The way we apply for jobs is changing—fast. Gone are the days when a simple one-page resume was enough to land your dream role. In 2025, job seekers are asking a new question: “Should I use a resume, a portfolio, or both?”
If you’re wondering which one wins in today’s competitive job market, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the difference between a resume and a portfolio, explore what employers are looking for in 2025, and help you choose the best strategy for your career.
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What Is a Resume?
A resume is a summary of your work experience, skills, and education—usually one or two pages long. It’s often used for quick screening by recruiters or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Common Elements of a Resume:
- Contact information
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills (hard and soft)
- Certifications or achievements
Resumes are great for corporate, administrative, and entry-level roles where structured information matters most.
What Is a Portfolio?
A portfolio is a collection of real work samples that show what you can actually do. Think of it as proof of your skills in action.
Types of Portfolios in 2025:
- Digital design portfolios (e.g., Behance, Dribbble)
- Developer portfolios (e.g., GitHub, live web apps)
- Personal websites or Notion pages
- Video portfolios or walkthroughs
- Case study presentations
Portfolios are essential for creative professionals, freelancers, and anyone in tech, marketing, design, or development.
Portfolio vs Resume: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Resume | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Text-based, formal | Visual, interactive, detailed |
| Purpose | Quick overview | Showcasing real skills and projects |
| Length | 1–2 pages | No strict limit |
| Best For | Traditional industries | Creative/tech industries |
| ATS Compatibility | High | Low (unless hybrid) |
In short, resumes tell, portfolios show.
2025 Hiring Trends: What Recruiters Want Now
Recruiters in 2025 are looking for more than just qualifications—they want to see what you’ve actually done. Here’s what’s changed:
- AI-driven screening tools prefer resumes with proper formatting and keywords.
- Portfolios impress human reviewers who want to see your creativity, problem-solving, and real-world results.
- Many hiring managers now expect both—a polished resume and a well-curated portfolio.
When to Use a Resume (and Only a Resume)
There are still situations where a classic resume is the best option:
- Applying for corporate or government jobs
- Roles that require strict formatting (like finance or healthcare)
- Companies that use ATS systems for filtering applicants
- Entry-level positions with no prior project work
Tip: Make sure your resume includes keywords from the job description to pass AI filters.
When to Use a Portfolio (or Prioritize It)
A portfolio is your secret weapon when:
- You’re in a creative field like graphic design, UX/UI, writing, or video production
- You work in tech, like development or data science
- You’re a freelancer or consultant showcasing multiple client projects
- You’re applying for remote jobs, where proof of self-motivation is key
In these fields, a resume might get you noticed, but a portfolio gets you hired.
Why Not Use Both? (The Smart Hybrid Approach)
Why choose one when you can have the best of both worlds?
Combine a Resume and Portfolio:
- Add a portfolio link in your resume (use a short URL or QR code)
- Use a digital resume format with embedded links or media
- Create a Notion-based resume/portfolio hybrid (very popular in 2025)
- Include short case studies in your resume under work experience
This hybrid approach helps you pass the initial screening and wow the hiring manager later.
How to Decide: Resume, Portfolio, or Both?
Ask yourself:
- What industry am I in? (Creative/tech = portfolio focus)
- Do I have past projects to show? (If yes, use a portfolio)
- Is the company traditional or modern? (Match your approach to their vibe)
- Do they ask for a resume or work samples? (Always follow the job posting)
Tools to Build in 2025:
- Resume Builders: Zety, Resume.io, Rezi (AI-based)
- Portfolio Platforms: Notion, Wix, Webflow, GitHub, Behance, Dribbble
- Hybrid Tools: Canva, Adobe Express, and AI-based portfolio creators
Conclusion: What Wins in 2025?
In 2025, it’s not about portfolio vs resume—it’s about using both strategically.
- Your resume gets you through the door.
- Your portfolio gets you the offer.
Whether you’re a designer, developer, writer, or marketer, showcasing your skills matters more than ever. Start building both today—and stay ahead in the job race.
FAQs
1. Is a resume still necessary in 2025?
Yes. Most companies still ask for a resume, especially in structured industries like finance, healthcare, or government.
2. Can a portfolio replace a resume completely?
In creative and freelance roles, yes. But even then, many companies still want a basic resume for HR records.
3. What should be in a 2025 portfolio?
Include your best work, short case studies, client testimonials, and interactive elements like videos or links to live projects.
4. Are digital resumes with portfolio links more effective?
Absolutely. They make you stand out and let hiring managers dive deeper into your skills.
5. What tools are best to build a portfolio?
Try Webflow, Notion, GitHub, Wix, or Behance—depending on your field. For quick setup, Notion and Canva are excellent.