one or two projects that you have worked on outside of any professional or academic studies. It could be anything from creating a website or designing a logo.
Think critically about the project, and transferable skills that you used to create it. This could be a great way to showcase your initiative and initiative-taking capabilities to prospective employers.
Networking Connections
Once you have effectively marketed your skills, the next thing you should include in your portfolio is a list of references from previous employers and professionals you have worked with in the past. This will demonstrate that you are connected to an industry and that prospective employers can verify your level of skill.
You should also consider providing a link to your social media profiles. These can provide further evidence of the work you have done and the contacts and networks you have built up in your professional life. Social media, such as LinkedIn and Twitter, are wonderful tools to showcase yourself and create or strengthen your online identity.
Make sure your profile reflects the same cohesive message that your portfolio conveys to employers.
A Professional Website
Once you have collected a sample of your past work, and links to your online presence, the next important asset you should include in your portfolio is a professional website. This is a great way to showcase the project you are most proud of and allow employers to see your portfolio without the hassle or hassle of sending physical prints or documents. Not only that, but having an online portfolio makes it easier for employers to share your work with clients and colleagues.
Creating a website doesn’t have to be a time consuming task. There are several easy-to-use tools that can get you started.
Basic hosting services are free, giving you the freedom to design, develop and publish your portfolio quickly. Be sure to include a ‘contact me’ page where visitors can provide their information if they are interested in working with you.
BlogPosts
Adding a blog to your portfolio is a great way to show prospective employers that you are up to date with industry trends and have the capacity to think critically about new topics. It also gives you the opportunity to regularly add fresh content to your portfolio, something which is increasingly important in the world of remote work. Create thoughtful and engaging blog posts, or even videos, that demonstrate your ability to connect with online audiences.
If you are creating content, always be sure to check and adhere to your company’s content guidelines and terms of service before you share it online.
Conclusion
Creating and curating a portfolio of your work is a great way to demonstrate your professional capabilities. It is important to ensure that your portfolio is comprehensive and contains relevant work that demonstrates your abilities. Be sure that your portfolio reflects the message you are trying to convey to employers, and is tailored to the industry you are trying to enter.
Finally, include references and contacts to validate your skill set. With these five important elements, you can create a compelling portfolio that will attract employers.