Why do I need a resume website?
According to a survey of HR professionals conducted by the market research firm Research Now for Domain.ME,
- 68 percent of HR professionals are looking to assess personal qualities that aren’t perceptible from a traditional resume,
- Half of survey respondents believe a personal website helps to “humanize” a candidate,
- Nearly one third of the HR professionals surveyed agreed that a personal website can provide a competitive advantage in the job market,
- Four-in-ten recruiters would be more inclined to contact a candidate with the personal website when considering two candidates with seemingly equal qualifications
What can a website provide that a paper resume can't?
- Easier to share with potential employers: You could strike up a conversation with a potential employer while at the grocery store or while out to dinner with friends. Chances are you will not have a stack of resumes on you at all times. If you have a business card with a link to your website you will never miss an opportunity to share your resume with a potential employer.
- Demonstrate knowledge in your industry: including a blog on your website is a great way for you to be able to share your ideas about the industry you work in or wish to work in, engage with more people, etc.
- Provide more detail on what makes you an ideal candidate: a paper resume doesn't allow room to provide details about your education, professional development, skills, projects or personal attributes. A website gives you the room to add multiple pages that go into detail about you and your credentials.
- The freedom to be creative: every detail of your website will give employers greater insight into who you are as an individual and a professional. You can add photos, samples of your work, videos, links to other websites, and attachments of your resume for employers to download.
- Testimonials: this is a great way to include positive comments from past employers, clients and coworkers that will help confirm your value as a potential candidate.