Question 1

Do I need a portfolio for my application?

Accepted Answer

In creative, digital and technical professions: yes, often indispensable. LinkedIn Skills on the Rise 2025 and LinkedIn Economic Graph show: In IT, design, marketing and content, work samples are becoming increasingly more important than qualifications. Specifically: Software developers — GitHub portfolio with commented code. Designers — Behance or personal website. Marketing — case studies with results (screenshots, metrics). Journalists/content — published pieces. Cedefop: Portfolios are particularly important for career changers compensating for lack of professional experience. GDPR note: If you show client data, logos or campaign results in your portfolio — check whether you have permission. Not useful in every profession: In operations, finance or HR, work samples are uncommon and often prohibited by NDA clauses.

Question 2

How do I create a compelling online portfolio?

Accepted Answer

Three formats depending on profession: (1) GitHub for developers — public repos with README, commented code and completed projects. According to LinkedIn, 80% of tech recruiters check GitHub profiles. (2) Behance or personal website for designers — focused on 5-8 case studies showing process, not just the end result. (3) Case study portfolio (Notion, PDF, website) for marketing, consulting, PM — concrete results with figures. Quality rules: Show process and thinking, not just outputs. Focus on 3-5 strong projects rather than 20 weak ones. GDPR: Only show client data and logos with permission. Cedefop: Portfolios are particularly crucial for career changers and career starters to compensate for lack of professional experience.

Question 3

What is a video CV and when does it make sense?

Accepted Answer

A video CV is a 1-3 minute video in which you introduce yourself and your core competencies. When it makes sense: Creative professions (marketing, design, video/film, social media), sales (demonstrates persuasiveness), startups (signals innovation readiness), international applications (English-speaking markets). When it is problematic: Public sector (too unconventional), conservative industries (banking, law, pharma), when video quality is not professional. LinkedIn: Video profiles have 5x more interactions than text-only profiles. Legal considerations: GDPR -- videos with recognisable individuals are personal data. AGG: Video CVs reveal visual characteristics (age, ethnicity, potential disability) -- therefore less commonly requested in Germany than in the US/UK to reduce discrimination risk for employers. Technical basics: Max. 1080p, calm background, good microphone, 1-2 minutes.

Portfolio & Work Samples

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Portfolio & Work Samples

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