If you’re looking for a job, having an online portfolio is key.
More than half of all hiring managers are more likely to be impressed by a candidate’s online portfolio than any other kind of personal branding, according to a recent Forbes article. However, just 7% of job seekers have created an online portfolio.
The following are four reasons why every job seeker should have their own online portfolio:
1. Visibility improvement
Make yourself known in your job search by marketing and networking. A job seeker’s resume, cover letter, networking, and online portfolio are all tools that help promote their professional brand. With so many people vying for jobs these days, use every tool and opportunity available to you.
Creating an online portfolio increases your visibility and accessibility, so it should be as simple as possible for hiring managers to locate information about you. Another benefit of having a strong online presence is that you may guarantee that the most up-to-date, professional, and correct information about yourself is readily available. Perhaps a better question is: why not make portfolio online?
2. Job applications have added value to this.
An online portfolio is an excellent way to market yourself beyond your resume or cover letter, giving you a competitive edge in the job application process. It serves as a stage to include other material that isn’t included in your resume or cover letter to demonstrate evidence of abilities and qualifications you may have.
When it comes to building a portfolio, there are many more options and possibilities than before. In your application, you can include photos, videos, and links to previous work as well as writing samples, presentation slides, and website designs.
3. The act or process of organizing.
It’s great to have all of your professional papers and information in one spot. The next time someone asks for a copy of your most recent resume, all of your professional materials and information will be available online and from any computer. Not only can scanning and digitizing your documents serve as a great way to organize them, but it can also act as a backup in case the originals are lost or damaged.
4. Representation
A portfolio can help you measure your professional development and identify areas that need improvement. Maintaining a professional portfolio allows you to see your accomplishments, strengths, and areas of improvement all in one place. The proof isn’t just a website booster; it can also act as a confidence boost when needed!
Having a portfolio is simply not enough – this goes for any other part of an online presence. It shouldn’t stay the same forever – update it as time goes on. The reason for making an online portfolio is so that other people can view it. Promoting your website is critical. Make sure to include a link to your portfolio on resumes, cover letters, business cards, social media profiles, article biographies, and presentations.
Alexandra Janvey, who you can find on Twitter at @Alliebrwneyez, is a librarian and fervent writer.
