For certain positions, such as web design, graphic art, writing, and other artistic endeavors, you may be requested to submit samples of your past work before you are hired. Whatever the format, it’s important to put your best foot forward. Look at it from theemployer’sperspective; what do they want to see from you?
Choose samples that are most applicable to the position. The idea is to give them the sense that you can do the job, because you’ve already done it before! For example, if you are applying for a position designing product labels, be sure to include many product label designs in your submission. But what if you don’t have any product labels? Consider what other connections you have to the products. It’s a dog food company? Great, you have drawings of animals to submit.
Show your range. This is especially important if you are applying for a position where you will have a wide array of responsibilities, but it’s a good idea even if the position calls primarily for one specific task. For example, if you are a writer applying for a position where you will be writing press releases, the vast majority of your samples should be press releases, but you can also showcase your ability to write articles, commercial scripts,and product copy. The company may recognize the value of your many talents – you can help out the rest of the marketing team! – andit can put you ahead of the pack.
Include different clients. Showing samples from multiple companies allows them to visualize how much experience you have. You will come across as a more seasoned professional. If you don’t have multiple clients, consider including work done on a volunteer basis.
Submit at least some paid work. Even if you’ve done your best work on your own, it’s important to show that you are a professional with paid experience. But if you don’t have paid experience, remember that sometimes your employer won’t be able to tell the difference between your volunteer work and your paid work, so this can work to your advantage.
Don’t include too much or too little. If the company requests a particular amount of work, follow their guidelines. Not sure? You can always ask. A good rule of thumb is to provide enough material for someone to look over in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Don’t submit anything racy or political. That is, unless you are applying for a position at a company that is racy or political. Otherwise, submitting something controversial may draw attention to you… but more often than not, it will send your application to the waste bin.
Make sure it is professionally displayed.This is not the time to skimpon supplies. Follow the standards of your field. If you are uncertain of the proper format, inquire with the company, research on the internet, or talk to someone already working in thatarea.
Don’t assume you will get it back. If you can, submit a copy, not the original. It is standard for some companies to simply toss past samples after they are done with them. If you’re putting together a particularly expensive display, check with the company before you turn it in to make sure you will have it returned to you.
Be confident!If you receive a compliment, accept it graciously. Don’t downplay the quality of your work. Take pride in what you do. And if you receive comments or suggestions, be polite and accepting. Don’t assume it’s a bad thing. They may be testing how you will take constructive criticism while on the job.
This is very helpful information, especially the warning "Don’t assume you will get it back." This is so important when you're using samples which are irreplacable, such as reports done on another job at another time.
I have a question concerning writing done on-line, such as in blogs. How should one include the link to a blog as part of a portfolio?
Juliana: Nice article. Thanks. I actually built a portfolio site for the freelance writing and producing part of my biz. Interested in your opinion about it. What do you think?
