Written by Shawal Ras
Ever heard of a portfolio? Well, it ranges in few different meanings; a bunch of investments (in finance), or in a literal take, it is a portable folder. Or in fashion, it means your side picture (upfront pictures are called “beauty” shots).
But in this case, a portfolio is a collection of works that are representing your skills and accomplishments in life. If you’ve been in the industry, you know how important it is to have a portfolio to show your potential bosses the credentials that you have that could put you on board.
Still don’t believe what I have stated? I’ve been there and have done that.
After graduating from the university, I went on to attend several interviews with a few publishing companies and they pretty much demanded to see what I’ve been doing so far.
Not wanting to give up just because I’m a freshie, I collected all the articles I’ve written over the past few years, revved ‘em up with my publishing design skills, and show them my website (I review music, not personal blogging – there’s a difference).
Little did I know, I got offered! Multiple offers!
Not meaning to brag up there but yes, portfolios are important when it comes to driving your career to somewhere green. It’s a way for you to tell them not to dismiss you for another option.
But having a portfolio doesn’t mean stacking your stuffs like it is your go-to "interview folder". Give it a thought. I’ve been rejected (by Astro, in case you want to know how messed up it is) for my hideous looking portfolio; there is nothing special in it and I just pile my works without a proper order and some of the works are not interesting at all.
So, with all the explanation above, I’m here to give you a guide on how to have the perfect portfolio with these five fascinating ideas!
Your folder
Handing out your portfolio to the possible employer will be terrifying because they’ll judge you on your works. So, give them the confidence on you with a proper looking folder. By that, I mean no Mickey Mouse or cartoon-ish folders. Pick something that is classy and monotone, if possible. My choice would be a something black with enough transparent pull-ins for your works.
Resume
Like any proper portfolio, start it off with your resume. For this, keep it simple. Put in your personal details, education background and the skills you’ve acquired over the past few years you spent behind books. You can be creative (like this) but please make sure it is clear and not hard to read. The reason why you might want to put it in front is for you to tell them about yourself while they’re reading it.
The best upfront
After resume, quickly follow it with some of your best works to date. For me, as a journalism student, I usually put in my published works, followed by some of the best articles I’ve written (if you’re not sure, ask for some assistance from your beloved lecturer). Never ever put in your lousy works in the portfolio, even though if it’s located at the end. Who knows, your interviewer might saw it and there goes your chance of working there…
Double check for mistakes
Sure, it is easy to say “I don’t think they’ll check it thoroughly”, but in some cases, interviewers do check. In my case, that would be grammar mistakes. As a writer, grammar mistakes are no-no. A few mistakes in the text, sure. A mistake in the title, then you’ll have a problem. So, please check your stuffs before showing it off. At least do it thoroughly and make sure your works are nothing but perfect.
Be creative
If you have anything special, show it off. You shouldn’t be afraid to put something you hold dearly in your portfolio. They might hire you based on that alone! For me, I have a blog on music reviews, so when I was interviewed for a lifestyle magazine, I put a sample of it, they saw it, and I got a job based on that.
You’ll never know if your photography skills in Instagram (or creative design blog – like my friend here) might get you a job with that company you’ve been dreaming to work with since you’re a kid.
Now, you’ve read what I have to say. Better get to work, NOW!
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