How to Build a Portfolio That Gets You Hired

The shift is undeniable: employers are moving away from resume-based hiring and towards skill-based hiring. In a world where every other candidate has a 3.8 GPA and a degree from a decent university, how do you stand out? The answer lies in your portfolio.

1. Show, Don't Just Tell

Listing "Java" on your resume is easy. Showing a GitHub repository with a fully functional inventory management system you built in Java is proof. Your portfolio is your evidence locker. It converts claims into facts.

2. Context is King

Don't just upload a file. Explain the problem statement. What challenge were you trying to solve? What were the constraints? Who was the user? Adding a simple 100-word context paragraph to each project increases its value tenfold.

3. Curate Ruthlessly

A portfolio with 3 outstanding projects is infinitely better than one with 10 mediocre ones. Employers have limited attention spans. Guide them to your best work immediately.

Start building today. Even a simple class project, if documented well, can be the key to your first interview.