Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

General Discussion

Chris Andruszko
Chris Andruszko
18,392 Points
Posted by Chris Andruszko
Chris Andruszko
18,392 Points

What is most important for my portfolio right now?

I've been studying web development for over a year now. Within the past month I've had a few job interviews, but nothing has come through yet. Fortunately, thanks to those interviews, I have a much better grasp of what exactly employers are looking for.

I'm trying to get a front-end web developer position. My portfolio, at this point, is pretty slim and that's a problem. I'm wondering what the best use of my time is right now concerning that. Should I just make as many websites as I can? Or should I spend more time creating just a few well-written, JavaScript applications? Or do you have any other suggestions?

1 Answer

Kevin Korte
Kevin Korte
28,149 Points
Kevin Korte
Kevin Korte
28,149 Points

IMO, quality is always better than quantity in a portfolio.

For two reasons:

  1. HR/Owner Attention Span. If you have 30 mediocre projects, you're only going to get enough attention from a reviewer on about 3, maybe 4 projects. Only 10% of your total work, and they're only going to see mediocre work. We have short attention spans these days, coupled with not very exciting or well put together projects equals no attention.

  2. Mediocre designers and developers are everywhere, applying for every position. I've seen a lot of awful portfolios, and I've seen a few fantastic portfolios. I still remember the fantastic ones and have forgotten the rest. Be highly critical of your work you showcase, and you'll surely land a job in no time.

Good luck!

EDIT*

Other suggestions, yes! Start contributing on open source projects. Create pull requests, etc. Try creating your own open source project on Github. And start rubbing shoulders with devs you are inspired by. Be vocal on Twitter, jump in. You start running around the "social" dev groups on Twitter and Github, with some skill and talent, and you're sure to get noticed.

Chris Andruszko
Chris Andruszko
18,392 Points
Chris Andruszko
Chris Andruszko
18,392 Points

Thanks for explaining it that way. I guess it makes sense that most employers won't take a deep look at everything I've done. So I'll definitely be putting in the time to create quality content. And Git is one of those things I've used, but unfortunately haven't gotten far into yet. I guess that will have to change soon.

Anyway, thanks again!