Created by CakeIn this article, you will learn about: What Is an Art Portfolio?How to Make an Art Portfolio - What to IncludeTips on How to Make a Digital Art PortfolioTips for Creating an Art Student PortfolioMore Art Portfolio ExamplesAs an artist, promoting your artwork either online or in-person is a part of running your own art business and living as a creative entrepreneur. Your art portfolio is the first place where people refer to before buying a piece from you. That’s why you should take time building an art portfolio. Potential collectors, gallerists, and buyers are all browsing online to search for talented artists and view your artwork and your credentials. In this article, we will offer tips on how to make an art portfolio and cover the essential concepts to bear in mind. Moreover, we will provide art portfolio examples for you as some inspiration! What Is an Art Portfolio?An art portfolio, or an artist’s portfolio, is an edited, carefully curated collection of an artist’s most outstanding works. It is used to showcase and display the spectrum of their artistic skills, style, or method of work. An artist’s portfolio is an ideal vehicle to present the works in the artist’s preferred placement and arrangement. There are two main types of art portfolios: 🎨 Physical art portfolio Physical art portfolios are often required for university or college applications. Typically, it includes printed examples or photos of your works. 🎨 Digital art portfolio Nowadays, many artists make their name through the internet. Personal online art portfolios and social media pages have made it possible for artists to share their works and to reach audiences worldwide. However, while social media allows you to reach millions of people, a professional art portfolio website is more powerful for you to hold a virtual gallery, online store, and decide how you want your works to be presented. How to Make an Art Portfolio - What to IncludeAside from showcasing your best works as an artist, some other elements can also be added to your art portfolio so that it can serve its purpose to the fullest. Read on to find out the elements to include when you are making an art portfolio. 1. About me/Biography The audience is often curious about the artist. In your biography, introduce who you are and where you’re at. Put together your educational background, inspirations, and themes you care about. In addition, talk about the interests that make you more interesting. Add details such as the musical instrument you’re good at to start a conversation! Here’s an example: Hey! I'm Luci, a digital artist and creative director from Atlanta, Georgia, currently living in San Francisco. I create art content inspired by conflict and chaos around the world as well as my childhood memory in Mumbai, India. I received two Bachelors from The University of California, Los Angeles – the first in Journalism, the second in Design. 2. Resume/CV You probably think that an artist needs no resume. Yes, but no. An artist’s resume is like the cherry on the cake. It adds a beneficial effect to prove you can collaborate with clients or companies. Attaching your resume either online or in your physical art portfolio allows your audience to understand you more. You can add some creativity so your resume doesn’t look too dull. 3. High-quality images of the artworks When selecting your work of art, aim for quality over quantity. Pick the best of your works and leave out the ones that you are not satisfied with within your building art portfolio. It’s better to present ten uniformly good works instead of 20 works only for the sake of variety. 4. Details of the artworks When your audiences are interested in your works, they naturally are curious about the details, whether it’s about the process, the concept, or more images. It’s ideal to give some description details about your work. Nevertheless, many art schools have precise requirements regarding art portfolios application, such as certain formats for titles, dates, and materials. Moreover, some people might consider it unnecessary for artists to explain their works. Just like the examples below. Online art portfolio by Teresa Ho Teresa Ho is a fine art artist who graduated from Art Center, Los Angeles. Her online art portfolio website presents a well-established style.Online art portfolio by He YiHe Yi's portfolio also lacks descriptions, but the artworks speak for themselves.Online art portfolio by KaitKait Kübar is a concept artist from Estonia. You can also find his works on Gumroad. Tips on How to Make a Digital Art Portfolio💡 Choose a suitable online art portfolio website. Before you start building a digital art portfolio, choose a platform that suits you best. There are numerous art portfolio sites for you to make an art portfolio, and consider these aspects to picking one: Your purpose of setting up an art portfolio (to network with other artists, to market and sell your artworks, to apply for a job, etc.)How you want your art portfolio to be seenThe degree of customization you want for your art portfolio websiteWhether you need good computer skills to manage the portfolio Cake portfolio maker allows you to add multimedia materials to your digital art portfolio. As an artist, you build your art portfolio for free and upload your works in no time to be seen by other professionals.Create Portfolio 💡 Produce high-quality images to include in your digital art portfolio. When building a digital art portfolio, make sure your images are of high quality. Typically, professional artists use cameras to take pictures of their work or scan their works carefully to produce images of high quality. After all, you don’t want to miss potential buyers only because your blurry image scared them off. 💡 Categorize your artworks into different types. Curating your artwork is an essential skill. Deciding the degree of importance, the organization and sequence of your works, and categorizing them into simple types is crucial. It may be helpful to categorize your works and help your audience find exactly what they are searching for, such as illustrations, digital art, and graphic design. Take a look at the example below. Art portfolio by Juan Rodriguez Juan Rodriguez is an artist from Miami, Florida. He categorizes the artworks in his art portfolio based on types such as 3D art, 2D art, Drawings Studies, Installations, Social Dichotomy,Sketches, etc. for better viewing. 💡 Make sure links are working properly. When interested readers look at your professional artist portfolio, they expect each page to work properly. As a result, make sure you provide functional URLs and allow access to external sites or videos. 💡 Update your art portfolio with your newest works frequently. Building a digital art portfolio is constant work. Updating your works continuously to be prepared when galleries and buyers ask for your latest works. Putting the effort into managing your art portfolio is never a waste of time. 💡 Use a consistent layout and art portfolio design. For artists, branding and marketing is an important skill. Establishing a consistent style and layout helps you build a personal artist brand. Be sure to take the time to plan out the style, color, or interaction of your website to impress your buyers and audiences. Art portfolio by Laci Laci is an artist and creative director from Huntsville, Alabama currently living in Los Angeles. She maintains consistency in her online art portfolio website by using the same font and size, and using the same dimensions for all the displayed artworks. 💡 Promote your online art portfolio. Last but not least, promote your online digital art portfolio website. You can promote your online art by: Creating meaningful content or start bloggingAttend digital art competitions to get featured onlineNetwork online or share other artists’ worksSubmit your artworks to art posting websites or social mediaSet up online stores to sell your digital artworkTips for Creating an Art Student Portfolio✨ Thoroughly read the application requirement. Every art school has specific requirements or expectations. It’s your duty to understand each school’s application and submit works accordingly. Top art schools often accept very limited art students. In such cases, making a quality art portfolio that meets the criteria is crucial. Research carefully to understand practical requirements such as label formats, due dates, limitations of works to include, and the medium of your art student portfolio. ✨ Refer to other art student portfolios for inspiration. The best strategy is to refer to the art students who are accepted to the same school or program. Analyze their organization, layout, descriptions, and most importantly, their selection of works. Notice what works they might have left out, and why they include those artworks you see. You will understand what the admission managers expect to see in your art student portfolio. Even if each work differs from one another, it’s worthwhile to observe the strategy these students adopted. ✨ Use portfolio cases/folders to arrange a physical art portfolio. There’s no need to mention the importance of preserving your artwork. If you are making a physical art student portfolio, choose a flat type art portfolio case that protects your artwork and can open up or close easily. Arrange your works either by type or by chronological order to help you find them easily. Avoid rolling your works as it can cause trouble if you want to take photos of them. Buy a simple, high-quality spine-mounted portfolio case or clear file art portfolio holder that’s endurable. ✨ Use a suitable art portfolio website for making a digital art portfolio. If the art school demands an online art portfolio website, choose the website based on what you want to include. For example, if you consider including videos on your own art portfolio website, embed videos directly rather than providing links to YouTube or Vimeo. ✨ Compile high-quality images of your works. To create artworks is one thing, to take photographs and document your work is another. Suppose that you need to print out some works or upload images to your art student portfolio, you want to make sure these images are of high quality. That is to say, you have to create a setting, scan, edit the lighting, contrast, or color (if necessary) of your works and check the printed results. ✨ Categorize the images. When you categorize your works in an art student portfolio, try to avoid clichés. Your subject may range from the most trivial matters to worldly themes. Your categories can also display a diverse range of visual skills and experiences to demonstrate your growth, diversity and skill set, and a breadth of interest in learning new things. ✨ Include titles and a brief introduction of each artwork. Use small, clear writing to organize and label your artwork. Follow the school application’s guidelines on where and how to label the works. The titles should not detract from your artwork. Avoid stylish staggering fonts when you add introductions and descriptions of your art piece. ✨ Always finish your art portfolio earlier than planned. It might seem obvious, but many art students have a hard time completing an art student portfolio. It is often because they are too perfectionist than to be practical. When editing your art portfolio for university, organize the structure first, and have the first version finished the sooner the better. The first version of your art portfolio doesn’t have to be perfect. Having your first version allows you to sleep on it, think of the supplement materials to add, or share with others to give feedback on it. The best thing is, it alleviates your anxiety. You can always make it better afterward. More Art Portfolio Examples Here are some art portfolio examples, online or website, for you to refer to and get inspired!Art teacher portfolio exampleVisual arts portfolio exampleConcept art portfolio exampleGame artist portfolioDigital art portfolio examplePainting portfolio exampleDigital artist portfolio exampleGraphic artist portfolio example🎨 Art teacher portfolio exampleArt teacher portfolio Maya Jaafar Lena is an Artist Educator from Portland, Maine. Her portfolio website documents her students’ work as well as her teaching philosophy. 🎨 Visual arts portfolio exampleVisual arts portfolioMario Radev is a filmmaker and visual artist based in London. His portfolio consists of a very minimalistic layout with a white background and simple fonts, allowing the artworks be the protagonists.🎨 Concept art portfolio exampleConcept art portfolioLorenzo Lanfranconi is an environment concept artist and colorist from Italy. His portfolio uses a clear square grid thumbnail, making it clean and easy to navigate despite the vibrant colors of nature.🎨 Game artist portfolioGame artist portfolioNathalie Jankie is a Level Designer at Remedy Entertainment. Her portfolio includes plenty of videos to demonstrate her skills.🎨 Digital art portfolio exampleDigital art portfolioKervin Brisseaux is an artist based in NYC and has worked for world-renowned brands including Nickelodeon, Pepsi, and Uniqlo. He also included the client name for each artwork to show off that he has worked with renowned clients before.🖋 Painting portfolio examplePainting portfolioAndrew L.Shea is a critic, painter, and editor based in New York City. Aside from high-quality pictures of his paintings that clearly shows his painting style and texture, he also included his CV, statement and contact number, which are necessary in order to get in touch with buyers or clients.🎨 Digital artist portfolio exampleDigital artist portfolioMiranda Meeks is a digital artist and illustrator from Salt Lake City.🖋 Graphic artist portfolio exampleGraphic artist portfolioRoos Beeldt is a graphic designer and illustrator from the Netherlands. His website landing page shows characteristic, with bold color choice, font style and an eye-catching introduction statement.Having an online portfolio website is highly crucial in paving your career path as an artist. With Cake’s online portfolio maker, you can create your very own online portfolio that showcases your true skills and creativity. Create your free online portfolio now!Create Portfolio--- Originally written byWu Chao Min ---

