What do you think is the most crucial thing for a freelancer when it comes to getting a new job? Most people would say that it’s his portfolio and working experience, which, let’s be honest, is quite understandable. It is only the examples of previous works that can convince the employer that this particular freelancer is worth hiring. That is why getting it done professionally is very important.

1. Tell as well as show what you do

A portfolio is a collection of work examples, so instead of just displaying them, make a point of telling prospective clients about them. Explain the process your projects go through, and do not be ashamed of sharing some bottlenecks you encountered on your way. You will come across as more realistic and transparent, plus it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your problem solving ability.

2. Make sure your links and screenshots are up to date

If you have an independent website or blog on which you collect and display your portfolio material, make sure you include some screenshots and links to it in your freelance platform profile. A logo with an embedded link could also work. Set yourself a regular time period after which you will update these items.

3. Include your personal projects too

Your portfolio does not need to include only completed and paid commissions. Include some works you did for a personal project of yours. For example, build your own website and include a link to it. A portfolio is a display of your skill, so go ahead and show off a little. Give your clients a better idea of your style.

4. Practice projects are valid additions

Projects that you molded your skills on are also relevant to your portfolio. No need to be embarrassed about your training or college years. Include the things you did in your spare time, or a university project you stood out on, or a training assignment on which you exceeded expectations.

5. Rank the information in order of importance

People who are not as familiar with your area of work may not have the patience to scroll through an entire expert collection, so make sure the most relevant information is right up front. The things a client will generally want to know are usually the same, and they include: what you can do for them that others can’t, how can they contact you quickly, what specifically are you able to do, what kind of a person you are, what your working style is, what you tend to want in an employer, and how you work step by step.

6. Remember to mention your education

Academic background is a great way to patch up and polish a portfolio that is still missing some relevant experience. Explain where, when, and how you learned the skills that you list on your profile. If you have any relevant online examples, share them. Detailed information on your education can show a client your possibilities, especially if you are only starting out.

7. Make it clear what you like to do and with whom

This is especially useful if your portfolio is still slim. Explain what kind of work you are most comfortable with, what you love to do, what you are the most interested in. Take the opportunity to outline the kind of employer or company that you would be thrilled to cooperate with.

8. Be your own PR department – share your reputation

Never underestimate the power of a good press presence. In addition to your education and work samples, make sure that your portfolio includes testimonials from previous clients, any kind of press mentions, even tweets and teachers’ comments. This is a way to show that you are known to someone outside the platform and that they have a good opinion of you and your work. It is a way to establish yourself as trustworthy.

9. Delete the old to make space for the new

During the course of your career, you will continue to grow and develop. You will acquire new skills or drastically improve the ones you already have, and your portfolio needs to reflect that. So every now and then, give it a cleaning session. Remove the projects that are not accurate representations of your skill level and replace them with things that portray your current expertise.

10. Have some free resources available

Giving some of your work away for free sounds counterintuitive, but is actually a great way to catch and hold interest. Keep it small – just a segment, a few helpful tips, or a few sketches. It portrays you as cooperative and makes your style known in advance.

Conclusions

So as you see it is crucial that you dedicate lots of your time and efforts into creating a truly exceptional portfolio. Just remember the more effort you put into it the more it will pay off in the future.

Erica Sunarjo graduated from South Texas College majoring in Marketing and Creative Writing. She used her knowledge to make a difference in the realm of business copywriting and invested heavily in traveling and language learning. At present, Erica is fluent in French and Spanish, studying Chinese and working her way to being a multilingual copywriter. She keeps track of the latest trends in IT and technologies, blogs about efficient strategies in education and business coaching, holds educational webinars. Right now Erica is the most effective writer in The Word Point.