11 Things You Must Include On Your Website

The Internet is full of information about you. Why not start a simple website that helps you stand out in your niche and establishes your brand? A website will help shine the spotlight on your resume, achievements, personality, skills sets, interests, memberships, awards, and so much more. Websites are essentially interactive resumes that store a lifetime’s worth of achievements.

If you don’t have a website, you’re already a big step behind your job seeking competition. A website is one of the best things you can do to boost your personal brand. It can help you get noticed as a job applicant because your future employer is almost guaranteed to Google you.

There’s no doubt about it – creating and managing a website is a time consuming process. It’s time well spent though. It can be the difference between getting hired and not getting hired. Luckily, creating a website isn’t as hard as it used to be. The big thing is realizing what you need to include on your website.

Here’s a list of things to include on your website:

1. Home Page – Be sure to include an friendly introduction on your website’s home page. Make sure you have your name, title, and contact information. A photo is a great addition and can really help in your job search. Also include any additional information that you’re super proud of.
2. Menu – Create a simple menu that is easily accessible on the page. It should include links to all of the important pages so that things like bio, resume, education, or award pages are easy to find. Recruiters definitely want to see this stuff.
3. About Page – Tell the world what you’re all about. Keep it brief, but hit on your background, hobbies, interests, and professional life. A few paragraphs should cover it.
4. Experience Page – What have you been up to? Internships, volunteer positions, work experience? It’s all fair game.
5. Blog – Do you run a blog on your profession or hobby? Link to it. Even if your blog is unrelated, your taxidermy blog or hiking site can make you a memorable candidate.
6. Education – Definitely include this on your website. It’s valuable information that recruiters will want to know about.
7. Social Media – If you’re active on social media, and you have nothing to hide, include links to your social media sites. LinkedIn is a particularly valuable social media outlet. Be sure to have a presence there. Social media is a great way for people to connect with you. Here are a few tips about social media in the job search.
8. Portfolio – Are you pursuing a portfolio career? Highlighting your portfolio is mandatory. Show the world what you’re capable of. From projects to art to videos to photos to websites, this can be your true ticket to success.
9. Skills – What skill sets do you have? Recruiters are interested in your professional skills. Let them know what you are capable of.
10. References – This isn’t a requirement, but if someone has great things to say about you or your work, let the world know. It’s great to blow your own trumpet, but it’s better when someone else does it.
11. Contact Details – This may be the most important part of your website. If people cannot contact you, they can’t connect with you.

Check out this post from Business Insider for more details and a few creative images about what to include on your website.

Make your website bring your job application to life. Be sure to proof read everything you put online. People will see your site. Impress them. Recruiters will Google you. Be prepared. Establish your web presence now. Add your website to your resume, job application, and email signature. Spread the word.

Once your website is up and running, it’s relatively easy to maintain. Put the time and effort into getting your website going now. It can be the difference between finding a job and not.