In this article, you will learn about:What is an online portfolio?How to build a professional work portfolioWhat to include in an online portfolio (+tips for 15 different portfolio types)Summary/Key takeaways Just like how arguments are more persuasive with supporting evidence, resumes and job applications are also more appealing with portfolios.But some may ask, what is a portfolio?By definition, a portfolio is a document of various materials compiled, that showcases both your personal and professional skills, qualifications, as well as education and work experiences. Traditionally, a job applicant could present a physical copy of their own work portfolio to the recruiter. However, as we grow to be more and more dependent on technology, online portfolios have become the more common method of presentation.What sets an online portfolio apart from the conventional printed portfolio is that the collection of your works can be accessed on the web. Think of it as a personal webpage. An online portfolio could be used as a way to show and not just tell your potential employers about your skills. By using a portfolio, you can demonstrate and show the evidence of the skills you have written on your resume. Having an online portfolio of your various skills and previous works could help you stand out among other applicants during a job search.What is an online portfolio? An online portfolio (or also known as digital portfolio) is a document which summarizes your qualifications and is presented online on a digital portfolio website. Online portfolios are more advanced in a way, as they are able to present a wider variety of contents compared to paper portfolios. Videos, audios and links to other sites or resumes could be included in an online portfolio; a feature not available if you choose to go for paper portfolios. Online portfolios are also just a link-click away from anyone all over the world, hence allowing your works to gain exposure more easily. ⚠️AttentionIn the field of finance, the term portfolio (or also known as investment portfolio) is used to describe one’s collection of financial investment products such as stocks, bonds, commodities and other assets like real estate or art. The main purpose of an online portfolio is to showcase yourself - your skills, experiences, passion and potential - in a compelling, creative, interesting and convenientway. Having a professional portfolio increases your credibility, as it allows employers to see the evidence of what you tell them on your resume or during your interview. Showing your works through a professional portfolio also allows potential employers and/or potential clients to imagine what it would be like to work with you, which could be more intriguing and persuasive than just words. Personal Portfolio vs. Professional PortfolioAn important point to consider before you start to create your online portfolio is which kind of portfolio you are going to make. Generally, based on the style and formality degree, portfolios can be classified into two general categories: personal portfolio and professional portfolio.Simply put, a personal portfolio is made for the main purpose of personal branding and self-promotion. The style of this portfolio can be more casual, as it is meant to show your personality through the aesthetics and word choices of the portfolio. The works that you would include in your personal portfolio would also be the ones that portray you the best.Meanwhile, a professional portfolio would be catered to an audience who requires you to be more formal, and they should be more persuasive than a personal portfolio because you want your professional portfolio to help increase your chances of getting hired. A professional portfolio should be tailored to the requirements of the job position that you are applying for. This is important because not all of your work can be relevant to every job, and you want to include only the ones that can help you shine more.Check out theseOnline PortfolioExamples!Who needs an online portfolio?Everyone, no matter in which career field or for what purpose, can benefit from having a personal online portfolio. If you work in the creative industry, such as arts, interior design, architecture, graphic design, photography or videography and writing, having a career portfolio is essential. Writers, teachers, models and other professions that rely on visuals also require a portfolio for job search and also personal branding purposes. Employers and potential clients view your work portfolio to know your background, experiences and how well you did in those previous experiences. If you are applying for college or scholarships, your online portfolio can become a tool to promote yourself. If all the conditions previously mentioned do not apply to you, keeping a career portfolio can still serve as an archive for all your accomplishments. This will come in handy when it is time to go for a promotion or for unexpected situations like change of jobs, as compiling all the data into a nice portfolio design might take quite a while.How to build a professional work portfolioYour work portfolio is your tool to impress employers, so you want to make sure that your portfolio helps you shine and not the other way around. There are many factors to consider when creating your very own professional portfolio, such as what materials to include in the portfolio, the portfolio design, as well as what and how much text to include in your portfolio. But worry not, as it can be easier than you imagine it to be. Follow these 5 steps to create your own great online professional portfolio:Step 1. Gather your portfolio ideasIt is important for your online portfolio to be aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-read, so that it catches the eye of your audience and can look through it with ease. You could check out some online portfolio examples created by Cake users or see countless of different portfolio ideas with a simple search on Google to find a good reference when creating your own online portfolio.💡TIP:Maintaining a consistent font style and color palette throughout your portfolio design makes your digital portfolio more pleasant to the eyes. Creating a mood board is a great way to systematically gather ideas for these elements (the theme, fonts and color). Step 2. Choose a design that best suits your style and needs The attractiveness of your online portfolio design plays a big role in improving the quality of your portfolio. Nobody wants to look at an ugly, crowded and disorganized document, with hard to read fonts and incomprehensive text. Different kinds of portfolios may need different kinds of design layout to deliver the contents in the best way possible. Make sure to find a layout design that can present your work best.Step 3. Find a suitable channel/platform to create your online portfolioCreating an easy-to-read, eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing yet professional portfolio can be daunting and tricky. Thankfully, many online portfolio websites offer tools that are easy to navigate, allowing portfolio-making to become easy and accessible to anyone from all backgrounds. Check out these great online portfolio maker platforms: 1. CakeCake is a free online portfolio website which also provides a resume builder tool. In Cake, you will be able to link your online portfolio to your digital resume, and easily include them to your job application with a link. This makes it suitable for not only creative professionals, but also other professionals who would like to strengthen job application with a digital portfolio.UI/UX Design Portfolio by Rooni Shiu on CakeUI/UX Design Portfolio by Rooni Shiu on CakeThe free online portfolio maker in Cake allows users to create multiple portfolios under their profile, allowing them to organize and highlight different projects in a way that is most efficient and convenient for viewing.Xin Tong’s portfolio page on Cake🔑 Key features: Tools include: Single image, image grid, text, embed links, HUD background color picker, spacing between contentsOption for portfolio to be linked to digital resume for convenient job applicationOne user can create multiple portfoliosFREE for registered users 2. BehanceBehance is a free portfolio website where creators can showcase and discover other creative works done by other creators. On Behance, users’ works which are made public will appear on the homepage of the website, allowing all website visitors and the online portfolio link visitors to view the works.Behance homepage🔑 Key features: Tools include: Single image, photo grid, text, video/audio file, HUD background color picker, import images from Adobe LightroomOne user can create multiple portfoliosFREE for registered users 3. DribbbleDribbble is a social networking platform that is often used as a design portfolio platform by digital designers artists. Dribble allows users to showcase ready-made works in 4:3 size ratio by uploading the single image onto the platform as postings called “Shots”. On a user profile page, the shots are displayed as thumbnails, and viewers could click on the thumbnail to enlarge the image and view any descriptions provided by the creator.Example of an online illustration portfolio/user profile page on Dribbble by Meghdeep Sarkar🔑 Key features: Use of social media-style profile page as an online portfolio pageAllows single images upload Step 4. Showcase your best work/projectsIt is important to use a moderate amount of material. You do not want to include unnecessary materials, but you also want to show potential employers what you have got. For most online portfolio making websites, the most basic action for you to do would be to upload the relevant files onto the platform. The next step is to lay out the files so that they are convenient to view. Sometimes, aside from visual aids, some text descriptions would be necessary as well. It helps the readers better understand the ideas and process behind your creations.Take a look at these DOs DON’Ts when compiling the materials for your professional portfolio:🟢 DOsPut only relevant and useful material that can help highlight your skills and show off your best works to impress your potential employer/client.Be concise, but make sure your audience gets an insight into your thought process. Some things you can include: date of project, project brief concept introduction, project goals, clients credits.❌ DON'TsPut too many/ALL of your materials, making your portfolio design layout too crowded and hard to read.Write a whole analytical report. It messes with your portfolio layout and nobody has the time to read all of them anyway. Let’s be honest, pictures sometimes do speak louder than words.Step 5. Maintain your portfolioAfter creating your online portfolio, the last thing you want to do is abandon it. Just like a resume, a portfolio needs to be continually updated. Online portfolios are not a one-time-use document — they remain on the Internet (unless you take them down, of course), and they can be viewed over and over again, even if you are not actively applying for jobs. As time goes by, your biodata changes, you work on new projects and achieve new milestones. Make sure to continually update your online portfolio so that it represents your most recent self.What to include in an online portfolio (+ tips for 15 different portfolios)Perhaps the longest, most dreadful and most complicated part of putting together an online portfolio is deciding what to include in your portfolio. You definitely do not want to include too much, but then how much is enough? Take a look below for tips on what to include in an online portfolio, according to portfolio types and professions.What to include in a career portfolioWhat to include in an interview portfolioWhat to include in a graphic design portfolioWhat to include in a UI/UX designerWhat to include in a teaching portfolioWhat to include in an art portfolioWhat to include in a marketing portfolioWhat to include in a writing portfolioWhat to include in a nursing portfolioWhat to include in a photography portfolioWhat to include in an architecture portfolioWhat to include in a model portfolioWhat to include in a web developer portfolioWhat to include in an acting portfolioWhat to include in a freelancer portfolio1. Career PortfolioA career portfolio can be useful during job search. It includes anything that is relevant to your profession, that can emphasize your experiences, skills, eagerness, potential and personality to your potential employers. You can think of it as a documentation of your career journey and growth.As there are so many aspects to your career, you might not know where to start and how to make a career portfolio concise yet efficient. Check out these points below to know what to include in a career portfolio:About me pageUp-to-date resumeOfficial transcripts/student recordsCertificates or licenses from tests, trainings, professional workshopsWritten references/letters of recommendationPhotos/videos of you at work or other relevant activities that could show your personality skillsPrevious work samples, such as photographs, drawings, writings2.Interview Portfolio An interview portfolio is a secret weapon to help boost your confidence and make a great impression during your interview. Technically, an interview portfolio is a compilation of the supporting evidence or artifacts that can show that the stuff you wrote on your resume are real, and that you did them well.These are some materials to help you consider what to include in a portfolio for an interview: Up-to-date resume. Even though passing for the interview means recruiters have reviewed your resume, you could still include a copy just in case you need to refer back to them during the interview.Certificates or licenses as evidence of the skills required for the job (i.e. TOEFL/TOEIC, DELE or other language test certificate scores, or other professional training certificatesWork samples that are relevant to the job you are applying for (i.e. programs of events you planned, infographics of your work performances, etc)Documentation pictures of your previous experiences3.Graphic Design PortfolioTo land a position, get hired by a client or get into graphic design degree programs, a graphic design portfolio is always required. Even though you have not had any paid work experience, there are still many materials that you can incorporate into your graphic design portfolio. Take a look at these tips on how to make a graphic design portfolio and what to include in a graphic design portfolio:About me pageA previous work that you are most proud of, to show recruiters what your personality is like, your design style and what your passions areA work for your best client. Don’t be afraid to show off — noone is going to know about your achievements if you do not tell themSomething eye-catching and different from others — like a funny statement or pop-up animation, to leave an impression and make your portfolio stand outBrief introduction about your thought process inspiration for every work you includedYou could also check out these Graphic Design Portfolio Examples.4.UI/UX Design PortfolioAlthough UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) are very closely related in their work, both are separate fields and require different portfolios. Both would require a UI designer portfolio or a UX designer portfolio for job for client search and also personal branding. Though, compared to other design fields, a