Having a Digital Portfolio Isn’t Optional Anymore

When I was in high school, I thought that people who had their own websites were the coolest.  It was a way to show-off in front of the world and make yourself look great while also helping your job chances.  Now, everybody who matters has one, and if you don’t, you’re behind.  This is important for more than just having a fancy resume, but also for the purposes of showing rather than telling, as well as making yourself important via SEO (search engine optimization).

Would you ever buy an expensive painting just because an artist told you they had an art degree and that they were good at what they do?  You would want examples of their previous work first, because it would assure you that they were legitimate claims.  Recruiters think similarly.  When they are looking to invest in a new employee, they don’t just want to be told about their skills.  They want to be shown.

Digital portfolios range from being a sizzle-reel on your LinkedIn page to a full-on website and blog.  The breadth of this collection is dependent on what your reason is for having it.  Are you looking to get into content marketing with a career in podcasting and blogging?  You need examples of podcasts and blogs!  If you are a designer who creates logos and video animations, then you need a site that provides examples of your work.

This excellent article by Chris Christoff, co-founder of MonsterInsights, gives an in-depth look at what that could look like for you.

Not only does this help with recruiters for jobs, but also if you are looking to build a personal brand it can be a great place to start.  My personal website started off as a graphic design portfolio, and now it is a full-fledged digital portfolio for blogs, videos, and designs.  You can make yourself known to the public and create content that raises your repute in the community.  Creating a personal brand will only help you create a powerful network and make a splash in the business world.

All that you need to have for your portfolio, then, are a few things: your best work from any previous jobs or school projects, a place to post it, and a way to give it to your audience.  I have my website on my LinkedIn page and my resume, and then I give it to all future employers.  Additionally, you can put it on business cards, social media pages, and more.  It will never hurt you to publicize yourself as a professional.  Get yourself out there digitally, get your content known, and the opportunities are sure to roll in.