By: Natalie Batten
Professionals know that having a professional portfolio, or a collection of your work to show potential employers, is essential. There is a debate about whether or not physical or online portfolios are a better choice. Spoiler alert: It comes down to personal preference. Here are some things to consider while making your decision.
Online Portfolio
Pros:
Less wear and tear
One of the perks of an online portfolio is you don’t have to worry about it getting smashed, spilled on or ripped as time goes on. Not having to deal with fixing these things can save you a lot of time and stress.
Easy to access & share
Online portfolios make it easy to share your work with someone because all you have to do is provide them with a link. This is helpful when you are applying for jobs that are far away. It can also be helpful if a potential employer wants to look at your work without you physically present or share it with others in the company.
Easy to update
Online portfolios are easy to keep updated. Working on the computer means less physical arts and crafts, and it is easy to make small changes to your portfolio without having to redo it all.
Cons:
Can be awkward to access in a job interview
One problem with online portfolios is that it can be tough to access in a situation where you don’t have easy access to a computer. Some people dislike reading on a computer screen and may be turned off by the concept of an online portfolio.
Potential for technology problems
There is always the potential for technology problems. You have very little control over this, if it happens right before a job interview there may not be much you can do. These can also be very frustrating to fix.
Can limit size/quality
Websites may have constraints for the amount of information you can include or the way it is formatted. You also generally have very little control over what ads may show up alongside your content.
Physical Portfolio
Pros:
Shows effort
Many employers, especially those who have been in the industry for awhile, will appreciate the effort that goes into a physical portfolio. They come across as more professional and show that you are willing to take time to do a good job.
You know exactly what the viewer will see
With a physical portfolio you have full control over how it looks and what the viewer will see. You don’t have to worry about advertisements popping up or formatting getting changed.
Often easier to show in person
A physical portfolio is often easier to show someone because it is tangible and they can flip through it. You also know exactly what they’re seeing and when, this gives you the opportunity to explain your work or make conversation while they view it.
Cons:
You have to carry it around
Portfolios can often be large and bulky which can make it inconvenient to carry around, especially at long events such as a career fair. You also have to make sure you remember it when you need it.
Will get worn down over time
You will likely have to spend time and money updating your portfolio to make sure that it looks new and professional. There is also the chance that a tear or spill could happen before an important interview.
Must be in person to share
One of the most difficult aspects of a physical portfolio is that you must be physically with the person who is looking at it. This can be difficult if you are interested in applying to jobs further away. It can also be hard for an interviewer to share your work with others in the company without removing it from your portfolio.
As long as you have a strong portfolio that you put time and effort into, you can’t go wrong with either option. Maybe consider making a portfolio of each type and using one or the other depending on the situation.