How to build a tech portfolio that gets you noticed

If you're looking to land your first tech role or pivot into a new specialism, you’ve probably heard that having a strong tech portfolio is essential. But what does that actually mean? What should you include, and how do you showcase your work in a way that helps you stand out?

In this guide, we'll walk through how to build a tech portfolio, why it's so important, and tips for making yours shine. Whether you're a developer, designer, data analyst or product manager, your portfolio can be a game-changer.

What actually is a tech portfolio?

Before we dive into how to create a tech portfolio, let’s define what it actually is. A tech portfolio is a curated collection of your work, projects and skills that demonstrate what you can do. Think of it as your professional highlight reel. Unlike a CV or LinkedIn profile, which tells people about your experience, your portfolio shows it.

Your portfolio should include real examples of your work, such as apps you've built, case studies, code samples, design mockups or data visualisations. It’s not just about showing off what you’ve done, but giving context around how and why you did it.

Why do you need a tech portfolio?

In the tech world, employers and clients often want to see proof of your ability before they invest time in an interview or project. A well-crafted tech portfolio helps you:

• Showcase your technical skills and creativity
• Tell your story and highlight your interests
• Stand out from other candidates
• Give potential employers or collaborators something concrete to explore

In some cases, your portfolio can make a bigger impression than your CV, especially if you’re self-taught, changing careers or lacking formal experience.

How to build a tech portfolio: step-by-step

Building a portfolio might feel daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started.

1. Choose the right platform

Your portfolio should live somewhere that’s easy to share and navigate. Popular options include:

• A personal website (e.g. yourname.dev or yourname.com)
• GitHub or GitLab for developers
• Notion or Medium for case studies and writing
• Behance or Dribbble for designers

Ideally, you should have a dedicated portfolio website that pulls everything together. It gives you control over your brand and makes a strong first impression. You can still link out to GitHub repositories or writing platforms from there.

2. Select your best work

Quality matters more than quantity. Choose three to six solid projects that demonstrate your range, depth and interests. If you’re early in your career, personal projects or coursework are fine. What matters is how you present them.

When selecting projects, consider:

• What are you most proud of?
• What skills or tools do you want to highlight?
• Which projects are most relevant to the jobs that you're targeting?

If you’re aiming for a front-end developer role, for example, focus on interactive UIs and responsive design. If you're a data analyst, show visualisations, dashboards and data stories that showcase your skills.

3. Tell the story behind each project

Don’t just drop a few screenshots and links. Take the time to write up a short description or case study for each project. Include:

• What the project is and who it was for
• The problem you were solving
• The tools or tech stack you used
• Your role and contributions
• Any challenges you faced and how you solved them
• What you learned or improved

This context is incredibly valuable. It helps people understand how you think and work, not just what you can produce.

4. Make It Easy to Navigate

Presentation matters. Your portfolio should be clean, easy to use and fast to load. Think of it as a product you're designing for hiring managers.

Some tips:

• Use clear headings and navigation
• Keep content concise and scannable
• Include your contact details or a contact form
• Add links to your LinkedIn, GitHub, or other relevant profiles
• Use consistent fonts and spacing

If design isn’t your thing, use a template or get feedback from a friend who’s more visually inclined. The goal is to let your work shine without distractions.

5. Keep It Updated

Your tech portfolio isn’t a one-and-done project. Treat it as a living document. As you complete new projects, learn new skills or shift your focus, update your portfolio to reflect that. Remove anything that no longer represents your best work. Your portfolio should grow with you!

Set a reminder every couple of months to review it. A fresh, current portfolio shows that you’re active and growing.

Bonus tips for a strong tech portfolio

• Include a short bio. Let people know who you are, what you're interested in and what kind of work you're looking for.
• Write blog posts or tutorials. Sharing your knowledge builds credibility and shows communication skills.
• Record video walkthroughs. Especially useful for projects with interesting interactivity or data flows.
• Link to code repositories. If you’re a developer, include clean, well-commented code on GitHub. Employers love seeing how you structure and think through problems.
• Customise for your audience. If you're applying for a specific role, tweak your portfolio to highlight relevant projects or keywords.
• Get feedback. Ask peers, mentors or online communities to review your portfolio. Fresh eyes can spot things you’ve missed.

Final thoughts

Learning how to create a tech portfolio is one of the best investments you can make in your career. It helps you reflect on your progress, clarify your strengths and show the world what you’re capable of.

You don’t need dozens of fancy projects or years of experience to start. Even a few well-documented, thoughtful projects can go a long way. The key is to be intentional and honest about your work.

So take that first step. Choose a platform, pick a project and start building. Your future self will thank you.

Ready to begin your tech career, but need a foot in the door? Apply for our current roles today.