UX designer portfolio should include slightly different components, such as a brief explanation of the case study and work process of the projects that are introduced in the UX design portfolio. Check out these tips of what to include in a UI/UX designer portfolio: About me pageImages of your previous work. Make sure that each projects’ graphics showcase the important highlights of your work and are not repetitive/similar-looking, as it could bore your portfolio’s viewersA brief case study for each work. You could include a few details on your research findings, the challenges you faced when working on the project and a summary of what was successful.Or, you could also check out these UX Portfolio Examples.5. Teaching PortfolioUnless your recruiters are your students, it must be quite a challenge for recruiters to know and understand your teaching skills. It should be equally difficult for you to show your skills to the recruiters prior to a teaching demo. This is why teaching professionals should use a teaching portfolio to give recruiters a glimpse into your techniques and methods during the application process.Check out the list below to know what to include in a teaching portfolio:Up-to-date resumeA teaching statement which includes your expectations, values and principles, achievements or any related awards, grants and fellowships.Evidence of effective teaching which can include evaluations from students colleagues, or statements of appreciation from your past or current studentsTeaching products, such as workbooks, creative works, publication or students’ reflective journals that relates to your teaching expertise6. Art PortfolioArt is a broad field with countless mediums, so different artists require different kinds of portfolios. A digital artist requires a digital art portfolio, a 3D artist requires a 3D artist portfolio, and so on. Take a look down below for tips on how to make an art portfolio and what to include in an art portfolio.About me pageArtworks of multiple mediums and techniques, to show your ability and style diversityArtworks that are inspired by your experiences, to show your personality💡TIP:Photos of non-photograph artworks (i.e. paintings, sculptures) should be taken clearly and from different angles, but only include the good and important sides.Additionally, you could check out these Artist Portfolio Examples.7.Marketing Portfolio Consider including these things in your marketing portfolio:Whether you work in traditional marketing, digital marketing, social media marketing or any field of marketing, having a marketing portfolio is a great tool to promote your achievements and skills. If you are a digital marketer, using a digital marketing portfolio is a great method to showcase your digital skills as well.Up-to-date resume, with a short introductory paragraph and mission statement (why you find your work meaningful)Contact informationVisual images of your most successful projects (event photographs, social media posts, etc.) accompanied by brief explanations of the thought process and methods used for the project.Metrics or infographics that show how well your projects performedPositive testimonials and review from previous clients, to assure recruiters of your abilityAwards recognitions in the related fieldCheck out these Marketing Portfolio Examples.8.Writing PortfolioFor writers, the best way to show prospective employers your skills is by showing them your previous works. This is why a writing portfolio is very important for all writers, be it journalists, copywriters, students or aspiring writers and even bloggers. As the term “portfolio” is normally associated with graphics and visuals, many writers might not realize that the profession requires one as well. Take a look down below to know what to include in a writing/copywriting portfolio: Up-to-date resumeAbout me/self introduction page that briefly tells your personal backgroundSocial media where you post written content or any sort of writing that can showcase your style or creativity, such as TwitterYour writingsRelevant and eye-catching thumbnails for each writing 💡TIP:You can classify your writings into categories such as by writing type, topic or time created, making it easier for the recruiter to find the most relevant writing work that interests them.9. Nursing PortfolioNewbies and experienced nurses alike require a nursing portfolio during a job search. It allows future employers to confirm the credentials you wrote on your resume or in other words, increases your credibility. If you are not sure about what to include in a nursing portfolio, consider these materials that can help you stand out:Up-to-date resumeHealth recordsCertification cards (i.e. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support), BLS (Basic Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), NALS (Neonatal Advanced Life Support), or other relevant certificates.Letters of recommendation and appreciation 10. Photography PortfolioAn online photography portfolio is a simple and quick way to share your photography works to potential clients. Aside from your photographs, of course there are a few other important elements to include to make your portfolio more effective in attracting clients. Check out these important tips components to know how to make a photography portfolio and know what to include in a photography portfolio:Brief about me page that shows your personality and stylePublications, features and clients historyAn up-to-date contact information, so that recruiters know how to reach youYour social media handles that showcase your photography works, such as Instagram and TumblrYour past worksCategorize your photograph works so that you can easily present relevant works to relevant clients. You do not want to show a bride-to-be pictures you took at a corporate eventInclude only your best worksUse images that are consistent with your style You could alsotake a look at these Photography Portfolio Examples.11. Architecture Portfolio/Interior Design PortfolioImpressing potential employers with your portfolio does not only require great architecture skills. What is more important is to present those skills well with an engaging architecture portfolio. Having a great architecture portfolio shows employers that besides having great skills, you could also communicate your thoughts well, which is an important skill to have in any work field. Take a look at the points listed below to know how to make an architecture portfolio:An appealing, concise, up-to-date resumeYour best and most relevant architecture works/projects. Include a brief description of your design concept, to give recruiters a glimpse of your personality, logical thinking and thought process. You could also include a few process sketches to help elaborate your work process.Any design or art-related works can be helpful too. If you have a passion for fields such as painting, sculpting or photography, they can be a powerful addition to your work portfolio.💡TIP:Use consistent layout, grid, font and color pallete, as they should not distract the attention from your actual works.12. Model PortfolioTo land gigs or get signed by a modeling agency, models rely on portfolios. This is to show recruiters and agencies what works you have done, your versatility and the different looks you can pull off. Take a look below to get an idea on how to make a modeling portfolio and what itemsto include in your model portfolio: An up-to-date resume and contact information, so they know how to get in contact with you if they want to work with youA beauty shot or clean head shot (with minimum to no makeup and no smile)A good full-length body shot, that clearly shows your body figure/builtSwimsuit shot, if you are of age and are comfortable with showing a bit of skinEditorial fashion shot, for fashion modelsCommercial shot, for commercial modelsA smiling shot, because recruiters would want to see how you look smiling and also your teethA closing shot which is strong and could be a little different from your opening beauty/clean head shot. Last impressions are as important as first impressions!13. Web Developer PortfolioWeb developers can use various methods to showcase their works on an online platform. For a front end developer portfolio, introductions of the works can be compiled and presented in a single page online portfolio. On the other hand, programmer portfolios could utilize platforms like Github or a personal webpage to showcase their skills. Here are some other materials to consider putting into a web developer portfolio:Up-to-date resumeNewest contact informationAbout me pageYour past projects. It can be a blog, an HTML5 game or a websiteRelevant social media profiles, such as Github, or personal websiteAny awards or recognitions you have gotten in the past, but make sure they are relevant to the position that you are applying for14. Acting PortfolioWhen working as an actor, having an acting portfolio is pretty much a requirement. An acting portfolio allows you to show your abilities and diversity. No matter if you have zero experience or have worked in various works before, consider these elements to include into your professional acting portfolio:An up-to-date resume, that also includes your professional headshot, physical size and appearance (height, weight, hair and eye color), and acting creditsA couple more headshots, with expressions that vary and are tailored to the role you are applying forDemo reel, which includes footage from your previous acting works (can be shot in a theater, or clips from a film or TV, or online media), or you can film yourself acting a script.15. Freelancer PortfolioAn online portfolio is an essential document for all freelancers. Does not matter if you are a writer (creative, content or copywriter), designer (graphic, interior design, UI/UX), illustrator, content marketer, web designer or developer, you will need a portfolio to persuade your potential clients to work with you. Here are a few things that you can include into your freelancer portfolio: About me page that directly tells who you are and what you doUp-to-date resume and contact information, so that potential clients can reach you easilyPast projects and clients that you have worked with, with relevant and attractive pictures and infographicsYou could also include a few personal projects. This can help showcase your personality, style, passion and potentialAny features and testimonials from your past or current clients that can help improve credibility and increase chances of getting hiredSummary/Key TakeawaysWhat is an online portfolio?An online portfolio is a compilation of artifacts of any kind from your previous works and can exemplify your skills and qualifications for the purposes of personal-branding, job hunt or even personal record. Why is having an online portfolio important? During a job application, having an online portfolio increases an applicant’s credibility and makes resumes more powerful with backing evidence, hence increasing chances of hiring. Keeping an online portfolio helps you keep track of your achievements, skills and milestones.Outside of a job application, online portfolios can also be useful when negotiating a promotion at work.For freelancers, a portfolio showing previous projects and works helps in increasing potential clients’ trust and confidence in your works.How to make an online portfolio? Step 1. Gather your portfolio ideasStep 2. Choose a design that best suits your style and needStep 3. Find a suitable channel/platform to create your online portfolioStep 4. Showcase your best work/projectsStep 5. Maintain your portfolio What to include in a career portfolio?The key is to tailor your portfolio content to the job application requirements and to include only works that you feel confident of, and are relevant to the job. The key to narrowing down the materials to include in your portfolio could differ depending on your profession and the kind of portfolio that you wish to create. Now that you know the steps and what to include in your own professional online portfolio, the last thing left to do is to START creating your very own professional online portfolio. Showcase your great works in a great portfolio, and you will surely be on the right track to achieving your dream career. ✨ Good luck!✨ Create your very own, unique and outstanding online portfolio! 💪🏼Make a portfolio

Created by CakeYou'll learn: How to write a great art teacher resume?What is a good objective for an art teacher resume?How to write a resume summary for an art teacher job?What are some great skills to put on a resume for an art teacher?How to write an art teacher resume with no experience?Art teacher resume sampleWhen considering the future career path, the primary thing is to understand the occupation’s exact duties. To prepare a perfect art teacher resume, here are some art teacher’s duties one should know:Planning art coursesInstructing on a variety of art techniquesOrdering art materialsEvaluating students’ performanceAdvising on students artworksOrganizing final exhibitions and other presentations More, similar to most teaching positions, an art teacher needs to have patience and class management abilities, even during noisy and chaotic situations. Note the difference between an art therapist and an art teacher. The job details of these two positions sometimes overlap (e.g., lecturing on the painting skills). However, an art therapist focuses more on the creators’ spiritual conditions and expressions instead of the art techniques. To be more specific, an art therapist helps people with mental or medical problems by receiving emotional stability and spiritual growth through art. Now, since the principal or the recruiter have limited time to view your resume, it is fundamental to tailor your art teacher resume with clear headings and persuasive statements to help you land this job!How to write a great art teacher resume?Beginners need to know some basic painting skills, so do job seekers. They have to learn some typical tips for writing an art teacher resume.👍Tip 1: Use an ATS-friendly format for your art teacher resume. Some schools might introduce Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to their recruiting procedures. It scans candidates’ resumes for the first-round selection. Because the software can only understand the textual descriptions, remember not to include things like pie charts or Likert scale, and remember to put headings for each section of your art teacher resume (or art teacher CV). 👍Tip 2: Look up online art teacher resume examples templates. Grab ideas through other professional art teacher resume examples! This way, you can better understand how others arrange their art teacher resumes, learn their strengths, and avoid potential shortcomings. Then you will be able to redesign your art teacher resume to stand out from other candidates. 