How to create an online portfolio
Your online branding is a key aspect of your job search. The most important part of that brand is your online portfolio. It is important to ensure that you create a dazzling online portfolio. According to Forbes, 56% of hiring managers are more impressed by a personal file than any other branding tool. A well-done online resume (or portfolio) will help you stand out when Google search patterns your name and is an excellent addition to any job application.
1. Online portfolio design
You should choose your online portfolio design carefully, as each portfolio template will appeal to a different audience. There are a variety of layouts that you can choose from. There are traditional portfolio templates, modern portfolio templates, and web design templates.
Choose a design that best represents you in the industry and is intended for an audience. It’s easy to change your mind, so just pick your favorite and get started.
Action: Choose a portfolio design
2. Personal Information Portfolio
This is sitting at the top of your online portfolio. Let’s divide it into sections:
Add your top 6 skills to your online portfolio. Make sure these are skills that are relevant to an employer, and not redundant. It’s 2015 – your Microsoft Word skills should be automatic, not advertised.
Action: Add your top 6 skills to your profile
This is a fun section. It is the section that brings your online portfolio to life. Your main portfolio projects depend on your industry, but can be published in various formats:
- embedded video
- images
- Links to external resources
- from PDF and Powerpoint
This section is very subjective. If you are an artist – include photos of your art. If you are a marketer – include links to your best presentations or videos of conversations that you have provided.
This is your chance to “show, not tell” employers what you are capable of. You can label this section however you like – Portfolio, projects, and work samples are the most common.
Action: Add your article a portfolio to your profile. Putting it all together
A featured online portfolio is a huge differentiator in your job search. Take the time to build something that represents your best professional self. And remember, this is a continuous work in progress throughout your career.