What is a portfolio in a resume and how to compose?

Modern employers are increasingly indicating among the mandatory requirements for the applicant the presence of a portfolio. For some professions, resumes without this attribute are not considered. Let's see who can’t do without a portfolio and how to create it yourself.

Portfolio literally means “portfolio with documentation”. But if this clause is indicated in the requirements of the employer, it means a systematic demonstration of the work performed. Simply put, these are examples of your work that will show whether you are competent and qualified to carry out 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. The contents of the portfolio may include various elements:

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

It all depends on the type of activity. Portfolio is not required for all people who are looking for work. Most often, this requirement applies to vacancies:

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

You do not have to worry about the portfolio for those who are engaged in clearly regulated areas: bookkeeping, secretariat, human resources, services. Portfolio can be presented in two forms.

• Paper. It is a printed work of any kind stored in a folder. Today this variety is becoming rare, since 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 prepared.
• Electronic. The most common portfolio in digital format, which can be placed on a PC, on exchanges, blogs, virtual disks for storing information. If the portfolio is open and widely available, specialists can notice and offer a job based on the impression of his work.

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

The presence of actual work increases the chances of getting a particular job. They provide an opportunity 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, it is not difficult to create a portfolio yourself; it is not at all necessary to resort to the services of specialists. Although sometimes you can not do without it. For example, if you are a fashion model, you will need high-quality professional photos that are ordered from a photographer. If there are all the necessary components, then the main thing is to observe the formation order. 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 the end, arrange the most profitable jobs. The psychology of perception is such that the first and last word always has a decisive meaning. Creating a resume depends on the specifics of the profession, but in any case only the best work needs to be entered.

It is advisable not to be limited to one direction, and demonstrate their ability to work in different forms. Versatile people always like more. But take into account the specifics of the vacancy, do not scatter 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 the author of a fashion magazine, it is unlikely that anyone will appreciate your articles on cryptocurrency exchanges. The main thing - do not try to cheat, do not pass off other people's work as your own. Now it’s very easy to check it and you will be blacklisted by employers, spoiling your reputation.

One of the most important nuances to consider when compiling a portfolio is the type of activity. It is only necessary to introduce examples that will demonstrate you from the best side. We offer several portfolio samples for different specialties.

A sample for a copywriter looks something like this:

• Description of topics, categories, areas in which you work;
• information on 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, but there should be quite a lot of work. Choose not only the most luxurious photos, but also ordinary ones where you can see your face without makeup. A photographer’s presentation can only include photographs, the most high-quality and successful ones that demonstrate style, capabilities, and talent. It is most important to submit a photo of the desired subject.

Designer's portfolio may consist of examples of design work:

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

It all depends on what kind of specialist you are in, as well as what position you are applying for.