👍Tip 3: Customize your art teacher resume with relevant keywords. Read closely to the job descriptions and list down the mentioned skills or industry keywords you have, and include them in your art teacher resume. Further, customize more by adding the organizations’ names to the career summary/objective in your art teacher resume.✍🏻Note: An art teacher CV is different from an art teacher resume. The former is usually longer than two pages and includes more information about one’s experience. On the other hand, an art teacher resume is only one page (up to two) and will have more fancy layouts to use. 👍Tip 4: Number does work for an art teacher resume. Numbers are measurable indicators for the recruiters to evaluate candidates’ competencies. Try to use percentages or exact quantified figures to demonstrate the impact you brought. 👍Tip 5: Decorate with simple designs to craft a creative art teacher resume. Because an art teacher resume with many graphical elements is not ATS-friendly, it is better to have a simple design for your art teacher resume to showcase your aesthetics. Yet, mind that legibility is always the primary principle for your art teacher resume writing!What is a good objective for an art teacher resume?If you need an entry-level art teacher resume, try to write a career objective. With a clear resume objective in your art teacher resume, recruiters can quickly understand your career purpose, which might trigger their interest in calling you for an interview. Here are some crucial elements for crafting a good art teacher resume objective:Your positive traits compatible with the organization’s culture and its art teacher positionExperience or achievements related to the art teacher position (describe them at the beginning of your art teacher resume objective)Relevant and practical career goalThe hiring company’s nameArt teacher resume samples for the resume objective section:🏷️For job-changers:Creative graphical designer with a major in fine arts and certified through the education program. Lectured in 6 designing workshops for 2 years. Recently seeking a chance to become an art teacher at L.A. County High School to inspire more youths in exploring the knowledge of art.2-year-seasoned Spanish teacher who double majored in Spanish Studies and Fine Arts. Tutored 5+ people in digital design such as illustrator photoshop techniques. Held personal oil painting exhibitions twice. Devoted to art education to exchange inspiring ideas with talented students and faculties at New World School of Arts.🏷️For an art teacher resume with no teaching experience:Enthusiastic HSU art education program graduate with 3 years of tutoring experience. Skilled in art history and oil painting. Received A+ in three of the art history-related courses. Passionate to become an art teacher at Lakeside School to cultivate students with an artistic mind. Cake provides the right art teacher templates formats for art teachers to showcase their skills and experiences. Sign up to create the best art teacher resume and download it for free,Now!Try It NowHow to write a resume summary for an art teacher job? In contrast with an art teacher resume objective, a resume summary is more suitable for seasoned art teachers because it requires more work experience to include. In fact, a resume summary is more common nowadays. 💡Tip:To create an art teacher resume summary, you should first list down the keywords you will insert. Then pick several of your most outstanding accomplishments (it is better to have quantified results). Lastly, try to tailor all of these elements into 2-3 sentences and add the organization’s name at the end. Art teacher resume summary sample:2-year-experienced art teacher specialized in web and commercial design. Lead 25+ students in group design projects with topics in publication design, and 3D printing. One of the groups received the “Product Design Award” in 2019. Eager to join a well-reputed school like Columbus as an art teacher. High school art teacher resume summary sample:Resourceful art teacher with 4 years of art teaching experience. Instructed 40+ students with 5+ exhibitions, which received positive feedback from both students and parents. Currently seeking an art teacher position at Design and Architecture Senior High School.Elementary art teacher resume summary sample:Charismatic K-8 art teacher proficient in curriculum development and student engagement. 5 years of experience designing and lecturing on art courses for children to explore materials like clay, pastels, etc. Awarded “Best Teacher” in 2017. Passionate to enter Benjamin Franklin Elementary school as an art teacher. Further reading:Summary for Resume｜Examples, Templates, Writing GuideWhat are some great skills to put on a resume for an art teacher?If you are wondering how to list art teacher skills on a resume for an art teacher job, you can use asimple bullet list or an expanded bullet list. A simple bullet list is prevalent, but it is essential to back those skills up within other sections. Another way is to use the expanded bullet list. This method provides a whole space for you to further explain your art teacher skills on your resume, yet the shortcoming is that you can only list up to 5 skills. More, you can also categorize your skills in several sections. For instance, divide your skills into “teaching methods,” “painting techniques,” and "art history” categories for your art teacher resume.As for what to put in your art teacher resume skill section, consider the following aspects (with some skill examples for an art teacher):📝Technical skills Painting and Techniques (e.g., oil painting, watercolor painting)Painting Schools (e.g., Neoclassical, Romanticism)Photography SkillsCrafting skillsArt HistoryFilming 📝Personal skills Communication SkillsCreative ThinkingPatience 📝Computer skills Graphic Design Software 📝Teaching skills Curriculum DevelopmentCourse ManagementHow to write an art teacher resume with no experience?Writing an art teacher resume with no teaching experience can sometimes be quite tricky. However, there are always transferable skills you can demonstrate in your art teacher resume. If you are a fresher, you can emphasize the art techniques you have learned from school to shift the attention away from the lack of teaching experience. If you are already a lecturer, say an English teacher who wants to become an art teacher, your professional teaching experience will be applicable.Here are five pieces of advice you can take into consideration:Choose the proper format for your art teacher resume. It is more appropriate to adopt a hybrid or combination resume format to an entry-level art teacher resume. A hybrid resume format highlights skills and lists work experience in reverse chronological order.Use an art teacher resume objective.As we discussed previously, an art teacher resume objective places more emphasis on one’s career goal. Thus, it is more suitable for an art teacher resume with no teaching experience.Highlight education for the entry-level art teacher resume.Education is a critical indicator of a fresher’s qualifications. Usually, a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or Art Education is required for an art teacher.Include your portfolio/ personal website in your art teacher resume.For art-related jobs, preparing a portfolio will directly showcase your art techniques. If you already have a personal website exhibiting your artworks, add them to your art teacher resume!Write a sincere art teacher cover letter.If it is your first time writing an art teacher cover letter, there are five necessary parts:- Contact information (full name, email, mobile number, and address)- Greeting (greet hiring managers with their names)- Motivation (why you want to become an art teacher in the organization)- Qualification (why the organization should hire you and what values you can bring)- Closing (appreciation for the recruiters’ time and consideration)❌Some people might make the following mistakes if they are crafting an art teacher cover letter but with no experience, so keep these typical cover letter writing errors in mind: Do not write a lengthy or wordy art teacher application letterDo not use descriptive writingDo not restate everything on your art teacher resume. You can select several ones and elaborate them into a compelling story for your creative art teacher cover letter.Read more about cover letter examples.Art teacher resume sampleAlice Brixton Dedicated Art Teacher with 5 Years of Teaching Experience in Visual Arts Mobile: (666) 471-509Email: [email protected]Address: New York, U.S.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alicebrixtonWebsite: http://artworks-alicebrixton.c... Professional Summary Student-centered professional concerned about each students’ needs and learning conditions. Arranged encouraging lessons about art history, art appreciation, sketch, chromatography, filming, painting, and drawing. Equipped students with teamwork and presentation abilities during the creation. Eager for a position as an art teacher at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Work Experience Art TeacherCrossroads SchoolFeb 2017 - Present Designed art appreciation courses to teach students to analyze artworks from social, material, and historical aspects.Engaged students in learning art history by exploring ancient architectures, sculptures, ceramics, etc.Organized trips to Rome and France with 20+ students and teachers; visited the Roman Coliseum and the Louvre Museum. Art Teacher AssistantGreenville SchoolMay 2015 - Dec 2016 Mentored students on both skill and mental development. Provided advice on their painting techniques and career developments.Encouraged group work during mid and final projects. Held an annual exhibition allowing students to express their ideas and present to their parents, friends, and school faculties, which attracted 200+ viewers.Controlled the amounts and purchases of materials under the budget of the school. Education BA in Fine ArtsNottingham Trent University2010-2013 Relevant Coursework: Writing Contemporary Art: Review Analysis, Critical Histories Skills Hard Skills Sculptures Architecture studiesArt AppreciationPainting SkillsFilming SkillsArt History Soft Skills Verbal and Written CommunicationPatient Educator Teaching Skills Curriculum DevelopmentAssessment Design Languages English (native)French (fluent) --- Originally written by Angela Ye ---

Created by CakeIncluding a hobbies and interests section on your resume is often discouraged by career coaches and experts. But did you know that if done correctly, this section can help you stand out from the crowd and land you an interview? This is especially true, especially for freshers who have little or no work experience. In this article, you will learn about how to craft a compelling hobbies and interests section for your resume as a fresher. We have also compiled a comprehensive list of 50+ examples for ten different professions for your reference. Eager to find out? Continue reading to know more!TABLE OF CONTENTS What's a Hobbies and Interests Section on a Resume? How to Properly List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume Tips to Turn Hobbies and Interests More Interesting for Freshers List of 50+ Hobbies and Interests for Different Professions Conclusion What's a Hobbies and Interests Section on a Resume Now before going to the details, let's first understand the definition of a hobbies and interests section on a resume. What are Interests?Interests are subjects that captivate you and pique your curiosity, leading you to learn more about them. They are usually centered around exploring ideas, concepts, and knowledge, such as history, animal behavior, or pop culture.What are Hobbies?Hobbies are activities done for enjoyment and relaxation rather than professionally or for monetary gain. They typically include collecting stamps, engaging in creative and artistic endeavors, playing sports, or exploring ideas and knowledge. If you notice the pattern, hobbies, and interests are often pursued outside of work and have nothing to do with your bottom line; hence, it's generally recommended not to place too much emphasis on them when presenting yourself professionally (recruiters are also advised not to pay too much attention to this section). However, things are changing now. Many companies now seek employees who fit in with their culture and values rather than just having relevant work experience. For example, Google looks for open and playful people, suggesting that including your hobbies and interests on your resume could enhance your chances of landing a job there. So, does that mean the hobbies and interests section is a must on a resume now? The answer to this question is a bit tricky. The answer is not a simple yes or no, but rather depends on your work experience, background, and the specific job you're applying for. Ultimately, the decision to include this section should be based on careful consideration of these factors. For example, if you're an experienced professional applying for a buttoned-up law firm, it may be best to skip this section as it is often deemed irrelevant and unprofessional. However, if you're a fresh graduate seeking jobs in the creative industry, it's advisable to add relevant hobbies and interests to make you stand out from the crowd. This is particularly true if your hobbies or interests are unique and can bring you a competitive advantage.What Are the Advantages of Adding Hobbies and Interests to Your Resume?Created by CakeThere are multiple good reasons why you should consider adding hobbies and interests on your resume, especially if you're a fresh grad, some of which are:Showcase Personality and Well-Roundedness:This section provides a glimpse into your personality and interests outside of work, allowing employers to see you as well-rounded. It can help you stand out and create a more memorable impression than a purely professional resume. For example, mentioning interests like volunteering, painting, or playing musical instruments can indicate qualities such as creativity, teamwork, or a commitment to giving back to the community.Conversation Starter:Your interests and hobbies can serve as excellent conversation starters during interviews. Employers often use this section to break the ice and engage in a more casual and personal discussion. Sharing common interests with the interviewer can establish a positive rapport and make the interview experience more enjoyable, potentially increasing your chances of being remembered and hired.Highlight Relevant Skills and Attributes:Some hobbies and interests can demonstrate valuable skills or qualities that are transferable to the workplace. For instance, participation in team sports may highlight your teamwork and leadership abilities, while a passion for blogging or photography