Portfolio Vs. Book
I've been working hard on my work samples to apply for fulltime gigs, and feel like I'm spinning my wheels.

I keep building out my site with samples and case studies, but fear that it's becoming bloated and unfocused. 'There's a lot to sift through' some have commented.

A recruiter suggested submitting slide decks instead, so I can add or remove slides easily, and better control the narrative.

Which do you suggest? Is Google Slides too amateurish for the deck approach?

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Hu. I’ve never seen that before. I actually kind of like that idea. It’s a fresh take that shows you know how to use one of the fundamental tools of the trade. Just make sure to craft it well so it doesn’t feel like a corporate client preso.

At the end of the day, the work is what matters. If the work in your book/deck is good, you should get noticed.

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I think websites are a little more professional but would not look down on someone w Google slides w great work. I would strongly suggest reverse engineering the role/type of work you want to focus your portfolio. I think a big flag for me looking at more mid level to senior people is if their portfolio is all over the place, it kind of says they’re not sure what they want.

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Yes I think too many industries, styles and roles can signal a lack of focus. Esp at senior/director level you want someone who has a pov and confident in what they offer. There will always be some variety and def want some versatility but think abt it this way— anyone who is hiring ECD, recruiter etc is looking through many portfolios quickly and used to making snap decisions on advancing candidates in seconds. They are trying to reduce uncertainty, so if I have a need for a CD w copywriting for DTC, and I see someone who has work and enthusiasm for it I’d likely call. If it’s someone who kind of did copywriting but also does strategy and did a little DTC but also pharma it’s more for their brain to make the connection. So my best advice is to think abt what type of work you’d really like to do and align around that. :)

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