Original posted as a thread on my twitter
I frequently advocate that portfolio websites don't typically make a significant difference when it comes to securing employment. Yet, I've found there are certain situations where your chances of a successful freelance proposal could be markedly improved if you could provide a portfolio link.
Drawing from my own experiences, I've noticed that potential employers often overlook the portfolio. However, when you're approaching potential clients for freelance or contract work, the tables seem to turn. Here, while a well-crafted resume does make a difference, a portfolio often has a more significant impact on the client's decision.
There's a valid reason for this. The dynamics of selling oneself to an employer greatly differ from those when pitching to a client. Typically, an employer has to sift through thousands of resumes, with many of them being automatically filtered out by software tools. At this point, even if your resume survives the initial screening, it's unlikely that the hiring team would find the time or resources to review portfolio or GitHub links meticulously due to the sheer volume of applications.
Beyond this, an employer values different things. They care about how well you can communicate your projects, delve deep into the system design, explain your choice of patterns, tools, and technology. These elements often take precedence over simply displaying your past work.
However, the situation takes a dramatic turn when you're aiming to secure a freelance gig. In this context, clients often prioritize seeing concrete examples of what you've built in the past. It allows them to gauge your capabilities in a more tangible and precise manner compared to merely reading through a resume. The emphasis here is on visual and real representation of your skills, rather than just stating, for instance, "I have 4 years of experience in React."
Most clients usually go over each proposal in detail, often selecting a freelancer on a first-come, first-served basis. Once they have made their choice, they rarely bother going through other proposals. Consequently, not only is the quality of your portfolio essential but so is the speed at which you deliver it.
In conclusion, while a portfolio may not always be the key to securing a traditional job, its importance in the realm of freelance work cannot be overstated. It becomes a tangible representation of your capabilities, ultimately offering a higher chance of securing a contract. It's not just about stating your experience - it's about showcasing it.
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