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Prior to landing a job as a software developer or engineer at an exciting tech startup or a renowned company of which you have been keeping your eye out for possible job openings, you first need to update and refine your resume, or better yet, have your portfolio ready to be shared. 

A programmer’s portfolio is the secret sauce to capturing the attention of future employers or business partners. It’s hard to ignore someone when they have documented and clearly demonstrated their talent, growth & devotion as a web developer. We’re breaking down why you need to start building your portfolio with CodeCast. 

If we could condense this blog into a sentence, here’s what we’d say. ‘Employers don’t want to hear or read about what you’re capable of doing, they want to see it in action.’ 

And although this statement captures the core message of this blog, stick with us because we’ve got some tips that will help you along the way. 

Let’s take a few steps back. What is a portfolio? & Why do you need one?

A programmer’s portfolio serves as a way to showcase your coding skills as opposed to just listing them on a simple resume. These portfolios are typically made up of Casts and videos with teachable elements. A portfolio allows prospective employers to engage and review your skills and previous work and projects. Creating a portfolio to apply for a specific job can take a lot of time, so we recommend documenting your work now in order to keep your portfolio consistent and frequently updated. 

Building Your Portfolio with CodeCast

CodeCast has provided you with a space to inspire learners and teach groups of all different sizes which assists in expanding your skillset and monetizing your work all while easily assembling and construction your portfolio that will captivate future employers. Essentially, CodeCast is a platform that provides you with the tools and techniques you need to build your professionally curated portfolio by also attracting viewers, gaining an audience, and building a loyal community of followers. The culture of CodeCast greatly encourages you to craft your brand and let your personality shine through in each cast. 

What To Include In Your Portfolio

Your portfolio can be made up of series of videos/Casts, possibly blogs, and breakdowns of each video released.  

Remember to add in your contact information, and social channels if you feel comfortable. Being reachable is helpful when employers are seeking you out or your community wants to ask questions and connect with you directly. 

Within your Casts, don’t forget to speak to and engage with your audience and ask what they want to learn so you can appeal to this group and exemplify that you are adaptable and willing to shift your style when needed. When speaking within your Casts, ensure you’re talking slowly and clearly so there is no confusion and anyone can understand. 

Adding dates of your published work is important so employers can see how current your projects are, and it doesn’t hurt to mention how your previous experience helped you learn the skills you now possess. 

Be sure to avoid naming errors. This means take the time to name each project or cast correctly. As we previously mentioned, speak to your audience and help them understand what you’re demonstrating and how this will help them down the road. 

Lastly, don’t forget to add in your schedule of when you will be posting your next video to ensure you're building anticipation and staying accountable! 

All of these things together help to make up a professional portfolio. 

In Conclusion

If you want to stand apart from others in the developer space, a portfolio can help differentiate you from your competitors and cut through the noise of basic resumes applying for the same position. Your programmer portfolio not only showcases your prior work samples while allowing people to see your sense of professionalism and personality, but it also displays your competence and acts as an additional example of your work.