How to Create a Portfolio to Land Your Dream Instructional Design Job
Whether you’re ready to jump into your instructional design job search or you’re just learning about the field, you’ve got to know about digital portfolios!
The truth is, even experienced instructional designers need these tips for sprucing up their portfolios. But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered from start to finish and everywhere in between.
What is a Portfolio and Why Do I Need One for an Instructional Design Job?
An instructional design portfolio is a collection of projects that showcase your skills and strengths as an instructional designer. For example, you might have seen portfolios used in photography or graphic design.
Well, it’s the same idea! Just as you would want to see examples of a photographer’s work before hiring them, instructional design recruiters need your portfolio to back up your resume.
Portfolios VS. Resumes
Now, you might be asking yourself why you even need a portfolio. Especially if you’ve spent time polishing your resume and cover letter to make them perfect for the instructional design job you’re applying for.
A resume only lists your skills. Now, a great resume should include enough detail to get an employer or recruiter’s attention (you can read more about that in my free resume writing ebook). On the other hand, your portfolio demonstrates those skills with clear examples that allow an employer to see what you can do.
Benefits of Creating a Digital Portfolio
Crafting a resume is time-consuming enough. Do you need to create a portfolio on top of that? The short answer is YES!
Here are some other amazing benefits to building a portfolio you can submit to complement your resume for an instructional design job:
- Provides evidence you can do what your resume says you can do
- Builds your credibility with recruiters and potential employers
- Gives you a leg up on your competition
- Tracks your accomplishments in personal and professional projects
- Attracts attention, especially if you don’t have formal instructional design experience
Projects to Include in Your Instructional Design Portfolio
So now that you understand the importance of building a portfolio let’s talk about what you should and should not include as an instructional designer.
Project Dos and Don’ts
Do: Show off your best projects. Include the work that you are most proud of.
Do: Consider what kind of role you want to have as an instructional designer. If you want to be more on the development side, you’ll want to include courses you’ve developed using authoring tools like Articulate Storyline. If you prefer to focus on curating the learning content, include storyboards or scripts.
Do: Include a variety of projects that show your range.
Do: Try and match projects with skills you’ve highlighted in your resume.
Don’t: Include projects you don’t have permission to use or that contain sensitive client information. Ask for permission from previous employers or scrub projects of company information and logos before you share.
Don’t: Go overboard. Like with a resume, you have to curate what you share or risk losing the viewer’s attention. Pick a few great projects and put your best work at the top!
What if I Haven’t Worked in Instructional Design Yet?
At this point, instructional design newbies might be panicking. If you haven’t had an instructional design job yet, where are you supposed to get these projects to build a portfolio?
Building a portfolio is a beneficial practice for aspiring instructional designers. It gives you a taste of project management and forces you to dive into course creation.
First, reflect on projects from your current role (whether in a career other than instructional design or as a student). There’s no need to reinvent the wheel! For example, if you’ve had to organize learning content, record a video tutorial, or deliver training as a teacher- you’ve got some material that could be useful in a portfolio.
Next, figure out what’s missing. Spend some time looking at job requirements for instructional design jobs you’d want. What kind of skills are they looking for? You can also view some real instructional design portfolios, like these, for inspiration.
From there, create your project on whatever topic you want that fulfills those requirements. The assets in your portfolio don’t have to be real courses or materials that you’ve used in training! They just have to prove you know your stuff!
Here’s an example: this instructional design job requirements include creating reference materials for university staff.
As a newbie instructional designer, I will put together a job aid and an infographic that I can include in my portfolio.
Common Instructional Design Skills to Highlight in Your Portfolio
Check out this infographic for a quick explanation of different projects you can include in your portfolio and what skills they highlight:
Getting Started on an Instructional Design Portfolio
I know this might seem like a lot of work, especially if you’re starting your portfolio from scratch. I’m not going to pretend like portfolio-building is easy- it’s not! It’s definitely not something you can do overnight.
So, I’m going to break it down into seven manageable steps to get you started.
Step 1: Do Your Research
If you haven’t already, spend some time looking up instructional design job postings. Take note of the popular requirements to get ideas for sample projects to create for your portfolio.
