What do you do if your writing portfolio needs to impress during an interview?

1 Select relevant samples

The first step is to choose the most relevant and impressive samples of your writing that match the job or project you are applying for. You don't need to include everything you have ever written, but rather focus on the quality and diversity of your work. For example, if you are applying for a content writing role, you might want to include samples of blog posts, web pages, newsletters, or social media posts that showcase your ability to write engaging and informative content for different audiences and platforms. If you are applying for a technical writing role, you might want to include samples of user manuals, tutorials, FAQs, or documentation that showcase your ability to write clear and concise instructions for complex products or processes.

2 Organize your portfolio

The next step is to organize your portfolio in a way that makes it easy for your interviewer to navigate and evaluate your work. You can use different methods to organize your portfolio, such as by category, by date, by client, or by type of writing. You can also use labels, tags, or captions to provide some context and background information for each sample, such as the purpose, the audience, the platform, the feedback, or the results of your writing. You can also include a brief introduction or summary that highlights your main skills, achievements, and goals as a writer.

3 Choose a format

The third step is to choose a format that suits your portfolio and your audience. You can present your portfolio in different formats, such as a PDF document, a website, a blog, a slide deck, or a video. The format you choose should depend on the type of writing you do, the amount of samples you have, the accessibility and compatibility of your portfolio, and the preference of your interviewer. For example, if you are a web writer, you might want to use a website or a blog to showcase your online writing and design skills. If you are a script writer, you might want to use a video to showcase your storytelling and editing skills.

4 Update your portfolio

The fourth step is to update your portfolio regularly and keep it fresh and relevant. You don't want to present outdated or irrelevant samples of your writing that don't reflect your current skills, style, and experience. You should review your portfolio periodically and add new samples of your writing that demonstrate your growth, improvement, and versatility as a writer. You should also remove any samples that are no longer relevant, accurate, or representative of your work.

5 Practice your presentation

The final step is to practice your presentation and prepare for any questions or feedback from your interviewer. You should rehearse how you will introduce yourself and your portfolio, how you will explain your samples and your process, how you will highlight your strengths and achievements, and how you will address any challenges or areas of improvement. You should also anticipate any questions or comments that your interviewer might have about your portfolio, such as the scope, the duration, the budget, the collaboration, or the impact of your writing projects. You should be ready to provide specific examples, evidence, or testimonials that support your claims and showcase your value as a writer.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?