You've worked hard to put together a quality website design portfolio. Do you really need to include a resume? The answer to the resume portfolio question is a resounding yes! Regardless of the type of contract or freelance web development job for which you are applying, interviewers need more than a portfolio to make a decision. Yes, your web development portfolio is outstanding. Your interview presentation is practiced and professional. Your appearance is immaculate. But, your preparation for seeking the next step in your website development career is incomplete without a good resume. Following are five reasons for a resume portfolio.
1. A resume portfolio demonstrates business skills and professionalism. Regardless of the potential web development job opportunity, quality business skills are a must. Providing a resume with your portfolio shows an awareness of normal business protocol and provides an opportunity for interviewers to see your business communication skills in action.
2. A resume portfolio provides credibility. A good resume includes both your education and prior work experience. Also, if you're seeking a freelance web development job, it will likely include examples of previous clients served. In addition to your website design portfolio, a resume provides potential employers with the assurance that you have real-world experience in the website development field. It gives interviewers a source for viewing client work and contacting professional references.
3. A resume portfolio conveys clear purpose. Many potential employers gauge your work habits and approach to your web development job by how you present yourself with a resume as well as a portfolio. A resume offers a vehicle for concisely communicating your career goals and reflecting your web development career path.
4. A resume portfolio makes it easy on potential employers and clients. In an economic downturn and growing applicant pool, website developers need to capitalize on every opportunity to gain the respect of potential employers and clients. A resume included with your portfolio can do just that. When employers have a full schedule of interviews and many candidates to consider, a resume portfolio serves as an at-a-glance reminder of your website design portfolio and skills. Because many interviewers rely on first impressions, sometimes a good resume can help you make the first cut, and it often serves as a source for interview questions. Presenting a resume prior to a portfolio interview allows clients and web development companies to understand more about your skills and experience before they meet you.
5. A resume portfolio can be filed. Interviewers often separate website development applicants into files of "yes," "no," and "maybe" candidates. Without a resume portfolio to add to the mix, you may never even get to show your website design portfolio. Plus, the resume allows you to keep a web development job opportunity door open. Many businesses keep resumes on file for future use even if they don't have current job openings that fit your skills. Your resume in their files will serve as a reminder of your skills when website development jobs or contract needs arise in the future.
When you are looking for a new web development job or seeking out potential freelance website opportunities, don't overlook a good resume portfolio. It can serve as a great companion to your web development portfolio and offer potential employers a reminder of your website development skills and work experience.