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In the field of computer science, job applications go beyond simple resumes; programmer portfolios showcase your skills, projects, and get you noticed. The most your resume can do is provide the recruiter with some insight and context. When they question your talent, many might claim that the proof is in the pudding; in this case, in the portfolio!
Picking and Choosing Samples
First off, make sure to only put forth work you would want to actually show off; it’s better to fill the recruiter’s seconds with innovative work rather than a laundry list of all your projects. If the work requires particular skills or languages, start there. Highlight your best projects, designs, and websites putting them front and center. Relevance and applicability boosts your viability as a candidate.
If the job doesn’t seem to have any specific skills or criteria, you can showcase your range with more variety, but still remember to only put your best work forward. It is important to note however to keep your work current, if it’s been years, definitely don’t keep it around, try to keep the portfolio updated and maintain it.
Whether freelancing, for school clubs, or your own projects, you probably have work that you don’t know where to include. In order to show off your initiative and your passion, sharing these projects are great for validating these qualities and can give you an edge.
Recruiters are most interested in code you wrote, so curate your GitHub profile as well by writing a bio, pinning and linking your best projects.
Responsive Design
Making a website and portfolio that looks great and has everything you want to showcase is hard, but failing to make it mobile-responsive could put all your hard-work down the drain. Make sure the user view on all devices works so that whatever device the recruiter is using, your work is shown to its fullest potential.
Visual Design
Similar to resumes, readability and organization can make a world of a difference in the eyes of a recruiter. You may have everything they want but if they can’t be bothered to look at your portfolio because it’s too cluttered, too messy, or just hard to read they won’t put in the effort. You could use templates or just keep it simple, but above all focus on keeping it neat and clear. If you have time to create your own designs that’s great, just make sure it doesn’t distract from your actual work.
Social Proof
Similar to references or endorsements, sharing some feedback and testimonials from clients can help boost your work and give some credibility to your work ethic and strengths. It helps recruiters gain insight into your past work and your history of projects.
Here are some great examples!
Robby Leonardi combines personality and interests of programming and video game design, and shows off the creative and playful side of the portfolio.
Patrick David; simple single page that works great for effective and clear formatting for a portfolio.
Yul Moreau; embedded videos, eye-catching visuals, and unique ways to increase user engagement proves the design and graphic strengths of the portfolio.
