Applying for a job? Well, allow your work to speak for you. Stand out from the crowd with our 10 tips on creating an outstanding portfolio. Showcase your abilities and land your dream job.
What is a Portfolio?
Your CV and cover letter puts your qualifications and experience at the forefront. Yet your portfolio is a visual and written representation of your capabilities. It proves that you are able to complete the practical functions expected of you. Your portfolio is important to your career and can help you get a job. Portfolio’s are needed in a variety of fields like:
- Photography
- Business management
- Freelance writing
- Tourism, and so much more!
10 Tips on Creating an Outstanding Portfolio
If you can’t wait to get started, we’re ready to help. Follow our tips below and start building your career.
1. Your Structure is Your Foundation
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. And this definitely applies to your portfolio. Your portfolio should read like a story. With a clear beginning, middle and end. Propping in your work without structure will have it feeling incomplete.
2. Get Ahead With Headings
This falls in line with your structure. It will give employers a clear picture of what they are looking at. Whether you are showcasing your pictures of landscape as a photographer, or written works like poetry as a writer, adding headings will make your portfolio feel concise.
3. The Best of the Best
Remember the day you took 30 selfies and only uploaded 1 to Facebook? That is exactly what your portfolio should be like. Although perfecting your skills is a process, only adding your best work will make your portfolio stand out from the crowd.
4. Stay Updated
So you’ve been in this field for over 10 years? That’s great! But it’s best not to add work from 10 years ago. Over the years you have learnt more skills, so put those on the forefront. An updated portfolio will also appeal to what recruiters are currently looking for.
5. Showcase Your Diversity
Adding your freelance projects and professional work is great in your portfolio. It shows your professional style and puts your creativity on display. Prove to employers that your expertise stretches beyond your work. Remember to ask your manager if and what work can be added.
6. Don’t get Carried Away
The more you add, the more they want to employ you right? Well think again. Adding too much of your work can make your portfolio look cluttered and unprofessional. Your portfolio should excite your future employer, not bore them. So limit yourself when adding more content.
7. Top off With a Pop of Color
A professional portfolio doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. When getting creative, keep your target audience in mind. But you can still add colors and playful fonts to make your portfolio your own. Graphic details and colorful lines are a great yet subtle add.
8. Print or Digital? Why not Both?
Applications can be submitted online or at the company you are applying to. So having both a printed and digital version with you is a safe option. Keep in mind, when creating a digital portfolio, make sure the format works well on all devices, like phone, laptop and tablet.
9. Get Backed up With Feedback
You know your work is great. But blowing your own horn won’t be much help. So be sure to add comments and feedback on projects you have done. Adding feedback from happy clients will give you a better chance at having a successful portfolio.
10. Spell Check Works Like Magic
One spelling error or low-resolution image can dampen the quality of your portfolio. Be sure to read over your portfolio to make sure it’s spotless. You can even get a friend to have a look at it. A fresh pair of eyes might pick up what you have missed.
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Put Your Best Foot Forward With an Outstanding Portfolio
Make your portfolio stand out more by studying a course with us. Up your credibility and study one of our amazing courses via distance learning. Contact our course experts today and get started. You can:
- Call us on 0800 39 00 27
- Fill in our contact form for a call back
