What is a Portfolio Resume and How to Write One

A portfolio resume is your all-in-one glow-up that packs your resume and portfolio in a single doc, showcasing your past projects. It’s a killer way to flex your skills, talents, and top wins. It’s all about giving hiring managers a sneak peek at what you’ve nailed and what you bring to the table.

Not every gig demands a resume portfolio, but in some fields, it’s totally the move. Consider dropping a resume portfolio when you’re firing off resumes like:

• 3D Artist Resume
• Photographer Resume
• Illustrator Resume
• Graphic Designer
• Front End Developer Resume
• User Experience (UX) Designer
• Web Designer Resume Example

What to Include in Your Resume Portfolio?

Did you know that 91% of freelancers land gigs through referrals and word of mouth? A slick portfolio makes it a breeze for your past clients to hype up your work to potential new ones.

That’s why nailing what goes into your resume portfolio is key. You’ve got a bunch of options to consider:

• Your work
• Articles in which you're mentioned
• Certifications & Licenses
• Kudos

Remember: Always get the green light before dropping any props, shout-outs, or details about your colleagues or clients into your materials. Requesting references is the right move to make.

How to Create a Portfolio Resume?

Here are some tips to create a job-smashing portfolio resume:

• Customize it for the job : Double-check the job ad to make sure your portfolio resume hits the mark. This shows recruiters you crafted it just for them—talk about a personal touch from the get-go! Definitely impressive.
• Collect your work: If you haven't kept track of your projects throughout your career, now's the time to start. Hit up past employers for samples or better yet, stash your stuff in the cloud to keep it all organized.
• Quality over quantity: Only include crisp, clear, and totally relevant samples. Ditch anything pixelated, poorly cropped, or low-res. Only the cream of the crop makes the cut!
• Mix it up: Showcase your range by including diverse works. Whether it's different styles or types of projects, show off how versatile and adaptable you are.
• Design like a pro: Your portfolio resume should be tidy, structured, and easy to read . Not a design wizard? No sweat—ask a designer buddy for help or find a slick resume template . And when you add photos, give them context so viewers get the full picture.
• Go digital: Pop your portfolio on platforms like WordPress, Behance, Adobe, Weebly, DeviantArt, or Squarespace. It’s a smart move that lets you include more samples, boost your online presence , and pull in more props and prospects.
• Keep it concise: Like a well-edited resume, your portfolio should be short and sweet. Leave them wanting more, believing you’ve cherry-picked only the best and most relevant pieces. Tailored and targeted, it’s a total win-win!

And that's it! If you'd like to learn more about making a portfolio resume, check the full guide here: How to Make a Portfolio Resume (Examples)