how to make a cv presentation

How to Make a Resume or CV in PowerPoint (+ Templates)

Making a resume or CV is one of those tasks that we all have to do. But did you know you can actually create one in PowerPoint?

If that’s the tool you are most comfortable with, it is possible. PowerPoint can also be a good option for a resume or CV if you need something highly visual in a presentation style.

You can then export it from PowerPoint to any other format you need so that you can share it online or with potential employers.

Here’s how to do it, with a few templates to help you get started (all with a super professional look-and-feel).

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Determine if You Need a Visual Resume

Before you go down the path of creating a resume in PowerPoint, you need to figure out if it is the right choice for you. PowerPoint can be a good option if:

• It’s the only tool you have or know how to use
• You need a highly visual resume format for a presentation (we’ll focus on this one)

If you are presenting for a job interview, want to make a strong creative impression, or just show off your work in a style that marries your resume and portfolio, this option could be right for you.

Pick a Format

Once you have determined that PowerPoint is the tool you want to use for your resume, it’s time to think about formats and aspect ratios. How do you want to present or share the resume? What shape and size should it be?

If you are planning a presentation style, you’ll probably stick to the standard horizontal format. If you plan to export for more of a traditional look and feel, you can change the canvas size to a vertical 8.5 by 11 format.

The latter is great if you are using PowerPoint because you are comfortable with the tool, but want to export and save the resume for standard distribution.

Look for a Template (Or Create Your Own)

The quickest way to jumpstart a resume design project is with a template. A good PowerPoint resume or CV template will include slides in a style that appeals to you with elements for all of the standard resume content.

When looking for a template, you need one that matches the type of content you have to work with. (Don’t pick out a template packed with full-screen images if you don’t have them, or cut out photos if that’s not in your portfolio.)

The template should also have a visual style that’s similar to your own. You want the PowerPoint resume or CV to look like it belongs to you. It should show exactly who you are and what you do.

The other option is to create your own template. If you have a great idea, go for it!

Gather Visual Elements

If you are creating a visual resume, images are key. Gather what you plan to use in the resume design to get a feel for where you should go with the content.

• What types of images do you have to work with?
• What are the shapes and styles?
• How many images do you plan to use?
• Do you have a visual element to go with each section of the resume?
• Do you need to collect more visuals to complete this task?
• Are they in a format that will work with PowerPoint?

Once you have all the visuals together you can place them in the template to set the framework for your design.

Fill in Relevant Info

Once you have the concept of the PowerPoint resume design mapped out, you can start filling in all of your relevant information and details. Note that most templates will include way more slides than you need. Delete unnecessary ones to make the job quicker and easier.

Order the slide deck in a reverse chronological format with the newest and most relevant information first. It’s the same idea as if you were typing it out on paper.

Don’t forget an introduction slide with your name and contact details. (You’ll probably also want to repeat this slide at the end.)

Follow that with a quick summary or professional profile so that whoever looks at the resume gets a feel for who you are.

Then fill in work experience, education, and relevant skills.

Design for Key Details

Every important part of your PowerPoint resume should follow the format of one idea per slide.

If you are creating a visual resume, consider slides that pair a visual with the corresponding information. It’s a fact for your resume with a piece of visual supporting evidence.

Resumes can get long quickly, so try to design for key pieces of content and details with this format. Consider your most recent and best activity to be one slide each, and then all other supporting elements on a single slide.

It might look like this:

• One slide for current job
• One slide for relevant experience
• One slides for all other jobs

Finish with Achievements or Awards

Finally, wrap up the content in your PowerPoint resume or CV with a section that outlines awards or achievements. This is a great way to leave a strong impression at the end of the slide deck.

Things to include are certifications, awards, publications or grants, and key work-related honors. Even if you only have a few to share, this can add a lot of impact.

Proof Carefully

Edit your resume, ask someone else to proof your resume, and then edit it again. You can’t proofread too many times when it comes to this type of document. You want it to be flawless.

Export to Share

The last step is to export your PowerPoint resume or CV into a format for sharing. If you are giving a presentation, there’s nothing more to do than save.

If you plan to distribute the PowerPoint resume, it’s a good idea to export to a format that you know will maintain the integrity of the document no matter who opens it. A PDF format is recommended.

A resume or CV that’s designed in PowerPoint can be a lot different than the typical paper format. It will probably have a different shape and size (that’s made for screen viewing) and a much more visual format.

For a designer, this is almost a combination between a resume and a portfolio. Use this format to highlight your work with that in mind.

And if you like the examples here, head over to Envato Elements for these templates and more.

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How to write a resume presentation: tips and tricks from experts

Your resume is a ticket to a better job, and considering the current situation in the job market, standing out is more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by incorporating a “Resume Presentation” section in your resume. This article focuses on the fundamentals of resume presentation, offers steps on how to put presentation on resume, and provides top tips for getting perfect results on the first try.

