15.1 Building a Professional Writing Portfolio

Writing portfolios are essential tools for showcasing your skills and landing jobs. They include various components like a cover page, writing samples, and a resume. Effective portfolios demonstrate versatility through diverse content types and highlight your unique strengths.

Designing an attractive, user-friendly portfolio is crucial. Consider branding, layout, and navigation. Tailor your portfolio for specific applications by customizing content, adapting your personal statement, and strategically organizing samples to match job requirements and industry trends.

Portfolio Components and Curation

Components of writing portfolios

Top images from around the web for Components of writing portfolios

• 

  Resume Reference Page:examples,samples, Free edit with word View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sample Blackboard Portfolio Layouts View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Writing portfolio essentials for attracting clients over the long-term View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Resume Reference Page:examples,samples, Free edit with word View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sample Blackboard Portfolio Layouts View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Components of writing portfolios

• 

  Resume Reference Page:examples,samples, Free edit with word View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sample Blackboard Portfolio Layouts View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Writing portfolio essentials for attracting clients over the long-term View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Resume Reference Page:examples,samples, Free edit with word View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sample Blackboard Portfolio Layouts View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Cover page or introduction provides brief personal statement and professional photo (optional) establishes initial impression
• Table of contents or navigation menu guides readers through portfolio structure
• Writing samples showcase diverse range of content types (blog posts, articles, press releases) demonstrating versatility
• Skills section lists writing-related abilities and software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office)
• Resume or CV summarizes professional experience and qualifications
• Contact information ensures easy communication with potential employers or clients
• Testimonials or references (optional) offer third-party validation of skills and work quality

Diversity in writing samples

• Include various content types demonstrating range (blog posts, articles, press releases, social media content)
• Select samples based on relevance to target industry, different writing styles, and topic variety
• Organize samples using chronological order, thematic grouping, or by writing style/format
• Provide context for each sample explaining project description, your role, and results/impact

Portfolio Design and Tailoring

Design of portfolio presentation

• Establish consistent branding with cohesive color scheme, typography, and personal brand elements
• Consider layout with effective white space usage, readability, and responsive design for various devices
• Create clear navigation structure with intuitive menu and easy-to-use interface
• Incorporate visual elements like high-quality images, infographics, or data visualizations
• Offer PDF or web-based format options for flexibility

Tailoring portfolios for applications

• Research target company or client examining industry trends and company values/mission
• Customize content selection highlighting relevant writing samples and skills matching job requirements
• Adapt personal statement addressing specific position needs and showcasing unique value proposition
• Organize samples strategically placing most relevant work prominently
• Include industry-specific keywords and terminology from job descriptions
• Demonstrate industry knowledge through writing samples on relevant topics and familiarity with publications/trends