Ever wondered which is better
for improving your chances of being hired, when seeking a new job as a graphic
designer? PDF folio or a Website?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of both:
Website:
Modern
Knowledge acquired when learning how to build it
Able to update and refresh is with little cost or effort (depending on if it is bespoke or off-the-shelf)
A great platform to showcase all of your work as and when required
Searchable, so people can find your details immediately, in just a click
PDF folio:
Can be viewed by almost anyone with, or without an internet connection
Acts as an extension of your book
Can update and refresh with minimal cost or effort
Convenience of not lugging a heavy book around with you
Can be tailor made to showcase the specific job you are going for
I review folios and websites on a daily basis and unfortunately, I’m noticing that the majority of your personal websites aren’t standing out enough. They need to be well crafted and original. I estimate as much as 70% are failing to enhance the applicant’s chance of being hired. Off-the-shelf online folios can work to an extent, but after a while they all look the same, after being blurred by the actual hosting sites own branding.
The same can be said with a PDF folio but in my opinion they hold more weight and can have a bigger impact for someone who is an integrated designer, rather than purely digital.
In short, if you want to cover all bases, the answer is having both.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of both:
Website:
Modern
Knowledge acquired when learning how to build it
Able to update and refresh is with little cost or effort (depending on if it is bespoke or off-the-shelf)
A great platform to showcase all of your work as and when required
Searchable, so people can find your details immediately, in just a click
PDF folio:
Can be viewed by almost anyone with, or without an internet connection
Acts as an extension of your book
Can update and refresh with minimal cost or effort
Convenience of not lugging a heavy book around with you
Can be tailor made to showcase the specific job you are going for
I review folios and websites on a daily basis and unfortunately, I’m noticing that the majority of your personal websites aren’t standing out enough. They need to be well crafted and original. I estimate as much as 70% are failing to enhance the applicant’s chance of being hired. Off-the-shelf online folios can work to an extent, but after a while they all look the same, after being blurred by the actual hosting sites own branding.
The same can be said with a PDF folio but in my opinion they hold more weight and can have a bigger impact for someone who is an integrated designer, rather than purely digital.
In short, if you want to cover all bases, the answer is having both.
