Career Portfolio: The Why, When and How to Create One

Did you know recruiters scan resumes for key info in a mere 6 seconds? And let's face it, with a whopping 75% of resumes getting axed by ATS systems before they even meet human eyes, job seekers have to up their game. That's where the career portfolio steps in.

A career portfolio offers a visual representation of your talents and skills. Think of it as an expanded version of your resume, showcasing your journey, achievements, and projects in more detail.

It can also feature testimonials from your colleagues or supervisors, certificates, or awards.

A well-prepared career portfolio can be beneficial whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, especially in creative fields like marketing, advertising, and graphic design, but also in fields like software development, sales, and business development.

The benefit? It allows you to present concrete evidence of your skills and supports claims in your resume. Not only does this add weight to your resume, but for some professions, having a portfolio is even a requirement.

There's even more to it, though.

Benefits of a career portfolio

A career portfolio offers several advantages that help set you apart from other applicants.

Here are some key benefits of having a career portfolio:

• Showcasing a broader range of skills: While resumes focus on specific qualifications, a career portfolio allows you to include a wider variety of skills and experiences. This gives potential employers a more comprehensive understanding of your capabilities and makes you a more attractive candidate.
• Tangible proof of achievements: A career portfolio provides tangible evidence of your accomplishments, showcasing projects, awards, and other work demonstrating your abilities. This visual representation enhances the credibility of the claims on your resume and gives employers a more concrete understanding of what you bring to the table.
• Differentiation from other job candidates: Setting yourself apart from your competition is crucial in a job search. By sending a career portfolio, you automatically elevate your profile. It also allows you to highlight your unique skills, experiences, and achievements that don't fit your resume.
• Helpful tool during interviews: It helps employers visualize what you could contribute to their team.

How does it look in practice?

Success stories of people who used career portfolios

Here are two success stories of individuals who have benefited from having career portfolios:

Isak Solheim: As Isaac was a self-taught front-end developer, he didn’t have a CV that he could use to show his past work and experience in the field. This is where his career portfolio came in handy. It allowed him to show off his skills and what he was capable of producing, as well as provide examples to potential employers of other projects he has worked on. 

A small but essential piece of advice that Isaac gives is not to include too much text and other personal information but instead focus on actual work examples and projects you have worked on; your work should speak for itself.

Carter Hammett: Carter works as a social worker, author, and as a trainer. With three published books to his credit, he serves as the manager of employment services at Epilepsy Toronto, which is dedicated to assisting individuals with epilepsy and related disabilities in their job search. 

Carter stuck to Isak's advice: to let your work speak for itself. He has a small introductory section that explains a little about who he is and what he does, but the primary focus of his portfolio is on different projects he has worked on.

So, how can you create your own career portfolio?

How to create a career portfolio 

Whether you're a seasoned professional showcasing experience or a recent graduate wanting to show your potential, a career portfolio can help tell your unique story.

What to include in your career portfolio

When building a career portfolio, it’s essential to include elements that showcase your skills, qualifications, and achievements. 

Here are some key components to consider adding to your portfolio:

• Resume: Include a well-crafted, up-to-date resume highlighting your relevant work experience, education, and skills. This is a snapshot of your professional background and can be easily referenced by potential employers.
• Work samples: Whether it's projects you've completed, reports you've written, or creative works you've produced, these samples demonstrate your skills and provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.
• Certifications and training: Showcasing any certifications, licenses, or training programs you've completed can significantly enhance your portfolio. It demonstrates your commitment to professional development and adds credibility to your qualifications.
• Testimonials and recommendations: Including testimonials and recommendations from previous employers, clients, or colleagues is a powerful way to provide third-party validation and credibility. These testimonials can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and professionalism.
• Personal statement: This is a concise and compelling piece of information about you as the candidate and provides a look into your professional journey, aspirations, and values.

Showcasing your portfolio

When showcasing your portfolio during interviews and job applications, a few key steps can help you stand out.

First, include a link or attachment to your portfolio in job applications, you can either provide a direct link to your online portfolio or attach a PDF document with your application. For added ease, consider using a QR code generator that leads directly to your portfolio and include it in your application.

Second, be prepared to present your portfolio during interviews by bringing a physical copy or having a digital version readily available. Practice explaining the contents of your portfolio and be able to discuss the essential skills and experiences highlighted in it.

In addition to traditional methods, utilizing social media and professional networking sites can also help to display your portfolio.

Platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, or Dribbble allow you to showcase your work to a broader audience. Share links to your portfolio in your bio or posts to further enhance your online presence.

Just remember, when presenting your portfolio, it's essential to tailor it to your industry and job position and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant.

Challenges and how to overcome them

Putting together a career portfolio can sometimes feel like a struggle. You may still be learning new skills, or your skill set is more diverse than a Swiss army knife.

No worries, you can turn these factors into assets and create a portfolio that's uniquely you:

• For individuals with limited experience, consider including relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer work to showcase skills and dedication. Additionally, highlight transferable skills gained from previous jobs or life experiences. This will help you demonstrate competence and potential.
• If you’re unsure of what to include, carefully review job descriptions for your profession and tailor the portfolio accordingly. Simply choose portfolio items that align with the specific skills and experiences employers are looking for.
• To address the limited diversity of skills, try some quick opportunities to expand your skill set. Take online courses, attend workshops, or engage in personal projects to gain additional expertise. This will expand your abilities and make your portfolio more robust.
• Seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or professionals in your field. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your portfolio.

Key takeaways: Building a career portfolio

Even though traditional resumes are still widely used in job searches, there's another player in the game: career portfolios.

They're like the all-in-one package deal that showcases your skills and achievements and does it in a way that catches the eye. 

Nowadays, employers and clients are really into portfolios. They find them useful when evaluating candidates, especially for the more senior roles and in creative fields.

When you're putting together your career portfolio:

• keep it professional
• pick a format, digital or physical, that suits your style
• include additional info that don't fit your resume
• remember to refresh it now and then to keep it up-to-date with your latest achievements

And, of course, tailor it to fit the job you're going for to show you're a great fit.