How to create a digital portfolio to up your job search game

Did you know that a professional digital portfolio is one of the best marketing materials you can have today to display your very best skills? A majority of job seekers use their digital portfolios to attract the attention of potential employers. All you have to do to stand out among the other competitors is add a link to your digital portfolio to your resume!

1. Define the Purpose and Target Audience of Your Digital Portfolio

You need to determine a few things before you open Photoshop and design away. First, you should identify your target audience. Are you going to target potential employers, hiring managers, or new clients? You can also have a specific motive for your digital portfolio. Most of the time, professionals choose to create a portfolio to showcase their work, attract new clients, or land a new job.

2. Determine the Platform to Use for Your Digital Portfolio

There are multiple platforms that you can use for your portfolio. Depending on your target audience and purpose, the platform you should select will vary. Most professionals go with platforms such as WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or Adobe Portfolio for their work. Each of these platforms offer unique features and designs, so you should make a wise choice.

3. Gather and Organize Your Best Work Samples

This is one of the harder steps. You believe that all of your best pieces of work deserve the spotlight. They probably do, but you need to prioritize what goes into your portfolio. Choose the samples that highlight your skills, talents, and accomplishments. Also, the samples you select must be relevant and appropriate for your audience. For example, if you are applying for the position of graphic designer, select the samples that highlight your design skills.

4. Choose a Design and Layout for Your Digital Portfolio

The visual appeal of your portfolio will depend on the design and the layout you select for your portfolio. The design you choose must be consistent with your personal brand. It should also be relevant to your purpose. You don’t want to apply for a job with a portfolio design that translates as “chaotic.” Choose a layout that is simple and easy to navigate.

5. Create a Compelling Introduction to Your Digital Portfolio

Just like your resume’s summary statement, the introduction page of your portfolio is the first thing a potential employer will read. This should be nothing short of perfect. Take enough time to write just the right things in your introduction. Ensure that the introduction is concise, compelling, and engaging. Some professionals also include a personal statement to bring out their personality through their portfolios.

6. Provide Detailed Descriptions of Your Work Samples

Don’t just add a bunch of samples to the document and call it quits. You should describe each of your pieces in detail. Mention important information such as the purpose of the project, your role, and the results achieved. Just like in your resume, quantify the results with numbers and metrics. If you want to highlight particular skills through your portfolio, try to tie back the description to those skills.

7. Include Visual Aids to Enhance Your Digital Portfolio

Visual aids make your portfolio look better. They also make for a more engaging and visually appealing design. Always choose high-quality images and visuals for your portfolio. Using low-quality elements will weaken the strength of your portfolio. Ensure that the images you use are relevant to the theme of your portfolio.

8. Ensure Your Digital Portfolio is Mobile-Responsive

Avoid designing your portfolio with only the PC users in mind. More and more people are using mobile devices to access digital content. Choose a mobile-responsive approach to your portfolio design. Ensure that your portfolio appears uniform on screens of different sizes such as smartphones or tablets.