can showcase your communication and creativity. The key is to tailor your hobbies and interests to align with the job you're applying for. It can help you emphasize skills and attributes relevant to the position, making you a more appealing candidate.Pro Tip 💡 If you're a freelancer working in the creative industry, it's highly recommended to add hobbies and interests to your resume and portfolio. Where Should the Hobbies and Interests Section Locate? The "Hobbies and Interests" section of your resume should be placed at the end. This is because the recruiter's primary interest lies in your work experience, skills, and educational background. Once they've assessed your qualifications, then they may want to learn more about your personal traits through this section. This will help them determine if your interests align with the position, and if your personality will be a good fit for the role. Pro Tip💡 If you've included the "References" or "Declaration" section in your resume, the "Hobbies and Interests" section should be put right before them. How to Properly List Hobbies and Interests on a Resume? Step 1 🖋️ Research the Company It's essential to consider the company you are applying to when selecting hobbies to put on your resume. Before deciding on what to list, research the company's style of employment, values, and candidate requirements. By doing so, you can determine whether your interests match with the company's values and present yourself in the best possible way.Additionally, if you know the name of the recruiter, take a look at their social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, to gain valuable insights into their preferences and interests. You might just pick up that golden nugget about their favorite sports team. Remember, the goal is to impress the employer with your personal interests, so choose wisely.Step 2 🖋️ Be Smart About Which Hobbies and Interests to ShowcaseThe primary criterion for selecting hobbies and interests for your resume is their relevance to the job you're applying for. Think about how your hobbies align with the skills and qualities required for the position. For example, if you're applying for a marketing role, mentioning your hobbies of photography and filming can be highly relevant. Remember to tailor your list of hobbies and interests for each job application. Emphasize the ones that align best with the specific job description and the company's culture. Pro Tip💡 Choose hobbies or interests that can demonstrate transferable skills can be highly beneficial, especially for fresh graduates. Step 3 🖋️ Properly Format the Hobbies and Interests Section There are different ways to present your personal interests in your resume, such as using bullet points, icons, or paragraphs. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Bullet points:Bullet points work well when you want to list your hobbies and interests with minimal or no description. While this is easy on eye, it might lack of information if you're good at writing.Icons:Icons are great for creating a visually appealing resume that showcases your creativity. However, you should consider the company culture before using icons as they may come across as informal or unprofessional in some industries, plus it's not ATS-friendly.Paragraphs:If you have a lot of blank space on your resume, you can use paragraphs to fill it up. However, keep in mind that this format may not be as attention-grabbing as bullet points or icons.Pro Tip 💡Ensure there are no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors in your resume as it can negatively impact the recruiter's perception of your attention to detail. Tips to Turn Hobbies and Interests Section More Interesting for Freshers Created by CakeWriting resume is hard already, and now you have to tailor your hobbies and interests section to make it more compelling? Well here are some tips for freshers to turn the plain hobbies and interests section into something appealing and make the most out of it.1) Show Off Your Most Impressive Qualities.When writing a resume or CV, including hobbies and personal interests can be compared to putting together a sales pitch for yourself. The first step is to identify your strengths and talents, regardless of whether they are professional or not. Once you have a list, match them with the criteria listed in the job advertisement for your dream job. For instance, if you enjoy blogging, it shows that you have strong creative and communication skills – qualities that would benefit a journalism career. If you don't have any work experience, it's easy to become discouraged, but don't be. Recruiters don't only look for work experience; personal skills are equally essential. Therefore, including your hobbies and interests in your resume can be an excellent way to grab a recruiter's attention.Think of your resume as a sale pitch; every section on your resume should sell itself. Try to promote yourself by showcasing your hard-earned skills and team-oriented interests.Pro Tip💡 If your hobbies and interests involve continuous learning and personal development, it can be a positive signal to potential employers — your commitment to self-improvement and staying updated in your field. 2) Think of Extracurricular Activities as Hobbies or Interests If you don't have any work experience, don't worry! There's still a way to make your resume look professional. You can write about any role or activity you have participated in as a hobby, either at school or during your free time. For instance, you can mention any workshops you have attended, any voluntary work you have done for your local community, or any hobby clubs you have organized. Make sure you include details about how long it took you to learn the skills you have developed and how skilled you are now.Pro Tip💡 If your hobbies involve volunteering or community service, it showcases your social responsibility and commitment to giving back. This can be particularly attractive to employers who value corporate social responsibility. But remember to be selective when using extracurricular activities as hobbies or interests; not all activities are hobbies. You can create a whole section for this category on your resume.Further reading📚List of 50+ Best Extracurricular Activities for Resume (Guide Examples) 3)Elaborate on Your Personal Interests Including personal interests on your resume should not be limited to a simple bullet-point list. Instead, you can provide a detailed and comprehensive explanation of your favorite hobbies. For instance, if you enjoy theater, you can write about your participation in a drama, your role in the production, your sense of responsibility towards the cast, and your ability to contribute effectively to the play. Similarly, you can elaborate on your involvement in a specific project, such as organizing a monthly bake sale for a local non-profit organization, regularly hiking with a club, or starting a podcast. By highlighting these activities, you can showcase your strengths and positive qualities to potential employers, setting yourself apart from other candidates and gaining a competitive edge. As a result, you increase your chances of standing out among your peers and securing a job after graduation.Pro Tip💡 It's essential to exercise discretion when selecting hobbies. Avoid mentioning hobbies that could be controversial or unrelated to the job. For example, discussing politically sensitive topics or hobbies that may be considered risky or unsafe is generally not advisable. 4) Focus on Skills Obtained via These Hobbies and Interests In the competitive landscape of today's job market, the emphasis has shifted from mere job titles to the rich tapestry of skills you bring to the table. So, instead of just plainly listing out a bunch of hobbies and interests, focus on highlighting the skills you gained via these hobbies and interests. The practical competencies you've honed define your value to potential employers.Pro Tip💡 Mentioning hobbies that reflect an appreciation for different cultures, languages, or travel experiences can signal your openness and adaptability. In a globalized world, these qualities can be highly valuable. 5) Relevance is the key to success. As aforementioned, the key to success is relevancy when it comes to selecting hobbies and interests. Suppose you're aiming for a computer programming role; mentioning your interest in watching soap operas is irrelevant.With that being said, try avoid the vague. Instead you should embrace the specifics. It's important to go beyond surface-level mentions and delve deep into the specifics. You should reveal why these pursuits enrich your character and work in synergy with your professional aspirations. By doing this, you can illuminate how your passions, whether they're in art, sports, or other areas, can elevate your problem-solving skills, creativity, or ability to work in diverse teams. By illustrating these connections, you not only differentiate yourself but also demonstrate your potential as a valuable asset to prospective employers.Pro Tip💡 While you want to showcase relevant hobbies, be mindful of space on your resume. Your resume should remain concise and focused on your qualifications for the job. Select a few key hobbies that provide the most compelling evidence of your suitability for the role. 6)Embrace Honesty and Be Thoughtful When Listing Hobbies and Interests It's crucial to be honest and truthful in your narrative, but at the same time, it's equally important to be discreet while sharing personal details. For instance, while you love to party late at a local nightclub, it's wise to consider how such information reflects on your professional image. To create a well-rounded and thoughtful persona, balancing honesty and discretion while sharing personal hobbies and interests is essential.Pro Tip💡 Choose hobbies and interests that genuinely reflect your passion and interests. When you discuss them during an interview, your enthusiasm will come across as authentic, which can be appealing to employers. List of 50+ Hobbies and Interests for Different Professions Did you know that certain hobbies and interests can be seen as indicators of good character traits? In fact, including these interests on your resume can make a positive impression on recruiters. Here is a top 5 best hobbies and interests to include on your resume: Yoga If you are applying for a job in advertising, public relations, or any other industry with a fast-paced work environment, having yoga as a hobby can be a significant advantage. This is because individuals who regularly practice yoga are believed to possess excellent self-control and can better handle pressure while working. Painting If you have a passion for painting, don't hesitate to include it in the interest section of your resume. People who can paint usually have a good artistic and design sense, which is crucial for positions like designer or marketer. Videography Videography is not only a hobby but also a valuable skill that can improve your chances of getting hired by companies, particularly in the visual entertainment industry. It is widely recognized that videographers are highly sought after due to the surge of social media. Extreme Sports Do you have a passion for outdoor activities like mountain biking, skydiving, or bungee jumping? Including these interests in your resume could prove beneficial when applying for certain positions. For instance, it could help you stand out as a candidate for jobs that require physical strength, personal fitness trainers, or tourist guides. So, don't hesitate to showcase your hobbies in your resume, as it could earn you a stamp of approval from recruiters. Playing an Instrument If you're passionate about playing musical instruments, it can greatly benefit your job prospects as a music producer, recording engineer, music therapist, music critic, or even an instrument maker or repairer.Looking for more examples of hobbies and interests? Check out these 50 interesting options to add to your resume as a fresher! 1. Hobbies and interests in resume examples for Software Engineers:IllustratingHackathonsVideo gamesBoard gamesBuilding robots 2. Hobbies and interests in resume examples for Graphic Designers:MusicEditingDrawingTravelingPhotography3. Hobbies and interests in resume examples for Data Analysts:ReadingSharing ideasProgrammingStrategy gamesAnalyzing sport betting markets 4. Hobbies and interests for Teacher resume examples:WritingReadingMentoringPublic speakingLeading extra-curricular activities5. Resume hobbies and interests examples for Nurses:YogaReadingVolunteeringCommunity serviceLearning first aid knowledge6. Resume hobbies and interests examples for Customer Service:GardeningPublic servicePublic speakingMeeting new peopleCataloging collections of antiques7. Resume hobbies and interests examples for Marketing :WritingPhotographyVideo productionLearning languagesSocial media events8. Resume hobbies and interests examples for Sales :SocializingTeam sportsPlaying chessPublic speakingStrategic mind games9. Resume hobby and interest examples for Administrative Assistants :ReadingBloggingScrapbookingKeeping a diaryCollecting stamps10. Resume hobby and interest examples for Managers :YogaTravelingPuzzle gamesPublic speaking Strategic games ConclusionIn conclusion, including hobbies and interests in your resume serves as a valuable window into your character and personality. When utilized effectively, this section can leave a lasting positive impression on hiring managers and recruiters. It offers a unique opportunity to distinguish yourself from other candidates by showcasing your passions and the qualities they represent. Remember, the hobbies and interests you choose to share not only provide a glimpse into your life outside of work but also reflect the genuine, multifaceted person you are. So, don't hesitate to embrace this aspect of your resume, as it can be a powerful tool to convey the depth and authenticity of your character to prospective employers. We hope that this article has been helpful. Want to have more career advice? Make sure to follow our blog for insightful advice!Cake provides a free online resume builderthat allows you to create resumes and portfolios with ease. You can start building your resume from scratch or use ourATS resume templateto create the perfect resume for your job hunt! Take your career journey to new heights - create a resume online (free download) now!Create Resume

