A portfolio is an absolute must for creative and visual roles. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, design style, and professionalism. Our executive director, Sam, had the privilege of speaking to students at the Technische Hochschule in Augsburg. The event offered aspiring product designers valuable insights into portfolio creation and the hiring processes within the dynamic market of product design. Here are his key takeaways:
01 How Important Is a Portfolio?
A portfolio is an absolute must for creative and visual roles. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, design style, and professionalism. Hiring managers typically spend only a few moments reviewing resumes, so your portfolio needs to grab their attention almost immediately.
Sam emphasized the importance of investing time and resources into creating your portfolio—and most importantly: keeping it updated.
Here are some of his top tips:
Showcase your best work first: Avoid cluttering your portfolio with filler projects. Focus on quality over quantity.
Make it easy to contact you: Include clear and accessible contact information to ensure potential employers can reach you quickly.
Build a personal brand: Your portfolio should reflect your unique identity and design philosophy. A strong personal brand will make you memorable to hiring managers.
For less visually focused roles, such as development, portfolios can take a different approach. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific roles you’re applying for.
And if you want to go the extra mile; tailor your portfolio to align with the job description to increase your chances of success.
02 PDF Or a Website? Which Format Works Best?
„The best option depends on the type of a role you’re applying for“, Sam answered.
For permanent internal roles a PDF portfolio is often the safest and most practical option. It’s easy to save, forward, and open across various internal hiring systems - key for larger or traditional HR departments.
That said, don’t settle for a generic PDF. Use this opportunity to make your personal brand shine. Ensure your design, layout, and tone are consistent with your overall style and professional identity. A visually cohesive and well-structured PDF can leave a lasting impression.
Sam also advised including a link to your website or online portfolio directly in your email signature or cover letter. This way, hiring managers have the option to explore your work further if they’re intrigued.
Pro Tip: Optimize your PDF file size! Large files can be difficult to share or open, which might discourage busy recruiters.
For freelance roles a website portfolio is often the better choice for freelancers. It offers flexibility, allowing you to continuously update your work and showcase your most recent projects.
Here are some of Sam’s tips for website portfolios:
Focus on user experience (UX): Make it easy for potential clients to navigate your website and find key information quickly. Use clear categories, such as "Projects," "About Me," and "Contact."
Mobile optimization is critical: Many hiring managers and clients browse portfolios on their phones, so ensure your site looks great on all devices.
Include client testimonials or case studies: Highlighting your process and results will help build credibility and trust with potential clients.
While choosing between a PDF or a website depends on the role, having both is ideal. A PDF serves as a polished, compact version of your work, while a website provides a more dynamic and comprehensive showcase of your skills. This two-pronged approach ensures you’re prepared for any opportunity.
03 How to Stand Out?
1. Build a Strong Personal Brand
Your personal brand is your professional identity. It reflects who you are, what you stand for, and the unique value you bring to the table. From the design of your portfolio to the tone of your LinkedIn profile, consistency is key.
Use a distinctive logo, color palette, and typography that represent your style.
Create a tagline or positioning statement that sums up what you do and what makes you special
Maintain a consistent tone and aesthetic across all platforms—portfolio, website, LinkedIn, and even email signatures.
2. Tell a Story Through Your Work
Portfolios that tell a story are far more impactful than a simple collection of projects. Walk the hiring manager through your process:
What problem were you solving?
How did you approach the challenge?
What results or impact did your work have?
This narrative approach helps hiring managers connect with your thought process and see the value you bring to a team.
3. Quality > Quantity
Generic applications rarely stand out. Take the time to customize your portfolio and resume for the specific role or company you’re applying to.
Highlight relevant projects that align with the job description.
Research the company’s values and goals, and subtly reflect them in your application.
If possible, include a personal touch in your cover letter or email to show genuine interest in the role.
4. Network, Network & Network
Standing out often starts before the application process. Build connections in your industry and increase your visibility:
Attend industry events, meetups, or webinars to expand your network.
Engage with relevant content on platforms like LinkedIn to stay top-of-mind with potential employers.
Share your work and insights online—blog posts, tutorials, or even quick tips on social media can position you as a thought leader in your field.
Are you looking for more insights to the product design industry? Follow us on LinkedIn.
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