Step 2: Pick a Topic
Since you have to create a project from scratch, it might as well be on a topic you enjoy or know a lot about! It can be really simple. The simpler, the better. You want your audience to focus on the delivery, not necessarily the exact content.
If you’re having trouble thinking of a topic, check out this website that generates project ideas.
Step 3: Plan the Deliverable
Here’s where you decide how you’re going to present your topic. Those job requirements you researched earlier will come into play here. For example, if you want to showcase your development skills, you might plan an eLearning course using authoring software. If you want to showcase video and audio editing skills, you’ll create a video tutorial.
Step 4: Organize your Content
Regardless of what format your final product will be, you’ve got to get organized before you jump into the product. Especially if you’re going to be relying on a free trial to finish your project!
Identify learning objectives and organize your content. You can even storyboard the project and track it using a project management tool (news flash: those can also be portfolio assets!)
Step 5: Develop the Project
Once you’re organized, you’re ready to develop. Now you can start your free trial if you need to. Even though this is just a sample project, don’t forget to run it through quality assurance. Send it to someone you trust to get their feedback before you add it to your portfolio.
Step 6: Host your Portfolio
Once you have something to include in your portfolio, you need a place to put it. There are plenty of great options (many of them are free) for hosting your instructional design portfolio.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Step 7: Post your Portfolio
You might choose to wait on this step until you have more than one project, but the last step is to share your portfolio with the world! Or with your professional network, at least.
Share your portfolio on your socials, especially LinkedIn. This has a few benefits. First, you can get more feedback and use it to improve. But most importantly, you might attract the attention of someone that can connect you with an instructional design job.
Still Need More Help?
The portfolio creation process can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Luck for you, we have Accelerator Alumni and Portfolio-Expert Darlene Dalgleish offering private portfolio coaching sessions.
Suppose you’re looking for more one-on-one instruction to help you move through an instructional design process and create assets for your portfolio? In that case, you should check out The Instructional Design Tech Accelerator program.
You’ll move through all of the steps I summarized above in greater detail with the support of other students as well as experts in instructional design, video production, PowerPoint design, and Storyline development. Accelerators who complete the program have a variety of reviewed projects to include in their portfolio.
You can also find community support for free in The Hangout, a community for aspiring instructional designers. Bring your portfolio-related questions to the group!
The Testimonials are In:
Client
Shola Richards
Working with Shanwtay and Katie at the Instructional Design Company was a dream come true. Their creativity, expertise, and professionalism throughout the entire process was beyond top notch. I engaged them to help turn my first book into a training course, and I could not be happier with how the final product turned out. If you have an instructional design project and you’re considering which company to work with, you can stop your search and thank me later. They are truly the best in the business.
Shola Richards
Student
Graphic Designer
I joined the Instructional Design & Tech Accelerator Certificate Program because I struggled to find jobs in instructional design beyond the development phase. I’ve done a couple of training programs with lots of random projects, but I was overwhelmed, not connecting the dots, and not good at structuring my writing to hit learning objectives. I was looking for motivation and direction at beginning a better Instructional Designer.
After taking the Instructional Design & Tech Certificate program and joining my fantastic team for support, I found the structure and approach to be what I need to take my next steps, evening improving my skills in the development stage.
Gayle Bower
Student
Teacher, Future Instructional Designer
I love how this course let’s you work at your own pace. I got great tips and learned many things. The ongoing support for multiple people and groups is what I love the best. You are never alone in this process. I have been able to adjust my resume and began creating a portfolio of work I’ve completed to add when applying for jobs. I use many of the PowerPoint skills in my lessons and trainings. I would highly recommend this for anyone wanting to become an instructional designer.
Laurie Henderson
Student
Teacher, Future Instructional Designer
I have searched for the last few years to find some suitable career change where I wouldn’t have to earn another degree and where I could use the talents and skills I already have as a teacher. When I came across the Instructional Design Accelerator course, I loved the fact that Shawntay was a former teacher and could relate to a teacher’s need to transition from the classroom. This was what sold the course for me. Her experiences are invaluable especially when translating teacher duties to instructional designer duties. I would (and have) recommended this program to other teachers I know who are looking to transition out of the classroom. I do appreciate ALL of her feedback on my projects!