What’s a resume presentation?

A “Resume Presentation” is a section of your resume where you highlight your presentation-related skills, experience, and accomplishments. It’s a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your abilities to effectively communicate, explain complicated ideas, and engage with varied audiences.

What are presentation skills?

Presentation skills involve your ability to organize slides and content in a way your audience can understand. This also includes technical knowledge and proficiency in presentation design software like PowerPoint, Keynote, etc.

7 steps to create a resume PowerPoint presentation

Here are some of the most effective tips you can use to create an excellent resume presentation without too much effort:

Step 1: Make it a separate section

Add a separate section titled “Resume Presentation” or something of the kind to your resume. It should come after your contact details and objective or summary statement, before your professional experience and educational background.

Step 2: List all the presentations done by you

List your presentations in chronological order under the “Resume Presentation” section. Make sure to include the following details:

• Title of the presentation
• Date created
• Location (if applicable)
• Use bullet points to add clarification.

Step 3: Highlight relevant skills

This section of your resume in PowerPoint should focus on your presentation abilities, including storytelling, public speaking, audience interaction, and data visualization.

Step 4: Emphasize key achievements

For each entry, provide a clear overview of your key achievements or the presentation’s impact. These can be anything from metrics to feedback to outcomes demonstrating your effectiveness as a presenter. For example, I received a 96% satisfaction rating from the audience and was invited to present at the upcoming conference.

Step 5: Quantify your achievements

Mention percentage improvements, the size of the audience, and any other measurable results. Numbers give your claims credibility.

Step 6: Incorporate action words

When discussing your presentation experience, use action verbs such as facilitated, engaged, articulated, and presented. This will help demonstrate your active involvement and overall effectiveness.

Step 7: Tailor your resume presentation to the job

Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight presentations that match the specific industry expertise or skills the potential employer wants to see in a perfect candidate.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the expert tips you can use to improve your resume writing PowerPoint presentation.

10 tips for creating an effective resume presentation

The below tips will help you make your resume presentation the best it can be, so let’s get right into it!

Tip #1: Start with attention-grabbing headline

Personal branding is all about the way you dress and, of course, your headline, so choose carefully. Your headline should be precise and concise, which means avoiding non-essential, complicated words or confusing phrases that could lead readers to believe something completely different. Make hiring managers want to learn more by using an enticing tone in text and visuals.

Tip #2: Give preference to an easy-to-read layout

Make your PowerPoint presentation resume as simple as possible. This way, you’ll ensure hiring managers can find what they are looking for quickly, boosting your chances of success in the job application.

Tip #3: Make use of typography

Use different fonts and font sizes to make your resume more visually attractive. You can also utilize typography to emphasize important details, such as your experience or skills—just make sure your potential employers can easily find what they need!

Tip #4: Put relevance first

Pick presentations that are relevant to the position you’re applying for, and remember that quality is more important than quantity.

Tip #5: Use lists and bullets

Creating a captivating resume presentation is not just about the content. It’s also about how well-structured and easy to read it is. If hiring managers are unable to understand what they are reading due to excessive jargon, complex wording, or sentence structures, they will not be attracted to your message. Using bullet points and lists will help make your writing more digestible and, consequently, more appealing to potential employers.

Tip #6: Add keywords

No matter how good your resume is, it’s no use if it doesn’t pass ATS. Including industry-specific keywords in your resume will help improve its searchability through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and ensure it gets noticed.

Tip #7: Customize your entries

Tailor each resume description to highlight skills and accomplishments relevant to the position. Emphasize how your specific experiences align with the requirements outlined in the job description. Doing so increases your chances of capturing the employer’s attention and demonstrating your suitability for the role.

Tip #8: Emphasize your experience and skills

Emphasize all of your skills and experience relevant to the position you’re interested in. This will give hiring managers a clue as to why you would be an excellent fit for the job.

Tip #9: Include a CTA

Before submitting your resume, make sure it includes a powerful call to action so potential employers know what to do next. For example, end your resume with the following statement: “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your company’s goals. Please feel free to get in touch with me at [your number] or [your email] to schedule an interview.”

Tip #10: Make sure your contact details are easily accessible

Additionally, consider adding links to your LinkedIn profile or other professional platforms. Making it simple for hiring managers to get in touch with you demonstrates your eagerness for further discussion, boosting your chances of progressing to the next stages of the hiring process.

Follow these tips to make your “Resume Presentation” section a powerful testament to your abilities and accomplishments, and remember that a targeted and well-crafted resume is vital in securing an interview and, ultimately, a job.

