Career & Finance

How to Set Up an Online Portfolio (That Will Land You the Job)

Remember the glory days of job hunting, when you would peruse the newspaper for ads, send off your resume and cover letter, promptly hear back from HR, and then dazzle your potential employer in the interview, landing you on the payroll a mere two weeks later? Yeah, me neither. With hundreds of applicants sending cover letters and resumes that go on and on and on about their qualifications and skill sets, setting yourself apart from the crowd is imperative. And that’s where a resource like Squarespace comes in.

Squarespace allows you to create gorgeous websites with absolutely no web design or development experience, costing you a minimal amount of time and money. Their customizable templates make it crazy easy to find a design that works for you, so you can quickly and easily create an online portfolio or personal website that allows you to show your potential employer your skills, instead of just talking about them. If you’re a talented writer, go ahead and wow them with the copy on your “About” page. Do they mention photography skills as a plus in the job posting? Include some of your original photos. Creating a website is also a prime opportunity to show off your personality, allowing employers to see why you’ll fit in seamlessly with the rest of their team.

I used Squarespace to build my own online portfolio, and the process was completely intuitive and dare I say, fun! Today I’ve broken down the key elements to include in your online portfolio that will put you ahead of the curve and land that interview. Let’s dive in, shall we?

 

Ready to share your vision or business with the world? Start your free Squarespace trial today (no credit card required) and use code ‘EVERYGIRL’ for 10% off when you’re ready to publish your website.

 

Step 1: Craft a compelling and comprehensive “About” page.

 

Your “About” page should be a mix of personal and professional information, keeping in mind the culture of the companies you’re applying for. If you’re hunting for a job that values creativity and out-of-the-box thinking or has in-office happy hours every day, you’ll want to keep your tone more casual. If you’re applying to corporations, then your “About” section will be a bit more formal. For my website, I made sure to include what I do, and why I’m passionate about it. Resist the urge to chronicle your career path since birth. Remember, these people are receiving hundreds of applications! Provide the most compelling, pertinent information, and leave the rest for the interview and resume. Speaking of which…

Step 2: Include your updated resume.

 

Yes, you’ll obviously want to make sure that the companies you’re applying to have a PDF or hard copy of your resume, but including it on your website is a convenient way to allow them to share your information and background with colleagues in the office (without having to search through email or files). Plus, Squarespace websites are optimized for search engines, so you never know who will land on your killer new website, see your resume, and seek YOU out for a job.

Step 3: Show off your portfolio of work.

Before you dismiss this section as something that doesn’t apply to you, HOLD THE PHONE. An online portfolio isn’t just important for creatives or artists. Including a page that details the big impacts or initiatives you’ve worked on in your previous positions allows employers to see your skills in action—invaluable when it comes to gaining their trust. Feel free to show off a marketing campaign idea that received a great response or past strategies you created for clients—and pay close attention to the skills your potential employers mention in their job posting. Does the position require exceptional writing skills? Include some of the written communication you’ve crafted that shows how you fit the bill. Does it mention knowledge in social media would be helpful? Share a few social posts you’ve created that received a great response from your company’s followers.

Step 4: Provide a clear means of contact.

Sure, it seems obvious, but the worst thing that could happen is that a potential employer wants to contact you and doesn’t know how. Double check that all of your contact information is accurate, ensuring that all messages will quickly reach you, allowing you to respond in a timely fashion. Squarespace allows you to easily embed a contact form directly on your site, making it easier than ever for potential employers or clients to reach out.

 

Ready to share your vision or business with the world? Start your free Squarespace trial today (no credit card required) and use code ‘EVERYGIRL’ for 10% off when you’re ready to publish your website.

 

Do you currently have an online portfolio? Any other tips and tricks for setting yours apart? Let us know in the comments below! 

This post is sponsored by Squarespace but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.