Even the most experienced medical writers can have gaps in their portfolio, and this is usually not in skill, but in strategy. A polished sample is important, but a portfolio is more than a collection of your best work. It’s a digital and curated tool that should tell a compelling story about your expertise, niche, and value to clients.
However, most portfolios stop at “here’s what I’ve written.”
What Do We Mean by “Gaps”?
When we talk about “gaps,” we’re not just referring to missing samples. Gaps can be:
- Missing context. A piece might be excellent, but without background on the audience, objectives, or your role, a potential client can’t connect the dots.
- Lack of alignment with your niche. If your samples don’t match the kind of work you want to attract, you risk getting offers for the wrong type of projects.
- Outdated materials. Older work can work, but if it doesn’t reflect current industry standards, it can suggest your skills are out of date.
Why Do These Gaps Matter?
A portfolio is often your first impression with a prospective client or employer.
- Without strategic curation, it may look unfocused.
- Without context, it may undersell your skills.
- Without updates, it may unintentionally suggest you’re no longer active in the field.
In a competitive market, small missteps can make the difference between getting an interview or being passed over.
The Portfolio Audit Mindset
Identifying and closing these gaps isn’t about overhauling everything you’ve done but about:
- Assessing what each piece in your portfolio says about your abilities.
- Ensuring your materials reflect the type of work you want going forward.
- Presenting your work so that clients immediately understand your value.
If you’re not sure whether your portfolio has gaps, you’re not alone. That’s why we created the Evergreen Portfolio Package.
This in-depth, self-paced resource shows you how to:
- Identify hidden weaknesses in your current portfolio.
- Reframe existing samples to better match your ideal projects.
- Create the contextual elements (bio, project framing, outcomes) that close those gaps for good.
Ready to find and fix the hidden gaps in your portfolio?
Explore the Evergreen Portfolio Package and start making your digital portfolio work for you. Purchase here.