Created by CakeIn this article, you will learn about:How to write a great property manager resume?What is a good objective for a property manager resume?How to write a property manager resume summary?What are some great skills for property manager resumes?How to write a property manager resume with no experience?Property manager resume sampleA property manager takes care of daily administrative tasks of managing rental properties, such as searching for good tenants, collecting rents, and maintaining the property. You need to be organized, detail-oriented, and great with tenant relationships. To show your property management skills, your property manager resume should be well crafted. Read on to learn more about property manager resumes.💁‍♀️ Note:Don’t confuse a property manager with an asset manager. An asset manager treats the property as an investment and concentrates on maximizing the return on investment. They mostly deal with long-term financial matters, while property managers handle administrative routines. How to write a great property manager resume?🖋 Step 1: Adopt an ATS-friendly resume format. First and foremost, avoid using fancy elements such as tables, charts, and photos on your property manager resume. With large amounts of documents, recruiters usually use an ATS, applicant tracking system, to scan through all the property manager resumes. Those systems usually cannot recognize any graphics, tables, or non-text elements. 🖋 Step 2: Refer to property manager resume templates and examples. It is always a good idea to learn from others. Feel free to search for property manager resume templates online and see how other property managers showcase their skills. 🖋 Step 3: Tailor your resume for the property manager job. What kind of skills does the position require? Each property manager job has slightly different requirements. Examine the job post carefully and use keywords from the job description. Recruiters can then easily identify your property manager resume as a match. Note: Does the job require a property manager CV instead of a resume? A property manager CV is usually a more detailed and formal version of your complete professional experience that needs less customization. Further reading:What is the Difference Between a Property Manager CV and a Resume? 🖋 Step 4: Quantify results on your resume. Property manager resumes with numbers shown as work results look a lot more professional. It shows that you are good at managing properties and that you understand how to evaluate your work performance. 🖋 Step 5: Include relevant certifications. While certifications aren’t required on real estate manager resumes, they definitely prove your professional skills and background knowledge. Common certifications related to property management include Certified Property Manager (CPM), Residential Management Professional (RMP), Accredited Residential Manager (ARM).What is a good objective for a property manager resume?A strong property manager resume objective highlights your skills and emphasizes your career goal. Since it is placed at the top of your resume, it will be the recruiter’s first impression of you and determine whether your resume is worth reading. It is a great tool especially if you have limited experience. Here are some key elements of a good property manager resume objective: List relevant strengths. If you don’t have much experience in property management, you can list the skills or educational background you have that can make you a good property manager. Make sure they are relevant to the position. Consider using some keywords that are listed in the job requirement.Describe your career goal concisely. Avoid generic statements such as “Motivated professional looking to become a property manager”. Instead, try to describe why you aspire to be a property manager and what aspects of the job make you excited.Add a little personality. If you don’t have impressive experience, show your creativity to make your property manager resume stand out.Consider adding a short sentence to describe you as a person, such as sharing your hobbies that can demonstrate you have the skills necessary for a property manager.Keep it short. A property manager resume objective should be within 3-4 lines. After all, it is only a quick snapshot of you to spark the recruiter’s interest in reading further.Example of a good commercial property manager resume objective: Property Manager with 4-year experience in commercial property management including customer service, budget control, and contract negotiation. Extroverted leader with excellent communication skills and extreme attention to detail. Seeking to leverage customer service experience at CBC Company and take budget development skills to a higher level. Example of agood house manager resume objective: Dedicated House Manager with proven record of increasing resident retention by 34% and reducing expenses by 22%. Possess thorough knowledge of housing policies and real estate market trends. Motivated to deepen negotiation skills and contract management at TNT Corp. Example of a good apartment manager resume objective: Seasoned Apartment Manager skilled in maintenance, tenant relationships, lease negotiation, and conflict management. Certified Residential Management Professional (RMP) seeking to exceed closing rate for AAA Property Office. How to write a property manager resume summary?Similar to resume objectives, a property manager resume summary is the recruiter's first impression of you. It is at the top of your resume, where you aim to encourage the recruiter to read on. However, it focuses on your experience and achievements rather than career goals. Here are some key elements for a good property manager resume summary: Prioritize your top accomplishment. You want recruiters to see the best of you, so definitely place your highest achievement in the front, such as boosting occupancy or obtaining a well-known property management certification.Keep it relevant to the job. Make sure the accomplishments are relevant to the position you’re applying to. For example, there is no point in showing your college GPA or a painting contest award on a property manager resume.Include quantifiable results. Numbers are eye-catching and more objective than vague adjectives. How much did you increase the occupancy rate? How many tenants were you managing? Try your best to include meaningful data.Keep it short. A resume summary is only a snapshot of your full property manager resume. Keep it within 3-5 lines so that recruiters can quickly scan through it in 10 seconds.Examples of a professional property manager resume summary: Certified Property Manager (CPM) with 7 years of experience in commercial property management and a proven record in closing contracts and maintaining client relationships. Improved physical occupancy of the portfolio by 24% and financial occupancy by 32%.Goal-driven Apartment Manager skilled in staff management, customer service, and budget controls. Thoughtful leader with a track record of building top-performing teams and improving customer satisfaction by 45%.Property Manager with a master’s degree in real estate and 4+ years of experience in budget management, business development, and tax filing. Achieved a tenant retention rate of 90% for 3 consecutive years. What are some great skills for property management resumes?Listing some property manager skills on your resume is definitely a good idea. As property managers often deal with various work duties, recruiters would want to know what your specialties are and if they fit the position. There are different ways to list property management skills on a resume. The simplest way is to put your skills in bullet points, which will look clean and is scannable. However, words such as “client management” don't offer much details regarding how you use the skills. You can also consider using an expanded bullet list to further describe your experience in regard to each skill. If your work experience can perfectly align with your skills, integrating property management skills with your work experience section might be a great idea as well. It is a trade-off: by including more detail, you might need to make compromises on the design and layout of your property manager resume. No matter which format you pick, a good skills section on a property manager resume needs to be: RelevantList skills that are closely related to the position.SpecificInstead of only listing vague phrases such as “real estate market analysis”, try to specify which tools and which aspects you are skilled in. Naming the software also shows that you have enough background knowledge of the field.TrueWhile it’s tempting to make up a bunch of impressive skills, recruiters can definitely find out if your work experience section doesn’t match the skills you list on your property manager resume. Examples of property manager skills for a resume: QuickBooksYardiAppfolioMaintenance knowledgeCustomer serviceBudget managementContract Lease negotiationConflict resolutionStaff managementCommunicationTime management ✅ Tip: Look for skills mentioned in the job description and put them on top of the skill section on your property manager resume.How to write a property manager resume with no experience?If you have no experience in property management, you might be working on an assistant property manager resume. Such resumes contain less work experience but are just as important when you’re looking for a property management job. Here is some advice for writing entry-level property manager resumes: 👍 Advice 1: Choose the right resume format.If you don’t have any work experience, a chronological property manager resume format might not be suitable. Try a functional resume format where you focus on explaining your skillset and accomplishments instead of past jobs, or a targeted resume format where you customize your assistant property manager resume for the position. Learn more about those formats in 10+ Resume Format for Job Application.👍 Advice 2: Include a career objective. An entry-level property manager resume usually contains a resume objective to describe career goals, instead of a resume summary where you highlight your top experience. 👍 Advice 3: Highlight your education. Even if you haven’t had any property management jobs, you certainly have acquired some useful skills in school that can make you a good property manager. Add details to the education section of your property manager resume. Achievements, like academic performance, relevant coursework, and extracurricular activities, can showcase your soft skills. 👍 Advice 4: Include your portfolio/side project/personal website. You can always work on your own projects and build a portfolio even if no one has decided to hire you yet. Actual work samples on an assistant property manager resume can definitely prove your skills to employers. 👍 Advice 5: Write a sincere cover letter. If you don’t have relevant experience, write a cover letter to let the recruiter know why you want this job and how you can contribute. A property manager cover letter is extra important when you are inexperienced. Talk about your personality and your passion to impress recruiters!With Cake, you can easily create a property manager resume online, free download your resume’s PDF formats, and utilize ATS-friendly templates. Land your dream job and create your property manager resume online (free download) now!Create ResumeProperty manager resume sampleAndrew Wang (+1) 234-0000[email protected]New York Commercial Property Manager with 8 Years' Experience in Real Estate Resume Summary Motivated Property Manager skilled in budget management, lease negotiation, and staff management. Exceeded goals in physical occupancy of the portfolio for 4 years and led a team of 10 junior property managers to increase ROI by 25%. Extroverted leader with excellent communication skills, comfortable in a fast-paced work environment. Skills Budget managementLease contract negotiationStaff managementMaintenance knowledgeHousing policies taxReal estate marketingConflict resolutionProblem-solvingCommunicationSpanish (fluent) Work Experience Commercial Property ManagerREP Properties, New YorkMar 2017 - Nov 2021 Oversaw day-to-day communication and operation functions including tenant relations, facility maintenance, and oversight of contracted services to secure long-term tenant agreements.Exceeded an annual occupancy goal of 85% by a margin of 10% through business development and lease negotiation.Led the team to cut expenses by 15% and increase ROI by 10%. Apartment ManagerNY Palm Tree Properties, TorontoJun 2014 - Feb 2017 Performed property management functions including maintenance, security, inspections, and rent collecting.Converted 70% of potential tenants to actual tenants through excellent communication and customer service.Achieved an average customer satisfaction of 9.4 out of 10 among 500+ tenants. Education Bachelor in Business Administration | Real Estate TrackUniversity of Toronto2007 - 2012 --- Originally written byAshley Lee---

