Thank you so much Danny! This was huge for me because I kept wanting to build the funny random stuff because it was...funny and random! The project that got me my interview was a project where I connected to my company's open API and built an extension of our platform that I wanted to use. I used their styles by inspecting our platform with devtools and made a video about why it was going to be a key feature for our customers and the rest is history!
This may of course vary by culture, but you might want to include a single quirky/twee project with all the enterprisey stuff in your portfolio. I've done hiring and if I'm looking at two portfolios, one with five enterprisey polished web apps and one with four enterprisey polished web apps and a catch-the-unicorn game with rainbow fart effects, guess which one is going to leave a lasting impression? As long as it's something you enjoy building and have executed well, it can go in your portfolio (but yes, keep the portfolio short and focused). A little personality goes a long way with me at least.
Yup, I'm in favor of adding personality where you can and I don't think you need to abandon your unicorn farts completely. But most of your projects in the portfolio should be corporate-style unless the job posting specifically says that we want to see how fun and creative you are (or, of course, if the listing is for the junior unicorn fart generator role at the org). I 100% agree that this varies from company to company to pay attention to the culture (look on company page or on glassdoor) to get an idea before applying.
Awesome advice! Especially with being strategic about the types of projects and identifying key projects!
Thank you so much Danny! This was huge for me because I kept wanting to build the funny random stuff because it was...funny and random! The project that got me my interview was a project where I connected to my company's open API and built an extension of our platform that I wanted to use. I used their styles by inspecting our platform with devtools and made a video about why it was going to be a key feature for our customers and the rest is history!
This may of course vary by culture, but you might want to include a single quirky/twee project with all the enterprisey stuff in your portfolio. I've done hiring and if I'm looking at two portfolios, one with five enterprisey polished web apps and one with four enterprisey polished web apps and a catch-the-unicorn game with rainbow fart effects, guess which one is going to leave a lasting impression? As long as it's something you enjoy building and have executed well, it can go in your portfolio (but yes, keep the portfolio short and focused). A little personality goes a long way with me at least.
Yup, I'm in favor of adding personality where you can and I don't think you need to abandon your unicorn farts completely. But most of your projects in the portfolio should be corporate-style unless the job posting specifically says that we want to see how fun and creative you are (or, of course, if the listing is for the junior unicorn fart generator role at the org). I 100% agree that this varies from company to company to pay attention to the culture (look on company page or on glassdoor) to get an idea before applying.
I just have to say this thread is hilarious. thank you. 😂
🤣🤣🤣 abandon the unicorn farts.