Your CV lists what you've done. Your portfolio shows how you think.
In 2026, having a CV alone isn't enough. Recruiters Google you. Clients check your work before reaching out. A portfolio website gives you control over what they find.
The good news: you don't need to start from scratch. Your CV already contains the raw material. Here's how to transform it into a portfolio that actually works.
Why a CV isn't enough
A CV is designed to pass through applicant tracking systems and land on a recruiter's desk. It's optimised for scanning, not for storytelling.
A portfolio does something different. It lets you:
- Show the context behind your work
- Demonstrate how you think and solve problems
- Control your narrative instead of letting LinkedIn do it
- Give people a single link that represents you professionally
According to a recent survey, over 80% of hiring managers research candidates online before making a decision. Your portfolio is often what they find.
What makes a portfolio different
The shift from CV to portfolio isn't just about formatting. It's about perspective.
CVs are lists. They tell someone what you did, when, and for whom.
Portfolios are stories. They show someone why it mattered and how you approached the work.
Here's the difference in practice:
| CV entry | Portfolio version |
|---|---|
| "Led redesign of checkout flow" | A case study showing the problem, your process, and the 23% increase in conversions |
| "Built internal analytics dashboard" | Screenshots, the decisions you made, and feedback from the team |
| "Managed team of 5 engineers" | How you structured the team, handled challenges, and shipped on time |
Five steps to convert your CV
1. Choose your best 3-5 projects
More isn't better. A portfolio with three strong projects beats one with ten mediocre entries.
Look through your CV and pick work that:
- You're genuinely proud of
- Shows range or depth (ideally both)
- You can explain in detail
- Has visible results or impact
If you're early in your career, include side projects, freelance work, or even well-executed coursework. What matters is the quality of your thinking, not the prestige of the company.
2. Write project descriptions that tell a story
For each project, answer these questions:
- What was the problem? Set the scene. What challenge were you solving?
- What was your role? Be specific. "I designed the interface" is better than "worked on the design team."
- What did you do? Walk through your process. Key decisions, trade-offs, constraints.
- What was the result? Numbers are great, but qualitative impact counts too.
Keep it concise. Two paragraphs is often enough. Let the work speak where it can.
3. Add context with visuals
Screenshots, mockups, diagrams, before-and-afters. These aren't decoration—they're proof.
If your work isn't visual by nature (backend engineering, strategy, operations), consider:
- Architecture diagrams
- Process flowcharts
- Data visualisations
- Screenshots of tools you built
Even a simple diagram can make abstract work tangible.
4. Write an "About" section that sounds like you
Your About section isn't a bio. It's your chance to make a connection.
Skip the third-person corporate speak. Write like you're introducing yourself to someone at a conference. Include:
- What you do and what you care about
- What you're looking for (if relevant)
- Something that makes you human
A few sentences is plenty. Authenticity beats polish.
5. Make it easy to contact you
You'd be surprised how many portfolios make it hard to get in touch.
Include:
- A clear email address (not hidden behind a form)
- Links to LinkedIn, GitHub, or whatever's relevant
- A simple call to action ("Let's talk" works fine)
Put contact information where people expect it: header, footer, or a dedicated section.
What to leave out
Not everything from your CV belongs in your portfolio.
Skip:
- Every job you've ever had (focus on what's relevant now)
- Lengthy descriptions of company backgrounds
- Obvious skills (yes, you know Microsoft Office)
- Anything you'd rather not discuss in an interview
Keep:
- Work that represents your current ability
- Projects you can talk about enthusiastically
- Skills that differentiate you
Less is more. A focused portfolio signals confidence.
The fastest way to get started
You don't need to design anything from scratch. Tools like Curvit let you upload your CV and generate a portfolio in seconds.
The result is a clean, professional page with your own URL—something you can share in an email signature, on LinkedIn, or anywhere else people might look you up.
Your CV got you this far. Your portfolio takes you further.