You'll agree with me when I say job hunting is not an easy task. There are many others out there competing to be recruited and are doing everything they can to be. Therefore, having a portfolio is an effective way to stand out. A portfolio is a compilation of materials that exemplifies your beliefs, skills, qualification, education, training and experience. It is like a representation of you and your work. It shows your actual skills and the projects you've completed. Unlike a CV, a portfolio gives a visual representation of your work. A good portfolio should show who you are, the things you do and your projects. When employers see it, they should have an idea of who you are, what it is like to work with you and the projects you have done.
In this article, We will be talking about why you need a portfolio, how to build a portfolio and what it basically needs. Let's dive in!
WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A PORTFOLIO
It helps you stand out: How can your portfolio help you stand out? Seeking jobs is not quite easy, the tech space is filled with competitors, each wanting to attract an employer with their abilities and skills. Keep in mind that employers see hundreds of these portfolios. To stand out and show that you're for real, you don't just need a good portfolio but a killer one that would show how qualified you are, keep them glued, seeing your proficiency and wanting to work with you.
It adds value to your application: Your portfolio is not just a list of your qualifications and things about you, it also shows your wonderful skill sets and projects you've worked on. Your employers see these things and know what you can bring to the table—this is why you should add your best projects. Having a CV and a portfolio to show your work puts you at an edge over others and adds value to your application.
Keep track of accomplishment: This is also a good way to see what you have done. You have to keep updating your portfolio, this helps you and your employers see your accomplishments and how far you've gone. Always remember to include any skill set you have acquired.
BUILDING A PORTFOLIO
In building a portfolio, you can either use a template or build one from scratch. It all depends on your personal preference and ability.
Using a Template
Building a portfolio from scratch requires effort and time, if you can't spare any of these, you can use website builders like HTML5 Up, Squarespace, Wix or Behance. HTML5 Up is code-based, you can edit the codes and use them. Squarespace is made for newbies with little or no knowledge of coding. Wix has hundreds of good templates that can be used and Behance has been proven to be easy to use for designers. You can also use your favourite search engine to find other Website builders.
But if you can build one from scratch, you should try to build it, a good way to show your skills.
Building a portfolio from scratch
Yes, building a portfolio can take time, but what is a better way to show that you're good at what you do? It is possible to take it as a project and show your technical abilities. JavaScript and CSS could be used. Moreover, Static site generators like Angular or React can be employed. Building your portfolio yourself is a nice way to practice but it can be difficult if you have little or no knowledge of coding and design.
WHAT YOUR PORTFOLIO NEEDS
A Killer Bio: A lot of people complain about writing, but there is nothing to fuss about here, it's just like introducing yourself to someone. Just say things that you want people to know. No need to get extra with this. A simple 'About me' title will do the trick. • Write about yourself; name, title (UX/UI designer) -What you do for fun -What you are learning -What you are passionate about -How you got into tech -Certificates on courses you have taken, and so on. Remember, your portfolio is not an autobiography, try to be brief but not boring. Being a little personal can make your employer relate with you and have a clue of what it would be like when working with you.
The projects you've worked on: Here's a good way to show what you are good at. You don't need to fill it up with all your projects, just the ones you are proud of, the memorable ones. Show your work, write a case study for each project, and talk about the technologies you used, and prototypes, you can include screenshots or videos and the completed project, you can also talk about what inspired your work. A-Pro tip, you can also build something for the company you would like to work with, it would be nice. Even if you don't get employed, another employer can like it. You can also post projects you've done with your team, employers like to see people who can effectively carry out a job with a team. If you have a project you've done for your previous company, you can't include it if it is confidential.
Other skill sets: You can also include other skill sets if you have them. This is a good way of showing that you have an interest in other things. If you can code, write or design. This does the trick sometimes when seeking employment.
Blog: Having a blog can be a bonus, although it is optional. Here you can write about personal or technical topics, or even both. It can also be a means where you can share your career journey and experience. Just have fun with it.
Testimonials: This is a good way of proving you are good to work with. You can ask Teammates, Coaches, and previous Employers to write something about you and how it was working with you. This can show credibility. Don't forget to add their contact info too.
Contact info and links: This is something most people forget to include. How do you expect to be contacted if you don't place a contact info? Give links to relevant social media like Linked In, GitHub, Twitter, Medium, etc. You can also add an email address. If you don't mind getting calls, you can add your phone number.
A CTA: Give them a call to action, something you want them to do after reading your portfolio, let it be short but capable of making them want to do something about what they just read. Here's an example: “I'm seeking new opportunities and available to hire, contact me if interested.”
Your portfolio should be up-to-date, always keep it updated. When you create a new project, place it there. Employers can always go back to review your portfolio.
CONCLUSION Always remember that your portfolio is a representation of you, try not to exaggerate. Just be you. A good portfolio should include who you are and what you are interested in, your work, projects, and skills. It can also include your blog (optional), a testimonial (there's no trouble if you don't get one), a contact list and Call To Action. Keep your employers glued with your amazing project and you are sure of the next job.