Wendy McMillian
Student
L&D Project Manager
The Instructional Design & Tech Accelerator certificate program is one of the most comprehensive ID programs out there for beginners. If you’re looking to grow your schools in ID and development then I highly recommend this program. Not only will this program give you an overview of theory, but you will receive a thorough walkthrough of how to apply what you have learned. Although I had already secured a position in Learning & Development when I bought this course, it helped me to move up into a new position as a Learning & Development Project Manager!
Gabby Grimaldo
Student
Future Instructional Designer
If you have any interest in ID, sign up for this program NOW! Shawntay and her team are top notch! The course content exceeded my expectations in a big way and the encouragement and support continues to be so valuable. You will not feel alone going through this course, you will learn so much, you’ll have many cheerleaders, and you will have fun!
Shanna Howe
Student
Future Instructional Designer
I am really enjoying this program! It’s prerfect for someone who is thinking about a career shift to Instructional Design and does not have a lot of experience. This is my first real introduction to Instructional Design and it’s been the perfect beginner course to help me get my feet wet. The modules are broken down well and it’s great to go at your own pace and at your own time. The modules themselves are very comprehensive and you learn a lot from all of them. I really like how each one build upon each other and you’re working towards the bigger project of designing your first training course from scratch. I’m learning so much from going through this course! I was provided great feedback from Katie and Shawntay through the process via Trello Boards, comments on the Google documents, and Facebook group. This course has been well worth the time and effort and I appreciate the fact that I will always have the resources available to me after I complete the training (just in case I’m not quite ready to transition yet).
Aviva Berkowitz
Student
Future Instructional Designer
I can’t say enough great things about the Instructional Design & Tech Accelerator Certificate Program! The length of the program is perfect; it doesn’t feel rushed and there’s just the right amount of structure to give you the accountability you need. There are so many opportunities to get live answers to any questions you have related to the course content or anything ID-related! This program gave me the support and structure I needed to both feel affirmed in the relevant skills I already had coming in and to fill in the gaps I had as a career-changer going into ID. Shawntay, Katie, and all the coaches are super helpful and supportive. I now feel confident that I have the tools and access to resources I need to apply for ID jobs without wondering if there’s something I’m “missing” in the preparation process. I’d highly recommend this program to anyone wanting to transition into ID or who just wants to brush up on their skills in the field.
Krista Johnson Awomoyi
Student
Freelance Instructional Designer
I’d highly recommend the Instructional Design & Tech Accelerator Certificate Program. I’m blown away by how much I learned in just 12 weeks. I had ID experience prior to taking this course and was just looking to get a better understanding of applying adult learning principles. This course well exceeded my expectations! Not only did I gain a clear understanding of adult learning principles, I was also able to apply those principles by creating assets for your portfolio using PowerPoint, Adobe Premiere Pro and Storyline. The hands on support that we received was top notch.
Darlene Dalgleish
Student
Instructional Designer
This program is one of the most robust yet fulfilling L&D programs I’ve seen. I learned so much about the industry and about the limitlessness of my own capabilities. I am so appreciative of Shawntay and all of the trainers who took part in the program. They went above and beyond with not only guiding, but communicating live and working one on one or in small groups. If you are on the fence, I say take the leap and you will not regret it! There’s so much to learn, not only from the trainers, but also the learners in your group. Everyone comes in with their own skills and can be additional support and guidance for you. Thank you for creating this program!
Shawnice Edge
Student
Instructional Designer Training Facilitator
Shawntay is an amazing individual. She is very knowledgeable in all aspects of ID and eLearning. She is also very compassionate and loves to help and see everyone around her grow and prosper. Shawntay has been a great mentor to me and she has helped me mature as an instructional designer and eLearning developer. She has provided me with opportunities when others have overlooked me. I am very grateful to have met and built a lifelong relationship with Shawntay.
