Build a Portfolio That Stands Out (Even If You’re Just Starting)
"How do I build a portfolio when I feel like I barely know how to code?"
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You're grinding and learning HTML, CSS, Javascript—maybe more—but the jobs don't seem to be biting. Sometimes the issue is not your skills; it's your portfolio! For a programmer your coding portfolio holds the same importance as an artist's art portfolio. It represents what you've actually done and oftentimes holds more weight for recruiters than the rest of your resume. If you don't have a portfolio of projects, you've more than likely already eliminated yourself from the pool of candidates!
What Recruiters Look For
When you apply for entry-level programming jobs, Recruiters and their Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) don't look for professional-level polish on your resumes. What they do look for is proof that you're trainable, eager, and self-motivated. In order to make your application stand out, your project portfolio has to showcase this proof that they're looking for.
Your Projects don't have to be perfect!
Of course your projects should have relevant technologies and showcase your skills, but one of the biggest mistakes that beginners make is thinking that their projects have to be perfect. Recruiters don't expect large, grandiose projects with tons of users, they just want to see that you've demonstrated problem-solving, initiative, and real-world relevance. This means that when you create an application or webpage you don't just showcase that you "coded something", rather you show your thought process and how you "figured out" a solution to a problem.
Stand out With Any Project (Even a Basic Calculator App)
Let's say you created a calculator web app—a common beginner programming project that most applicants might have on their resume. Your calculator also does basic add, subtract, multiply, and divide functions but what makes your calculator app standout amongst the rest? "I coded a calculator app" on your resume just wont cut it. Let's see how you can demonstrate the buzzwords that we previously mentioned with a few minor adjustments:
Adaptability & Error Catching:
Error Catching and recognizing edge cases are one of the most important distinctions between a beginner and a senior programmer. For example, how does your calculator handle division-by-zero? Will this break your app or will you handle the error and show an alert to the user? Can your calculator store "history" and can you perform calculations on the output of a previous operation? Adding these things isn't incredibly difficult, but really shows recruiters that you've thoughtfully considered the limitations and error scenarios in your application.
User Focus:
Another add-on to showcase problem-solving is by adding a "tip mode" to your calculator. Let's say you eventually want your app to be used by people who dine in stores. Your calculator can generate a 15% tip after users enter calculations for a bill. Or maybe you allow them to decide the tip percentage and perform that calculation for them. In this way, with a minor change, your app turns into something that real people use. Sounds simple, but these user focused features are what popular apps like Splitwise, Settle Up, and Venmo are built off of.
Real-World Relevance:
Let your users switch display themes (light/dark) on your calculator. Maybe you can even store their default choice in a very basic Database. This is a very small, but important feature in many other products. The fact that you added it demonstrates that you're building a product not just for yourself, but for others.
Error Catching and recognizing edge cases are one of the most important distinctions between a beginner and a senior programmer. For example, how does your calculator handle division-by-zero? Will this break your app or will you handle the error and show an alert to the user? Can your calculator store "history" and can you perform calculations on the output of a previous operation? Adding these things isn't incredibly difficult, but really shows recruiters that you've thoughtfully considered the limitations and error scenarios in your application.
User Focus:
Another add-on to showcase problem-solving is by adding a "tip mode" to your calculator. Let's say you eventually want your app to be used by people who dine in stores. Your calculator can generate a 15% tip after users enter calculations for a bill. Or maybe you allow them to decide the tip percentage and perform that calculation for them. In this way, with a minor change, your app turns into something that real people use. Sounds simple, but these user focused features are what popular apps like Splitwise, Settle Up, and Venmo are built off of.
Real-World Relevance:
Let your users switch display themes (light/dark) on your calculator. Maybe you can even store their default choice in a very basic Database. This is a very small, but important feature in many other products. The fact that you added it demonstrates that you're building a product not just for yourself, but for others.
A barebones calculator won't beat ATS filters or a recruiters gaze. But one with user centric design, thoughtful add-ons, and a little bit of flair—that's gold! This is all to say that with minor changes that you can do with just HTML, CSS, and Javascript, you can really develop a project portfolio that stands out.
You can learn how to tailor a resume that beats the ATS here!
You can learn how to tailor a resume that beats the ATS here!
Our Projects
At Codeclassroom we've designed Portfolio Projects and Mini-Projects that are thoughtfully designed so that your portfolio and resume can standout amongst the crowd. They nail the traits that recruiters and ATS are looking for. You can checkout 3 of the projects that you'll accomplish with our Web Fundamentals course below:
Personal Portfolio Website
Every programmer needs their own online resume to show off their work! Build your very own 4-page personal portfolio website using HTML!
Hotel Booking Webpage
Create a visually stunning hotel booking web page. Using CSS on top of HTML, you'll make a professionally designed webpage that will impress and entice users.
Dynamic To-Do List
Use Javascript, CSS, and HTML to create a smart to-do list web application that is not only intuitive, but also interactive!
Don't hesitate
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