Web Resume

A friend of mine recently sent me their resume. They were trying to decide if it was time to make a website version of it. You know, the whole "online portfolio" thing. And I gotta say, a web resume can be a great move, but it depends on your goals and the field you're in.

Why would you even need one?

Here's the deal. Some industries expect it. If you're in design, tech, marketing, or anything remotely creative, people want to see your work online. Having a personal website isn't just about showing off your resume, though. It's about showing what you're capable of in a format that's more visual and interactive. It sets you apart.

But if you're applying for a banking position or something super traditional, a web resume might not be a priority. Sure, it could still be nice to have, but it won't be the thing that gets your foot in the door.

Don't overthink the design

It's easy to get caught up in making the perfect website. People start obsessing over layouts, colors, animations. . . and before you know it, they’ve spent weeks tinkering instead of applying for jobs. Don't let that happen to you.

Your web resume doesn’t have to be fancy. A clean, simple site that loads fast and clearly shows your work is more important than bells and whistles. Just include the basics: your resume details, portfolio (if you’ve got one), maybe a small "about me" section. Done.

The part nobody tells you

Here's something people forget: you need to keep it updated. If you’re going to bother making a web resume, don’t let it go stale. It’s a bad look if your most recent experience on there is from three years ago.

And while we’re at it, make sure your contact info is easy to find. I’ve seen so many portfolios where it’s buried or missing. If a hiring manager can’t figure out how to reach you within 5 seconds, they’re moving on.

Should you skip it?

Maybe. If creating a web resume feels overwhelming or you’re not quite sure where to start, it’s okay to stick to a traditional format for now. You can always revisit the idea later, especially once you have some work or projects worth sharing online.

Just remember, it’s not a magic ticket to getting hired. A web resume is a tool. It shows off your skills and makes your application a little more memorable, but at the end of the day, your experience and how well you fit the role still matter more.

So if you're thinking about doing this, start small. Build a basic page, use templates or platforms that make it easy, and focus on what you want people to know about you. Then test it out. Send it to friends, see if it makes sense, and tweak things as you go.

Or heck, maybe it’s not for you. And that’s fine too. The resume itself is still the big player, whether it’s on paper or online.