Resume vs Portfolio Website: Which Do You Actually Need?

"Should I update my resume or build a portfolio website?"

If you've asked this question, you're not alone. Many professionals struggle to understand when to use each—and whether they need both.

The short answer: they serve different purposes, and ideally, you want both. Here's why.

What a Resume Does

A resume is a structured summary of your professional experience. It's designed for one purpose: getting you through the application screening process.

Strengths of resumes:

• Expected format for job applications
• Easy to scan quickly (recruiters spend ~7 seconds per resume)
• Works with applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Standardized and familiar

Limitations of resumes:

• Can't show your personality
• Can't display actual work samples
• Limited space (1-2 pages)
• Looks like everyone else's

A resume answers: "What have you done?"

What a Portfolio Website Does

A portfolio website is your digital showcase. It's designed to demonstrate your skills, tell your story, and make a memorable impression.

Strengths of portfolio websites:

• Shows actual work, not just descriptions
• Unlimited space to tell your story
• Builds credibility and trust
• Works 24/7 to attract opportunities
• Differentiates you from other candidates

Limitations of portfolio websites:

• Not suitable for formal applications requiring resumes
• Requires creation and maintenance
• May not work with all ATS systems

A portfolio website answers: "What can you do?"

When to Use Each

Use a Resume When:

• Applying to jobs through formal channels
• Submitting applications through ATS systems
• Networking at career fairs
• A specific format is requested

Use a Portfolio Website When:

• Linking from social media profiles
• Following up after networking conversations
• Pitching freelance or consulting work
• Establishing yourself as an expert in your field
• Providing context that a resume can't capture

Use Both Together When:

• Job hunting seriously (link portfolio in resume)
• Building a personal brand
• Transitioning careers (show transferable skills visually)
• Working in creative or technical fields

The Power of Combining Both

Here's the winning strategy: use your resume to get in the door, and your portfolio to close the deal.

In your resume: Include a link to your portfolio website near your contact information. Many recruiters will click through to learn more about promising candidates.

In your portfolio: Include a downloadable PDF version of your resume. This gives visitors the traditional format they might need for formal processes.

The result: You cover all bases. You satisfy formal requirements while differentiating yourself with a professional online presence.

Who Needs a Portfolio Website Most?

While anyone can benefit, some professionals gain more:

Essential for:

• Designers (UX, UI, graphic, interior)
• Developers and engineers
• Writers and content creators
• Photographers and videographers
• Marketing professionals
• Consultants and coaches

Highly beneficial for:

• Project managers (show case studies)
• Sales professionals (show results)
• Executives (build thought leadership)
• Career changers (demonstrate new skills)

Less critical but still valuable for:

• Traditional corporate roles
• Entry-level positions
• Highly regulated industries

Creating Your Portfolio Doesn't Have to Be Hard

Here's the good news: you don't need technical skills or weeks of time to create a professional portfolio website.

Modern tools let you create a polished online presence in minutes. Pastefolio, for example, uses AI to transform your resume or bio into a beautiful website instantly. No design skills required.

Taking Action

If you're currently job searching or thinking about your career:

1. Update your resume - Make sure it's current and ATS-friendly
2. Create your portfolio - Start simple; you can always add more later
3. Link them together - Add your portfolio URL to your resume
4. Share strategically - Use your portfolio on LinkedIn and in networking

The job market is competitive. Standing out requires more than a polished resume. It requires showing who you are and what you're capable of.

Your portfolio website is how you do that.