How to Create a Digital Portfolio That Gets You Noticed

A portfolio is basically your personal brand in action. It is an opportunity to showcase not just what you can do, but how you do it—and why you’re the one people have been searching for. Maybe you’re aiming to land your dream job or show off your latest project. Either way, a well-crafted digital portfolio gives potential employers or clients a glimpse into your unique skills and experiences. But how exactly do you create something that wows? Read on to find out.

Tune Into Your Audience

Getting to know your audience lets you shape your digital portfolio in a way that grabs their attention and speaks directly to their needs. You wouldn’t wear a tuxedo to a beach party, right? So why present your work in a way that doesn’t align with your potential employer’s or client’s expectations?

To identify your target audience, start by considering the type of roles or clients you’re aiming for. Once you’ve got that figured out, dive deeper. Research the company’s culture, their preferred skills, and the types of projects they prioritize. Take note of the language they use on their website or job listings—this will give you clues on how to frame your work and experiences to hit the mark. A tailored approach will make all the difference.

Pick Your Highlights

Think of your portfolio as a curated gallery of your best work. Focus on your expertise and versatility rather than including everything you’ve done. Make sure each piece is a testament to your skills and aligns with the career path you’re aiming for.

Start by selecting projects that show off different aspects of your work. A mix of writing samples, project summaries, and design will give potential employers or clients a well-rounded view of your capabilities. But don’t stop there—include examples that reflect the type of work you want to do moving forward. If you’re aiming for a role that involves a lot of project management, make sure to feature work where you led a team or managed deadlines.

Tell a Story

Each sample should be polished and tell a story. This will give your portfolio depth so potential employers or clients see your skills in action. For every piece, explain the challenge you were facing, the approach you took to solve it, and the results you achieved. Use concrete numbers or specific examples to demonstrate the impact you made. Don’t shy away from sharing challenges you faced along the way and how you overcame them—it shows resilience and adaptability. Highlight the tools or methods you used to get the job done and be clear about the role you played in the success of the project. A portfolio that’s as focused and purposeful as your career goals will make you impossible to ignore.

Let Others Do the Talking

Testimonials and recognition are your golden ticket to credibility. Including positive feedback from clients, colleagues, or supervisors adds weight to your work and gives potential employers a reason to trust you. If you don’t have any testimonials yet, don’t be afraid to ask! Reach out to past clients or colleagues and kindly request a few words about your work—most people are more than happy to help. Similarly, any awards or recognitions you’ve received are powerful endorsements of your skills and dedication. Be sure to showcase them front and center in your digital portfolio. Just remember, authenticity is key—genuine praise goes much further than generic feedback, so make sure it’s real and relevant. These little nuggets of validation will show your worth in a way that words alone can’t.

A Portfolio With Style

Your digital portfolio should look as good as your work—because let’s face it, first impressions matter. Choose a layout and style that reflects your personality and the type of work you do. Stick to modern design principles: use easy-to-read fonts, a consistent color scheme, and plenty of white space to let your work shine. And remember, to make sure your portfolio looks just as polished on a phone or tablet. Test your layout on multiple devices to ensure it’s user-friendly and visually appealing everywhere. The easier it is to navigate, the more likely people will spend time exploring your work.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve created a digital portfolio that shows your best work and unique value, it’s time to put it to work for you. But remember your portfolio isn’t a one-and-done deal. Keep it updated regularly with new projects, achievements, and even feedback. If you’ve nailed a new skill or completed an exciting project, make sure your portfolio reflects that. A stale portfolio won’t do you any favors, so make it a habit to refresh it every few months. The best portfolios evolve, just like you.

To learn more, join me May 19 for my session on at ATD 2025 in the Career Center.