Use a digital portfolio to boost your job search

Years ago, mailing your resume to employers was the only way you could apply for a job. It took days for the employer to even see your resume and respond to you. Today, the hiring process is much speedier thanks to the advancement of technology. As a majority of job applications are shared through digital platforms, it gives you the opportunity to use more materials to emphasize your skills when applying for a job.

While sending a resume and cover letter is a basic step that every job seeker does, not everyone takes the time to develop a digital portfolio to highlight their job-related skills. If you want to stand out in a competitive job market, using your digital portfolio is a sure way of getting noticed. It is essential for you to share your digital portfolio with employers when you apply for creative jobs such as copywriting, architecture, fashion design, interior design, etc.

Here's how you can build your digital portfolio:

1. Identify the key elements

Do a bit of research on your industry and find sample digital portfolios. What are other professionals including in their portfolios? Pay attention to the skills they have highlighted as well as the different techniques used. You should also notice how they have organized and structured the digital portfolio.

2. Choose your platform

Depending on your job and industry, you need to choose the right platform to build your digital portfolio on. WordPress, Wix, Behance, and Dribble are some of the options you have. Choose a platform that has features to bring out your technical and transferable skills through the portfolio.

3. Showcase your work

A digital portfolio allows you to present the best of your work in a visually appealing manner. You can add images, videos, and links to projects that you have completed as a professional. You can also describe your pieces of work using relevant keywords to tailor your portfolio to the job.

4. Pick your theme

Instead of letting your portfolio be a mixture of multiple design features and colors, decide on a theme first. Choose your color palette and style. Then, you can ensure that your theme is brought to life through your digital portfolio.

5. Make it user-friendly

Your digital portfolio shouldn’t have readers confused about what they should do next. Ensure that it is user-friendly with a good flow. Make instructions clear to the viewers using simple graphical elements.

6. Promote your portfolio

What use is a perfectly crafted digital portfolio if no one sees it? Direct potential employers to your digital portfolio by adding a link to your resume. You can also link your digital portfolio to your social media profiles to ensure that more people see it. Make a habit of sending out your portfolio with your job applications. You can also display your portfolio through the service page of your LinkedIn profile.

7. Update your portfolio

Don’t let your digital portfolio gather dust in between jobs. Regularly update the portfolio with important pieces of work that highlight your job-related skills. You should also ensure that the style and theme of your portfolio align with the current trends in your industry.

By?Resume Mansion