Not every career needs a professional portfolio. However, in some industries, an IT portfolio is just as essential as your resume.
A portfolio in tech makes you stand out. It also helps the employer determine whether you’re the right candidate for their specific needs.
So, what is an IT portfolio and why do you need one? This article answers these questions and so much more.
What is an IT Portfolio?
While a resume tells an employer what you can do, a portfolio displays your skills. An IT portfolio is a compilation of previous works, projects in progress, case studies, and testimonials. The collection should consist of those projects that best represent your abilities and skills.
A portfolio in tech can vary depending on your target audience. For example, a client looking for a web developer will want to see some code and websites while a client looking for a software engineer will want to see software. A full-stack developer should also demonstrate their ability to develop the front and back end of an app or a website.
Importance of an IT Portfolio
An IT portfolio isn’t a resume and cover letter replacement— it’s an extension of the two. A portfolio serves different purposes.
- Helps you stand out: For starters, a portfolio in tech helps you stand out among other professionals. It communicates to the employer that you’re enthusiastic about the career and are proud of your achievements.
- Shows your personality: A portfolio is also your best shot at expressing your personality. You see, a potential client or employer wants to be sure that you’ll click. Your projects can speak volumes about your image. You could also have a short section explaining why you’re passionate about developing video games, codes, or even websites. Don’t forget to add a photo of yourself because it helps a potential employer visualize working with you.
- Builds on a personal brand: A professional portfolio will help you build a personal brand. With so many tech professionals in the industry, building and maintaining a strong personal brand is paramount. A portfolio will help you shape your career and present yourself as a professional even on online platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create an online portfolio for free?
You can easily create an online portfolio for free using tools such as Adobe Portfolio, Behance, and Github. Most of the online tools are free, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t have one.
Can LinkedIn be a portfolio?
Yes, you can use the portfolio section of your LinkedIn account to show people your past achievements. You can attach links that will redirect clients to your projects. You can also ask clients to endorse you, further increasing your chances of landing another job.
What other professions use portfolios?
Other than IT professionals, most careers that use visuals need a portfolio. These jobs include videography, writing, photography, modeling, and many others.
How to Create an IT Portfolio
There is no right or wrong way to create a portfolio in the tech industry. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a portfolio that gets recognized by employers.
Domain Name and Hosting
The first step when creating an online portfolio for IT is to develop a domain name. Then, you need to determine the best hosting for your domain. When building a personal brand, the best method is to use your name in the URL.
Create a Website
As an IT professional, building functional websites is part of the job. So, why don’t you show the employer how you do it by creating your website from scratch? For example, if you’re a graphic designer, maybe you can showcase your talent by making your website look appealing.
About Me Section
The about me section is just a concise introductory statement because you already have a detailed about you page on the resume. You can join other IT professionals and ask them to critique your introductory statement. Here is one Reddit Web Developer group that helps them critique online portfolios.
Contact Details
It’s also crucial to include your contact information and link to social platforms. Github and StackOverflow are the best ones for IT people. Notably, Github will show people how active you’ve been on the platform. If you plan on using it, ensure that you’re active.
Add your Projects
A portfolio is all about showing your target client or employer that you’re skilled. You need to choose your best codes, website links, video games, software, applications, and other relevant skills.
Clients and employers not only want to see your projects but also how you achieved them. Thus, you need to include the name of a project, software tools used to build it, tech stacks applied, and user flows.
Attach Your Testimonials
What have your previous clients said about your work? Don’t shy from showing those positive remarks from your other employers. Companies want to hire individuals with a track record of performance.
Flaunt Your Rewards
Did you win a hackathon? Did you create popular software that won you an award? Show proof of your awards. Who wouldn’t want to hire an award-winning professional?
Did you learn something from this guide? Here are more similar articles in our blog section.
If you’re interested in learning more about building a portfolio that can knock a potential employer’s socks off, head on over to our candidate services page!
