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TIPS FOR BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL PORTFOLIO & RESUME.
"The portfolio is a creative act, showing your skills and imagination, but it is also an act of communication and a tool for self-promotion. Demonstrate originality and inventiveness, but also accept the restrictions and conventions of professionalism, and show that you can get your ideas across in terms that working architects and designers can understand." Harold Linton

resume

portfolio
A resume is a summarization of your education, relevant work experience and qualifications used as a screening agent by employers. As one of the first items to be seen by an employer it is important to craft your resume to communicate why it is you are the best choice. Below are several pieces of advice to think about when crafting your resume. 

  • A resume should be concise while remaining informative. With this mindset, don’t list everything you have ever experienced or been apart of. Your resume should market you as the best candidate for the position and therefore highlight relevant information. 

  • Keep the information listed chronologically. It is important to list the relevant experiences you have most recently been associated with. Large time gaps can raise red flags for an employer.

  • Keep a resume on a single page. This is a disputed topic, and of course there are always exceptions to every case. The point is that your resume should be concise, and organizing the document to be one page helps force that concept. Of course, if you truly have enough relevant information to showcase, go for the two page spread. Remember the fact that employers are seeing many resumes and may  pass yours if it appears too cumbersome. 

  • Formatting a resume is important. It is key to allow the resume to remain simple while still carefully standing out as unique. Basic fonts that are easy to read should encompass the body of the resume, allowing more bold moves in regards to titles. Thoughtful use of icons and graphics is also a great way to add a personal touch to your resume. 

  • Contact information should remain prominent. If an employer is interested they need to easily notice how to contact you. It is no longer necessary to list your home address (though not a big deal) on your resume, but a prominent phone number and professional email address (not a work email) should be provided. It is not a bad idea to list other places employers can find you on the web, such as your Twitter or LinkedIn handle(if they are suitable for a prospective employer). 

  • Finally, get a second pair of eyes on your resume. One of the biggest turn-offs for an employer is to read a grammatically error-filled document. This type of negligence illustrates a lack of care for one's work and disinterest in detail. Allow someone you trust to read through your work and weed out any type of infraction or unclarity.
Your portfolio is a self-promoting tool that gives you the ability to clearly communicate your creativity and talents related to that of design. Acting as a first impression, the construction of your portfolio should be one that is carefully crafted. Below are some simple points to think about as you prepare a portfolio.

Portfolio Design: 
  • Being mindful of who you will be using your portfolio to communicate with is very important. One of the first organizational factors you must determine is your core audience that will be reacting to your work. Are you looking to further your education or are you applying to enter the professional field? Are there certain requirements my portfolio must meet? These questions are vital and with and active pursuant to answer them from the beginning, the creation of a portfolio can be much more stress free. 

  • The design and layout of your portfolio is a chance to express your graphic skill and composition ability. Again, you must first consider how you best want to portray your work, whether that be by creating a booklet or digital. Many firms only accept digital forms of work, so this exchange should warrant conscience when designing. 

  • No one wants to sift through countless pages of information when examining a portfolio. Keeping the information concise and easy to navigate provides a pleasant experience. 

  • The portfolio layout should not be distracting or detract from the presentation of your work. Using consistent elements and fonts allows for a design that promotes unity and overall cohesiveness.

  • Careful thought should take place when arranging your work. The sequence will ultimately tell a story and that story should be logical and engaging. Develop a narrative for explaining your work and have assurance it portrays what you intend. Keep in mind that design is a process and you should demonstrate your process of thinking and developing your work. 

  • Make it personal. This portfolio should speak to who you are as a designer and creative individual. Including elements that make it unique to you, such as original drawings, sketches, and photography, give an employer or educational institution an accurate glimpse into your personality. 

  • It is a good move to create two portfolios: one complete one that you keep with you through interviews as well as an abbreviated work sample (approximately 5 sheets) that features your strongest work and can be sent to or left with interviewees.