Beyond the CV: How a personal portfolio website can make you stand out

Fahim Jamir, a fresh BBA graduate from a Malaysian university, dreamed of an easy transition from student life to a successful corporate career. He returned to Bangladesh, confident that his foreign degree would give him an edge. But reality was different.

"When I came back to Bangladesh, I had zero idea about the job market here. I applied to multiple banks and corporate offices, sending out dozens of CVs, but all for nothing. I got called to only a few interviews" Fahim recalled.

Rejection emails kept coming as time passed by. 

"I started questioning my own skills and abilities. Was my degree not enough? The uncertainty was suffocating."

During that challenging time, he found several YouTube videos suggesting a strategy to increase his chances of getting a job: creating a personal portfolio website.

"I had never really considered this idea before, the videos explained how a portfolio website helps job seekers stand out by showcasing their skills and experiences. I thought, why not give it a shot?"

Desperate to break the rejection loop, Fahim started building his own personal website using WordPress. 

"I included everything: my personal information, academic history, work experience, extracurricular activities, research papers, projects, and even a dedicated section for my photography hobby," he said. 

"I created a separate page for my awards and achievements, ensuring everything was in one place. The website became a digital representation of who I am, something that a traditional CV could never fully portray."

After a few weeks, his efforts started to pay off. He got called for an interview with an international bank. Nervous yet hopeful, he went for the interview.

"During the interview, the recruiters asked me a few questions and then showed more interest in my portfolio rather than my CV," Fahim recalled.

As they were going through the sections of his portfolio, he felt a sudden boost of confidence. He said, "I could see their reactions — they were hooked and really impressed by the way I portrayed my whole journey so far.

"Unlike a paper CV that limits how much we can share, this website allowed me to express myself fully and provide visual proof of my capabilities," Fahim added.

The next morning he received a confirmation mail for the job.

After joining, Fahim was curious about what had set him apart from other candidates. "I spoke to the HR team, and they told me that my portfolio website was a unique concept. It highlighted my skills and also demonstrated my ability to think out of the box. They said it made the hiring decision easier for them."

Fahim is not the only one with such experience. Many recruiters now acknowledge that traditional CVs often fall short of conveying a candidate's full potential. 

Numaya Eum Illma, Talent acquisition lead and human resources business partner at IDLC Finance Limited explained, "CVs are very conventional and often lack the depth needed to properly assess a candidate before making a final decision. However, portfolio websites provide a more comprehensive view of candidates, helping us finalise our decisions."

However, Rayeedah Islam, Marketing Skills and Sourcing Officer at British American Tobacco (BAT), argued that it might not make much of a difference in certain roles. However, for creative industries and other roles, portfolio websites can be a game changer. That being said, she suggests all candidates building one, as it is a plus anyway.

So, what makes an online portfolio stand out to employers? According to experts, there are three key elements to consider.

Set up a professional online presence

The first step is to set up a professional online presence through building a website. Whether using a website builder, a portfolio platform or a personal domain, the choice depends on one's budget, technical skills and customisation needs. 

Those who are skilled can use free website builders to create their websites themselves, while those who are unable to do so can easily hire someone or an agency to build one for them within their budget. The cost typically ranges from Tk5,000 to Tk10,000, depending on the person or agency hired.

The first expense is domain registration, which ranges from Tk950 to Tk2,595 per year for a .com domain. 

Web hosting costs between Tk2,800 and Tk5,000 annually. If you hire a developer, basic website design starts at around Tk3,000, while more customised designs can go up to Tk20,000 or more. 

However, going for a cheaper approach using website builders like WordPress can reduce costs, with premium themes or plugins costing between Tk5,000 and Tk10,000. Additional expenses, such as SSL certificates (ranging from free to Tk5,000), should also be considered. 

"When considering a platform, keep in mind the ease of use, design flexibility, security, and compatibility across devices," Fahim advised. 

Showcase your best works

A portfolio should highlight quality over quantity. Selecting relevant projects that align with job requirements is essential. 

"I made sure to include detailed descriptions of my past work, explaining the objective, process, outcome, and feedback," Fahim said. 

Tell your story

An effective portfolio goes beyond just listing your qualifications, rather it tells your story. 

"I made a short yet engaging intro that summarised my background, skills, and career goals and I also included testimonials from professors and past employers to add credibility" Fahim explained.

A strong portfolio website can set you apart. It is not just a showcase of work — it is a powerful representation of your skills, creativity, and professional identity. In today's job market, it can be the edge you need. So, why not take the first step now?