With everything on the Internet nowadays, having a professional website is an important tool that can help you effectively build an online presence for yourself.
There are several reasons why people choose to have a professional website or online portfolio. For many of us who are recent graduates and in our early 20s, creating one can be beneficial in getting our name out there and landing a job.
First things first. If you don’t already have one, you should consider getting a registered domain for your website and maybe even a Web host if you plan on keeping it around for the long-haul. You could also create a free website using Wix, WordPress or Blogger or the thousands of other options out there. Research beforehand to find out what’s best for you.
Now comes the fun part. So, what exactly do you put on it?
An Appearance & Design Tailored To Fit You
Be creative. Make the appearance of your website match your personality. Make the layout simple, yet eye-catching. Avoid using crazy, over-the-top graphics or colors. Also, your website should be easy to navigate. Keep in mind that your site is a reflection of you, so make sure it’s how you want to be seen.
Biography
Create an “About Me” section on your homepage or just make it a page of its own. Talk about where you’re from, what interests you and why you have chosen the career path you’re on. If you have a sense of humor, throw in a few fun facts. Add a professional and high quality photo of yourself for a nice visual.
Contact Information
Put your email or phone number somewhere easily accessible so an employer can get in touch with you.
Provide links to online profiles such as LinkedIn or other social media platforms if you wish to share them.Resume
This will be one of the first things an employer looks at when hiring a potential candidate. Include a copy of your resume. You can also list additional skills, interests and even goals not included in your resume. Upload your printed resume as a PDF and add a downloadable link as well.
Samples Of Your Work
This is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your previous work so choose wisely. Work samples can be anything from published articles, stories, photography, short films, multimedia projects, business plans, case studies, research papers and tons more. Whatever you think deserves to be shown to a potential employer, it could be considered a work sample.
Be sure to organize these logically and neat. Also, never include dead links to work samples. If a link to a work sample no longer works, take it down.
Testimonials
If you have any recommendations from former employers, professors, co-workers, etc., create a page to highlight what they have said about you. Better yet, ask them to make recommendations for you and add those to your new website.
Blog
Adding a page dedicated to blogging may be in your favor. Employers appreciate someone who is opinionated and up-to-date with what’s going on in the world. It demonstrates to them that you are self-motivated and an effective communicator. Plus, this gives them a glimpse of who you really are, how well you write and how dedicated and professional you are.
Even after you have been hired, it is important to keep your website current and updated with any new information. A website is a great way to brand yourself and showcase your proudest achievements.
If you are interested in receiving personalized help with your website, email us! We’d love to work with you one-on-one to help achieve your career goals!
Feature Photo via Tumblr