If you are a software engineer, developer, or designer searching for work, a strong portfolio remains critical. After all, it serves as your calling card, highlighting your coding skills in a way a résumé simply cannot. The same rule also applies for UI/UX designers, illustrating the websites and interfaces you built throughout your career.
In short, for these types of technology professionals, having a robust portfolio is a must. After seeing a promising résumé, most hiring managers want to see tangible examples of that candidate’s work. So check out these insights on building a portfolio to keep you in demand among businesses looking for talent.
How Can You Build a Strong Tech Portfolio?
Should You Create a Website For Your Portfolio?
One question to consider before building your portfolio involves how to host it. Creating your own website provides one option. A website builder like Squarespace offers a chance to put something together pretty quickly. However, if website design ranks among your top skills, you really need to build the portfolio from scratch.
Software engineers also have the option of using a source code repository, like GitHub, as their portfolio. Hiring managers for software development positions typically have little problem understanding code. Still, if your experience also includes UI design, consider a website with screenshots with links to your code.
You also need to consider whether getting your own domain makes sense for your profile. It adds extra cost and complexity to the effort, but provides a better impression to potential new employers. If not, use another web service to host the portfolio.
Include a Professional Bio
One advantage gained by building a website for your portfolio involves the opportunity to add a bio and a detailed résumé. A bio lets you highlight your written communication chops, an important soft skill for any tech professional. When lacking confidence in your writing skills, consider using a copywriter. In either case, have someone proofread any copy on your portfolio website.
If you are deciding against building your own website, still add a link to your portfolio on your LinkedIn profile. Effectively, you are using LinkedIn in lieu of your own domain name. This social media network for professionals also provides space for a bio in tandem with your résumé information. In fact, include this extra data on your LinkedIn profile even if you have a separate portfolio website.
Need Help Finding Your Dream Tech Job?
When you need additional help finding a great technology job, connect with the team at Technology Partners. As one of the top IT staffing agencies in St. Louis, we can help take your career to a higher level. Contact us at your earliest convenience.
