November 3, 2025
In a competitive job market, your CV gets you seen. But your portfolio gets you shortlisted . Whether you're a digital marketer, brand strategist, or content lead, employers in Sydney and Melbourne increasingly expect to see proof of your work, especially for mid to senior roles. At SustainRecruit , we review hundreds of portfolios every month. Here's what makes the best ones rise to the top in 2026. 1. Curated, Not Crowded Your p ortfolio should be selective, not exhaustive. Hiring managers don’t want to scroll through every project you’ve ever worked on. They want a clear, confident story about your impact. What to include: 3 to 5 standout campaigns A mix of strategy and execution Results (not just visuals) Work that reflects the kind of role you want next Always frame the project: What was the objective? What was your role? What was the result? 2. Commercial Outcomes, Not Just Creative Great portfolios go beyond visuals and slogans. They connect the dots between creative output and business value. Instead of just saying "Led paid social campaign for product launch," say: "Led paid social campaign for new product launch, achieving a 6.2x ROAS and a 23% increase in trial signups within the first 30 days." Marketers are hired to drive results. Make yours measurable. 3. Easy to Navigate A recruiter or hiring manager should be able to skim and scan your portfolio in less than five minutes—and know exactly who you are as a marketer. Quick tips: Use headings and short descriptions Host it online (PDFs still work, but web portfolios are easier to share) Include your name and contact details on every page Optimise for mobile—many first views happen on phones 4. Explain Your Role Clearly If your work was part of a team, clarify what you owned. Overselling or being vague can hurt your credibility. Be transparent: Did you lead the strategy? Were you responsible for execution or concept only? Did you manage agencies or budgets? Showing where you collaborated, and where you led, helps hiring managers assess fit for senior roles. 5. Include Work That Matches the Job You Want Your portfolio is also a positioning tool. If you want to m ove into a Head of Marketing or Strategy Lead role, don’t focus only on tactical execution. Highlight strategic thinking, cross-functional work, and leade rship. Even if you’ve done great work in performance or social media, tailor what you showcase to the type of role you're applying for. Make it easy for the employer to see you in that role. 6. Optional, but Impressive: A Case Study Want to go the extra mile? Inclu de one deeper dive case study. A simple one-page breakdown can include: The business challenge Your approach Tools and tactics Outcome and metrics What you learned Hiring managers love candidates who can reflect on their own work. What to Avoid Over-designed, hard-to-read layouts Jargon without explanation (e.g., "full-funnel content matrix") Projects that are too old or irrelevant Portfolio files over 20MB (they rarely open properly) And don’t forget to check the links. A broken portfolio link is often the end of the road. Your portfolio is more than a showcase; it’s a signal. It tells hiring managers what kind of marketer you are, how you think, and where you’re headed. If you get it right, it won't just help you stand out. It will help you land. Ready to Step into Your Next Role? At SustainRecruit, we partner with marketing professionals across Sydney and Melbourne to match them with high-impact roles that align with their strengths and ambitions. Want feedback on your portfolio, or to chat through your next move? Reach out to our consultants directly: Alex Cytowska , Senior Consultant – supporting brands across all marketing disciplines 📩 alex@sustainrecruit.com Helly Reeds , Senior Consultant – partnering with creative agencies to source exceptional marketing talent 📩 helly@sustainrecruit.com
