Why New Graduates Need a Work Portfolio (and How To Make One)

Getting that first job out of college is often the most challenging search in a career. Landing a position with little to no experience takes time and a well-crafted resume. But now that hunting for a job is almost exclusively digital, your online digital profile needs to be perfected. 

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Putting your best foot forward has become less about your attire in an interview and more about impressing recruiters with who you are. Create a professional digital profile to show your personal brand to potential employers. Keep reading to learn what a work portfolio is, how you can create one, what to include in it, and how to use it. 

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What is a work portfolio?

A professional work portfolio, or career portfolio, is a collection of your previous work examples. Your portfolio allows employers to find everything they need to know about you that doesn’t fit on a resume. Work portfolios can come in a variety of formats. Depending on your work, the way you present yourself and your work could vary. Keep reading to find the best way to showcase your work. 

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Do I need a work portfolio?

Many recent graduates wonder if creating a portfolio is worth their time. While creating a well-designed portfolio is no small feat, creating one will benefit you in most cases. 

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A portfolio allows you to offer more information to employers than a resume or cover letter ever could. Giving potential employers a look into what you could be doing for their company could even help make you a more competitive candidate. 

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How to build a career portfolio

Before creating a portfolio, first, consider the best format for your industry. 

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1. Website

A website is the most versatile way to create a career portfolio.  You can create a portfolio with nearly unlimited information without any technical skills with a website. 

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There are plenty of free website builders for grads who didn’t graduate with any coding experience that will allow you to make a portfolio for free. Most of these sites will even allow you to select from templates, so your career portfolio can look professional without the help of a designer. 

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2. Video

Try a video if you are looking for a unique way to showcase your skills. Creating a professional portfolio in video format is a great way to show employers your video editing skills. 

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3. PDF

If your industry is more traditional, try a PDF. Creating a PDF allows for easy sharing digitally or with hard copies. While PDF formatting limits the information you can include, it could be more effective for in-person interviews. 

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What should be included in a work portfolio?

Your portfolio should uniquely reflect you and your work, but there are a few pieces of information that you should always include in your portfolio. 

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1. Who you are

Create a quick biography that outlines who you are. Your bio should be a professional, well-written bio, but don’t forget to include some personality. If you really want to show who you are, consider crafting a video introduction. 

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Don’t forget to include a link, or QR code, to your digital business card. Including your digital card will ensure your contact information is always up to date without ever having to update your portfolio. 

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2. Past experiences

Make sure to include your resume. While an employer may already have a copy, others might be viewing your portfolio without seeing your resume first. 

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3. What you’ve done

The main goal of a portfolio is to showcase all that you’ve created. Whether it’s a paper you’ve written for a class, a final project, or something you have done in your spare time, be sure to include it. 

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How to share your work portfolio with employers 

Now that you’ve created your portfolio, what do you do with it? 

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1. Resume

Recruiters and hiring managers will see your portfolio, so include the link or a QR code on your resume—this will allow easy access to all your work right from your resume.

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2. Social

Include a link to your portfolio on your social media accounts. LinkedIn and Facebook are great social media channels to share more professional information. 

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3. Digital business card

Add it to your digital business card. 85% of jobs are filled through networking, so including your portfolio every time you meet someone could lead to the next big step in your career. 

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If you don’t already have a digital business card, learn how to make one for free. 

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4. Applications

Many job applications now have a field to link to your website or portfolio or a spot to include additional information. Even if you already included the link in your resume, never pass up an opportunity to have your work noticed.

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Main photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

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