Why Job Candidates Should Send Portfolios to Companies

The process of hiring a candidate for a position within a company can be a stressful process for both the company and the candidate, but it doesn’t have to be. With a thorough interview process, adequate resumes, and cover letters provided by those seeking the job, a business owner can make the right decision in his or her new employee. For certain job types, a portfolio (along with a resume) also can help give the hiring Manager better insight into the candidate they are selecting.

It Builds on a Resume

A resume is great for providing a business owner with background information on a candidate’s education, work history, volunteer history, and any honors and awards from their past. However, a portfolio can take this one step further by providing a showcase of the candidate’s work, job history and talent. According to Precision Exams, many employers want to hire candidates whom they know will get the job done. A portfolio is a candidate’s opportunity to prove they can do just that. A teacher, for example, can provide sample lesson plans, or an interior designer can showcase photos of their previous work. Some careers, such as dental assistants, can be a bit more difficult to create a portfolio for, but it can still be done and provide more tangible evidence of a candidate’s abilities.

It’s Visual

A candidate can tell an employer about his or her past experience, but it can be better to show the work with visual proof. An employer can visibly see your enthusiasm for your industry, job history and desire for the new position. However, be careful to choose projects you were genuinely excited about, as this enthusiasm will come across in your interview. According to InVision, select projects for your portfolio that match your skills, so you can visually show your work history, experience as well as your talent and skills. At the end of interviews, an employer might not remember what someone told them regarding work history, but it is likely he or she will remember what the candidate showed them.

Helps You Communicate

It’s already been pointed out that an interview can sometimes be a nail-biting process, but a portfolio can help with that. A portfolio can provide a clear and concise timeline of your job history, past projects and more, which will help steer the conversation during the interview. If those nerves creep up, you have your portfolio on hand to keep you focused. While a portfolio might take a little extra work and creativity, it has the potential to skyrocket a candidate past the competition and ensure the employer and candidate are getting a great match for the company and position.

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