Regardless of specialisation, employers, clients, and programs ask for writing samples as part of the selection process. Those specializations could be copywriting, blogging, UX writing, technical writing, journalism, fiction, poetry, etc. It’s a good idea to start selecting, designing, and editing your book before starting the applications. A writing portfolio is a collection of the best work, in this case, writing, that proves the work of a writer, marketer, or editor.
A strong portfolio depicts how versatile and structured a candidate’s work is. It helps the recruiter understand the writer’s specialization, tone, voice, and style. It is instrumental in getting a job, freelance clients, ghostwriting gigs, or even publishing opportunities.
6 key Steps to Create a Writing Portfolio
A portfolio gives the viewer an understanding of the work one has done so far. Before starting the portfolio-building process, the end goal has to be precise. Different profiles and niches might accept different portfolios for a job. Ensuring the portfolio is personalized according to the work and industry is essential. Here are seven steps to create a perfect portfolio.
1. Introducing the work profile
As with any writing, a portfolio starts with an introduction to the candidate’s work profile and experiences. The introduction to the work, background information, form, and writing niche comes first on the portfolio. This is where you introduce yourself as a writer, and it is vital to make an impression. The saying goes, ‘the first impression is the last impression.’
2. Selecting and organizing writing samples
Collecting the writing samples in order of their length, niche, and writing style takes time. For an aspiring writer who has worked in a college journal and as a part-time ghostwriter. There will be two categories of writing: news reports and articles. However, not all writing samples will be included in the portfolio. Some writing samples can not be shared because of copyright issues, and some because of quality.
Every piece of writing is important for a beginner writer and can be kept in categories to be edited and published on a writing portfolio. The writing samples can be arranged chronologically, along with the topic and medium. The selected articles are organized based on niche and best work. Only the best work goes on the portfolio, at least for the experienced writer. The final selection is based on diversity, relevance, and quality after Reviewing prior works and writing samples.
3. Design a layout
Another important aspect of a writing portfolio is its design layout because it helps the readers navigate smoothly. Most recruiters don’t spend more than 3 minutes on a portfolio, so the overall visualization, design, and tone of the portfolio are essential to pay attention to. An online portfolio has layouts depending on the hosting platform’s plan. So, the first step is to decide on a hosting platform for an online portfolio.
- An easy-to-navigate creative format
For both hardcopy and online portfolios, the format needs to be aligned with the style of the writing sample and easy to navigate. A creative and uniform layout that compliments the writing samples.
- Readable fonts
The font used in the portfolio has to be easy to read. Simple fonts that don’t distract from the actual writing sample are the best option.
- Images and graphics
Add pictures and graphics that capture the context of the writing samples and engage the readers. But graphics shouldn’t be so goudy that they distract from the writing piece.
- Consistent and aligned layout
The Consistent and aligned use of structure, tone, fonts, and colors sets a standard of professionalism and personal brand.
Also Read: How to Create a Content Marketing Calendar
5. Summarize future scopes, goals, and KPIs
If the writing collection is diverse, adding short summaries for long samples, case studies, analytical pieces, and thematic sections of the writing portfolio can help provide some context for the samples. Giving overviews of genres, topics, purposes, brands, and writing styles adds value.
- Intensions and goals – Add how writing and planning for a project helped in problem-solving, like completing the project on time because the deadline was followed. Add clear objectives during a project, such as entertaining, educating, and persuading the audience with a subtle CTA.
- Scope of projects – Highlight the contributions to the project, such as ideas, timelines, and titles.
- Key performance indicators – Add results, traffic earned, engagement received, leads secured, or any other successful business outcome.
6. Add testimonials
Adding testimonials to the writing portfolio makes it more credible. When asking for testimonials, ask people to write about how you helped them solve problems. The testimonial must mention how easy it was to work with the writer.
7. Add resume, socials, and contact info
In creative fields like writing, showing the work through a portfolio is a great way to land a dream job. It is also good to include a resume to showcase experience. Depending on the portfolio context, add the contact and social media details. Add a LinkedIn profile link and professional email ID for a formal writing portfolio. In the case of a creative portfolio, add Instagram, a personal blog, and so on.
For an online portfolio, adding a contact page makes reaching out more accessible. The contact page must be simple and reliable to send email to the inbox, not spam mail.
Conclusion
A standout portfolio is a gateway to a dream job or project. It showcases the depth and diversity of writing ability to demonstrate the range and versatility of a writer. The portfolio features the work relevant to the primary goal and niche. It is to Choose and assemble the most engaging and clear writing samples in an organized manner. Writing samples reflect writer and their abilities. A writing portfolio goes through various stages of progression as the experience grows and the industry changes.
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