From Good to Great: Using a Personal Website to Position Yourself as a First-Choice Candidate

In today’s competitive job market, simply having an impressive résumé and cover letter isn’t enough. A personal website can significantly enhance your professional image. According to a 2016 survey, almost two-thirds of employers use social media to research candidates. However, social media may not fully capture your professional persona. A personal website allows you to control the narrative by showcasing your skills, achievements, and personality in a more polished manner.

Tip: Use website builders like Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, or DudaOne, which offer customizable templates and easy drag-and-drop interfaces to create a professional site. Make sure your website is responsive and user-friendly across devices to ensure it leaves the right impression.

Create Visual and Engaging Content

Avoid overwhelming visitors with long blocks of text. Instead, find creative ways to communicate your message visually. For example, replace a lengthy “about me” section with a short video introducing yourself and highlighting your key skills and accomplishments. Incorporate images, infographics, and icons to break up text and make your site more visually appealing.

Pro Tip: Highlight your most important projects on a main page and provide in-depth descriptions or supporting visuals on subpages. Testimonials from colleagues or clients can also add credibility to your profile. Aim to have 3-10 engaging references on a separate page to provide hiring managers with social proof of your expertise.

Start a Blog or Vlog

Demonstrating your thought leadership through a blog or vlog can further set you apart from other candidates. Write posts that explore relevant industry topics or share insights into your profession. Keep each blog post under 1,000 words to maintain reader engagement. If writing isn’t your strength, consider creating a vlog to discuss similar topics on video.

Tip: Regularly update your blog or vlog to demonstrate that you’re actively engaged in your industry. This not only shows your expertise but also your commitment to ongoing learning.

Showcase Accomplishments and Certifications

A separate page dedicated to certifications, online courses, and professional development can bolster your profile. Whether it’s a Master’s degree or an online workshop, showcasing these accomplishments illustrates your commitment to growth and professional development.

Tip: Make this section as comprehensive as possible. While major qualifications are important, don’t overlook smaller certifications that may set you apart from other candidates in niche areas.

Make Contacting You Easy

Once a potential employer is impressed with your profile, you want to make it as simple as possible for them to contact you. Include a “Contact” page with an email form, and place an email link in the header of your website for easy access. Avoid sharing your full address or phone number online to protect your privacy.

Tip: Some employers may prefer not to review personal websites, so bring your portfolio and references on a USB drive to interviews. This allows you to provide decision-makers with a high-quality, offline version of your materials.

Consider integrating a personal website into your job search strategy; you can showcase your talents, make a lasting impression, and position yourself as the top candidate for the role.