Portfolio Guide
If you want to stand out in the job market, one of the most impactful changes you can make to your job applications is focusing on your portfolio. It can make the difference between getting an interview and not.
We have taken real feedback from practices on their turn-ons and turn-offs and what makes an exceptional and impressive portfolio.
Tailor your portfolio to the job
Your job application will stand out if you have thought about the job on offer, the type of work they will want you to do and how you can prove that you have the most relevant experience.
It can be tempting to add a piece of work that you are proud of, but if it isn’t relevant, put it to one side. Every time you pick a piece of work to submit to your portfolio, go back to the job advert and think ‘Is this relevant?’ ‘Does this prove I have the right experience?’ ‘Will this make them want to pick me for an interview?’
Ensure it is your work
Your portfolio should consist of only your work and any images, drawings or visuals that you have produced yourself. Remember, if you get through to the interview stage they will spend time talking through your portfolio. You will need to be able to able to speak confidently about the processes and skills it took to create a piece of work.
If you have collaborated on a piece of work that fits the experience they are looking for, then you should indicate what you contributed and what has been done by others.
Clarify your software experience
Hiring Managers want to know what software packages you are trained and experienced in. Make sure you pick work for your portfolio that shows your skills in the software that they have asked for.
If you have other software experience on top of what they have asked for, include this too. It can be highly impressive if you have more than what they have asked for and will show your dedication to your craft.
Choose your best creative/technical pieces
Your portfolio should be a sample of your best work, highlighting who you are, what experience you have and what you can do. It should demonstrate your creative or technical flair.
Most practices are more interested in your portfolio and experience rather than just your CV. We see a direct correlation between individuals who have the best portfolios and who secure the most interviews and job offers.
Pick your most recent designs
Try to use your most recent work as your examples. If the experience and skills you are looking for are shown in work from years ago, include these in your portfolio. However, you must be ready to answer questions on how you will still be able to deliver this calibre of work with no recent experience.
Let your portfolio tell a story
Don’t make it difficult for a Hiring Manager to understand your portfolio. Add structure to your portfolio, and design it as a case study with a clear beginning, middle and end so that you are highlighting your full skill set. Adding a contents page at the start of your portfolio will make it easy for Hiring Managers to find an example of work that they are especially keen on.
Try to start with creative, concept designs or hand sketches, moving on to any visuals and then on to drawing packages.
Limit photography
Try to limit photography to a minimum. Rarely do clients wish to see the finished building or interior, they care more about the quality of the work you have completed in the lead-up and how you apply yourself to the processes, not what it looks like after it has been built.
Your portfolio is not war and peace
Hiring Managers only have a short time in their day to go through applications so limit your portfolio to 7MB. We also recommend converting it to a PDF file.
Your portfolio is a sample of your work to get to the interview stage. It should be your most recent and most creative/technical work, that highlights your software skills and that is tailored to the position on offer. It is not everything that you have ever done.
Use a professional file name
Naming your portfolio file with a professional title, not only sets you up as a serious candidate but also helps Hiring Managers and Recruiters identify the position you are applying for. Great examples include:
First Name Surname – Portfolio- Job Reference Number
First Name Surname – Portfolio- Job Title
First Name Surname – Portfolio - Practice Name
This also makes it clear that you have tailored your portfolio to this position.
Portfolio checklist
Use this checklist before you hit send:
Choose your best creative pieces
Ensure it is your work
Pick your most recent designs
Clarify your software experience
Let your portfolio tell a story
Limit photography
Tailor your portfolio to the position
Contain some variety of creative e.g., hand sketches, various drawing packages as well as design examples
Remember this is a sample of your work – make sure your electronic portfolio is no bigger than 7MB
The FRAME Recruitment team are always happy to talk to you to discuss your portfolio in more detail or give advice, so please contact the team.
Latest Insights
View All Insights
How to keep new employees engaged - from job offer to start date
You have spent time attracting and interviewing candidates. You have made a great job offer, and this has been accepted by your favourite candidate. They have signed the contract, handed in their n...
Why do candidates withdraw from job offers?
Let me start by saying that whilst some candidates do withdraw from a job offer, this is not the norm. Changes in the Architecture and Interior Design marketplace have influenced some candidates to...
Managing Director secures Gold in Rome
Martin Bennell, Managing Director of FRAME Recruitment has become the European Champion in the 50m Breaststroke after securing gold at the LEN European Masters Aquatics Championships 2022 on Frida...
How to get your job offer accepted
You have put the time and effort into recruiting for your job opening and you have identified the best candidate for your role. Now you are ready to make the job offer that will secure them as a ne...
Working as a Contractor in Architecture
Our Architecture team is busier than ever supporting our clients and candidates with their recruitment needs. As a result, more and more of our clients are looking for experienced candidates who a...
How to manage counter offers - employees
After putting in the hard work throughout the interview stage there is no better feeling than when you finally get offered the role. You’ll probably want to celebrate your success, but remember yo...
Top 10 most in-demand people in Architecture and Design in 2022
Over the last six months, we have seen the demand for architecture and design talent increase exponentially across both contract and permanent roles. Architecture and design practices are pressing ...
London Festival of Architecture 2022
The London Festival of Architecture is back with a magnificent line up this June. With professionals from across the industry and individuals with a passion for architecture coming together for th...
Clerkenwell Design Week 2022
Clerkenwell Design Week is one of the most anticipated design events across the interior design industry. With industry professionals attending from all over the country, and even the world, we are...
A guide to hours capping
There are many benefits of hiring a contractor, as well as working as a contractor but we are asked time and time again about capping hours and what it means for the client as well as the contracto...
10 Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Are you heading to an interview soon? You might think you have already got it all under control but there are a few things you need to consider before stepping into the interview room.We want to br...
Using LinkedIn in your job search
With over 800 million users worldwide, LinkedIn is a gateway to building new connections, sourcing the latest opportunities, and getting yourself known in the industry. So, how can you use LinkedI...