SlidePeak: your reliable partner in resume making ppt

“How do I quickly create a “Resume Presentation” section without previous experience?” you might ask. If you’re in a hurry to start the job application process, you can use free one-slide resume templates from PowerPoint or opt for professional assistance with your resume presentation. The last option will not only save you time but also ensure a polished and impactful presentation.

Contact our presentation design company today to discuss your specific needs and receive personalized assistance that will help increase your chances of making a solid first impression on potential employers. Our turnaround times are the fastest in the industry, and our dedicated team is here for you 24/7!

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Looking to stand out from the crowd and land the job of your dreams? This template is the perfect way to create a professional CV. Customize the design, add your own photos, and insert your key information in the modern geometric slides. Showcase your skills and experiences with custom photo...

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Forensic Ballistics Expert CV

If you're looking for a job as a Forensic Ballistics Expert, a great CV is essential. With this professional template, you can showcase your most impressive accomplishments in an organized and engaging way. It includes sections for your education, certifications, and professional experiences, so you can highlight your expertise in...

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Download the "Elegant Duotone Portfolio" presentation for PowerPoint or Google Slides. When a potential client or employer flips through the pages of your portfolio, they're not just looking at your work; they're trying to get a sense of who you are as a person. That's why it's crucial to curate...

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Download the "About Me Infographics" template for PowerPoint or Google Slides and discover the power of infographics. An infographic resource gives you the ability to showcase your content in a more visual way, which will make it easier for your audience to understand your topic. Slidesgo infographics like this set...

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You’re ready to work: you have the experience, the studies, the skills, the motivation… What else do you need? A very eye-catching CV, of course! If you don’t have time or effort to design a cool CV, don’t worry, we’ve already done it for you! You just have to write...

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Curriculum Vitae Guide: Presentations and Papers

Presentations and papers.

This section should follow formatting rules for your field.  Most fields will use APA style formatting. Please refer to apa.org for formatting guidelines or visit the  Walden University Writing Center's APA Style page .

Use this section to document your professional presentations, including papers or poster sessions at professional conferences.

Additional formatting tips:

You can include training workshops you delivered, professional in-service presentations, etc., in this section or create another section (Teaching/Training) that includes these experiences.

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How To Make a Resume in PowerPoint (with Resume Templates & Examples)

Last updated on September 13th, 2023

Resume templates in PowerPoint are very useful to quickly make a professional resume using one of the most popular presentation tools. The free resume templates can help in the job search process. There are different ways to make a visual resume in PowerPoint or Google Slides, you can orient your resume to make it look like a presentation or create a resume document, and use PowerPoint instead of Microsoft Word. What’s the difference? Actually there are different ways to present your resume in a visual way to a new job opening.

Here we will see how to quickly design a resume in PowerPoint taking advantage of free infographics and PowerPoint shapes.

Gather the Information, Create a Blank Presentation and Prepare the Resume Layout in PowerPoint using Portrait Mode

First, take at hand all the information you can gather about your background education, professional background, honors, awards and accomplishments. If you have a LinkedIn profile and it is updated with your experience and background information, you can take that as as a base or good starting point.

Then, go to PowerPoint and create a new blank presentation.

PowerPoint automatically starts up with a landscape layout, but you can easily change the layout to portrait if you want to use that format for the professional resume . Go to Design tab and then click

Here you can change the orientation to use portrait mode instead of the default landscape mode.

Then, you can change the default title layout in PowerPoint that is always present by default as the first slide, unless you want to add a title to your slides. To do it, go to Home tab and then click Layout button. Select the empty layout for instance, in order to start drawing the elements that will be included in your visual resume presentation.

Related: 5 Overlooked Resume Presentation Factors

Add the Resume Content & Use Slide Master for Header & Footer Content

As we see, a good resume can help in the job search process. We already created a base presentation in PowerPoint where our resume will be designed. Now, it is time to add your infographic resume content to the presentation. From the notes and information you gathered from your past experience, let’s try to organize it slide by slide. You can start adding your name and contact information on every page. Using the Headers & Footer sounds like a good idea however these options (especially the header) are available in the Handouts view only. However, as an alternative you can use the Slide Master to add all the information that you’d like to keep in every slide or page.

In this case, we have created a new layout in the Slide Master view for all the elements that will be shared across the resume template in PowerPoint . As you can see in the figure below, these include the name, the street address, the phone and email. Also, we have included  the blue bar that will be used for the slide title or resume page title (Work Experience, Education, Awards & Honors, etc.).

Then, you can start adding the resume content with your work experience and education background.

Now it is time to work creating the cover. The resume cover will be likely one of the most important slides or pages since it would be the first slide or page that the recruiter or future employer will see.

