Even with powerful professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, job seekers who want to ensure they stand out from the competition, must seriously consider the benefits of launching a personal website—for professional purposes only. Below are answers to some of the most common questions regarding personal websites, and the crucial elements they must contain to achieve success.
What Is A Personal Website?
A personal website (sometimes referred to as a professional website) is a website owned, operated, and controlled 100% by you. Most professionals even register .com with their name. For example, if your name is John Doe, the most logical and easy to remember URL would be JohnDoe.com. If your name is already taken, add in your middle initial—or consider a .net if available. However, .com’s tend to generate better results. Once you register a URL, you can turn to Snellville Web Design to create a clean, and mobile responsive website.
How Does A Personal Website Differ From LinkedIn?
There are many ways in which a personal website differs from LinkedIn. Not only can your personal website be laid out and formatted any way you like, but you are able to offer multiple tabs and pages to ensure that you communicate all pertinent and relevant information you would like your perspective employees to see, the information those searching for freelance services require. That is not to say that you should abandon LinkedIn—in fact, many link their personal website to their public LinkedIn profile, allowing human resource professionals and hiring managers the ability to quickly and easily obtain more information about their professional experience, or the freelance services they offer.
What Information Should A Professional Website Contain?
If you are going to invest the time and money into creating a professional website, then you must also invest the time and attention into ensuring it has all the information hiring managers are searching for. While you want to keep your website clean, and don’t want to overload your website with too many pages or drop down menu options—ensure you add the following:
- A clean and updated resume
- Samples and/or links to your work
- Links to all of your professional profiles—LinkedIn, committees you work on, ect.
- Links to any awards, accommodations, or relevant media
- A bio that highlights your professional objectives, but also provides some insight to your personality
Should You Add A Blog To Your Personal Website?
The answer to this question is yes! A blog will allow you to share your thoughts and opinions on the latest breaking industry news. You can even add some blog posts that are somewhat personal in nature, just ensure that all posts somehow relate to your professional aspirations. A blog is an excellent way to drive organic traffic back to your website, making it easier for hiring managers and prospective clients to find you online.
Are Job Seekers The Only Ones Who Should Have A Personal Website?
While jobs seekers or freelancers will benefit from having a professional website, those who are happily employed—may want to consider launching a personal website as well. Personal websites are an excellent way to open new doors to opportunities they may be otherwise unaware of. Regardless of your employment status, make sure that you keep your personal website up-to-date, and add at least one new blog post a week.
Personal websites are most effective for those in the corporate world, but continue to grow in popularity amongst college graduates and entry-level job seekers because they provide hiring managers that little extra something they may be looking for. Snellville Web Design will help you to get heading in the right direction.
