When applying to jobs, you typically include your resume and cover letter with your application. This is definitely considered the standard, but those documents alone don’t always give you the opportunity to show your true self and really highlight your work.
Having an online portfolio is a really great way to show a bit more of your creativity and seem more unique than the average applicant. Continue reading to learn how you can easily create your own online portfolio that you can use to your advantage in your job search.
Gather your materials
Before you start to create your portfolio, you’ll have to gather all of your documents, projects, and files in one place to stay organized. It’s important that all of your documents are up to date and ready to be published. It will be much easier to actually put your portfolio together if initially everything is done ahead of time rather than having to go back and forth between editing. Take the time to gather any of your projects or work that show off your knowledge and skills, then compile everything that you could potentially use into a single location.
Decide what to include
Your online portfolio is going to be used to further highlight your best work, not necessarily every single thing you’ve ever worked on. Really delve into your work and decide what the top pieces are that you want to display. This is your chance to show that you’re more than what is on your resume, so definitely be sure to make the most of it. Sometimes your career field has you involved with different projects and assignments and it can be hard to find space or a way to articulate exactly what you’ve worked on in a few short bullet points. This can be your opportunity to include actual evidence of your work and skills so future employers already have a sense of what you can do.
Choose a platform
Finding the right platform for your portfolio will depend on what industry you’re in and what work you need to showcase. Depending on what you need to display, you may find some platforms easier to use in terms of video, photo capabilities, or the amount of storage space you’re given. Most websites offer at least the basics for you to choose from, so you can’t really go wrong with any of them, but just see what works best for the work you want to display.
Here are a variety of online platforms (which are free!) in which you can create your portfolio:
- Behance: one of the more popular online portfolio sites; allows you to create your own profile and highlight what you’re working on
- Foliodrop: utilize this platform to create a portfolio website and add any content you’d like
- Crevado: an easy-to-use portfolio builder to showcase your work
- Dribble: a platform more geared toward designers; use to showcase your designs and ideas
- Weebly: ‘drag and drop’ your files into one place; offers unlimited storage space
Keep it composed
When creating your online portfolio, it’s important to look at it as an extension to your normal job search criteria. Resumes tend to be very formal and have a concrete structure, but that doesn’t need to be the case with a portfolio; you can make it your own! However, even though you are able to show off your creativity and individuality with your work, it should still be kept succinct, composed, and to the point. No matter how amazing your work is, no one wants to scroll through a thirty-page document or look at fifty images you designed. It’s best to keep it short and sweet, so you don’t overdo it.
Share and connect it
Once you’ve created your online portfolio, you also need to let people know that it exists. Add it to your resume header, your email signature, your various social media pages, and where ever else you see fit for your job search. Whenever you make an update or add new content, you should also let your networks know. This is a great method to show recruiters and hiring managers that you’re consistently creating new ideas and looking to expand your knowledge.
Having an online portfolio is an excellent way to have your work on display for anyone that would want more information or insight into your skills. Especially with most job applications being paperless and social media being so prevalent, having all of your work in one place online is easy to link to others and share quickly. Take that extra step to create a portfolio that will set you apart from other candidates in your field! And if you need some more help in making your online portfolio, do check out these online portfolio tips that will help you to build your stunning online portfolio website right away.
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