Created by CakeIn this article, we’ll cover the steps to becoming a freelancer: Step 1: Define your servicesStep 2: Find your target audienceStep 3: Create a financial planStep 4: Create a strong freelance resume and portfolioStep 5: Find workStep 6: Maintain client relationshipsFreelancers are self-employed workers who offer their services on a project or contract basis. Theyoffer their skills, talent and assistance in areas such as: Web, graphic or interior designCopywriting or copyeditingTutoring or career coachingContracting work (plumbing, painting, movers)Development (coding, app making)Closed captioning or transcribing jobsArtwork, music, photography services If you want to start freelancing, consider the tips below to ensure you freelance successfully! Step 1: Define your servicesIn order to start freelancing, you need to narrow down your scope of services. For instance, if you want to become a freelance writer, you should list all the types of writing projects you’d be comfortable with. Writing essays, news articles, resumes and advertising copy is very different from writing contracts, scientific articles and terms and conditions. When advertising yourself, specify the industries, formats and length of writing you are capable of, as well as revisions and adjustments you can make from client feedback. Step 2: Find your target audienceSucceeding as a freelancer is highly dependent on having a client base. Finding clients who you can successfully freelance for will help you boost your reputation and help you make your services known. To find an audience you can start freelancing for, you first need to: 🎯 Analyze clients Find the common types of projects that your niche audience is asking for, and analyze their criteria, industry, company and projects. This will help you refine your services to be most suitable to their needs. 🎯 Research competitors Take a look at other freelancers’ portfolios who do the freelance work you’d like to do. You can also look at freelancer websites to see what’s in demand. 🎯 Create User Personas User personas are a way to represent the ideal clientele you would like to freelance for. Narrow down the demographics of your ideal ‘users’ as well as their industries, objectives, goals and lifestyle to form a user persona related to your work. This will help both you and your clients evaluate your services. Step 3: Create a financial planStarting a freelance business means you have more autonomy and freedom; however it can be volatile financially, especially at the start. Providing your services at competitive yet sustainable prices will help you freelance successfully and without financial stress. 💰 List your expenses Consider the time and resources you need to start your freelancing work and factor these in as baseline expenses which your prices need to cover. 💰 Set an income goal In order to start a freelance business which can replace your regular 9-5, you need to set an income goal for your services. Think progressively – it's unlikely that you will be able to transfer from your existing salary as soon as you start freelancing. Compare prices on freelancer websites and calculate an estimated monthly income. Make goals for 3 months, 6 months and 1 year to track your progress. 💰 Create a pricing plan Brainstorm the services you can provide and price them competitively. At the start, you might need to price your services quite low to entice clients to work with you. Consider doing one-off services, packages and add-ons so clients can customize their orders. Step 4: Create a strong freelance resume and portfolio💡 Writing a killer freelancer resume Just like any other job, you need to have a resume to showcase how you’re fit for the role. Freelancer resumes can be more personalized to the services you offer, which can include: Showcasing key skills Make sure you highlight the tools, skills and programs which you can use for client projects in your freelancer resume. For instance, being proficient in photoshop, procreate and Adobe InDesign will boost your resume if you want to become a freelance graphic designer. Include relevant work experience Your freelance resume can focus solely on relevant work experience to help you convey that you are well-versed in your field. If you want to become a freelance artist, listing previous exhibition pieces or published work will showcase that you have a wide range of experience in artmaking. As your clients are only hiring you for your advertised skills, you don’t need to include all your experiences in chronological order in your freelance resume like you would in a traditional resume. 💡 Creating a strong freelancer portfolio When hiring a freelancer, clients want to see samples of the types of work you are capable of. A freelancer portfolio should showcase the quality and range of work you offer. To make a successful freelancer portfolio, think back to the works you have created and what they showcase. Choose your best and most relevant works Pick high-quality examples of your work which are similar to the services you want to offer as a freelancer. If you want to become a freelance writer, but only want to write short-form content, pick samples of shorter works to use in your freelance portfolio. Or, if you want to become a freelance web developer, include examples of both simple and complex designs for various industries in your freelance portfolio. Include explanations of each work Use your freelance portfolio to provide context to the clients about the work, but also to highlight your proficiency. If you want to become a freelance photographer, include explanations of the type of camera, editing software and the story of the photos. To start a freelance business as an artist, you might need to include a more nuanced explanation of the art beyond the mediums used. Explain tools used Expand on the medium of art, editing, development or graphic design software used in each sample in your freelancer portfolio. If clients are looking for a specific format, style or program made for them, the tools you are able to use will be a deciding factor.📚 Further reading:Let’s Build an Attractive Freelancer Portfolio Step 5: Find workNow that you know how to get into freelance work, your next step is to make yourself available for hire. Utilize your freelancer resume and portfolio and advertise yourself to your audience using one of these options: 📍 Freelance job platforms Freelancer websites are a great first option to start freelancing work, as they are well known and used by many. Sites such as Fiverr, PeoplePerHour and UpWork are great places to find the most popular freelancers to research how to become a freelance writer, photographer, artist or designer. You can also share your freelancer portfolio on these sites, so you have everything in one spot. 📍 Job Portals Many job websites have an option to search for freelance work, which also might be called ‘piecework’ or ‘contract work’. Companies who want to work with you for a short-term project are a good way to start freelancing, as you can use both your skills from the traditional work environment and your freelancer portfolio to apply. Try sites which support these job types, such as Cake to search for your first job and start freelancing. 📍 Networking If you already have a large network from your previous 9-5, you might be well acquainted enough to start freelancing by networking. This option would work better for hard skills such as editing, web development and writing, since you might have used these skills in a professional capacity already. If you can start your freelance business via networking, you should still have a freelancer portfolio that is available to access. Many freelance writers have an online writers portfolio showcasing the pieces they’ve written across many publications, making it easier for them to link their freelancing portfolio when networking. Step 6: Maintain client relationshipsAs your freelancing success relies on having a client base consistently paying you to freelance, maintaining professionalism with them is essential. It can be a bit overwhelming juggling work and client rapport when you first start freelancing; you can handle this more effectively by: ✨ Deliver good quality work Clients are paying you for your output. Make sure you only offer skills, tools and projects which you can use to a high level and make quality work with. Successful freelancers that have good reviews are more likely to be hired again, so make sure you can meet the expectations you set in your freelance portfolio. ✨ Be on time Delivering fast as a freelancer is enticing to customers. However, don’t sacrifice the quality of work for speed. It might be tempting to choose the fastest turnaround time when setting up a profile on freelancer websites. However delivering on time, no matter how long, is more valuable to clients. ✨ Communicate with clients Clients will often reach out to you, especially on freelancer websites, so it's important to be able to communicate on time and effectively with them. Discuss the goals of their project and give progress updates throughout to maintain a relationship with your clients. The most successful freelancers are praised for their politeness and capacity to communicate. ✨ Provide extra value A client might come to you and ask for a project a bit out of the scope of your freelancer portfolio or what you have listed on a freelancer website. However, if you are capable of their requests, going the extra mile to incorporate their ideas will be highly appreciated. Providing extra value such as unlimited revisions, progress discussion, previews of work and added touches in your work will be reviewed highly by clients and ensure you succeed as a freelancer. 🔑 Key Takeaway:Overall, starting a freelance business involves planning and understanding your clients, capabilities and goals. Now that you know how to become a freelancer, being prepared and realistic will help you start freelancing on the right foot. Go at your own pace, build rapport with clients, and once you can start expanding your business, consider setting up your own website and finding work through networking. Good luck!With Cake, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume in PDF, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Create your resume online (free download) now and land your dream job!Create resume--- Originally written by Bronte McNamara---

Personal brands are key for students and fresh grads, hugely impacting job market success. It uniquely showcases your skills, experiences, and personality, crucial for career opportunities. In fact, 85% of hiring managers weigh personal branding in their decisions, highlighting its role in standing out. Whether you're diving into the depths of the humanities, sparking innovations in the sciences, navigating the dynamic world of business, or painting your path in the arts, stepping into the professional sphere for the first time can feel a bit daunting, especially if your resume doesn’t boast pages of 'professional' work experience just yet. But guess what? That’s perfectly okay! Personal brand is your secret weapon to fill in those gaps. It’s all about shining a spotlight on your academic projects, internships, volunteer efforts, and those passion projects you’ve poured your heart into. By doing so, you're not just a name on paper; you become a story, a personality, and a potential asset to employers looking for someone just like you.Table of Contents Step 1: Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) Step 2: Create a Professional Online Presence Step 3: Network and Build Connections Step 4: Generate Valuable Content Step 5: Continuously Learn and Adapt Resources To Build Your Personal Brand For Students Step 1: Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) or Unique Value Proposition is the cornerstone of your personal brand. It's what sets you apart from others, highlighting your distinctive strengths, passions, and skills. Identifying your USP involves deep reflection on what you bring to the table that's different from everyone else; this is actually a step one in your personal branding strategy. Think about your academic achievements, personal projects, hobbies, volunteer experiences, and even life experiences. What do these say about you? How do they combine to create a unique profile? Key Points to Consider: Strengths: What tasks do you excel at? What do people frequently compliment you on?Passions: What activities make you lose track of time? What topics could you read or talk about all day?Skills: What abilities have you developed, whether through formal education or self-teaching? Personal Branding Examples - Story #1Let's consider Alex, a student who discovered their USP by blending her background in technology and art. Alex pursued a degree in computer science but always had a passion for digital art. Instead of seeing these two interests as separate, Alex combined them to create a standout portfolio that showcased innovative web designs with custom digital artwork. This unique combination is Alex's personal brand, which caught the eye of employers looking for creative tech talent, leading to a job offer from a startup focused on designing interactive online experiences.Alex's story illustrates the power of a well-defined USP. By recognizing and merging her interests in tech and art, Alex was able to stand out in a crowded field, showcasing not just technical expertise but creative vision as well. This approach not only made Alex's portfolio memorable but also highlighted a unique capability to bridge two often separate worlds. How you can do the same Reflect on Your Interests: Make a list of your academic subjects, hobbies, and any side projects. Note how you feel about each and any successes or recognition you've achieved.Seek Feedback: Ask friends, family, and mentors what they see as your strengths and unique qualities.Analyze Your Path: Look for patterns in your interests and feedback. Is there a unique combination of skills and passions that stands out?Craft Your USP Statement: Summarize your unique blend of strengths, passions, and skills into a concise statement that defines what you uniquely bring to the table. Step 2: Create a Professional Online Presence In today's digital age, your online presence is often the first impression you make on potential employers, mentors, and peers. It's essential to curate a professional online personal brand that accurately represents your skills, experiences, and professional interests. Successful Personal Branding Tips for Students 1) Use LinkedIn: Optimize Your Profile: Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is complete with a professional photo, eye-catching summary, and detailed descriptions of your educational background and work experiences. Use keywords related to your desired industry to improve visibility.Recommendations: Seek recommendations from professors, colleagues, or anyone you've worked with closely. These endorsements add credibility to your profile.Engage: Regularly post updates, share relevant articles, and engage with content posted by others in your field. This demonstrates your active involvement and interest in your industry. 2) Personal Website: Showcase Your Portfolio: Create a personal website to host your portfolio, highlighting projects, writing samples, or any other work that showcases your skills.About Section: Include an "About Me" page that tells your story, reflects your personality, and explains your career aspirations.Contact Information: Make it easy for visitors to contact you by including your professional email address and links to your LinkedIn profile and other relevant social media accounts. 3) Social Media Engagement: Professional Content: Share and comment on industry-related content. This shows your knowledge and keeps you informed about current trends.Network: Follow industry leaders, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Networking can lead to opportunities and valuable connections.Personal Branding Examples - Story #2Consider the case of Maya, a recent graduate who credited her successful job placement to her LinkedIn profile. Maya meticulously crafted her LinkedIn, ensuring it showcased her internships, volunteer work, and projects related to her field of digital marketing. She also engaged regularly by sharing her thoughts on the latest marketing trends and participating in group discussions.What made Maya stand out was not just the content of her profile but her active engagement within her network. She consistently shared insightful comments on posts by industry leaders, which increased her personal brand and visibility. Her efforts paid off when a hiring manager, impressed by her thoughtful contributions and well-rounded profile, reached out with a job offer for a marketing role at a leading firm. How you can do the same Audit Your Own Personal Brand Online: Google yourself to see what comes up and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a professional image.Update LinkedIn: Make sure your profile is complete, up-to-date, and optimized for your industry.Create a Personal Website: Use platforms like WordPress or Squarespace to build your professional portfolio site.Be Active Online: Regularly post, share, and engage with content relevant to your field to build your professional brand and network. Step 3: Network and Build Connections Networking is a vital component of building your personal brand and forging a successful career path. It's about more than just meeting people; it's about creating meaningful connections that can offer guidance, support, and opportunities. How to Expand Your Professional Network as a Student? 