Do I need software developer portfolio website?
Are you a software developer looking for a job in tech? Today I will explain to you why having a portfolio website might be something for you to look into.
What is a software developer portfolio website?
It is simply a website in which you will showcase the software developement work and projects, that you have done in the past. It can also contain information about you, a way to contact you and also a personal software developement blog.
Advantages of porfolio website over CV?
CV is plain, static and doesn’t let you do a lot. When it comes to a portfolio website, you can show personality in it. You can impress with readability, design, creativity and show that you are proactive. Remember, for portfolio to be good for you, it has to be thought through and readable, you want to use it for your advantage and not show lack of attention to details. Do it well, or don’t do it at all. To know more, see 8 Software Developer portfolio mistakes to avoid
Can portfolio website help me get a job?
Simply put, portfolio website can give you an advantage over your competitors, when applying for a job in software developement. When I was applying to my first job, straight after studies, I didn’t have any professional work experience. All I had was projects made in my free time and in the course of my studies. It was not much different from other people I was studying with. What made a difference was a fact, that I made a simple website showcasing my projects, with thumbnails and links to source codes. It helped me to get to the interview and land my first job in software developement.
What should software developer portfolio contain?
It should contain basic information about you and your project. It can also showcase your style, since you can create website in any way you want and show personality (Google arounf to get some inspiration).
1. Your name
Self explanatory, you have to show that the website belongs to you
2. Your role
It helps HR to know what role would you like or what is your current role.
3. Your projects
Most important part of your portfolio. Depending on the amount of projects you have, you might not be putting all of them. Order is important. You don’t have to place your projects chronologicaly. Whichever projects you value the most, put them at the top.
If you can share a source code, do it, but do not place code on the website. Link to your Git repository, where the source is hosted, it will help you avoid mess on your website.
If you do not have any projects, consider doing some projects just for your portfolio.
Remember to briefly describe each project, tell what technologies you used.
Alternatively, let’s say you are an aspiring frontend developer. You do not need any projects listed in your portfolio. You can create your portfolio in impressive and creative manner. This way your portfolio website is a project itself.
Do I need my own domain for a portfolio?
Although you might want to have your portfolio under your own domain name, you don’t have to, you can host your portfolio website for free on GitHub or BitBucket. If you want to know more:
How to host your portfolio on GitHub?
How to host your portfolio on BitBucket?
Should you host your portfolio on GitHub or BitBucket?
It all comes down to personal preference, which version control system do you enjoy using more? Where do you have most of your codebase? Where do you have more professional name, it would be best for it to contain your name or initials.