A portfolio shows what you've actually done – not just what you claim you can do. For many roles, it can be the difference between getting an interview and being passed over.
Do you need a portfolio?
A portfolio is especially valuable for:
- Creative roles: Design, writing, marketing, photography
- Technical roles: Development, data science, engineering
- Project-based roles: Consulting, project management
- Career changers: To prove transferable skills
Even if not required, a portfolio can set you apart from other candidates.
What to include
Quality matters more than quantity. Aim for 5-10 pieces that demonstrate:
- Your best work
- Variety of skills
- Relevance to the jobs you want
- Your problem-solving process
For each project, include:
- Title and brief description
- The challenge or goal
- Your role and contribution
- The process (if interesting)
- The result or outcome
- Visuals: Screenshots, images, or links
Types of portfolio content
| Field | What to show |
|---|---|
| Design | Final designs, process sketches, before/after |
| Writing | Articles, reports, copy examples |
| Development | GitHub projects, live demos, code samples |
| Marketing | Campaign results, content pieces, analytics |
| Project management | Case studies, process documentation, results |
Where to host your portfolio
Free options
- Behance: Best for design and creative work
- GitHub: Essential for developers
- Medium: Good for writing samples
- LinkedIn: Can host documents and link to projects
- Notion: Simple, professional, and free
Build your own
- Squarespace: Beautiful templates, easy to use
- Wix: Free tier available
- WordPress: More customizable
- Custom website: If you have technical skills
Portfolio best practices
- Keep it updated: Remove old or weak pieces
- Make navigation easy: Don't make visitors hunt for content
- Include contact information: Make it easy to reach you
- Optimize for mobile: Many recruiters browse on phones
- Check your links: Broken links look unprofessional
What if you can't show your work?
If your work is confidential or internal:
- Describe the project without revealing sensitive details
- Create personal projects that demonstrate similar skills
- Use mockups or anonymized versions
- Explain the challenge and your approach in general terms
Common mistakes to avoid
- Including everything: Curate your best work only
- No context: Explain what each piece shows
- Outdated work: Remove pieces that don't represent your current skill level
- Poor presentation: The portfolio itself should look professional
- No call to action: Make it clear how to contact you
Try it yourself
- List 10 projects you're proud of
- Select the 5 most relevant to your target jobs
- Write a brief description for each
- Gather visuals or documentation
- Choose a platform and start building
You've completed the CV module
You now have all the knowledge you need to create a strong, tailored CV with great references and a portfolio that showcases your work.
Go back to the CV module overview to review any guides, or continue to another module like Interview.