Everything you need to know to stand out in your design portfolio when applying for jobs

How to Stand Out in Your Design Portfolio When Applying for Jobs

Step 1: Position Yourself for the Role You Want

• Clearly introduce yourself at the top of your website or portfolio.
• Highlight your specific skill set and experience relevant to the role you are seeking.
• Reflect on your unique skill set, superpower, or interest area within the field of product design.
• Niche down and be specific about your experience in B2B, mobile apps, or consumer work.

Step 2: Focus on Showcase Pieces Rather Than Lengthy Case Studies

• Create short, concise, and visually engaging showcase pieces on your website.
• Highlight the problem or opportunity you focused on, show the solution with final designs, and communicate the outcomes or impact of your work.
• Use high-quality imagery to represent your final screens and include basic project context.
• Link out to longer case studies if needed for further details.

Step 3: Use Your Website as an Example of Your Work

• Ensure your website is visually engaging, beautifully designed, and responsive.
• Make your work experience obvious, provide easy access to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
• Demonstrate your design skills through the design of your website, showcasing attention to detail and visual design craft.

Step 4: Learn from Real Portfolio Examples

• Study portfolio examples from designers like Triet Nelson, Julio, Grace Walker, Shawn Kennedy, Antonio Song, Marco Kier, and Ireland McClusky.
• Analyze how they introduce themselves, showcase their work, and present their design process and impact.

Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes in Design Portfolios

• Do not treat your portfolio as a museum; instead, use it as a sales tool.
• Share the context and reasoning behind your design decisions in your case studies.
• Avoid trying to sound like everyone else; be authentic in presenting your personal story and value proposition.
• Balance project case studies with your personal career experiences and unique value in your portfolio.

By following these steps and incorporating the insights from real portfolio examples and industry leaders, you can effectively stand out in your design portfolio when applying for jobs. Remember to continuously iterate and refine your portfolio based on feedback and industry best practices.