How to Include a Portfolio in Your CV

Your portfolio is your personal showcase—proof of your skills, creativity, and accomplishments. For many job seekers, including a portfolio in their CV can make all the difference in catching a recruiter’s eye and landing an interview.

But how do you do it the right way? Whether you’re a designer, writer, marketer, or developer, here’s a step-by-step guide to including your portfolio in your CV to maximize its impact.

Why include a portfolio on your CV?

A well-crafted portfolio gives potential employers a deeper look at what you bring to the table. While your CV lists your skills and experience, your portfolio shows them in action.

Industries that benefit from portfolios:

Graphic design
UX/UI design
Writing and content creation
Photography
Marketing and advertising
Software development

Adding your portfolio to your CV can be the extra push that convinces recruiters you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Add a portfolio link to your contact information

The simplest way to include your portfolio is by adding the link to your contact section at the top of your CV.

Here’s how:

Use a professional URL (e.g., www.yournameportfolio.com).
Place it alongside your email, phone number, and profile.
Ensure it’s clickable if you’re submitting your CV digitally.

Example:

John Doe

Email: john.doe@email.com | Phone: 555-123-4567

Portfolio: www.johndoedesigns.com

Showcase key projects in a dedicated section

If your portfolio contains multiple projects, highlight a few that are most relevant to the job in a new section titled “Selected Projects” or “Portfolio Highlights.”

For each project, include:

A short description of the work.
Specific results or outcomes (e.g., “Increased web traffic by 40%”).
A direct link to the project if it’s hosted online.

Example:

Selected projects

E-commerce Website Redesign for ABC Corp
Created responsive layouts that boosted conversion rates by 30%.
View project: www.yourportfolio.com/abc-redesign
Brand Identity Design for XYZ Start-Up
Delivered a complete brand package, increasing brand recognition by 25%.

This approach allows recruiters to quickly see your expertise in action.

Tailor your portfolio to the job

One of the most critical steps is to ensure your portfolio aligns with the job you’re applying for. If you’re applying for multiple roles, consider tweaking your portfolio to emphasize the projects and skills most relevant to each role.

For instance:

For a UX role: Focus on user journey maps, wireframes, and prototypes.

For a content writing role: Highlight articles, blogs, and campaigns that showcase your writing versatility.

For a marketing role: Include case studies showing ROI or successful campaigns.

Tailoring ensures that your portfolio tells the recruiter, “I’m the person for this job.”

Use a QR code for easy access (and coolness)

Want to stand out? Include a QR code that links directly to your portfolio. It’s a modern touch that’s particularly useful if you’re handing out printed CVs or attending networking events.

Here’s how to add a QR code:

Generate one using free tools like QR Code Generator or Canva.
Place it discreetly near your contact information.
Test it to ensure it directs users to the correct page.

Pro tip: Label the QR code with “Scan to View Portfolio” for clarity.

Keep your portfolio updated

Your portfolio is only as good as the work it showcases. Make sure it’s updated with your latest and most impressive projects. Remove outdated or irrelevant work to ensure it reflects your current skills and career level.

Checklist for a great portfolio:

Professional design and navigation.
Clear descriptions of each project.
Results-driven examples with measurable outcomes.

Test your portfolio for accessibility

Before submitting your CV, ensure your portfolio is easily accessible. Check that links are working, pages load quickly, and the design is mobile-friendly.