I recently got hired into my first instructional design / training position and Shawntay was one of the first people to congratulate me!
Brian Hightower
Student
Freelance Instructional Designer
My teacher-to-instructional-designer journey began two years ago when I left my teaching comfort zone and started my first freelance ID job. Now, I’m stepping out of the classroom and taking my freelance work full-time, so I’m thrilled to be joining the Tech Accelerator program. Adding technologies like Articulate 360 and Adobe Premiere Pro to my qualifications will help me take my courses to the next level and attract more clients!
Sarah Smith
Student
Teacher Transitioning into Instructional Design
I am genuinely grateful for this course. I wanted a real-world perspective and feel like I got it. I’m teaching now, but nearing retirement age but can see myself working as an instructional designer well into my retirement years. My other goal is to take as many courses in statistics as possible in hopes of bringing some mathematical precision to the ROI question. Like you say, getting accurate metrics to measure ROI can be a challenge, but I intend to work on that part. That’s unimportant right now, what is important is the fact that I feel like this course was well worth every penny I spent and I would to it again in a heartbeat. I have too much going on right now, but as soon as I get some time freed up I intend to take your course in project management.
Lee R
Client
Turns Your Written Thoughts Into a Masterpiece!
Shawntay Skjoldager can turn your written thoughts into a masterpiece. She is great to work with and the most organized person I know!
Sheryl Rhoades
President and CEO, The Creative Entreprenuer
Client
Shawntay has been incredible!
Shawntay has been incredible and her team is responsive and effective in translating my training programs into professional presentations. Don’t hesitate to contact her for your project.
Beth B. De Lima, MBA, SPHR-CA, SHRM-SCP
President and Principal of HRM Consulting, Inc.
Client
IDC is My Secret Weapon to Soar Above My Competition!
The IDC team has been my secret and special weapon of success. They have delivered above and beyond with every single project out in front of them. They have met and beat timelines. They have been Uber responsive every step of the way. I keep them on speed dial and have and continue to recommend them to friends and clients. If you are in need of instructional design and plenty more, this is THE ALL-STAR team that will more than deliver and help make you and your project soar above the competition.
LT. COL. Jason O. Harris
U.S. Air Force Officer, Special Operations Pilot, U.S.A.F. Academy Instructor, Motivational Speaker
Client
A Tremendous Asset to the Project Team!
Working with Shawntay and the Instructional Design Company has allowed our university to meet the growing demands of our programs. Shawntay’s expertise allowed for the course development to be completed on time and met all of the university requirements. Shawntay’s project management skills were phenomenal and allowed my team to work on other areas while she completed this project for us. Her work is of high quality and her professionalism and willingness to help made her a tremendous asset to the project team.
Amanda Buckley
Academic Quality Assurance Specialist, Abilene Christian University
Client
Creative & Highly Talented!
Shawntay is a creative and highly talented instructional designer. She brought a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and leadership that enabled her to own the design and creation of a full scale facilitator curriculum and train-the-trainer program. It was a pleasure to partner with Shawntay, her project management and communication skills ensured the project was on time and on budget.
Susan Gatti
President, IMMIXID
Client
Breaks Down Mammoth Projects
“Shawntay is quick study and carefully synthesizes information for presentations that are clear, concise and captivating. Her personality draws the audience in and her content mastery is excellent. A team player and organizer, Shawntay has the ability to break down mammoth projects, keep everybody on time and on task.”
Rick Miller
Author, Speaker, Strengths Coach
Client
eLearning Development
“I have had many opportunities to work with Shawntay—mainly in the support of implementing new eLearning initiatives. I have been very impressed by her ability to quickly learn how to use rapid eLearning development tools and effectively use them to create multiple courses within a short timeframe. Shawntay’s enthusiastic nature, attention to detail, and dedication to her work make her a pleasure to work with and a great asset to both Texas A&M University-Commerce and the broader training community within the Texas A&M University System.”
Ashley Christian
Director of Learning Strategy, Caveo Learning
Client
Top Notch Professional
Working with Shawntay has been an immense pleasure. She is atop notch professional who brings enthusiasm and extensiveexpertise to professional curriculum development and execution. Her knowledge of tried and true techniques to maximize the effectiveness of presentations is invaluable.