Using the same previous approach, you can create a custom layout via Slide Master to add all the information you want to use in your resume cover or you can do it without Slide Master as many of the elements used here won’t be used in other slide (it is up to you).

To get some inspiration, you can check the free Resume PowerPoint Template available at SlideHunter.com and see what are the sections used in this template. It shows valuable information for any employer looking to hire someone for a new position. The sections you can find in this template are divided into: Objectives, Work Experience or Professional Background, Professional Skills, Education, Awards and Certifications, Interests.

Of course you can add or remove sections that you don’t need, or focus on any desired section where you can highlight your skills.

Pre-made Resume PowerPoint Templates

Alternatively, if you do not want to spend time creating your resume templates from scratch, then you can rely on existing resume PowerPoint templates.

1. Resume PowerPoint template by SlideModel

This resume template is a visual presentation design that can be edited in Microsoft PowerPoint. The resume template will help job seekers, candidates or HR professionals to streamline the hiring process.

The 100% editable resume template can also be used if you have a presentation on career related themes. It contains vivid images and vibrant illustrations that can be edited in PowerPoint. The CV template includes several useful visual slides such as a proficiency level and nice data visualization aid, a resume timeline, the candidate profile with photo, an slide for educational background & professional skills.

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• Resume Tips

How to Include Public Speaking Skills on Your Resume (+ Examples)

While it might send you into a spin and get your knees knocking at the very thought of having to stand up in front of people and give a presentation, the skill of public speaking is considered a valuable asset within many professions. Public speaking on your resume is a great quality to add to your repertoire. Many employers place a premium value on public speaking skills. 

Candidates who possess polished and articulate public speaking skills are often placed in prominent roles within a company, with many finding themselves on a fast-track to securing leadership positions. This is because a leader often needs to speak and present to a roomful of people. You can’t ask someone who’s shy and retiring to do this. Or someone with a distinct lack of confidence. So you turn to the employees who have shown promise and know how to hold a crowd.

But what if you are angling for another role? How do you include public speaking skills on a resume?

No need to fret. You have come to the right place. We have the know-how you need to make employers aware of your valuable communication style by showing how to present public speaking on your resume.

What is public speaking?

First up, let’s quantify what public speaking actually is. It is the ability to stand up in front of an audience and deliver an oral speech or presentation. It works whether that is a live audience or a remote one, as you are still presenting to a large number of people in public.

It can be used to sell a product or a service to a client, galvanize your team, or pitch for a new contract. Presentations can incorporate many different topics and have many different goals – to entertain, educate, inform, or even influence listeners.

The presentation needs to be engaging, powerful, and memorable. You have got to hold the audience in the palm of your hand so as not to lose their interest. These are great assets to have throughout your career.

These types of presentations can be the difference between failure and success. So, presenting information effectively and clearly is key when connecting with your audience and getting your message out there.

Why do public speaking skills matter?

It’s important to understand why public speaking skills are in such high demand. For someone comfortable with communicating ideas effortlessly, public speaking skills might seem like something that everyone can do, at the drop of a hat. After all, we are communicating with other people every single day of the year.

However, lots of people are not that comfortable when speaking in a public setting. Many shrink from being called upon in class, business, or conference meetings, or other settings where there is a large group. Others are wary of being asked to make presentations, train up other employees, or take on a role that puts them under the spotlight.

Call it stage fright, if you will. The average professional just isn’t all that excited about being the center of attention in any training session or discussion. And employers understand that fact. Most organizations have dealt with employees who struggle to communicate ideas when they’re put in those types of settings. As a result, those employers recognize just how rare and important public speaking skills truly are--and really value those job candidates who possess them.

Read our experts' opinion on the best skills to put on your resume in 2023 .

Public speaking and communication skills list

Unlike some types of skills, public speaking is not a single skill that you can simply list on a resume. Instead, public speaking skills encompass a variety of skills that combine to make you come across as an effective public communicator on your resume . Moreover, you are unlikely to find too many job postings that specifically ask for public speaking skills.

Instead, many of these postings will mention relevant key skills that might make you an effective public speaker. By learning to recognize these communication capabilities, you can more effectively convey your public speaking ability to a potential employer.

They include:

The ability to read your audience

One of the most important public speaking skills is the ability to accurately read your audience, or “read the room” as this modern phrase sums it up, by picking up on subtle, nonverbal cues of your attendees. You should be able to determine what they need to hear, adjusting your communication during the speech to accommodate their reaction. Do they seem engaged? Are they visibly bored? Restless? Confused?

A speaker who can read the room well knows how to stay on the right track to get across their message.

An articulate presentation of ideas

Are you an articulate speaker? In this scenario, articulate doesn’t just mean the ability to speak clearly. It means being able to convey complex ideas in an easily understood manner. If your skills include being articulate, be sure to mention those attributes of public speaking in your resume.

