A portfolio is a huge selling point for any professional in the creative industry, it’s a fantastic opportunity to sell yourself and show what you are capable of.

Be selective about the work you showcase

Don’t overdo it, sometimes it pays to be ruthless. Make sure you focus on showcasing the best and most relevant projects you’ve worked on. Adapt your portfolio to the role you are applying for, it isn’t a one size fits all.

Keep it fresh

Who wants to see a portfolio that’s full of old work? Portfolios need constant attention, and regular updates are crucial, so make sure you have a regular spring clean once a year.

Demonstrate all–round experience

Everyone has more than one skill so make sure you really showcase all those skills, the more adaptable you are the better. Employers are always looking for all-singing, all-dancing professionals to join them.

Include case studies

Don’t be afraid to show the process and experimentation and your thought processes to demonstrate how professionally capable you are. Throw in a few client recommendations too for good measure, it all reflects well on you.

Index your portfolio

Make your portfolio easy to navigate by including page numbers and clear project titles for each portfolio example. They say it takes 5-7 seconds to form an opinion about a CV, and it’s no different for a portfolio.  Make those seconds count and make it easier on the employer, time is precious so make it easier for the viewer to navigate.

Honesty is the best policy

If you have worked on a project collaboratively then be honest and show what parts you were involved with and where your responsibilities were within that project.

Text

Text and the layout of it is vitally important, it brings the whole portfolio together, don’t forget you are taking the viewer on a journey through your work, so it needs to look good and complement your design.

Interviews

Don’t just rely on a digital portfolio, go to the effort of producing a physical one too. This enables you to show your layout skills in a different medium and shows you’ve made an effort to impress. Some great tips here for anyone looking to do this

Does your portfolio stand out? Let Paul our Design Consultant have a look, send your Portfolio over to paul@stracorecruitment.com