The job market is always competitive, but with recent economic turbulence finding work has become even more difficult. The result is jobseekers need to step up their game to secure top spots. Outside of adding bullet points to your résumé, a personal Website can give you an edge over other applicants.
It is important to remember that employers shuffle through résumés under the same general whims as everyone else. If two résumés contain equal qualifications, the more attractive or interesting résumé will win out. Of course, an appealing résumé can also beat out a more-qualified résumé.
Creating a personal Website highlighting your qualifications - when done right - can leave a positive lasting impression and make the difference in landing a job. Websites are commonly used as marketing tools for businesses, but their usefulness certainly expands to personal marketing as well. With the dynamic capabilities of a Website, you can enhance your résumé beyond its four corners to convey an image tailored to the job(s) you are applying for.
Besides including biographical information, you can give employers better feel for your interests and personality by linking to your favorite Websites or providing your own blog that displays knowledge or insight into areas a potential employer might find useful. The best tip on what to post on your site is best left to your own discretion given the type of job you are seeking. In general, you should only keep items which you feel are relevant to the job and positively promote you.
Unless you are after a more informal position or one which utilizes social media and networking, I recommend you leave out apps and/or pages like Twitter, YouTube video, Facebook photos, and MyBlogLog followers. Another guideline is to avoid any Myspace-type layouts or colors. One last suggestion is to use your own domain name(Michael-Thompson.net) for your Website rather than creating a Web page off a free host or social page (i.e. JonathanSmith.BlogSpot.com or Facebook.com/JulieCardenas).
If you don't have any experience in building a Website, try using pre-made
professional Web templates. These allow you to plug in information and create your own Website without knowing Web design. Remember that your Website reference reflects upon you. With that in mind, put your best foot forward on the Web as well as during the interview.
