LO1: Understand the purpose and use of a personal media profile

Websites are used to show off work which you have previously done online on a digital platform, which can allow anyone who has access to the internet to view your portfolio and the content that you have wrote about. Website allow you to present videos, images, photos and even written content that can be linked into the job or university for which you are applying. An example of a website where you can do this is LinkedIn, this allows employers to learn about you and your previous life experiences.

Advantages:

• they are digital so can be accessed at any time and any place using a variety of digital devices such as phone, tablets, and computers, making this extremely accessible to businesses.
• you can easily adapt, so you can change it to suit the job or course you are wanting to do. Sites like LinkedIn and other online portfolios can be tailored to fit a particular business/ sector.

Disadvantages:

• if the employers do not have access to the internet, then they will not be able to view your media profile and might not have the correct link to view the content.
• the website can be poorly designed so it may be hard for an employer to navigate. Furthermore, data can become outdated making it hard for the employer to see the most recent education/ work experience. This can include portfolios and work they might have been working on.

Showreel is a short video that shows examples of different work you have done. An example of this is a film maker can show their different shot types and editing techniques, which will show the employer of what you are capable. Showreels typically shown off the best work, which that specific persona can create, that is linked to that job role.

Advantages:

• easy way to show work as you can embedded it on a website or another media platform, making it easy for an employer/ university to see the work in one place.
• shows the best of your work to potential employers and keep all work in one place.

Disadvantages:

• takes time to create and populate the portfolio with content that can be uploaded. This also has an impact on data sizes and the amount that can be uploaded.
• cannot be accessed without an electric device and sometimes certain plug-ins need to be present to view the content.
• requires a decent amount of content to benefit the end user. Content that is limited is pointless and may reflect badly on that individual.

Blogs work in a similar way to websites to help you present your work as you can embed images, videos and text, that also allows others to comment and discuss what is uploaded on your blog. An example of a blog is WordPress, as a variety of content can be shared online and accessed by anyone.

Advantages:

• accessed by anywhere and anytime which can be stored in one location such as Blogger. This then means that the content is all in one place and viewed rather than using multiple links/ sites.
• easy to update, change and add content to suit different job roles.

Disadvantages:

• • if the employer does not have access to the internet, they will not be able to access it or they might not have the link to the correct page/ directory.
  • blogs may not be seen as professional to some employers and might not be fit for purpose.

A physicals portfolio is a file that has physical art, photographs, and edits (physical) that shows off your different technique and visual skills. It shows off artistic skills and your different interests. All different aspects of your physical portfolio which can be spoken about during your interview.

Advantages:

• allows you to show your best work as hard copies which can be seen as better than digital.
• shows improvements from your initial plan.
• does not require the internet or device.

Disadvantages:

• could get damaged and will not be able to be recovered.
• expensive to create and print.
• time consuming.

Digital/physical CV is an overview of someone personals and academic achievements in their lifetime. It allows employers to see a summary about your life, experience and what skills and qualifications you have, to see if they are suitable for that specific job. They are normally given to employers during an interview and the points made in the CV are commonly discussed during the interview.

Advantages:

• a digital copy will not be lost by you or an employer as there will always be a trail which can be followed.
• digital copies can easily be edited and updated with the latest content and details.
• quick and easy to read and understand. This can be viewed on multiple devices and on the go.
• a physical copy you will hand so you know the employer has it.

Disadvantage:

• a physical copy can be lost and get damaged meaning the content may not be viewed by potential employers.
• you can come across arrogant to the employer when showing them your CV/ media profile, especially if a vacancy/ opportunity is not available.