Build an Instructional Design Portfolio That Gets You Hired
Elizabeth Zandstra
Senior Instructional Designer | Learning Experience Designer | I craft meaningful learning experiences that engage the learner and change behavior — to meet the goals of your organization.
If you’re a new instructional designer, especially coming from teaching, you might be wondering: "How do I create a portfolio that corporate clients actually care about?"
If you haven't been in the field of instructional design for very long, or if you're just trying to break into the field, you may be tempted to create a training based on what you already know, such as teaching or your hobbies, but corporate clients aren't looking for lesson plans or "how-tos" on baking cookies. They need training that improves employee performance, ensures compliance, and drives business results.
Even if you have the skills to do just that, they won’t see your potential if your portfolio screams “classroom instruction" or "aspiring instructional designer."
So, how do you build a portfolio that proves you can meet business needs? Let’s break it down with key strategies and case studies.
Speak the Language of Business
Corporate learning and development (L&D) teams focus is on business goals—reducing compliance violations, improving customer service, or increasing employee productivity. If your portfolio is full of academic terminology (I'm looking at you #transitioningteachers), hiring managers may assume you lack an understanding of workplace training needs.
To bridge this gap, you need to reframe your projects in business-friendly terms. Instead of showcasing a “lesson plan on persuasive writing,” build a sales enablement training that helps employees craft compelling emails to close deals.
?? Case Study: Maria’s Makeover
Maria, a former high school teacher, initially uploaded an eLearning module on “The Civil War.” It was beautifully designed, with engaging visuals and interactive timelines. However, corporate clients weren’t interested—it didn’t demonstrate how she could design training that solves business challenges.
To pivot, Maria transformed instead created a workplace conflict resolution training titled "Preventing Workplace Conflicts." She used learning objectives that aligned with corporate needs:
? Original (Academic-Focused):
"By the end of this lesson, students will understand the causes of the Civil War."
? Revised (Business-Focused):
"By the end of this training, employees will be able to identify early signs of workplace conflict and apply de-escalation strategies to resolve disputes effectively."
She replaced textbook-style content with interactive employee scenarios where learners had to choose how to handle workplace disagreements, receiving real-time feedback on their choices. She also included key performance indicators (KPIs), explaining how the training could reduce workplace complaints and improve team collaboration.
The result? Hiring managers saw that Maria could create a practical, business-driven learning experience.
?? Tip: When revising your projects, ask yourself: Would a business leader immediately see how this training benefits their company?
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Saying “I create engaging eLearning” isn’t enough—your portfolio needs to prove it.
Many aspiring instructional designers upload static PowerPoint slides or PDFs, but corporate hiring managers are often looking for interactive, engaging experiences. A strong portfolio lets them see your work in action.
The best way to do this is by incorporating interactive demos. Use tools like Articulate Storyline, Rise, or Vyond to create bite-sized, polished examples of your training. If you don’t have real client work yet, build a sample course that demonstrates your ability to design engaging, effective learning experiences.
?? Case Study: James’ Interactive Portfolio
James, a new instructional designer, initially uploaded a PowerPoint deck from a teacher training workshop. It covered classroom management strategies in bullet points—useful content, but visually dull and not business-oriented. Hiring managers weren’t impressed.
He revamped his portfolio by creating a self-paced eLearning module in Articulate Storyline, designed for new employee onboarding at a retail company. The module included:
? A short, engaging welcome video.
? A branching scenario where new hires had to assist a frustrated customer, with different response choices leading to different outcomes.
? A skills check where employees identified company policies through a drag-and-drop activity.
? A final interactive checklist to reinforce key takeaways.
This transformation immediately showcased his ability to create immersive corporate learning experiences.
?? Tip: If your portfolio contains PDFs and slide decks, work on converting them into interactive eLearning. Even a 3-minute demo can make a huge difference.
Focus on Performance-Based Outcomes
In corporate training, success isn’t measured by memorization. It’s about real-world behavior change. Your portfolio should highlight how your training impacts business performance—whether through improved sales, fewer compliance violations, or increased customer satisfaction.