An engaging presence and style

Do you command presence when you are on a stage, enter a room, or during a meeting? Have you got that certain je ne sais quoi or X factor? The best public speakers, trainers, and educators have an engaging way about them. They also have a style that captures and sustains the attention of any audience. Employers can always utilize employees with these types of public speaking skills.

The ability to write a speech or presentation

Whether you’re a solid writer or someone who composes presentations on the fly, based on something you scribbled on the back of an envelope 10 minutes ago, composition skills are critical. If your public speaking skills include the ability to compose presentations, be sure to convey that information on your resume. And don’t forget to include key composition skills like research ability, organization of ideas, and storytelling.

Knowledge of presentation technology

These days, no set of public speaking skills is complete without some sort of familiarity with technology. For example, skills in this area include the ability to create presentation slides and manage the functional operation of a presentation.

But it can strike horror into the heart of any audience member when a speaker stands up, declaring, “I’ve just got 100 slides to get through this morning.” While PowerPoint presentations are commonly used for seminars, meetings, and other public speaking engagements, keep these to a minimum, reduce the number of words, and pack them full of images.

Your slides should not make that much sense without you telling the story alongside. You want members of the audience to be focused on you speaking--not on the slides.

Key Takeaway

KEY TAKEAWAY

Don't just say that you have public speaking skills. Instead, describe those specific skills that demonstrate your oratory abilities.

Job descriptions might mention leading meetings, presenting information, or speaking at conferences. This can encompass many job titles, such as teachers and educators, managers, and sales and marketing positions.

Examples of public speaking skills on a resume

Now that you have a clearer idea of what public speaking skills are, let’s put it into practice by showing off some examples of how to include public speaking on your resume.

You can tailor the examples below to suit your own situations, positions, and responsibilities.

Showcases well-honed public speaking skills, developed over the course of a 10-year career as a sales trainer, marketing consultant, and seminar speaker.

Presented technical studies and project proposals on a regular rolling programme across the year at ABC Corp.

Created and led the mentor advisory board at XYZ Inc, training more than 100 corporate mentors.

Conducted client / employee workshops for ABC Corp on a bi-annual basis.

Skilled in presentation composition, communications technology including PowerPoint, and engaging, articulate audience presentations.

Final thoughts

Public speaking skills can be a quality that sets you apart from job search competitors. When you recognize that fact, and properly include them in your resume, those skills can be the key to landing you an interview and the great job that you deserve.

Best of luck with your ongoing job search.

Still not quite sure how to add public speaking onto your resume? Well, it’s your lucky day. Delve into a freebie by uploading your resume to ZipJob’s free resume review and see where it takes you.

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The 100 Best Jobs For 2023

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

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Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

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Home Blog Business How To Make an Interview Portfolio (Examples + Templates)

How To Make an Interview Portfolio (Examples + Templates)

Are you planning your upcoming job interview? If so, it’s important to stay in touch with what recruiters require to showcase your abilities and professional experience in the best format possible. Interview portfolios become a vital asset for any aspiring candidate, as they allow potential employees to showcase their career information in a comprehensive format, much more detailed than traditional curriculum vitae presentations. 

In this article, we will learn how to make an interview portfolio in terms of content and maximize our chances by using PPT templates to create breathtaking graphics. 

Table of Contents

What is an Interview Portfolio?

Structure of an interview portfolio, personal and contact information.

• Resume and Cover Letter

Proof of Qualifications and Certifications

Work samples, professional recommendations and references, achievements and awards, graphics in interview portfolios.

• How Do You Make a Portfolio for a Job Interview Using PowerPoint

Regular Updates and Maintenance of the Portfolio

Final words.

An interview portfolio is a collection of things that show off your skills and achievements. Usually, when we hear portfolio , we think of artists with big black folders showing their artwork. But now, portfolios are used in many different fields. It is a way to show who you are as a professional. It is like a record of all the good things you have done at work or in school [1] . It includes tangible evidence of your accomplishments and presents what you have achieved. It acts as proof of your ability to acquire new skills and knowledge.

An interview portfolio goes beyond a traditional resume as it offers a deeper insight into your capabilities. In a career development plan , creating a portfolio helps you get ready for interviews because it makes you think deeply about your career experiences and achievements [2] . When you’re getting prepared for an interview, this process helps you pick out specific experiences that have taught you essential skills for the workplace. At the same time, developing an interview portfolio allows you to see how well your qualifications match the job requirements of your interest. While expanding your interview portfolio, choosing work samples and skills that show you are a good fit for the job you want is important. You can even make different portfolios for jobs you’re interested in [2] . By reflecting on various skills for a job, you might realize there are some skills you need to work on. A portfolio helps you to figure out exactly which skills you need to improve. This can enhance your confidence during the interview, and you can talk more confidently about your goals.

