Can you share an example of a time you used a portfolio or work samples effectively in a job interview? How did you present your work and highlight your skills?

Question

Discover the secrets to leveraging a portfolio or work samples during job interviews, with practical advice straight from industry experts. Learn how to create a compelling one-page website, curate a digital portfolio, and showcase your work on interactive tablets. These expert-backed strategies will help set you apart in the competitive job market.

Nina Mace · Answer

I am a photographer who was looking to move from family photography into commercial photography within education settings. I decided to create a one page website portfolio and took my iPad along to a meeting to discuss a potential role. This was really well received and I forwarded the link to the manager to review afterward. Having my portfolio online also means I can easily make changes and keep the content updated. If you don’t have a website you can easily create a Canva webpage for your portfolio as Canva also has some very professional and modern web page designs to get you started.

Max Shak · Answer

Earlier in my career, before founding Zapiy.com, I was interviewing for a leadership role in a tech-driven company. Instead of just talking about my experience, I brought a carefully curated digital portfolio that showcased real examples of my work—successful marketing campaigns, process improvements, and data-driven results from past projects.
One specific example I highlighted was a customer engagement strategy I had developed, which increased retention by 30%. I presented a before-and-after analysis using visuals and key metrics to clearly show the impact of my approach. Rather than just listing my accomplishments, I told the story behind each project—what challenges I faced, the decisions I made, and the outcomes achieved.
The hiring team was impressed not just by the results, but by how I demonstrated my problem-solving and strategic thinking in action. That experience reinforced for me the power of a portfolio—not just as proof of work, but as a tool to guide meaningful conversations and set myself apart in a competitive interview process.

Alex Cornici · Answer

Absolutely! During a job interview for a graphic design position, I brought along my digital portfolio on a sleek, interactive tablet. To start, I showcased a selection that spanned various types of projects such as logos, brochures, and web designs, each chosen to reflect the specific needs and aesthetic of the company I was interviewing with. Before moving on to the next piece, I made sure to explain the creative process behind each design, including the challenges faced and the solutions I devised, thereby emphasizing my problem-solving skills.
Moreover, I tailored the presentation to include a recent project that closely aligned with the prospective employer’s market. I discussed the strategic thinking involved, the design choices made, and the positive feedback received from the client, showing direct results of my efforts. This approach not only made the interview more conversational, but also allowed me to demonstrate how my work could directly benefit the company. Concluding with a quick review, I wrapped up by linking each project example back to how it exemplifies qualities they’re looking for in a candidate. This method turned out to be very effective; not only did it keep the interview engaging, but it also left a lasting impression, helping me secure the position.

How to Use a Portfolio Or Work Samples Effectively in Job Interviews

How to Use a Portfolio Or Work Samples Effectively in Job Interviews

Create a One Page Website Portfolio

Curate a Digital Portfolio

Showcase Work on Interactive Tablet