Looking for a job is as easy as one, two, three. You go into Google, type some keywords in the search bar tailored to what you’re looking for, and BAM! An endless list of jobs appears just waiting for your application. But there are hundreds of other people searching and clicking on the same things you are. So how do you stand out to your future employer? How do you become the one chosen out of the hundreds? Building a portfolio is a great way to capture an employers attention. Yes, resumes and cover letters are nice but portfolios do a phenomenal job of capturing who you are as a potential employee, whatever that may be. So, what exactly is a portfolio?
Simply put, a portfolio paints a vivid picture of who you are as a potential candidate applying for a job. This would include skills, interests, experience, accomplishments, and professional goals you hope to obtain while employed. Now if you’re not sure how to build one, don’t worry. There are hundreds of portfolio websites out there designed to help you build your shiny, new, professional portfolio. With this tool, you’ll be able to create a great visualization of your work and up your chances of becoming that one out of the hundreds. Here are a few benefits of creating a portfolio for yourself and/or your business.
No Limits To Creativity
When creating your portfolio, there’s nothing saying you can’t step out of the box a bit when making one. Especially with the latest advancements in technology and social media, there are all kinds of ways to get your portfolio in the hands of future employers all over. Having a resume means handing someone a piece of paper with a general overview of your work history, your skills, your references if asked for, and that’s it. However, with many jobs now providing the option of applying online, online portfolios have proven to be a more useful and successful way to market both yourself and your business. For example; a guy decided to take to Instagram as the base for his portfolio platform. That way when he showcases his work to employers he has this creative, unique array of images to show off who he is and what his business is about. Plus, employers can access it no matter where they are.
They Leave An Impression
Unlike resumes, portfolios allow you to show all of the things you’ve accomplished in your professional career. Not only that, but they help you map out the things you wish to accomplish going further in your career. Using a resume limits you to just talking and expressing verbally the same thing a portfolio would do visually. Also, it shows future employers that you took the time to create such an in-depth look into your profession.
When building a portfolio, you should keep in mind that there’s no right or wrong way to create one. Furthermore, there are several types of portfolios designed to fit your specific professional interests. These types are working portfolios, display/showcase portfolios, and assessment portfolios.
Working Portfolios
Working portfolios contain projects you have that may not be completely finished. They are considered works in progress, hence the name of this specific type of portfolio. This also allows you to sort of bookmark work that you hope to complete in the future. A future employer may wish to see your working portfolio but it’s used as, for lack of a better word, a career tracker for yourself. It may also contain works that have been completed.
Display/Showcase Portfolios
These types of portfolios are what people generally think of when they decide to create one. Display portfolios are used to showcase the things that you’ve accomplished in your career thus far. They can also be used to portray the things you hope to accomplish as you grow and expand your business. This is the type of portfolio that is typically brought to potential employers. It’s a visual mark of who you are as a person and professional, what your business is (if you have one), and how you plan to prosper in your career.
Assessment Portfolios
Assessment portfolios are used to examine the knowledge you’ve gained on a specific subject or career. They are used to showcase that you have a good understanding of the things that have been taught to you. This type of portfolio is mostly used in a classroom setting.
Now that you know what a portfolio is and how it can up your chances of getting a job, you’re ready to go out and create one for yourself! And with the world-wide-web, anyone can access your portfolio and check you out! There’s nothing holding you back.
