In a tough job market, your portfolio is more than just a bunch of projects — it shows what you can do, who you are, and your future potential. Whether you’re applying for jobs, seeking freelance work, or trying to build your personal brand, a great portfolio can help you get noticed much faster than a simple résumé. Here’s how to make one that stands out.
1. Quality Over Quantity
You don’t need a ton of projects — just a few really good ones.
For developers, this could be:
- A live app or tool you created
- A GitHub repository with clean code and good documentation
- A breakdown of a technical challenge you solved
For technical writers, consider:
- Detailed tutorials or blog posts
- Examples of product documentation
- Before-and-after samples that show how you edited or organized content
Make sure each project shows a specific skill or result — explain not just what you did, but why it was important.
2. Share the Story Behind Each Project
Don’t just link to the final product. Tell the story behind it:
- What problem were you trying to solve?
- What was your role and what steps did you take?
- What tools or programming languages did you use?
- What impact did your project have?
This makes your portfolio more than just a collection of work; it shows how you think and solve problems, which employers appreciate.
3. Design Matters — But Keep It Simple
You don’t need to be a graphic designer, but your portfolio should be:
- Easy to navigate
- Clean and easy to read
- Mobile-friendly
- Free from broken links
If you’re not designing it yourself, use a simple template or platforms like Notion, GitHub Pages, or Webflow. The goal is clarity, not flashiness.
4. Show Your Personality and Perspective
Your portfolio is not just about what you’ve done — it's also about who you are.
- Write a short personal introduction or mission statement
- Share your interests and what you’re eager to learn
- Use your own voice when describing your projects
Remember, people hire people, not just lists of skills. Showing your personality helps you stand out.
5. Make It Easy to Contact You
This might seem obvious, but many portfolios forget this step.
- Include a clear “Contact” section or link
- Provide your email and/or links to social media (like LinkedIn or GitHub)
- Add a call to action if you’re looking for work (for example, “Let’s collaborate!” or “Currently seeking new opportunities”)
Make it easy for someone to reach out to you or refer you to others.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're writing documentation or coding, your portfolio showcases your work. Make it intentional, personal, and focused on what you really want to do. Don’t wait until it’s “perfect” — start with what you have and improve it over time. The best time to show your work was yesterday!