Pitching your Portfolio is Not Enough

Several years ago, designers relied heavily on their portfolios to obtain a position. Simply submitting a resume and a URL to a snazzy site housing examples of previous work was more than enough for most employers. Now that sort of thing is so standard it’s time to step up your game if you really want to get noticed.

As more amateur designers dilute the resume pool, it’s important to stand out as a professional and that starts by knowing what other professionals are including with their applications. The first thing you need to know is that portfolios are so passé. Almost everyone has one so it’s not as special as it once was. Now the trend is to turn in case studies instead of simply submitting samples.

A case study is text that accompanies visual samples of your work explaining the project and your role in detail. When writing your case study consider including the following:

• Who was the intended audience?
• How did you come up with the concept?
• What obstacles arose and how did you handle them?
• Were there any unexpected benefits or challenges?
• What was the end result?

Adding descriptions will define your vision as a designer and allow potential employers to get a feel for your process better than they can with a portfolio. Make sure you point out details that accentuate your skills and show your unique style.

Now that they appreciate your ability you can make an employer want you even more by giving them some freebies. Be prepared to discuss the company’s current needs and offer options on how to meet them when you are in an interview.

It’s preferred, not presumptuous, to bring sketches and suggestions about short-comings you can see even as an outsider. Be sure your ideas come across constructively and not just as criticism. Make sure you look at the company as well as their competition to show you’ve really done your research.

Go above and beyond to make yourself, instead of your portfolio, stand out among all of the other applicants. It might be extra effort but it will pay off in the end.