With the simplification attempt, I needed something additional to make my résumé work. So, basically one document became three:
- a simplified version that would lure an HR to explore my other assets,
- a portfolio with some works;
- and a longer résumé.
NDAed#
Since the portfolio was not public, I could allow myself to actually show some quality work is in there. That solves this NDA issue, when I cannot demonstrate some of my works publicly.
- However, I’m allowed to show some of them in private.
I want to partially demonstrate this document. Since it’s a public demonstration, I removed all of the works, leaving only one (the worst one, actually), which can help me demonstrate the structure.
If you’re a client, you can request the hidden projects. Email me, specifying the type of projects you seek. E.g. motion graphics, pitch decks, whatnot. I have different versions for different purposes.
Let’s go exploring.
Photo#
I start with the photo of me.
Just a random shot Nick made somewhere in the city. I have not many photos of me, actually. So I have to use whatever I have. I dislike staged photos, as much as I dislike fake smiles. I’m a northerner after all.
The position I’m applying to, my name, my contacts. Again, those are the same contacts I have in my original proper(er) version of my CV.
Briefing#
Here, I briefly introduce myself, in case this document is viewed first. I mention there’s my resume, and my self-presentation too.
There’s the same link that goes to the document online.
- Since I deactivated the link by now, you can explore what it looks like in my previous story of this series, named Simplifying My Résumé.
Actually, having portfolio online is way simpler way of representing the projects I can do. I cannot place a video inside a pdf. So, technically, having a website might spare me of continuing.
However, why not show at least some selected works, right? Since the document is already downloaded and opened. Why ask the person to leave it to another medium? You can lost the client, while they multi-task.
Plus, as I’ve mentioned already, I can place some extra projects in there, those I cannot place on my website.
Title#
That’s just some title, I thought I want to add some air for this presentation. Like a blank page, you know.
Project#
Each project has a few pages dedicated to it.
The first page is usually a brief explanation, plus some graphics, usually screenshots.
The represented project is a mix of the project we did for TOI, plus my vision of what this approach should be. It’s a blend of corporate tool and a personal one too. You can read more about Skriv by following projects tag.
- I plan to issue a special page for the project, I’ll update it here when I do.
As the next step, I show primary things about this project: the client, the context, the challenge, and my role in all this.
Then the result. All these slides have screenshots. I had many, and I wanted to demonstrate the interface a bit.
I listed technologies, because I saw a friend did something similar in his implementation of the portfolio. Generally, I think this is mostly irrelevant for personal usage. I believe most modern technolgies can be learnt within a reasonable time. So this ‘hey, yo, I know Linux and JS too’ makes little sense.
Closing Words#
I end the document with a few words on what I’m looking for. My whereabouts, specifically the war factor. (I guess everyone in 2022 knew there was a war in Ukraine.) Unfortunately, that fact — me living in a warring country — would scare off many potential clients and employers. But I think it’s a responsible approach, to not waste someone’s time, if they do not consider their candidate from Ukraine, and they are not ready to relocate that candidate either.
Conclusion#
This version of my portfolio wasn’t good, it’s a low-effort attempt to add more value to my resume, without making a website. But it was at least some start.
If I had started doing it from the very start of my career, it would be much easier by now. So building this skeleton is worth it and trying to represent even silly projects makes sense. That would pave the way for the strong portfolio in the future. I was too lucky — or not, it depends on the point of view — to have an endless stream of clients for so many years, and never been in need to ever do that.
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