A personal website can set you apart and enrich your job search. Not only do you have complete control over what you choose to show on your website, it also gives you more “space” to talk about your experience, your skills, and show your previous work than a resume and cover letter. Here are some common questions to see if you should create a personal website.


Who would benefit from having a personal website?
Individuals pursuing creative roles (writers, marketers, designers, etc.) would benefit the most from having a personal website. Designers and developers can include a portfolio page and display previous projects and work in a concise manner. 
When should you use your personal website during your job search?
As we mentioned earlier, since you’re creating your own website, you have complete control of how you want to present yourself to hiring managers and companies. When companies do their own research about you, your website will definitely be at the top of search results. Additionally, company culture is an important component in a job search, and a personal website can appeal to cultural fit. Lastly, utilizing a personal website demonstrates to employers that you are comfortable with current and new technologies.
What information should your personal website have?
  • Short bio about you and what job you hope to have 
  • Professional photo
  • Contact information
  • Portfolio or services page
  • Links to social media profile
  • Resume

What should you keep in mind when building your website?
When creating your personal website, make sure that it is easy to navigate and be as clear and concise as possible. Don’t overdo it with content, as having too many website pages can be overwhelming and will negatively impact how you will be received. You want to make sure your website is about you and doesn’t distract with bright colors or busy design. 
Where can you create your website?
Choose a URL for your website and purchase it via a domain registrar. Once you pick your domain, next step is to build your website. It is very easy to create a visually-pleasing website nowadays with the various website platforms. For individuals that aren’t strong designers, a great platform to create personal websites is Squarespace. Squarespace has pre-made website designs that are easily customizable and offers a more user-friendly interface. For individuals comfortable with designing, a more flexible website builder is Wordpress, as you can use any website theme that you wish. Although the design is an important part of your personal website, you want to ensure your website is free from spelling and grammatical errors, demonstrates your personality, and displays your past work.
If you're ready to find a new job, contact a Michael Page recruitment consultant or search our open jobs to get started on your search.