In my opinion, what makes a outstanding portfolio or show reel isn't just the grades or academic achievements within it, it is what sets you apart from every other person with those same pieces of paper. You. Your interests, your hobbies, who you are as a person is just as, if not more, important than your samey CV. Sure, technical ability is important, but any human on the planet can learn. It's about the examples of having worked with other humans in a professional environment, or how you approached a certain situation, or your inviting nature for people to approach you within a team, these are the ways that set you apart from others and ultimately set you up for success within a company or project. It also adds a different layer on to your portfolio, making you more personable, so employers see you as a real person as opposed to a slideshow or 3-page word document. Be sure to mention these things in a separate section or page in your portfolio and you'll find yourself garnering more interest in ways of interviews or job opportunities.
Another key point is showcasing some sort of work experience within your chosen field. Even better, unpaid work experience. it's all very well having worked in an establishment for an hourly rate (any person would jump at those opportunities). But giving up your own time to help a local business or establishment to simply gain experience is vital. This shows employers the dedication you have to your discipline area, that you aren't just in it for the money, that you have passion for your area of work. But if not volunteering, paid work experience will suffice of course. Just having one foot in the door, as they say, is infinitely better than having no feet in the door. Even having spent a few days, weeks, months in a company and soaking up the culture, dynamics and how the organisation works will pay off tenfold in an interview.
Lastly, on the same note as volunteering, something that is a good sign for employers to see is learning you've taken on in your own time additional to you work/education. In the same way that giving up your time for a company shows your dedication and passion, so will giving up your free time to learn. Additionally to this, it allows you to expand your knowledge and beef up your showreel.
All of this being said, as it stands, I have no portfolio to showcase... so take my advice with a grain of salt!
Another key point is showcasing some sort of work experience within your chosen field. Even better, unpaid work experience. it's all very well having worked in an establishment for an hourly rate (any person would jump at those opportunities). But giving up your own time to help a local business or establishment to simply gain experience is vital. This shows employers the dedication you have to your discipline area, that you aren't just in it for the money, that you have passion for your area of work. But if not volunteering, paid work experience will suffice of course. Just having one foot in the door, as they say, is infinitely better than having no feet in the door. Even having spent a few days, weeks, months in a company and soaking up the culture, dynamics and how the organisation works will pay off tenfold in an interview.
Lastly, on the same note as volunteering, something that is a good sign for employers to see is learning you've taken on in your own time additional to you work/education. In the same way that giving up your time for a company shows your dedication and passion, so will giving up your free time to learn. Additionally to this, it allows you to expand your knowledge and beef up your showreel.
As for showreeling, this video demonstrates more the importance of showreeling and how to go about it for members of the creative scene.
All of this being said, as it stands, I have no portfolio to showcase... so take my advice with a grain of salt!
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