A portfolio can be the deciding factor in whether or not you are offered the job
In the increasingly competitive world of work, it goes without saying that a killer portfolio can dramatically improve your chances of landing a job over rival contenders, particularly in the creative industries. With a mass of talented individuals showcasing their skills, work examples and personal branding, how can you mould your own portfolio to stand out from the crowd?
Whether it’s a creative, digital, marketing or PR role you’re hoping to find yourself in, these seven commandments of building a winning portfolio will help you on your way to achieving your career goals.
Online or offline? That is the question
The digital world plays a crucial part in business processes these days, particular when recruiting. Staying current with both an online and offline portfolio can improve your chances of being offered the job. That way, you are likely to appeal to both traditional and contemporary employers.
A blog or personal website is a great way to build up an online portfolio. You can include everything you choose to add into your offline portfolio, and more! Not only that, but you can offer up your digital portfolio at the application stage of your job hunt, rather than waiting to meet the interviewer, which is usually when your offline portfolio would come into play. Think about including a link to your blog or website in your CV for when you make the first point of contact, but not without making sure the link works beforehand. If there is content that shouldn’t necessarily be made available to the public, consider using password protection and sending security details along with the link to the employer.
Examples: Quality over quantity
Examples of your previous work are an absolute must, as they prove to the employer that you have what it takes to be a part of their team. Spend some time researching any companies you would love to work for and the work that they do, and decide what pieces of your work would entice them towards hiring you.
It’s a popular opinion across the majority of employers, that less really is more. Employers are more likely to dismiss your application if your portfolio is bursting at the seams with “average” work, than they are if your portfolio has just a few spectacular pieces. Don’t be tempted to go overboard with the number of examples you add to your portfolio and instead, choose the best bits that will really catch the employer’s attention.
Tell the story of you through your work
When looking to land a job in a creative industry, your portfolio should concentrate on a mixture of recent pieces of work that you are particularly proud of, as well as a small number of examples from earlier on in your career, that stand out from the rest.
For other roles, one way of presenting your portfolio is through telling the story of your career up until now. Starting from the very beginning and rounding it up to where you currently stand, offers employers the chance to see your development over time and how far you have come.
Don’t take this as meaning you should add absolutely everything that you have completed throughout your career so far. Instead, think back to the work that truly captured your imagination and gave meaning to the work you do, and include these in your portfolio. Interviewers might want to ask you questions about why you chose to show them those particular pieces and why you are proud of them, and so having a genuine interest in the examples will work as a catalyst for a great conversation with potential employers. Your pride and ambition will shine through to employers, and you are more likely to be offered a job doing what you love rather than one filled with those pesky tasks that you’re looking forward to leaving behind.
Don’t restrict yourself to professional pieces
If you feel your portfolio of work from other employment doesn’t highlight your ability to generate great ideas, consider showing off any projects that you completed in your spare time or at college/university; it’s a great way to show just how passionate you are about the industry.
If you feel like this is something you could improve, why not get in touch with some industry professionals and discuss a brief that you could fulfil for them? You never know, responding with a fantastic piece could win you a job! Alternatively, sign up for courses that you can take during your free time, such as School of Thought, where you can develop a number of projects to add to your portfolio.
Prove your worth
Many portfolios simply consist of examples of a candidate’s previous work, so why not add a little more value to your own, with simple flourishes that will help you stand out from the crowd?
How about a collage of any thank you notes or references from personal or work-related achievements? These can act as recommendations from anyone who has had the pleasure of working with you in the past, for those considering work with you in the future.
You should always include a short synopsis of each project, to help employers understand the intentions of each piece and whether or not you successfully met the requirements of the original brief.
Why not even add your CV to the mix, just to give the employer or interviewer a helping hand?
Practicing your delivery is key
Too often, candidates head to an interview with plenty of optimism, only to fall at the first hurdle because they stumble over presenting their portfolio. It’s absolutely crucial that you practice delivering your portfolio, as how you talk about your work can really make an impact.
Welcome constructive criticism
Feedback on your portfolio gives you the chance to improve your application and could be the reason you are offered a job! Begin by showing the portfolio to your friends and family, or anyone you know in relevant industries. Even when you are unsuccessful in your job hunt, try to reap the benefits from it, by asking for feedback on your portfolio from those who interviewed you. That way, it can only get better in time for your next application.
Creating your portfolio is just the beginning. Too many people are offered the job they wanted with the help of their portfolio, only to move on without it. Invest in your career by updating and developing your portfolio as you progress; you never know; it could be the deciding factor for future promotions.
Head over to catch Olivia Downing’s advice here, or contact us for more help.