When creating a portfolio for a job interview, it’s essential to include various materials that collectively highlight your skills.

• Resume or CV
• Certifications and training
• Transcripts
• Testimonials and personal branding elements
• Professional Recommendations

Depending on your field, you can include specific items in your portfolio to show what you know and can do accurately. Your portfolio can end up being quite significant because of all the things you include. However, it is not appropriate to go through every single item with the employer during an interview. A better idea is to pick out certain things from your portfolio to make a smaller version just for the interview. This smaller portfolio can be shown during the interview to prove skills relevant to the job.

When making a portfolio for a job interview, provide updated contact information. This includes your full name, professional email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile URL.  A professional headshot also enhances your portfolio by giving it a personal touch. Additionally, you can also add a concise personal branding statement that can establish your unique identity as an applicant.

Personal branding has a significant impact on career success. 85 % of hiring managers say that a job candidate’s personal brand affects their hiring choices [3] . Your personal brand should present what you’re good at, build trust, and show what makes you unique in your current or desired field. A well-written personal brand can decide whether you’re a good fit for the job you’re applying for.

To understand it better, we will use the job interview portfolio of an IT candidate as an example.

Resume and Cover Letter 

Another vital element of your interview portfolio is your resume and cover letter. A resume summarises your career path, focusing on essential skills, experiences, and accomplishments. On the other hand, a cover letter is a personalized message expressing your interest in a particular job. Both are submitted together.

In a resume, you should highlight your information in an organized and professional manner.  At the same time, you have to customize your cover letter based on the specific requirements of each job you are applying for. Your cover letter highlights how your background aligns with the job posting requirements. This includes explaining your interests in the company that will contribute to its success [4] . Therefore, it would be great to elaborate on relevant points from your resume and express how you would be a valuable addition to their team.

Evidence of your qualifications and certifications enhances your credibility as a potential candidate in your interview portfolio. Whether it is a bachelor’s degree, a certificate, or a professional endorsement, they present your dedication in a relevant field. For instance, in the technology sector, certifications like CompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA, or AWS Certified Solutions Architect hold great value in highlighting specialized abilities. Make sure to truthfully present your qualifications and furnish any required paperwork to support your claims.

For example:

John’s Portfolio includes his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and certifications in Agile Development and AWS Certified Solutions Architect. These credentials validate his expertise in software development and cloud computing, making him a strong candidate for IT infrastructure or application development roles.

Work samples also portray your capabilities and accomplishments in your interview presentation . We suggest choosing projects or assignments that show your skills and achievements relevant to the position you’re applying for.  Provide a reflection statement for every sample included in the portfolio [2] . This statement should briefly describe the sample item and the context in which it was created. Additionally, the reflection statement should offer a detailed list of the competencies developed by the sample. This part of the reflection is crucial as it details the specific skills and abilities highlighted by each portfolio element. Thus, a work sample is a valuable tool in the interview process.

Software developers may include code samples or links to GitHub repositories highlighting their coding proficiency. Network administrators would select diagrams or documentation outlining infrastructure projects they’ve managed.  It is essential to annotate each work sample to provide context and highlight your contributions.

For Example:

John’s work samples include a web application he developed using React.js and Node.js, demonstrating his proficiency in full-stack web development. He also includes a case study detailing a network infrastructure upgrade project he led, highlighting his ability to design and implement scalable IT solutions.

A strong endorsement from a trusted source can significantly enhance your credibility and make a positive impression during the hiring process. Compared to references, recommendations are more in-depth [5]. A reference agrees to provide you with a positive recommendation for a job or program.

You can choose references who are familiar with your recent work. They can provide specific examples of your strengths and accomplishments. You must obtain permission from each reference before including their contact information in your portfolio. An excellent option for a reference could be your current supervisor, colleague, or professor from your college [6] . It is important to present references organizationally, including their name, job title, company, and contact information. 

John’s interview portfolio includes positive recommendations from his previous supervisors and colleagues, highlighting his strong work ethic, technical expertise, and collaborative nature. One of his supervisors writes ,

Subject: Recommendation for John Doe

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to highly recommend John Doe for the Software Engineer position at your company. As John’s professor for his Thesis at XYZ University, I can attest to his outstanding abilities and dedication to his studies. John consistently excelled in his thesis, demonstrating a deep understanding of software development principles and techniques. His practice projects, like designing a complex e-commerce platform, showcased his exceptional coding skills and problem-solving abilities. What sets John apart is his proactive approach to learning and his eagerness to tackle new challenges.

