Sector careers · 1 min read
Build an IT portfolio a reviewer can actually assess
One small, understandable project can show more than a long list of tools you cannot explain.
Choose a task that fits the vacancy
A support role may benefit from a troubleshooting guide, while a developer role may need a working application. Start with the advert's tasks rather than building a fashionable project unrelated to the job.
Explain your decisions
Write what the project does, the intended user, the limits and how to run it. Identify the parts you built and any libraries or starter code used. If AI helped, understand and check the output rather than presenting unfamiliar code as expertise.
Use safe demonstration data
Use fictional names and records. Remove credentials, tokens and private employer files before sharing a repository or demo. Check that public links work from a browser that is not logged into your account.
Show a useful test and a limitation
Include an example input, expected behaviour and how you checked it. Explain one known limitation and the next improvement you would make. This gives the reviewer something concrete to discuss beyond a polished screenshot.