15 Software Engineer Portfolio Examples That Got Hired
Great software engineer portfolios share these traits: 3-5 projects with live demos and GitHub links, clear problem-solution-impact narratives, clean fast-loading design, and easy navigation. Don't just list technologies—show what you built, why it mattered, and the metrics that prove it.
Looking for inspiration? We've analyzed the most effective software engineering portfolios that helped developers land roles at companies like Google, Meta, and top startups. Here's what they have in common.
What Makes a Developer Portfolio Great?
A great developer portfolio isn't just about pretty colors. It needs to show your code, your problem-solving process, and your ability to deliver projects. Let's break down what works.
Common Elements in Successful Portfolios
1. Live Demos
Always link to a working version of your projects if possible. Recruiters want to click and see something work—deploy to Vercel, Netlify, or Render for free.
2. GitHub Links
Show your clean, well-documented code. Pin your best repositories and write proper READMEs with setup instructions.
3. Tech Stack Clarity
Clearly list the tools and languages you used for each project. Use recognizable icons or badges for quick scanning.
4. Problem-Solution-Impact
For each project, explain: What problem did it solve? What did you build? What was the outcome?
Example Project Card
- Problem: "Legacy system couldn't handle Black Friday traffic"
- Solution: "Rebuilt with Next.js + serverless architecture"
- Impact: "99.9% uptime, 3x faster page loads, $2M in sales"
5. Clean, Fast Design
Ironic as it sounds, over-designed developer portfolios often hurt more than help. Fast loading, clear navigation, and readable content beat fancy animations.
Portfolio Types by Role
| Role | Portfolio Focus | Key Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Frontend Developer | Visual, interactive | Polished UI, animations, responsive design |
| Backend Developer | System design, architecture | Architecture diagrams, API docs, scale metrics |
| Full Stack | End-to-end projects | Complete apps with both frontend and backend |
| DevOps/SRE | Infrastructure, reliability | CI/CD pipelines, monitoring dashboards, uptime |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Tutorial projects only: Todo apps and weather apps don't differentiate you
- Broken links: Test every link. Broken demos scream "doesn't ship"
- No context: Code without explanation leaves recruiters confused
- Over-designed: 10-second loading spinners kill interest
- Outdated content: "Copyright 2022" makes you look inactive
- No mobile support: Recruiters browse on phones
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Have a Portfolio
A portfolio is essential if:
- You're a junior developer or bootcamp graduate
- You're changing careers into tech
- You're a freelancer seeking clients
- You're in frontend, full-stack, or product roles
- Your resume has gaps you want to offset with visible work
It matters less if:
- You have 15+ years at well-known companies
- You work in highly specialized areas (kernel development, embedded)
- You're being recruited for specific expertise, not general skills
Build Your Developer Portfolio
Use ByAgentAI to create a professional portfolio in minutes. Focus on your projects, not your CSS.
Start Building →Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a software engineer portfolio stand out?
The best portfolios show impact, not just code. Include 3-5 projects with live demos, explain the problems you solved and technologies used, and highlight metrics (users, performance improvements, business outcomes). Clean design and fast loading also matter.
Should I build my portfolio from scratch?
Only if you're a frontend developer showcasing your CSS skills. For everyone else, use a builder like ByAgentAI to create a professional portfolio in minutes. Spend your time on actual projects, not reinventing navbars.
How many projects should I include?
Quality beats quantity: 3-5 strong projects are better than 15 weak ones. Include a mix of project types (personal, open source, work examples if allowed) that demonstrate range across frontend, backend, or your specialty.
Do I need a custom domain?
Not required, but professional. Custom domains like yourname.dev look polished. Subdomain portfolios (byagentai.com/yourname) are perfectly acceptable and benefit from parent domain authority for SEO.
Should I include my GitHub on my portfolio?
Yes. Link prominently to your GitHub profile and specific repositories. But don't rely on GitHub alone—your portfolio should tell the story that code can't: the why, the impact, and the process behind your projects.
The Bottom Line
The best software engineer portfolios tell a story that code alone can't convey. Show your work, explain your impact, and make it easy for recruiters to understand why you're worth interviewing.