When it comes to job searching, resumes generally take center stage. This is not surprising given that they are the traditional messages sent by applicants when applying for jobs says Peter Decaprio. However, in the past few years, something has changed: many employers have begun expecting their potential hires to come with well-designed portfolios containing personal projects. These portfolios often include links to the person’s website and other online presence (such as Github), but do not always contain resumes. As a result, you need to be aware of this trend when looking for work.
It should thus go without saying that when you want to apply or present yourself online (such as when giving interviews) your portfolio will an important role in convincing others that you are the right person for the job.
So, what should be included in your portfolio?
Ideally, you should present some of your recent work or projects that you have completed over the years. These projects could be an entire website (or parts of it), some code you wrote, photos taken by you or documentation-style works such as tutorials. It is often a good idea to include links to social media profiles and specialized sites where people can learn more about you (such as LinkedIn). You may also wish to place some recommendations on your portfolio page itself, but this is not always necessary since there usually will be references provided within each project.
Whether they contain resumes or not, portfolios tend to follow certain standards:
- One popular method involves dividing your page into different section, each one corresponding to a different project. Within each section, you should start with a short introduction or summary of the project. And then move onto a more detailed description of it as well as your role within this project (if any). Sometimes there may also be further information such as links for those who want to visit the actual webpage. In addition, you might want to include images that show screenshots from each project. Highlight some other key features about them. Finally, be sure that every portfolio contains contact information either through an e-mail address or other means such as a LinkedIn profile link if the person wishes to make their identity more private says Peter Decaprio.
- Creating an effective resumes or portfolio can take time and effort but is definitely worth it. This is because it will help to establish you as a professional in your field, which should be your goal from the start. By doing this, you prove that you have the skills and expertise to complete a task within a certain time limit and on budget.
If you are just starting out with preparing for a career in I.T. Then it may take longer until your experience starts becoming more advanced and professional looking.
However, even if you do not have anything impressive yet to include in your portfolio, there are still options available to get the ball rolling:
- One method involves creating a generic web page or blog. Where you can place links to projects completed by friends or colleagues who helped create them. Another option is simply copying another person’s work from the web. And modifying it to include only your name as the author.
- Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with having a portfolio that covers more than one aspect of one’s life. But this should be kept in mind when searching for jobs or giving presentations. You do not always need to separate your work from other aspects of your life. But when you are looking for work you must be aware. What type of person potential employers are looking for. For example, if you are applying to an engineering firm which mainly employs people. Who have little interest in art or design then you may wish to avoid including paintings or illustrations in your portfolio. Even though they may otherwise impress others.
Conclusion:
The goal of creating a portfolio is to present some of your work as proof. That you can complete projects on time and under budget explains Peter Decaprio. Be sure to provide details about what role you played in each project. Along with any social media or other links. That people may find useful. While it is important to emphasize your strengths, try not to focus too much on one aspect of your life. Since this could limit the type of jobs you will be able to apply for in the future.
