If a job requires us to upload our portfolio as PDF, is it cheeky to send a PDF with only an intro page and a link to our online portfolio?
If you're hiring, would you think this is unprofessional or completely okay and acceptable? I'm struggling with having to keep up and update so many different variations of my work; website, instagram... and PDF? Is it completely unnecessary in this day and age, or a really important bit of an application?
Replies12
- They may be printing the applications or presenting them in a way which they can compare. If you dodge the request, it may show the organisation a reluctance to following instructions. The recruitment process can be cutthroat.If it's a role you'd love, find ways you can go above and beyond! Give yourself the competitive edge you deserve!
- Not cheeky but you may want to make it as easy as possible for people to pay attention to you.
- You could… but you may be missing an opportunity.As we know, creativity can give you a competitive advantage, so it may be worth giving it some thought.Going off brief could get you the job, but will just sending a link make you stand out?Is there a way to make their decision easier?
- It sounds like they think of the pdf as a visual CV so you should think of it that way too.I know it's probably time consuming to make one, but it shows them that you really spent time on the application submitted to them. You want to give your potential employer the impression that you want to work for 'them', specifically, not that you're sending generic applications to see who takes the bait. It's doubtful that they will have a good opinion of someone who can't be bothered to comply with their application process. It might also make them think that if they hire you and they ask you to do something in a certain format you will not deliver what you were asked.But on the bright side, once you make one you have it and, if other companies ask for it, it's ready to go.
- Hybrid is the safest approach - by all means share a link within , that takes them to an online space so they can fully appreciate your skills ( especilly if 3d, immersive, interactive etc . The PDF is a necessary evil that helps you get to the next stage, however out of date they may appear- so make it pop before you impress them even more with an online complement!
- @Kerry Ann Cleaver There is a reason why they asked for a pdf, probably to do with their operation processes. I think they might not bother with just a link 😬
- @Kerry Ann Cleaver thank you so much for replying Kerry! Really useful information, I agree Instagram has very low value, and makes complete sense people going through applications would focus on a good concise portfolio as there's no time to be going to random websites and clicking away.
- @Joana Mehou hahaha completely true!! Thanks for the honesty and really good advice, the work will talk for itself.
- @Jessica Chertemps Hi Jessica! Thank you so much for your reply, all that you said is so true, a PDF version would help to have a more curated look into my work that doesn't have them clicking like crazy through a new random site. <3
- I would follow their guidelines and upload a PDF document.
- Hey Mafer,I would definitely send them a PDF if that is what they asked for. A PDF has the advantage of letting you curate your work to your top 3 projects and the benefit of having everything in one document (as opposed to an online portfolio where the recruited will have to navigate through many different pages to find what they are looking for)If your work is mostly websites then I understand this sounds a bit backwards but a PDF is a great way to develop your layout and presentation skills.Hope this helps, good luck with your application.
- I’d be irritated lmao. If they requested pdf, it is for a reason. No need to be fancy, your work will talk for itself.
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