A portfolio is no longer just reserved for photographers and artists, now they’re an important resource anyone working in marketing should add to their toolkit. If you're looking for marketing jobs in Manchester, having a well-crafted portfolio can help you stand out. CVs and cover letters are still essential to the cause, however, a portfolio can be used to truly showcase your skills and stand out from the crowd.
Employers and marketing recruitment agencies in Manchester will sift through hundreds of CVs from people with similar backgrounds, but with a strong portfolio, you can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise by showing off your best work and introducing who you are in a more impressive way.
Whether you work in social media, email marketing, or any other area under the marketing umbrella, there will always be a tangible product you can show to support your job application.
What is a marketing portfolio?
A marketing portfolio is a reflection and compilation of your best work from previous jobs or projects that showcase your skills and expertise to potential employers. Many marketing recruiters in Manchester look for candidates who can provide concrete evidence of their abilities. These days a lot of marketing portfolios tend to be digital via website or pdf (this could be created in Canva), making it easy to attach to or send as part of your job application. Portfolio contents will vary depending on the type of marketing you specialise in and your experience, but the overall piece should include a brief introduction to yourself, your qualifications, experience, and some of your best projects. Your portfolio is your chance to show employers what you’ve got and demonstrate your expertise in design, copy, analytics, and digital media.
Why do you need one?
A marketing portfolio is your personal showcase of skills, experience, and accomplishments. Whether you're job hunting or already employed, having an up-to-date portfolio can open doors to new opportunities. It provides concrete examples of your work, helping potential employers or clients see your expertise in action.
As marketing professional Saraco (Shopify's Social Media Producer) puts it, “You never know when you’ll be asked for examples of your work.” A strong portfolio not only demonstrates your growth but also enhances your visibility and credibility in the industry. Whether you're in social media, content, or digital marketing, building a compelling portfolio can set you apart from the competition when applying for marketing jobs in Manchester.
What to include in your portfolio
Create a website/pdf (you could create this in Canva, Adobe, Readymag or Wix)
A homepage that stands out
“About me” page
Your professional experience/skills/qualifications
Examples of your best work
Contact information
Design a standout homepage
When first designing your portfolio, keep in mind that the homepage is going to be the reader’s first impression of you, so make it organised and visually appealing. To make a standout homepage, remember to make it easy to navigate with a clear design. Introduce yourself and your portfolio and include CTA’s to encourage the reader to contact you or view your other social media platforms, such as LinkedIn.
Create a strong ‘About Me’ page
Your "About Me" section is a key opportunity to showcase your experience, achievements, and unique qualities that set you apart. It should provide a clear and engaging snapshot of your professional background, highlighting your skills and the value you bring to employers or clients. This section helps establish credibility and makes it easier for potential connections to understand what you have to offer.
Beyond your work experience, adding a personal touch, such as a hobby or passion, can make your profile more relatable. Whether you enjoy sports, making jewellery, or have a creative side project, these details can reflect qualities like dedication, perseverance, or innovation. Including a high-quality photo, such as a headshot or casual photo, also helps to put a face to the name and create a stronger connection with people. Lastly, enhance your credibility by linking to your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other relevant social media accounts to make it easy for employers or clients to learn more about you.
Your professional experience
Following on from your “About Me” section, your professional experience section should reflect your CV, showcasing your background, skills, and key achievements. Highlight your expertise in specific areas of marketing, such as digital marketing, content strategy, social media management, or SEO.
Include details on the industries you’ve worked in and the types of clients you've collaborated with. Where possible, use data and statistics to demonstrate your impact, such as increased engagement rates, lead generation success, or ROI improvements. If you have relevant certifications or technical skills, be sure to list them to further establish your expertise. This section should give potential employers or clients a clear understanding of your capabilities and accomplishments.
Showcase your best work
The main idea is to present your marketing work in a visual, easy-to-read format. Instead of including every project you've worked on, carefully select your proudest, standout campaigns that best demonstrate your skills and impact. Choose projects that delivered strong results, utilised multiple marketing channels, and showcased your creativity and innovation. A well-curated selection keeps your portfolio engaging and highlights your strengths effectively.
Beyond displaying work samples, provide context for each project. Explain its objectives, challenges, your role, and the strategies you implemented. Most importantly, showcase measurable results as they add credibility and make your achievements more persuasive. A strong visual and data-driven representation of your work will leave a lasting impression.
Contact information
At the end of your portfolio, make sure to include a section with your contact details. Include an email address, a link to your CV, LinkedIn, any other social media accounts that you use to document your work, and a services page if you also do freelance work. Marketing recruiters in Manchester often check social media accounts so remember although it is important to show employers that you are experienced in using social media platforms, only provide links to public accounts that include appropriate and professional content.
How to create a marketing portfolio with no experience
If you’re new to digital marketing or looking to get your foot in the door, you might be thinking “I don’t have anything to put into a portfolio.” However, don’t worry, even if you lack work experience, you can still start to build your marketing portfolio and apply for marketing jobs.
Perhaps you have a YouTube or TikTok account you could link to show your interest in the social media realm and content creation skills. If you have school/university projects or even any personal projects that could be marketing-related or show off your creativity, these could be added to your first portfolio. If you don’t, then make one! You could create a mock campaign for your favourite brand to showcase your abilities, enthusiasm for the company, and strategic thinking.
If you’re looking to gain practical marketing experience, it’s important to take that first step and try to gain any relevant experience that could benefit your career. Why not offer volunteer work for smaller businesses in your hometown that could benefit from someone who is comfortable using social media platforms and digital tools? Connect with like-minded marketers online who can offer advice on entering the marketing landscape. Search for marketing internships that can provide hands-on experience, or if you're eager to earn while you learn, apply for a marketing apprenticeship.
Don’t hang around waiting to gain work experience, show employers that you are proactive in your learning and are determined to become a strong marketer. By following these steps, you can develop a winning marketing portfolio that attracts the attention of both employers and the best marketing recruiters in Manchester to help you land your dream role!