What is a resume portfolio and how to write it?

Modern employers increasingly indicate the presence of a portfolio among the mandatory requirements for an applicant. For some professions, resumes without this attribute are not considered. Let's figure out who needs a portfolio and how to create it correctly yourself.

Portfolio literally means "portfolio with documentation." But if this point is indicated in the employer's requirements, it means a systematic demonstration of the work performed. Simply put, these are examples of your work that will show if you are competent and qualified enough to perform a particular task. The purpose of the portfolio is to add realism to the portrait of the applicant, to illustrate the quality of work, talent, skills. Portfolio content can include different elements:

• video files;
• Photo;
• audio recordings;
• publications;
• links to certain works.

It all depends on the type of activity. Not all people looking for a job need a portfolio. Most often, this requirement applies to vacancies:

• creative professions: photographers, directors, actors, models, architects, teachers;
• narrow specialists promoting something fundamentally new - drawings, articles, design projects.

You do not need to worry about the portfolio for those who are engaged in clearly regulated areas: accounting, secretariat, personnel services, services. The portfolio can be presented in two forms.

• Paper. It is a printed work of any kind, saved in a folder. Today this variety is becoming rare as it is much easier to attach a link to an electronic file.On the other hand, a paper portfolio will allow you not to depend on any failures, you will always be "fully armed".
• Electronic... The most common portfolio in digital format, which can be placed on a PC, on stock exchanges, blogs, virtual disks for storing information. If the portfolio is open and publicly available, the professional can be noticed and offered work based on the impression of his work.

Many people confuse resume and portfolio, in fact, there is a significant difference between the two. These are not interchangeable things. A portfolio is a paper or electronic document that complements, but does not replace, a resume. Despite the similarities, the main difference is that one portfolio is not enough to apply for a job. A resume may be enough for an employer to assess your experience and abilities. The portfolio, in addition to dry information about a person, clearly demonstrates his talent, experience, previous achievements.

Having actual jobs increases the chances of getting a job. They make it possible to more accurately assess whether a person is suitable for a vacancy or not. Therefore, it is necessary to have not only a high-quality, complete and detailed resume, but also to supplement it with a link to the portfolio or a paper version.

Most often, creating a portfolio on your own is not difficult, it is not at all necessary to resort to the services of specialists. Although sometimes you can't do without it. For example, if you are a fashion model, you need high-quality professional photos that are ordered from a photographer. If all the necessary components are there, then the main thing is to observe the order of formation. All documents are arranged in chronological order of their creation - this way you will demonstrate your professional growth, ability to develop.

Another way of location is by genre, direction, style. If you decide to choose this method, then at the very beginning and at the end, arrange the most profitable work. The psychology of perception is such that the first and last word always has a defining meaning. The creation of a resume depends on the specifics of the profession, but in any case, only the best works should be included in it.

It is advisable not to be limited to one direction, and demonstrate their ability to work in different guises. People are always more versatile. But take into account the specifics of the vacancy, you should not be scattered about if the specialty is narrow, and the company is looking for a person who thoroughly understands a specific issue. For example, if you are looking for a job as a fashion magazine writer, hardly anyone will appreciate your articles on cryptocurrency exchanges. The main thing is not to try to cheat, do not pass off other people's work as yours. Now it is very easy to check it and you will be included in the black list of employers, ruining your reputation.

One of the most important nuances that you need to consider when compiling a portfolio is the type of activity. It is necessary to add only those examples that demonstrate your best side. We offer several sample portfolios for different specialties.

A sample for a copywriter looks something like this:

• description of topics, categories, areas in which you work;
• information about specialized education (if any);
• work with the brightest headlines;
• descriptions of services, goods, if any;
• selling texts;
• letters for mailing.

A portfolio for a photo model may not contain too much information of an informational nature, but there should be quite a lot of works. Choose not only the most luxurious photos, but also the usual ones, where you can see your face without makeup. A photographer's presentation can only contain photographs, and the highest quality and most successful ones that demonstrate style, capabilities, talent. It is extremely important to present a photo of the desired subject.

A designer's portfolio can consist of examples of design work:

• sites;
• houses, apartments;
• offices;
• shopping centers;
• garden plots.

It all depends on what field you are an expert in, as well as what position you are applying for.