Did you know that 56% of all hiring managers are more impressed if a candidate has a personal website? Sadly, only 7% of job seekers actually have a personal website. Think about the big opportunities they’re missing out on. Needless to say, having your own personal website is the best way to win over the hiring committee. By visualizing and showcasing all your work and information in one place, it’s guaranteed that you land an interview. A personal website is also a great way to promote yourself and your professional services. And it’s not just a method used by experts and celebrities either.
Have a look at Guy Gungell’s website and see how he uses the site to showcase his portfolio and services. So, how do you build a website like that? Here’s what you need -:
- A domain name.
- WordPress web hosting.
- A quality theme.
You can get all of this for about $60 USD.
Why WordPress?
There are plenty of websites out there that allow you to create an online resume for free, so why spend money to build one with WordPress? First of all, those “free” online resume websites come with a lot of complications. You either get stuck with a boring website design that makes your resume look like everyone else’s, or you have to pay a monthly fee to publish your resume on the web. A resume tells more about a person than just qualifications and contact information. The design and the way you present your information also have a major impact on impressing your employer. With an online resume built with WordPress, you’ll not only get to set up the website easily with a pre-designed theme, but you’ll also get to customize your resume with a unique and innovative design.
Secure Your Name
The first thing you need to do is secure your domain name. Go over to a domain name registrar’s website and make sure your name is available. Don’t include initials or your full name as the domain name. Keep it short. Your first and last names should do the trick.
Try to get a .com (www.yourname.com) domain name. If it’s not available, go for a .me (www.yourname.me) domain.
Finding A Good Web Host
You’ll need to find a good web hosting provider that supports WordPress and also offers affordable rates. If you’re new to WordPress, choose a web host with managed WordPress hosting to avoid the complications of installing the website by yourself.
For example, if you choose to Go Get Space WordPress hosting, you’ll get your WordPress website pre-installed with a free domain and a custom email account.
Choose The Right Theme
The next step is finding a theme for your personal website. Here are five great themes you can download and use for free.
- I Am One
- Meris
- Spirited Lite
- Portfolio Gallery
- Pinnacle
You can find more personal WordPress website themes on ThemeForest and WordPress websites.
What To Include
In addition to describing your qualifications and services, every personal website should include five important sections, and they are-:
An Elevator Pitch
Describe what you do, your experience, what you’re looking for, and your future goals with a brief paragraph. Include it on both your homepage and your About pages.
A Portfolio
Showcase examples of your best work. Include images, screenshots, and links to your work to show off your skills.
Testimonials
Get some of your previous employers or clients to say good things about you and include their testimonials on your website to prove your authenticity.
Contact Page
Make sure your website’s visitors have more than one way to get in touch with you. Include your phone numbers, skype, and emails.
Links to Social Profiles
Link to your Twitter, LinkedIn, Behance, GitHub, and other social networks to allow your visitors to learn more about you. Once you have your personal website up and running, make it easier for potential clients and employers to find you by adding your website link to your social media profiles, your business cards, and your personal ads. Then wait for your dream job to find you.
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