Portfolios 101: Writing

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How would have Andy gotten her job at Runway Magazine without her impressive portfolio?

One of the things that we celebrate the least about ourselves is what we have accomplished so far. Most likely, we even default to self-deprecation as our most forefront sense of humor. 

In the midst of all the current chaos, one of the most measurable accomplishments are the tangible ones that show how we spend our time in a constructive manner, and puts forth what we claim to be able to do. Hiring managers are aware how easily resumes can be embellished, but portfolio work is unique and indicative of how talented and skilled you are. 

Essentially, portfolios put “the pedal to the medal”, per se. Beginning as early as undergraduate years, it is a good idea to curate the best of, but not all of, the non academic work you have done so far to show off in a professional setting. Here’s how you can too.

1. Use a free website

  • For me, I use journoportfolio.com. It’s easy because it allows for my picture, bio, and enough articles to show off.

2. Quality, not quantity

  • Put your best work first. This can also be contingent on who you’re applying to, so make sure the work you have on your websites caters to the audiences you're catering to. Make sure it is recent and relevant. It is best to include 8-10 of varying subjects to show expertise in multiples subject fields.

  • Don’t forget to vary content!

3. Craft your brand

  • Including a picture and biography is essential to humanizing your work and building your brand. The purpose of the biography portion on your portfolio website is to sell yourself. 

  • Using consistent color scheme, language, and graphic design is essential to curating how you want recruiters to see you. Remember, you are in control of this.

4. Cater the language of your website 

  • When using your website to build your career, you can shape the language to match that of the job applications you’re interested in to bolster your qualifications. For example, publishing this conveys that I am capable of teaching/coaching.

5. AVOID:

  • Spelling mistakes - all of my mentors have told me they close resumes and website tabs as soon as they see a lack of attention to detail.

  • Lack of confidence - humility is not a quality that recruiters are looking for. Self-deprecation is out, ladies, confidence is in.

Rhys Empey