Image courtesy of Aleksandr Dovianskii
Why a site helps you and what to include in it.
Are you ready for this? If you’re looking to upgrade your career, human resource professionals believed a personal Web site can be a valuable asset.
In fact, 67 percent of HR respondents said a site can differentiate you compared to someone who only submits a resume.
“The survey shows that, while recruiters continue to scan social posts for red flags, they view digital assets as tools to better understand candidates and to help them make more informed hiring decisions,” said Predrag Lesic, CEO of Domain.ME. (A market research firm, now known as Dynatta, conducted the study for Domain.ME, the provider of the .ME domain extension. By underwriting such a topic, the sponsor of the survey obviously has skin in the game.)
But it’s worth noting the change among recruiter attitudes about digital content. For years, we’ve only been warning about being careful what you write in your social media. That’s still apropos. Again, your social media comments must be in good taste.
Some 300 U.S. human resource professionals, who regularly managed staffing and recruiting for their organizations, responded to the 2015 survey.
Key findings:
- Sixty-eight percent of HR professionals were looking to assess personal qualities that aren’t perceptible from a traditional resume.
- Half of survey respondents believed a personal Web site helps to “humanize” a candidate. Nearly one third of the HR professionals surveyed agreed that a personal site can provide a competitive advantage in the job market.
- Four-in-ten recruiters were more inclined to contact a candidate with the personal Web site when considering two candidates with seemingly equal qualifications.
So a personal site helps you to seriously stand out from other people who only have a paper resume.
Demonstrate your capabilities with your best projects, job history and case studies. Note: If you strategize well in search-engine optimization, employers will see your professional site first.
Six recommended elements for your site:
- On your home page include your name, a quick title, and what you do best.
- Your resume page should list your jobs, skills, and awards.
- Your “about page,” should include a summary of your personal history and a friendly picture.
- A portfolio page needs to share examples of your past work or school projects.
- Include a opportunities for readers to share with LinkedIn and email links.
- Your contact page only needs a simple form or your email address and phone number so people can reach you.
From the Coach’s Corner, more tips for job hunting:
Are You Struggling to Write Great Cover Letters? Here’s How — If you want to write a cover letter that will entice employers to consider you, there are several precautions to take. Otherwise, you risk sending a letter that employers won’t want to read. Here are seven strategies.
Checklist to Build Self Confidence for Career Success — Everybody occasionally struggles with self confidence. But some people have continuing low self esteem. Their lack of confidence serves as a big obstacle.
Looking for Your 1st Big Job? Think like a Boss — What do employers really want when they hire young college graduates? The key for you is to think like a boss. So put yourself in their shoes to cut through the clutter of your competing applicants.
After a Tough Job Hunt, Ease Your Burnout before Starting Your New Job — Any time you endure the pressures of a career move, you must recognize the signs of a burnout. So, you have to guard against burnout. If you get burned out, it’s best to alleviate it.
Dress for Success in Job Interviews – Tips for Women, Men — First impressions are lasting impressions. They really count in your job search. This is especially true if you’re working your way up your career ladder to management or any other important position in a conservative or traditional business environment.
“The hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any.”
-Fred Astaire
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