In design, web, marketing and even communication, a good CV is not enough. You also need a portfolio that shows, quickly, what you can do. Before you fill it with every project you’ve ever worked on, remember that a good portfolio is like a good story: selective, clear and memorable.
Put your portfolio online
In the creative industry, a portfolio is as essential as knowing the difference between CMYK and RGB. It should live online: on Behance, Dribbble, Adobe Portfolio, a personal website or a well-designed PDF you can send. Include the link in your CV, your email signature and your LinkedIn profile.
Choose, don’t collect
Show fewer projects and make each one count. Eight to twelve strong pieces say more than forty average ones. Lead with the work closest to the job you want: logo and visual identity work for a branding studio, websites for a digital agency.
Show how you think
For each project, explain the challenge, your role, the process and the result. Clients and employers hire the thinking behind the work as much as the final image. That’s how we present our own case studies.
Keep the CV simple
Your portfolio carries the visual weight; your CV is your business card. Keep it clean and well designed, and avoid generic templates such as Europass if you work in a creative field.
Get the details right
Be concise. Review everything before you send it: outdated information or a spelling mistake can undo a good first impression. Reading it aloud, or asking someone else to read it, helps.
Tell a story
Be direct. Focus on the most relevant roles and projects, and show for each one the skills it demonstrates. The best portfolios leave the reader wanting to see more.
