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.
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