What is a Job Application Portfolio? Definition and How to Make It

You have certainly heard the term portfolio in job advertisements.

Have you understood what is meant by a portfolio of job applications?

If not, then be sure to read this article to the end. We will provide information regarding the definition of format, how to create and also examples of portfolios.

You will really need this, especially when applying for a job.

Portfolio, is one of the supporting files that can convince recruiters of your abilities.

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So, let’s start by understanding the meaning or definition of the portfolio itself.

artists open work portfolios

Definition of Job Application Portfolio

Are you looking to apply for a job? Don’t forget to include a portfolio in your cover letter!

Although in fact, portfolios are not only used to apply for jobs. It can be for apprenticeship applications, or scholarship applications.

Well, what is a portfolio? Literally, a portfolio is defined as a collection of neatly arranged and attractive writings or documents.

Meanwhile, if we interpret it in general, a portfolio is a complete record or information, regarding your activities or works as well as your various achievements.

At first glance, you might see that there are similarities between a CV and a portfolio. However, there are fundamental differences between CV and portfolio.

It lies in its purpose. A CV aims to provide complete information regarding your personal data, while a portfolio focuses on skills and achievements.

The portfolio format is also more complete and detailed, unlike the more common CV. In the layout section, the portfolio is more flexible, while the CV already has standards.

In a job application portfolio, the CV is part of the contents of the portfolio itself.

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From this it can be concluded, if the function of the portfolio is to further convince recruiters of your expertise or skills that match the company’s needs.

How to Make a Job Application Portfolio

After understanding the meaning, now we will review how to make it.

You can create a portfolio online or offline. There are many sites that can be used to create the portfolio.

Even with the advancement of technology, now you can download a free job application portfolio template.

There are many choices of formats, colors and themes. All you have to do is adjust the skills that you will highlight according to the company’s needs.

If you want to create your own design, then make sure the format of the contents of your offline portfolio is as follows.

1. Table of Contents

The first thing you should do to build an offline portfolio is collect and compile various documents that provide information on achievements and skills.

If there are quite a number of documents to include, you should make a table of contents so that it is easier for recruiters to find the information they need. For most recruiters, this concise data will be easier to enter into  the HRD software  they use at the company.

In addition, with a table of contents, your portfolio will be tidier.

Put these documents together in the form of a binder, for example, to make it easier for recruiters to find the desired information page.

Customize the page layout or sequence of your resume or CV and also list your skills, experience and accomplishments or accomplishments.

Make sure the order is correct, taking into account the level of relevance to the job.

That way recruiters can catch the points you focus on, as the main capital to attract recruiters because they meet company expectations.

2. Relevant Achievement and Skills Information

It is true that the portfolio contains information related to your skills as well as your specific accomplishments or accomplishments.

But that doesn’t mean you have to include all the achievements you’ve ever gotten.

Just include a few, which you think are the most significant and also relevant to what is needed by the vacancy provider company.

That way it’s easier for recruiters to screen your abilities.

On the other hand, a portfolio that is concise but relevant is much more effective at getting the recruiter’s attention to your profile.

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3. Solid Contains

Ideally, a portfolio of job applications is displayed in the same file including the CV in it.

That way background information as well as experience and expertise can be screened at one time on the same page.

This is more inclined to online portfolios or those sent in the form of digital files. As explained above, there are now many ready-to-use portfolio templates available.

Create an interesting but not overdone design. The arrangement is neat, not convoluted, the information displayed is also relevant to the vacancy.

So, avoid making a portfolio with too much information or documents.

You can make a portfolio file in Pdf format, or it can be in the form of a website link.

Which means that your portfolio is online and can be accessed or seen by many people.

If your expertise is in the form of a work, for example graphic design, clothing design, shooting results, then you can include evidence of the work.

For example, a graphic designer portfolio, for example, can attach works or projects that have been made along with testimonials.

Meanwhile for content writers, they can include a link to their writing that has been published by the media as an example of their portfolio.

In addition, also attach a license or proof of expertise in the form of a formal education certificate in the field, or a training certificate.

That way, the information you include will be more convincing. Although later, the interview stage also plays a role regarding the recruiter’s belief in your abilities.

4. Minimalist and Elegant View

You can show a professional impression from the look of a minimalist and elegant job application portfolio.

Avoid using more than three color combinations as well as excessive illustrations.

Basic colors are even more recommended, because apart from pleasing to the eye they also impress elegantly.

Unique and attractive design, doesn’t mean it has to be completely different so that it seems excessive or even irrelevant to the vacancy you want.

This concept applies to both online and offline portfolios. If portfolio

You are in the form of a website, in addition to a minimalist design, avoid too many buttons.

It will only appear complicated and also confusing, to anyone who reads your portfolio.

Meanwhile, for offline portfolios in the form of templates or physical ones, use calm colors and also minimal ornaments or decorations that make it look lively.

Apart from tiring readers, it also makes the focus of reading your portfolio divided.

Focus on the quality of the content that you make weapons to reach the goal of being accepted to work in a company and make an  employee or intern work contract.

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5. Correction

After the portfolio has been compiled or created, don’t send it directly to the company or upload it on your personal website.

Make sure beforehand that there are no misinformation, misspellings or even missing important information.

You can make corrections yourself, or ask others for help to get input.

If you are sure that everything is correct, then the portfolio is ready to use.

Thus the information regarding the meaning, examples and also how to make a portfolio of job applications that we summarize.

Hopefully this can be useful information and be the right solution for those of you who are pursuing your dream career.