Whether you’re launching a freelance career, shifting to a new medical writing specialty, or applying for full-time roles, your portfolio is often the first (and sometimes only) impression you get to make. And while building a solid portfolio might seem straightforward, doing it strategically is where many medical writers and editors may hit a wall. That’s where one-on-one coaching can make a meaningful difference.
Here are three ways a writing coach can help shape a portfolio that will get medical communicators hired:
Focusing Your Portfolio for the Right Clients or Employers
A coach helps writers stop playing the guessing game when it comes to targeting their work. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, a good coach works with you to clarify who you want to write for, and more importantly, who will probably hire you. This clarity lets you shape your portfolio with purpose, highlighting pieces that resonate with a specific audience rather than showcasing a broad skill set.
Identifying the Right Samples to Showcase Your Strengths
Not every sample is portfolio material. A coach can help you recognize what works and what doesn’t, what elevates your brand and what might distract from it. Whether you’re pulling from past work or creating new samples from scratch, coaching offers perspective on which pieces best demonstrate your voice, versatility, and readiness for the roles or clients you’re targeting.
Highlighting the Soft Skills Behind the Writing and Editing
Strong writing and editing skills get you noticed, but soft skills (adaptability, communication, and problem solving) help you get hired. A coach can guide you in making sure these qualities show through your portfolio. It’s not just about the words on the page; it’s about proving you’re someone people want to work with.
Building a portfolio isn’t just about collecting your best writing, but also about curating it in a way that gets you noticed. With the focused support of one-on-one coaching, you can highlight why you’re the best fit for the job.
Want to learn and grow more?
At Evergreen we offer one-on-one coaching. Contact us here to schedule a complimentary phone call!
Evergreen’s Introduction to Health Writing is designed to help health and science writers start putting together their own portfolio. Learn more about this self-study course and the testimonials from our learners!
Want to keep in touch?
Sign up for our monthly newsletter and receive our content.