Start with a Strategy, Not Just a List
Before you add anything, think like a recruiter. Which of your projects are most relevant to the jobs you want? A personal blog about digital marketing is perfect if you're targeting marketing roles. A complex app you built is ideal for a software development
path. Prioritise projects that showcase in-demand skills for your target industry. Quality trumps quantity. It's better to have one or two well-documented, relevant projects than a long list of unfinished or irrelevant hobbies. Your goal is to tell a compelling story about your capabilities and your passion for your chosen field. Every project you feature should serve that purpose and reinforce your professional brand.
Leverage the 'Featured' Section for Maximum Impact
The 'Featured' section is prime real estate on your profile, appearing just below your 'About' summary. This is where you should pin your single most impressive project. Because it supports visual media, it's the perfect place to grab attention with a compelling thumbnail, a link to a live demo, a GitHub repository, or a case study PDF. Don't just link to the project; create a custom thumbnail and write a clear, benefit-driven title. Think of this as your portfolio's front page. A recent audit found that very few users take full advantage of this section, giving you an immediate edge if you use it effectively.
Use the Dedicated 'Projects' Section Correctly
While the 'Featured' section is for your top highlight, the 'Projects' section is for building a comprehensive list. For each entry, fill out all the fields you can. Use a descriptive name, not just a generic title. In the description, focus on the outcome. Instead of saying you "built a website," explain that you "developed a fully responsive e-commerce site that processed its first 50 orders in a week." Crucially, use the 'Skills' field to tag the specific technologies and competencies you used, as this reinforces your main skills list. You can also link projects to a specific role in your 'Experience' or 'Education' section to provide context.
Consider Framing Major Projects as 'Experience'
If a side project was particularly substantial—perhaps a freelance gig, a startup you co-founded, or a long-term open-source contribution—consider giving it its own entry in your 'Experience' section. This can be especially useful if you're changing careers or have limited formal work experience. When doing this, list your role with a professional title like "Founder" or "Freelance Developer," and select the employment type as "Self-employed." Describe your responsibilities and, most importantly, your accomplishments, using metrics to quantify your impact wherever possible.
Weave Your Projects Into Your Narrative
Your profile shouldn't feel like a collection of separate lists. Your 'About' section, formerly the summary, is your chance to tie everything together into a compelling narrative. Don't just mention you have side projects; briefly explain what they taught you or how they confirm your passion for your field. For example: "My hands-on experience building a Python-based analytics tool for a local charity (see featured project below) solidified my passion for data science and its real-world applications." This connects the dots for recruiters and shows you're a proactive, motivated candidate.
Create Content Around Your Project
Don't let your project just sit on your profile. Actively post about it. Share updates on your progress, write about challenges you overcame, or create a short post explaining a key feature. Tagging the technologies you used or the people you collaborated with can increase visibility. This activity shows that you are not just a passive learner but an active participant in your field. It transforms your profile from a static resume into a dynamic showcase of your ongoing professional journey, keeping you top-of-mind for recruiters and connections in your network.