Beyond his technical skills, John is an excellent communicator and a collaborative team player. He consistently contributed valuable insights during group projects and mentored his peers to help them improve their coding abilities. I do not doubt that John’s combination of technical expertise, passion for software development, and strong work ethic make him an ideal candidate for the Software Engineer position at your company. I wholeheartedly endorse him for this role and believe he will be a valuable asset to your team.

Please feel free to contact me if you need further information or clarification regarding John’s qualifications.

Prof. Jane Smith

Assistant Professor of Computer Science

XYZ University

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Add it to your interview portfolio if you have succeeded in your field. Highlighting your recognitions or awards will prove your value. Achievements such as receiving industry certifications or being recognized for outstanding performance contribute to your credibility in the field. You can include achievements and awards to reinforce your qualifications for the job position.

When explaining achievements and awards, focus on their relevance to the job position and how they describe your capabilities and accomplishments. Highlight any specific skills that were instrumental in earning the recognition. You can also explain how they align with the requirements of the role you’re applying for. Whether it’s a technical accomplishment, leadership recognition, or customer service award, emphasize its impact on your professional development and your ability to contribute effectively to the organization.

John’s interview portfolio features several notable achievements and awards, including winning first place in a regional coding competition and receiving the “Employee of the Year” award at his previous company. These achievements underscore John’s technical prowess, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills, which are highly relevant to the Senior Software Engineer position he’s applying for at ABC Tech. By showcasing these recognitions, John reinforces his qualifications and positions himself as a top candidate.

They choose the proper portfolio format, whether physical or digital, which is crucial in making a favorable impression during an interview. However, it also depends on the hiring manager or the nature of the job when deciding on the format. Physical portfolios leave a strong impression and provide a hands-on experience. On the other side, digital portfolios offer flexible and simple sharing. The selection depends on the expectations of the industry and company culture.

Regardless of the format chosen, ensure that your interview portfolio maintains a neat, organized, and professional appearance. We suggest using high-quality materials for physical portfolios, such as a professional binder or portfolio case. The applicant must ensure that all documents are well-organized and easy to navigate. For digital portfolios, a visually appealing layout is essential. All files should be appropriately labeled and easily accessible.

How Do You Make a Portfolio for a Job Interview Using PowerPoint 

Using PowerPoint templates can be an effective way to create an attractive digital interview portfolio. You can choose a template that complements your content and goes well with your personal branding. Whether it is a PowerPoint or Google Slide Template , you can easily customize it to include your name, contact information, and any relevant branding elements. However, you must ensure readability and avoid overcrowding slides with too much text or graphics. Keeping the design clean and straightforward gives a professional look.

In order to save time and effort, we’ll give you a list of the best-suited Interview Portfolio PPT templates.

1. Curriculum Vitae Job Interview Template for PowerPoint

Present all the information regarding your professional accomplishments, certifications, work experience, etc., in a highly visual format. Minimalistic slides with bold color combinations – make your career stand out!

Use This Template

2. Interview Portfolio Chronological Resume Template

If you’re looking for ideas on creating a portfolio for a job interview, this template can simplify the process with a one-idea-per-slide approach. Available in light and dark layouts.

3. Minimalistic Interview Portfolio Slide Deck

This slide deck includes several placeholder images across the slides, ideal for showcasing work experience for job seekers in creative careers. It is designed for job seekers looking to create a minimalistic portfolio for an interview.

4. Animated Interview Portfolio Resume Slide Deck

Make your job interview an outstanding experience by using animated slides. This interview portfolio deck is fully compatible with all PowerPoint versions and helps you articulate your information thanks to a clean layout and animated effects.

5. Job Interview Portfolio Box Slide Template

With three distinctive areas in which to fill your information, these creative slides can convey your information in an extremely concise format.

6. One-Pager Curriculum Vitae Template for PowerPoint

We conclude this list with this sleek one-pager template to turn your Word-format CV into a powerful slide that leaves a lasting impression. Presenters can customize the color scheme to their preferred choices. Available in light and dark format.

Tips for Presenting the Portfolio During an Interview

When presenting your portfolio during an interview, prepare in advance to ensure a smooth and professional delivery. There are a few tips to remember;

• Practice discussing each section of your portfolio and be ready to provide context and insights into your work samples, achievements, and qualifications.
• You have to be early to the interview to set up your physical portfolio
• If you’re using a digital portfolio, check whether it is accessible on your device.
•  Confidence is also necessary when discussing your materials, and be prepared to answer any questions as needed.

It is crucial to regularly update your interview portfolio to maximize its impact during the job search. As your skills, experiences, and achievements progress, you may keep incorporating these developments into your portfolio. This will enable you to display your qualifications to prospective employers effectively. Besides, consistent updates will guarantee that your portfolio remains a valuable asset for highlighting your proficiency.

