In a previous post, I talked about the types of samples you should include in your medical communication portfolio. Today, I want to continue that conversation by discussing how you can properly select samples that will set you apart in a challenging market.
Regardless of where you are in your career journey, having a clear purpose will let potential clients or employers know that you’re the right person for their project or job. However, if you have multiple pieces to choose from, how do you decide what makes the cut?
Start With the Work You Want to Get
If you want to land regulatory writing projects, make sure your portfolio highlights that and exclude the health blogs you wrote five years ago. Including unrelated work may confuse prospective employers or clients, diluting your positioning.
Showcase Range Within a Theme
Clients may want to see variety, but this variety should be within the type of work you want. For example, you might include a mix of patient education leaflets, training modules, and slide decks, all within the field of oncology.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
A portfolio with 5 to 7 well-presented pieces will beat one with 20 acceptable ones. Quality communicates discernment, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Use AI Wisely
If you use generative AI to help brainstorm content or structure drafts, make sure the final piece reflects your skills and judgment. Avoid samples that contain telltale “AI-isms” (odd phrasings, repetitive structures, or overuse of certain words such as “delve” or “unleash”). If a project required AI involvement and disclosure is appropriate under your contract or NDA, note your role clearly (for example, “Conducted research, outlined, and edited content generated with AI assistance”).
Update Regularly
A portfolio is a living document, which means that old samples can indicate outdated skills. Schedule regular reviews to swap in fresh work that reflects your current skills and goals.
Choosing the right samples isn’t just about looking good, but also about aligning your portfolio with your career strategy. When every piece works toward the same goal, your portfolio becomes a focused, persuasive tool to get the job or the projects you want.
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