Nancy Drapeau, PRC
Vice President of Research, CEIR - Center for Exhibition Industry Research
Client
Fortunate to Find Shawntay!
“I was fortunate to find Shawntay when our organization was looking to expand and update our educational offerings. Shawntay proved herself to be an educational and personal development expert who immediately made an impact with our clients throughout Europe. Everyone who came into contact with Shawntay was immediately impressed by her level of expertise and willingness to share her knowledge with those around her. I would not hesitate to recommend Shawntay to anyone looking for an education subject matter expert.”
Jonathan Burt
Director of Qualifications and NSD Services, Mary Kay Inc.
Client
Short Turn Around. On Time. Under Budget!
“We hired Shawntay to develop a training facilitator’s guide and PowerPoint slide deck for an operations manual heavy with technical content. The project was made more challenging by a very short turn around, 5 business days, and the fact that the operations manual wasn’t complete and was being updated simultaneously with the facilitator’s guide and slide deck. Despite these challenges, Shawntay delivered as promised. On time and under budget.”
Dave Beeman, CPP
Vice President, Andy Frain Services
Client
Need an Expert Who Consistently Delivers?
“Working with Shawntay you will immediately notice her professional presence and poise, but over time her tenacious pursuit of excellence and her skills in instructional development and adult learning will really impress you. I worked with her at Mary Kay, and was able to experience firsthand her great rapport with regional partners in Europe, understanding their unique sales force training needs. In addition, Shawntay consistently exhibited grace under pressure, made executive decisions to move business forward. If you are looking for an expert who consistently delivers and goes the extra mile to get things done, contact Shawntay!”
Mellora Moore
Marketing Director, Academic Partnerships
Client
Quality Products & Solutions!
“I had had the pleasure of knowing and working with Shawntay on more than a few occasions. I found her to be a very good business partner and very committed to delivering a quality product or solution in a timely manner. I have always had a positive experience in partnering with Shawntay and would recommend that you consider leveraging her talent.”
Judy Owen, CPC
Transformational Leadership Coach
Client
“Invest in yourself and take your skills to the next NEXT level!”
Get yourself signed up for Shawntay Skjoldager’s Instructional Design & Tech Accelerator Certificate Program today and be on your way to success! Within the first week of taking her course, you will experience growth! Be sure to plug into her Facebook Q&A sessions for personalized help, too. This is THE course to take if you are new to instructional design or have landed on the training team and need help getting started.
Patrick Hodges
Managing Partner, PHiG
Client
“Her enthusiasm for adult learning is contagious!”
Shawntay has exceptional knowledge and experience with all aspects of creating and implementing effective, performance based training for adults. She is exceptional at needs analysis – identifying target audiences and collaborating with business owners to keep training focused on business needs. And she is great to work with – always providing great support to get projects done on-time and on-target. She is always on the look-out for new and more effective ways to engage learners. Her enthusiasm for adult learning is contagious!
Mike Stubblefield
eLearning Developer/Instructional Designer, Vivos Therapeutics
Client
“Spot on”
I have known and worked with Shawntay as a education program director and use the expertise of ShawntayMichelle for the development of my presentations. The service has always been “spot on” with professionalism, care and attention. Shawntay’s recommendations to my ideas make me look good to my clients.
Al Lomas CMP, CEM, CMM, CFE
Owner, Certified Consulting Services
Client
“Shawntay Skjoldager reached in and made my training life so much easier!”
I am new to the training design and development world and I was SO excited to get in there, but I really lacked the real-world knowledge that would set me apart from my peers. And, then Shawntay Skjoldager walked into my life with an outstretched hand and a seemingly endless list of ways to knock every training out of the park. From the Training Analysis Form to the Tay Tay tips, this course made my life so much easier and even ironed out the review process that I had been struggling with for months.
Take time to invest in your own learning and make sure to put Shawntay Michelle at the top of your personal development list!
Katie Carter
Training Specialist, LegalShield
