After passing the first phase of your application, you are now set to move on to the job interview which might be your last step prior to getting hired. For jobs that require skills and creativity, most recruiters seek for additional documents known as the portfolio. But how in the world would you make an effective one?

Portfolio is a compilation of your previous works and outputs from a recent job or so. This set of documents or projects may serve as your key to the doors of your dream job, next to your credentials and interview answers. Hence, it is utmost important to learn the best ways to create an effective portfolio.

According to the Youth Central, there simple ways to impress your interviewer with your portfolio. In fact, it doesn't have to be too fab, rather, must contain the necessary elements needed to get the job you are vying for. Here are some of the best ways on how to successfully craft your portfolio.

Collect your recent outputs, then sort out the best

A portfolio doesn't have to contain all the projects that you did in the past. Rather, it must contain only the cream of the crop which will take you to your desired position.

Hence, it is important to first sort out the best outputs that you had in the past. Asking if you can take 3D samples like paintings, inventions, sculptures and the like is also necessary for others may only require a clear photographed copies of such.

Show only relevant content

This is important especially if you had worked for various companies or different jobs in the past. Your portfolio must contain contents or sample works that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.

This will help give your interviewer the idea and evidence that you have enough experience related to the job. Extras are also fine, as long as they do not dominate the content of your portfolio.

Compile the whole process of project for better presentation

While most recruiters seek only the outputs you have made, it is a plus point to also include the process you've undergone prior to coming up with such sample works. These include the plan, and execution process (document and photos) along with the result. This will give more credibility to your portfolio as well as provide you more ways to explain your work style.

Choose the mode of presentation suitable for your portfolio

Portfolios usually come in either printed documents, albums of photographs or an audio-visual presentation. It is your discretion whether what you want to use provided it suits the type of works you wanted to show.

For instance, if you are applying for a job in the filming industry, then having an AVP of your recent projects will be better than a plain screenshots printed on paper. You may also combine such with documents of the script as long as the main output is shown using the proper medium.

Study your Portfolio before the presentation

Sometimes, people think that showing a portfolio is already enough to please the interviewer. While most of it might speak for your recent performances, it will also greatly help to discuss its content personally. This will give the interviewer an impression of your passion and knowledge towards the job which can be your edge over the other candidates for the position you applied for. 

Applying a story for each sample work in your portfolio may also add up life to your efforts as per Andrew Lam-Po-Tang of the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA), Youth Central added. While others take portfolios for granted, it is important to give it your best efforts and time for it can make you a step closer to your dream job.

However, having the wrong one can take away your chance thus the need to follow the aforementioned tips and guide. Learn more job hacks and find out what's in store for you based on your chosen career at Jobs & Hire.