A Girl’s Guide To Creating An Online Portfolio

As a recent college graduate, I’ve realized how many job applications ask for a digital portfolio. I’ve applied for jobs in marketing and communication, and at least 90% of applications I filled out asked for a link. What should your online portfolio include? How do you build one? I’m going to answer all of your questions so you’re ready for the next application you fill out.

Platforms:

Wix

I created my website on Wix. Wix has templates and customizable widgets that can be added to personalize your website. Wix was easy to use, and I highly recommend it to anyone who doesn’t know how to code. 

Contently

Contently is another website that allows you to import files, create descriptions, and include skills that were needed to complete each project you’ve posted. It provides users with a personalized URL to share their work.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a website builder with portfolio templates, and the options to design your own. It’s easy to use and great for building your website for free.

Content:

Resume

You should have your resume visible on the page as well as downloadable. This allows for potential employers or clients to be able to view your skills and work history, as well as samples of each. Your resume should be made easy to download for employers so that they can access it after leaving your website.

Writing Samples

Include samples of your writing, whether it’s something that has been published or something written as part of an assignment. Writing samples show your skills, proofreading ability, and tone of voice. It also shows your style of writing.

Creative Samples

If relevant, include social media posts, flyers, graphics, videos, photography, pieces you’ve designed et cetera that are relevant to your career. Providing creative samples shows employers and clients your digital media skills, if your branding is consistent, and just how creative you can be. I suggest sectioning creative samples by either media used or campaign that it was created for.

Published Writing or Research

If your article, book, research, et cetera has been published, you should include it in your portfolio. Include a direct link to where it’s published and a description of your work.

About Me

Putting a brief description of yourself and your life outside of work. This humanizes you and allows potential employers or customers to connect with you outside of the business. You can include pictures, fun facts about your hobbies, an introduction to your family, et cetera in this section.