In today’s day and age, having a digital portfolio is a must for certain positions. It can help you distinguish yourself from other candidates, showcase your track record of successful accomplishments, and land the job. If, however, you’re not familiar with this kind of portfolio, or what types of jobs it’s best suited for, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Digital Portfolio?
A digital portfolio is simply a sampling of your best work available in digital format. With this collection, it’s easy for hiring managers to click a link and see actual examples of past projects you’ve completed. This gives them visual evidence that you have what it takes to do the job and thrive at their company.
You don’t want to include all your work in your portfolio, just the most compelling pieces from your work history, or those that are most relevant to your current job search. If you already have a digital portfolio but haven’t updated it recently, then now’s the time to delete old work and add fresh samples so you can make the best impression possible on hiring managers.
Who Uses a Digital Portfolio?
Digital portfolios aren’t expected for every job. Rather, they’re best used in fields, like marketing, PR, web design, photography, videography, and web engineering. They can also be a great way to capture the attention of the hiring manager in fields like journalism and photo journalism, as well as more technical jobs like for architects and developers.
What’s In a Digital Portfolio?
It depends on the field you’re in. It can include anything from samples of your writing work to photographs, drawings, specs, illustrations, videos, blueprints, animation, and even spreadsheets. Whatever you choose to include, just make sure it’s the best way to showcase your professional abilities and creativity.
Beyond actual samples of your work, your portfolio should also include:
- Professional summary. This is essentially a few sentences that introduce the portfolio and explain who you are and what you do. If you have any specialized skills or unique expertise, you can list it here. Alternately, you can create an “About Me” section if you’d prefer to write something longer.
- Relevant skills. List the skills you have that are most relevant to your job search and that are important to highlight.
- Whether it’s a project completed or an award or recognition you earned, listing it on your portfolio will further set you apart.
- Be sure to include your actual resume or a link to download a PDF of it, so employers and recruiters can easily access it.
- Contact information. Include your name, phone and email.
Why Is It Good to Have a Digital Portfolio?
Having a digital portfolio can help set you apart from other candidates. Despite the worker shortage, employers still want the best-fit talent for their openings. If other candidates don’t send in a digital portfolio, or their portfolios are weak or messy, then you’ll go a long way in persuading the hiring manager you’re the best fit for the role.
Where Should It Be Linked to On a Resume?
When it comes to your digital portfolio, it’s important to link to it in the right way. If you include a long URL web address, for instance, your resume will look sloppy. Instead, create a text hyperlink in your resume that connects the hiring manager to your portfolio. This looks cleaner and more professional.
When you take this approach, you can even personalize the link to something such as: “Mike Smith’s Portfolio” or “Samples of Emma Jacob’s Work.” This way, it’s clear what you’re linking to and it’s also more inviting for a hiring manager to click on.
As for where to list this hyperlink, you can place it right in your header where your name and contact information are listed. This way, it’s front and center and difficult for the hiring manager to miss. You can also opt to place it below or beside your header. Just make sure it stands out and doesn’t get lost in your resume text.
Before you send along your resume with a digital portfolio link to a hiring manager, send it to a friend or family member. Make sure they can click on the link and that it takes them to your portfolio. If there’s a problem, you can troubleshoot it before sending it to employers.
Need More Help Standing Apart In Your Job Search?
Turn to ResumeSpice for our resume writing service. We’re professionals in the field and know how to make the case that you’re a great fit for the job through a customized resume, cover letter, professional bio and more. You’ll put your best foot forward with help from our team. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online to get started.
