Having a portfolio is an excellent way to showcase your talents and accomplishments, both personal and professional. Creating one requires time and thought, as there is no perfect formula.
The best way to craft an impressive portfolio is to include items that are tailored to your industry and individual needs. Here are seven items to put in a portfolio that are sure to impress potential employers.
1. Samples of Previous Work
Whether you’re an artist, a writer, a designer, or in any other field, one of the most essential things to put in a portfolio is a sample of your best work. Be sure to include pieces that heavily feature work done by you, not example of a project you were part of a larger group on. Focus on works that showcase your expertise and skills.
For creative professionals, these pieces can include videos, audio clips, designs, and writing samples. For others, these pieces could be case studies on successful projects, awards, or other accomplishments.
Incorporate any feeds that are relevant and demonstrate the objectives you’ve achieved. If you’re in a field where long-term projects may not exist yet, use ongoing projects as substitutes for your sample work. Be sure to include details about the work, such as project objectives and outcomes.
Showcase the progress of the project and the impact on the rest of the team. That way, potential employers will see your contributions and admiration.
2. Personal Branding
Showcase your personal brand and promotional skills in your portfolio. When creating a portfolio, it’s important to include content that expresses who you are and what you can offer.
Think of it like creating a mini-website, complete with a mission statement, list of responsibilities, and references. Begin by writing a bio. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers.
Focus on topics like your accomplishments, education, and credentials, such as licenses and certifications. This portion should also include any specialized training or expertise that you have.
Include a portfolio statement that summarizes your mission. You can exemplify the value you add and explain why you’re suitable for the organization. Also, make sure to include a list of your responsibilities and any awards or accolades you’ve received.
Lastly, include personal links like a blog and social media links that show potential employers a concise view of you and your work. Also, add personal projects that demonstrate your skills, such as a side project that showcases your code skills.
3. Client Testimonials
Put in a portfolio client testimonials to show future employers that you’ve moved businesses, individuals, and the general public with your work. To find these testaments, contact past clients and ask if they’d be willing to write something positive about you.
If they decline, they might be able to recommend someone who can offer feedback. Make sure to add in testimonials that include the full name and title of the person. Their testimony should also feature details about their positive working experiences with you.
A great testimony will also include quotes and experiences that set you apart from the rest. Be sure to be professional at all times when requesting a testament from a past or current client. A potential employer may reach out to those listed in the portfolio and the last thing you want is a negative experience recounted.
4. Resume
Update your resume and add it to your portfolio. Employers will want to see a concise view of your experiences, such as contact and educational details.
Focus on experiences and accomplishments that are related to the job you’re applying for and don’t include anything irrelevant. Make sure to tell a compelling story while keeping the words count low without sacrificing the message and points you want to get across. Creatives may prefer using a more visual approach with an infographic or video resume.
A video resume is great if you’re in a field where presentation matters a lot.
5. Specific Assets
Assets are any physical items that will help you land job interviews. For example, a portfolio item could be a zip file containing assets, such as your headshots, images of your products, or other visual assets. Assets are needed in all sorts of industries.
Show potential employers you’re a professional by having copies of your professional headshots, endorsement letters, photographic proof of events you’ve coordinated, and more. You will be able to showcase past involvements or successes in an organized manner through assets.
Plus, potential employers should see a portfolio item as an item of investment, so these assets need to showcase you a trustworthy and dependable.
6. Examples of Research
Show future employers that you’ve done some research and have expertise in a certain field by including links to reports, white papers, or other research that is relevant to the position you’re applying for. It’s important to include content that is factual and well-referenced.
Demonstrate to potential employers that you have a well-rounded understanding of the industry and that you have the skills to complete difficult tasks. When including examples of research in your portfolio, make sure it’s well-organized and detailed. Avoid using content that’s too general; instead be specific about the research you did and how it can help the potential employer.
7. Market Analysis
A market analysis serves as the backbone of any business plan. While business plans are often lengthy and come with intricate details, a market analysis highlights key points and provides future employers with a snapshot of your understanding of the industry. Make sure that the market analysis is concise.
Show that you’re able to analyze and dissect the current market and come to sound business conclusions. Analyze your target audience, competition, and outcomes in a way that is both scientific and creative.
Include additional data that is pertinent to the analysis, like charts and graphs. That will provide potential employers with validiable evidence of your ability to conduct a thorough analysis.
Conclusion
A portfolio is an essential tool for career success. Crafting a portfolio that impresses potential employers is key to securing job interviews.
When creating a portfolio, make sure to include samples of previous work, your personal brand, client testimonials, your resume, specific assets, research examples, and market analysis. With these seven items your portfolio is sure to impress. By adding in these elements, you’ll create a portfolio that is well-rounded and comprehensive.
It’s important to remember that every element should demonstrate your qualifications and accomplishments, while clearly communicating your value and what you can bring to the job. Of course, it may take some time to perfect your portfolio, but in the end, you’ll have an excellent tool that can help land you job interviews and secure your career.