Review your resume, cover letter, work samples, qualifications, and achievements periodically to ensure they accurately reflect your current skills and experiences. You can seek feedback from mentors, peers, or industry professionals to gain insights into areas for improvement and make necessary changes.

Creating a professional portfolio for an interview is a strategic investment in your job search success. From perfecting your CV and choosing suitable samples of your work to showcasing your portfolio with poise during interviews, each stage is crucial in making you a unique applicant in the eyes of potential employers. Remember to regularly update and maintain your portfolio to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in the ever-evolving job market.

[1] Interview Portfolios. https://www.sph.umn.edu/current/careers/students/resources/interviewing/interview-portfolios/

[2] Simmons, A. & Lumsden, J.  Preparing a Portfolio. https://career.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu746/files/Preparing%20a%20Portfolio_0.pdf

[3] Joubert, S. (2024) Tips for Building Your Personal Brand, Graduate Blog. https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/tips-for-building-your-personal-brand/

[4] Work on my Resume, Cover Letter, and Portfolio. The WCSU Career Success Center. Available at: https://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess/resumes/ (Accessed: 15 March 2024).

[5] https://ischool.sjsu.edu/career-blog/do-you-need-reference-or-recommendation-heres-how-tell

[6] References and Recommendations. https://career.engr.psu.edu/students/basics/references.aspx

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How do I update my resume to help land that job? Ask HR

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

Have a question? Submit it here .

Question: Since leaving a job I have had for almost a decade, I have primarily conducted my job search online. I have used the same resume design since I started working 12 years ago. Should I update my resume design to be more effective? What do you recommend for building a modern resume? – Sandra

Answer: Updating your resume design can indeed be a wise move, especially if you've been using the same format for a long time. A fresh, modern design can help your resume stand out and leave a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Here’s what I recommend for building a modern resume:

◾ Clean, professional layout: Opt for a layout that’s visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid cluttered designs and overly decorative elements that may distract from your content.

◾ Font selection: Stick to standard, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are widely accepted and compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ensuring your résumé is easily scannable by both humans and software.

◾ Incorporate keywords: Tailor your resume to each job application by incorporating industry-specific keywords and phrases relevant to the position. Many companies use ATS to screen résumés, so this will increase the likelihood of your resume being noticed.

◾ Organized sections: Structure your resume into clear sections, including Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Work Experience, Skills, Education and any additional relevant sections such as Certifications or Volunteer Work. This organization makes it easy for recruiters to quickly find the information they need.

◾ Summary/objective statement: Start your résumé with a summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Keep it concise, focusing on what sets you apart and what you aim to achieve in your career.

◾ Accomplishment-oriented experience: When listing your work experience, focus on highlighting your accomplishments, rather than just listing job duties. Use quantifiable achievements whenever possible, to demonstrate your impact, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage or leading successful projects.

◾ Skills section: Dedicate a section to showcasing your key skills and competencies, including both technical skills and soft skills relevant to the job. This section provides recruiters with a quick overview of your capabilities.

◾ Proofreading: Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread it to ensure there are no grammatical errors, typos, or formatting issues. Consider having someone else review your resume for feedback and additional insights.

By updating your resuméewith a modern design and incorporating these key elements, you can increase your chances of making a strong impression in today’s competitive job market. Good luck with your job search!

Ghosting a job Is it bad to ghost low priority potential employers? Ask HR

I've been denied PTO requests on multiple occasions, which is becoming increasingly frustrating. Most of them are denied on the grounds of staffing needs. Do I have any recourse in fighting these denials? What can I do to ensure PTO approvals? – Chanette

You may indeed have some recourse in addressing these denied paid time off requests. Start by reviewing your company's PTO policy and procedures. Many employers have specific guidelines regarding PTO requests, including deadlines for submission and limits on the number of employees who can be on leave simultaneously, to ensure adequate staffing levels.

First, check if your PTO requests were made in accordance with company policy. If they were not, ensure that you adhere to the established procedures for future requests, to increase the likelihood of approval.

However, if you followed company policy and your requests were still denied, consider discussing the matter with your manager or the human resources team. Seek clarification on the reasons for the denials and inquire about potential strategies to improve the approval rate for your requests.

It's also essential to consider whether your state mandates sick leave, and if your company uses PTO to fulfill those requirements. If so, your employer may be obligated to approve leave requests that align with qualifying reasons for sick leave under the law. If you’re uncertain about your state’s sick leave requirements, consult your HR team for clarification.

Ultimately, unless there is a contractual agreement or policy stating otherwise, employers typically have discretion in managing PTO usage. However, by following company procedures and addressing your concerns with management or HR, you may increase the likelihood of having your PTO requests approved more frequently.

Salaried, nonexempt What does that mean? Ask HR