In today’s competitive tech job market, a standout developer portfolio can be your ticket to getting hired — especially if you’re self-taught or new to the industry. Here’s how to craft a portfolio that impresses South African employers and recruiters.
1. Start with a Personal Website
Build a simple, well-designed site using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or a framework like React. It should include your name, a professional bio, contact information, and links to your work. Host it on GitHub Pages, Netlify, or your own domain for a polished look.
2. Showcase 3–5 Strong Projects
Quality trumps quantity. Choose projects that demonstrate a range of skills — front-end, back-end, APIs, or database integration. Examples include a weather app, e-commerce site, or a chatbot. Be sure to include live demos and source code links.
3. Write Clear Project Descriptions
For each project, add a short write-up: what it does, what tools/languages you used, and what challenges you overcame. This gives context and shows your ability to reflect on your process — a trait employers appreciate.
4. Include a GitHub Profile
Recruiters often review GitHub to see your code. Ensure your repositories are clean, well-documented, and active. Frequent commits show consistency and engagement.
5. Add a Blog or Learning Section (Optional but Valuable)
Writing about what you’re learning or how you solved problems helps you stand out. It also demonstrates communication skills — crucial in team environments.
6. Mobile-Responsiveness and Design Matter
Ensure your site works well on mobile and loads quickly. Good design doesn’t mean flashy — just clear, user-friendly, and modern.
7. Keep It Updated
A stale portfolio can hurt your chances. Regularly update it with new projects, skills, or improvements based on feedback.
Conclusion
A compelling portfolio tells your story as a developer — your skills, growth, and passion. Invest the time to make it clean, professional, and representative of what you can bring to a team. It may just be the tool that lands you your first (or next) tech job.