?? Case Study: Daniel’s Data-Driven Approach
Daniel created a sales training module for a fictional tech company, helping sales reps craft more persuasive emails. His portfolio update included:
? A simulated email-writing activity where learners had to rewrite a weak sales pitch, receiving AI-powered feedback.
? A performance dashboard showing improvement in email effectiveness before and after training.
? A “business impact” section explaining how better email communication could increase conversions and revenue.
When hiring managers saw how his training improved employee skills and business outcomes, Daniel quickly secured a contract with a software company.
?? Tip: Even if your projects are fictional, tie them to measurable business results.
Get Started Today!
When I first transitioned into instructional design, one of my biggest challenges was building a portfolio that corporate clients actually cared about. I didn’t know what kind of content they expected or how to practice creating it.
That’s why I put together three real-world content outlines—just like the ones I’ve received from actual clients and SMEs—to help new and transitioning instructional designers get hands-on practice with corporate topics:
? Active Listening for Customer Service (3 pages)
? Bloodborne Pathogens for Healthcare (13 pages)
? Cybersecurity for All Employees (10 pages)
These outlines give you the hands-on practice you need to develop corporate-style training—just like what clients and employers expect. Use them to create:
?? Storyboards
?? eLearning prototypes
?? Instructor-led training guides
Download the outlines for just $5 to start building a portfolio that speaks to corporate clients.
?? https://www.teachingheartandsoul.com/shop/p/practice-outlines-for-instructional-design-portfolios
Stop waiting for instructional design experience to come your way—start creating it.
Final Thoughts: Your Portfolio is Your Interview
Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of projects—it’s your ticket to proving you can design training that meets business needs.
? Speak the language of business—frame your projects around performance outcomes, not just content delivery.
? Showcase interactive, engaging samples that allow hiring managers to experience your work firsthand.
? Highlight business impact—demonstrate how your training improves employee performance and drives results.
By applying these strategies, you’ll stand out in the corporate instructional design space and attract the right opportunities.
Co-Founder of HappyAlien.ai | ReviewMyElearning.com |Women Techmakers Ambassador @Google | Relocation Expert, La Rioja, Spain ??
6 小时前Share your course portfolios for free for a month on reviewmyelearning.com to see when and which recruiters and hiring managers looked at your portfolio. If they don't move to the next step in the interview process.. well at least you know it wasn't a fake job post ??
Strategic L&D leader leveraging AI to create effective learning. Skilled in Agile, needs assessment, & performance improvement.
1 周If you want to be a truly successful ID, you need to develop a business mindset and understand the concept of value add.
?? Digital Learning and Engagement Specialist | Studying Instructional Design | ITOL Accredited Diploma in Instructional Design, WW2 Rationing and Recipes Historian, Community Builder.
1 周Wow, this is a great article, very helpful and love how you have used case studies, business problems and kpi’s to show problem and performance solving in the corporate world! Love your tips, thank you!!!
eLearning ID (2013 - Present) | Freelancer | Innovator
1 周Wow, you have 12,000 followers! That's impressive ?? I respectfully disagree with your angle, though. I believe people should create a portfolio that represents their skillset on something they are interested in. No hiring manager is going to spend 30 minutes on a course during the initial interviewing stage. It's just not realistic. With every ID open door, there are 1,000 applicants. In my humble experience, the recruiter or HR pawn is checking a box to see if there is a portfolio available. If there isn't a portfolio available, it's just a red flag and with so many other applicants, the ID is immediately skipped. By the time you get to a group interview with other IDs, I always recommend being personable and open about your abilities. The key to a successful ID is problem-solving, not knowing the "L&D" archaic lingo. I also recommend not trying to show off your new skills with an experienced L&D team. They most likely won't compare to their skills. Rather, focus on your ability to problem solve, find solutions, be transparent, and match questions with how you'd approach solving the problem with an unrelated ID task. But that's just my humble opinion.
I love this and definitely needed to read this. Thank you!