For marketers, your CV and portfolio are both essential tools, but which one really helps get you hired? Some employers lean heavily on portfolios to assess creativity and execution, while others focus on CVs to understand experience and impact. So, how do you strike the right balance and ensure you stand out?
What’s the Role of a Marketing CV?
Your CV is your professional story, it outlines your career trajectory, skills, and achievements in a concise format. But... a CV alone won’t always prove your ability to execute ideas, especially in creative or digital roles.
A great marketing CV should:
Be results-driven: Show measurable impact (e.g. ‘Increased social engagement by 45% in six months’).
Showcase skills: From SEO expertise to campaign strategy, make sure your key skills stand out.
Be tailored: Customise for each role, highlighting relevant experience.
What’s the Purpose of a Marketing Portfolio?
Your portfolio is where you bring your experience to life. Think of it as a visual extension of your CV, providing tangible proof of your work.
A strong portfolio should:
Tell a story: Include project overviews explaining objectives, your role, and the impact.
Be easy to navigate: Keep it simple, well-structured, and user-friendly.
Show range: Display different types of work - campaigns, designs, copywriting, or analytics reports.
So, Which One Matters More?
It depends on the role. For content marketers, designers, and social media managers, portfolios often hold more weight. For strategists, brand managers, and senior marketers, the CV is key - though showcasing successful projects can still add value.
Best Approach? Use Both! Your CV gets you through the door, but a strong portfolio seals the deal. If you don’t have a formal portfolio, consider a personal website, a PDF case study deck, or even LinkedIn posts showcasing your work.
Looking to refine your marketing CV or portfolio? Get in touch, we’re happy to help!