Whatever your job, or the position you want to apply for, the portfolio is the story that you tell, it is your branding. It is therefore a question of thinking about it and carrying out a real work of upstream research. There are indeed various good reasons to create your portfolio.
A convincing and robust portfolio can be an asset to any career envisioned. Are you a Community Manager? A portfolio will allow you to highlight your previous achievements: best jobs, successful campaigns on social networks, and stories for a brand. Include in your portfolio all the content that proves your knowledge, and your successes.
The portfolio complements the CV
A portfolio is therefore the perfect tool to complete a CV since it allows you to show your skills, showcase your creative side, and say more about your personality. While a CV is generally short and cold, the portfolio, more detailed, and more inventive, allows you to reveal who you are, how you work, and your universe. Sent in addition to a CV for an application, it will be the perfect teasing. Printed in paper version during a job interview, it will be your best ally to present you with originality. In addition to your professional achievements, you can present some personal achievements, and share passions. The main thing is to remain genuine and make the recruiter want to know you more and work with you.
It makes you stand out
Often, the CVs of candidates with the same training and applying for the same job follow and resemble each other. In order not to allow the recruiter to see your CV keep it aside, it is vital to stand out. The portfolio helps get out of the pile. It is bigger and therefore more visible; it is rarer and therefore remains in people’s minds. What’s more, the portfolio allows you to work on your brand image, just like in an advertising campaign. Well put together, it is sure to grab the recruiter’s attention and allow you to stand out.
Highlights your strengths
Making a portfolio means choosing what to say about yourself, and deciding what to put forward. To create it, it is therefore a matter of immersing yourself in your experiences, thinking about your values, and identifying your strengths. It is a useful introspection that will allow become aware of the journey and of what the candidates are capable of. It’s an honest visual tool that lets the recruiter see who they’re up to and where they can count on.
How to make your portfolio
There are a thousand and one practical ways to make a portfolio, but start by being organized, and prioritizing what you want to present. Do not try to put everything, because your portfolio will become indigestible. Make smart choices and focus more on quality than quantity.
If you are a developer and have created a large number of websites or applications, no need to take screenshots of them all. Pick the pages most revealing about your work. You must be 100% proud of the result, so sort it out.
Leave the mark
The attention of your recruiter is short-lived. So you need to be relevant from the start. Likewise, be concise. Not too long text, not too many pages to turn or scroll. If you do a good job, you will be able to present your work quickly and effectively.
Personal appeal
In your portfolio, dare to say more about yourself, and share your passions. You can present yourself, on the first page. Also, feel free to add a touch (light and tasteful) of humour. You can also insert personal creations, if necessary, to present a talent that does not necessarily fall within your professional field (If you are an amateur photographer, for example, put a photo or two, no need to drown the recruiter for additional information unrelated to the position). It’s a good way for the recruiter to get to know you.
Don’t be too friendly
We said personal, but don’t get intimate! No need to say too much about your privacy or sharing vacation photos. You must present ideas and work that are of interest to the recruiter. Put yourself in their shoes, and ask yourself what they would like to learn about a potential future employee.
Describe your course of growth
If possible, add to one or two presentations in your portfolio the path that led to their realization. This will allow you to explain your process, your way of working, your way of thinking, the work is done upstream, alone or in a team, etc. An employer needs to understand how candidates work. This will allow seeing if your way of working adapts to that of the company or if you will have to go through some adjustments.
Keep it simple
We advise you to keep it classic and opt for a simple, readable portfolio, on which the images will be visible. Do not take any unnecessary risks regarding the shape of your site. Before sending it to any recruiter, ask your friends for their opinion.
Pay attention to the grammar and spelling
As with any form of presentation, CV, cover letter, or another application email, spelling is essential. So be sure to hunt for typos before sending your portfolio to anyone. Likewise, if you decide to present yourself in detail, be careful of grammar mistakes. Preferably, have your texts proofread by a friend or editor.
Have you learned the basics of creating a portfolio? Remember to seek the advice of a few knowledgeable eyes before submitting your work or presenting it for an interview.