1) Attend Industry Conferences: Preparation: Before attending a conference, research the speakers, schedule, and attendees. Identify sessions that align with your interests and goals.Engagement: During the conference, engage actively by asking questions and participating in discussions. Make a point to introduce yourself to speakers or attendees whose work you admire.Follow-Up: After the event, reach out to people you met by message on LinkedIn or via email. Mention something specific from your conversation to jog their memory. 2) Join Professional Associations: Membership: Join professional associations related to your field. These organizations often offer valuable resources, workshops, and networking events.Volunteer: Offer to volunteer for events or committees within these associations. This is an excellent way to meet professionals in a more organic setting and demonstrate your enthusiasm and skills. 3) Connect with Mentors: Research: Look for potential mentors who are established in your field of interest. LinkedIn, professional associations, and alumni networks are great places to start.Outreach: Reach out with a concise, respectful message expressing your admiration for their work and asking if they would be willing to offer advice or mentorship.Value Exchange: Remember that mentorship is a two-way street. Think about how you can also bring value to your mentor. Personal Branding Examples - Story #3Take the story of Jordan, a student passionate about renewable energy. Jordan joined several LinkedIn groups focused on sustainability and renewable energy technologies. Through active participation in discussions and sharing his projects, Jordan caught the attention of a professional in the field who was impressed by his enthusiasm and knowledge. This professional reached out to Jordan, offering to connect and share insights about the industry.Their initial conversations on LinkedIn led to a formal mentorship relationship, where Jordan received invaluable advice on his career path and guidance on academic projects. The mentor also introduced Jordan to key contacts, eventually leading to an internship opportunity at a leading renewable energy firm.This experience not only provided Jordan with practical industry experience but also strengthened his personal brand and professional network significantly. How you can do the same Research and Attend Events: Look for industry conferences, seminars, and meetups that align with your networking goals. Prepare in advance to make the most of these opportunities.Join Professional Groups: Become active in professional associations and LinkedIn groups related to your field.Seek Mentorship: Identify potential mentors and reach out to them thoughtfully. Be clear about what you're looking for in a mentorship, and be respectful of their time.Engage Regularly: Make networking a regular part of your routine. Consistency in engagement and building connections can open doors to opportunities you hadn't anticipated. Step 4: Generate Valuable Content Creating and sharing valuable content is a powerful way to establish your personal brand by sharing your insights and engaging with your community. Whether it's through writing blogs, creating videos, or starting a podcast, sharing content related to your field of study or interests can significantly enhance your personal brand and open doors to new opportunities. How to Start Creating Content for Your Personal Brand as a Student? 1) Blogging: Find Your Niche: Focus on a specific aspect of your field that you are passionate about. This will help you create more focused and engaging content.Consistency is Key: Update your blog regularly with new posts. Consistency helps build a loyal audience and improves your visibility.Share Your Posts: Share your blog posts on social media platforms. Engage with commenters to build a community around your content. 2) Video Content: Platform Selection: Choose a platform that aligns with your content type and target audience, such as YouTube for in-depth tutorials or TikTok for shorter, more engaging clips.Quality Over Quantity: Focus on creating high-quality content that provides value to your viewers, whether it's educational, informative, or entertaining.Engage With Your Audience: Respond to comments and feedback on your videos to foster a sense of community. 3) Podcasting: Identify Your Angle: Like blogging, find a unique angle or niche in your field of study to focus your podcast on. This will help you attract a dedicated listener base.Collaborate: Invite guests from your field to share their insights. This not only enriches your podcast's content but also helps you network and build connections.Promote Your Podcast: Leverage social media and podcast directories to promote your episodes and reach a wider audience. Personal Branding Examples - Story #4Consider the story of Jamie, a student blogger passionate about environmental science. Jamie started a blog to share insights, research findings, and personal thoughts on sustainability and environmental protection. With a focus on actionable tips for living more sustainably, Jamie's blog quickly became a go-to resource for individuals looking to make eco-friendly changes in their lives.Jamie's dedication to producing regular, high-quality content paid off when their blog caught the attention of a renowned non-profit organization focused on environmental conservation. Impressed by Jamie's deep understanding of environmental issues and their ability to engage and educate the public, the organization reached out to Jamie with an opportunity to collaborate on a series of awareness campaigns. This partnership not only amplified Jamie's impact but also provided valuable real-world experience in environmental advocacy. How you can do the same Identify Your Passion: Focus on a subject within your field that excites you. This will make content creation more enjoyable and sustainable.Choose Your Medium: Decide whether you prefer writing, video production, or audio content. Consider your strengths and the best way to share your message.Create a Content Calendar: Plan your content in advance to maintain consistency. This will help you stay organized and ensure regular engagement with your audience.Engage and Expand: Always engage with your audience's feedback and look for opportunities to collaborate with others in your field. Step 5: Continuously Learn and Adapt In the ever-evolving landscape of any industry, the key to maintaining a strong personal brand is continuous learning and adaptation. Staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and methodologies in your field not only enriches your skill set but also ensures your personal brand remains relevant and appealing to potential employers or collaborators. Key Points to Consider: 1) Stay Informed: Follow Industry Leaders: Use social media platforms to follow thought leaders and organizations in your field. Their insights can provide valuable foresight into emerging trends.Subscribe to Industry Publications: Regularly read blogs, journals, and news related to your field to stay updated on new developments. 2) Update Your Skills: Online Courses and Workshops: Take advantage of online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning to acquire new skills or deepen existing ones.Attend Conferences and Webinars: These can be excellent opportunities to learn from experts and network with peers. 3) Revise Your Personal Brand: Update Your Online Profiles: Regularly refresh your LinkedIn profile, personal website, and other social media platforms to reflect your latest achievements and learnings.Share Your Learning Journey: Posting about your continuous learning experiences can inspire others and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. Personal Branding Examples - Story #5Consider the story of Sam, a recent graduate who understood the importance of an effective personal brand through continuous learning and adaptability early in their career. Sam actively sought out additional certifications and online courses in digital marketing beyond what was taught in his university coursework. He also regularly participated in industry webinars and workshops to stay updated on the latest marketing strategies and tools.Sam made it a point to update his LinkedIn profile and website with these new skills and experiences, showcasing a portfolio that was not only rich but also current. he also shared insights and takeaways from webinars and courses on their social media, which sparked discussions and increased their visibility in the digital marketing community.This proactive approach to learning and personal branding paid off when Sam began applying for jobs. His updated skill set, coupled with a portfolio that reflected a commitment to staying at the forefront of digital marketing trends, led to multiple job offers from competitive firms looking for fresh, dynamic talent ready to hit the ground running. How you can do the same Create a Learning Plan: Identify key areas for skill development and find resources to help you learn.Set Regular Review Times: Schedule times to review and update your personal brand materials to ensure they reflect your current skills and experiences.Engage with Your Community: Share your learning experiences and insights with your network. This not only reinforces your personal brand but also contributes to your professional community.Stay Curious: Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and openness to new experiences. This attitude will guide you towards continuous improvement and adaptation. Resources To Build Your Personal Brand For Students Cake Cake is not just a modern resume builder; it's also a comprehensive platform for professional networking, job searching, and staying informed about the job market. It allows users to create unique, visually appealing resumes and personal websites designed to make them stand out in job applications. Beyond that, CakeResume serves as a networking platform to connect with recruiters directly, offering a valuable bridge between job seekers and potential employers. How to use it: Start by crafting a professional and creative resume or personal website showcasing your portfolio, projects, and professional experiences. Then, take advantage of the networking features to connect with recruiters in your field, making it easier to find opportunities that match your skills and career goals. Utilize the resource hub on CakeResume to get up-to-date advice and insights about the job market, which can guide you in tailoring your application and interview strategies. Additionally, explore the job board to find and apply to relevant job openings directly through the platform. Features: Resume and Personal Website Builder: Intuitive tools to create resumes and personal websites that highlight your unique skills and achievements.Networking Platform: Connect with recruiters and industry professionals to expand your professional network and uncover new opportunities.Resource Hub: Access a wealth of articles, tips, and insights about the latest trends in the job market, helping you stay informed and ahead of the curve.Job Board: A comprehensive job search feature that allows you to discover and apply for job listings tailored to your skills and interests. Take Personal Branding Courses Online 1) “Personal Branding Foundation" on Coursera Overview: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to personal branding, including how to define your authentic self, build and communicate your personal brand online, and manage it over time.Provider: Offered through various universities and organizations on Coursera, it often includes interactive assignments and peer feedback.Unique Benefit: Provides a solid foundation in personal branding principles with the flexibility of self-paced learning. 2) "Building Your Personal Brand" by LinkedIn Learning Overview: Led by a personal branding expert, this course covers the essentials of creating a strong personal brand, including identifying your unique value, building a content strategy, and leveraging social media.Provider: LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com).Unique Benefit: Focuses on leveraging LinkedIn and other social media platforms for personal branding, making it highly relevant for professionals and students alike. 3) "Introduction to Personal Branding" on Udemy Overview: This free course is designed to help you understand the importance of a personal brand and provides steps to create and communicate your brand effectively.Provider: Udemy, featuring various experts in the field of marketing and personal development.Unique Benefit: Offers actionable steps and practical advice for creating a personal brand from scratch. 4) "How to Build a Personal Brand" by FutureLearn Overview: This course explores the concept of personal branding in the digital age, offering insights into developing your brand, understanding your audience, and crafting your online and offline presence.Provider: FutureLearn, in partnership with universities and cultural institutions.Unique Benefit: Delivers a global perspective on personal branding with a focus on authenticity and storytelling. Conclusion As we look towards 2024 and beyond, the importance of personal branding for students and recent graduates is set to increase exponentially in the evolving job market. In this digital age, where the professional landscape is more competitive and dynamic than ever, a well-crafted personal brand will be essential not just for standing out but for navigating career paths that are increasingly nonlinear and fluid. The future will demand a proactive approach to personal branding, emphasizing the need for individuals to continuously adapt, learn, and showcase their unique strengths and experiences through various platforms and mediums. The integration of emerging technologies and social media will offer new ways to create and share content, making personal branding an even more immersive and interactive process. As personal branding becomes an integral part of professional development, students who embrace this as a continuous journey will find themselves better positioned to seize opportunities and shape their careers in 2024 and beyond.— Originally written by Donaven Leong —