Unfortunately, a killer resume doesn’t always cut it. You’ve likely experienced this firsthand, having gone into interview after interview with little to show for it. But there’s nothing more you can do to make your resume shine short of printing it on pink scented paper (and Elle Woods already did that one).

At this point, it’s time to give yourself more of an edge in the job hunt. How do you do this? One way is to create a website. (Click here to tweet this thought.)

Not sure if creating a website is worth it? Here are some reasons why a website is a good idea even when you’re a traditional employee.

1. It serves as an online portfolio

It can be tough to show what you’re capable of in an interview or through a one to two page resume. With your website, you can do more to showcase your talents, and since it’s available publicly, you can reach more recruiters while giving them a convenient path to your portfolio.

Imagine this:

Instead of handing over a portfolio binder to the hiring manager, you give him access to your site by sharing your domain name. He’s stunned by your professionalism (and thankful he doesn’t have to worry about carrying around or misplacing your binder), and you don’t have to worry about getting your binder back before your next interview. Plus, you can incorporate digital content on a website, like an introduction video.

But this portfolio option only raises more questions. Why not just use LinkedIn or other platforms to showcase your expertise? Three reasons:

1. A website sets you apart from other candidates.
2. It gives you more freedom in the layout and upload options so your personality can shine through.
3. It helps you establish an emotional connection with your website’s visitors.

Another major question you probably have: What should I include in my portfolio? Try incorporating these elements:

• An about page that gives a brief overview of who you are, what your education and experience is, and what you can do or have done as an employee.
• A portfolio page showcasing your previous projects. Try to include pictures whenever possible.
• A testimonials page sharing recommendations from previous employers or coworkers.
• Contact details so people can get in touch.
• A professional headshot.

Consider these examples of professional portfolios in various industries for inspiration:

• Rebecca Taff, Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist
• Adelina Popescu, Architect
• Kelly Ann Cicalese, Meteorologist

2. Use it to attract job leads (without even trying)

Let’s say you set up a website. You’ll probably list it on your resume so hiring managers can learn more about you.

But your website can do so much more than that. Before you even see a job listing and apply to it, most hiring managers are already looking for you. Today, 80 percent of jobs are never listed, reports CNN.com. That means hiring managers are already on the search before you are.

How are they finding these qualified individuals? Many will tap into their networks and receive recommendations from people they already know, while others will go on the search themselves.

When recruiters look for qualified individuals, they might start with search engines, head to directories or go on a social media search. With a website, you can reel in those recruiters by having extra to offer. It’ll help you stand out from the crowd.

Even more than that, a website expands your visibility. If a recruiter uses a search engine, your website is more likely to show up than your LinkedIn profile. And if you have a blog, you could attract hiring managers to your site when they’re not even looking. They might like what they see and contact you.

How can you make your website more visible?

1. Include the URL in your signature on any professional platform, including LinkedIn, email and business cards.
2. Learn about and use SEO techniques.
3. Talk to and interact with people in your industry through online group forums. Share your URL on your profile.

3. Boost your credibility through blogging

Brazen has talked about how blogging can boost your credibility countless times. As you blog in your niche and market that content, you can create a social following.

If you could tell a hiring manager you have 10,000 email subscribers on your industry-related blog, you’d probably raise a few eyebrows. This alone can serve as proof of your expertise, giving you stats to measure your success by and show that people hold you in high esteem within the field.

Check out these great posts for more about using your blog to get a job:

• How Your Blog Can Land You a Job
• How to Create Kick-A$$ Blog Posts That’ll Get You Hired
• 7 Easy Tweaks to Turn Your Blog Into a Job-Search Tool

When does a website make sense?

While a website is certainly a great job-landing tool for some people, it doesn’t always make sense for every job seeker. Consider starting a website when:

• Other people in your industry have one.
• Your work is visual (such as photography, architecture or advertising).
• You already have a portfolio that you could turn digital.

Are you ready to boost your professional appearance and start seeing more results from your interviews? Start by digging into how to build a website with PCMag’s guide.

Alicia Rades (@aliciarades) is a freelance blogger and writer eager to create content on blogging, writing, and career topics. Learn more about her and her blogging services at aliciaradeswriter.com, where you can download her free Which Freelance Blogger Should I Hire? Worksheet.

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The post 3 Reasons Having a Professional Website Will Land You Your Next Job appeared first on Brazen Life.

As the founder and creative leader behind CollegeFashionista, I recently sat at the helm of a website redesign, a process that opened my eyes to the importance of the relaunch process. The culmination of 10 months’ worth of planning, development and execution, we unveiled our new website in January. The process, both challenging and exciting, had its fair share of problems.

With a task as important and tedious as developing a website, you can be successful by familiarizing yourself with the road ahead and the issues that are likely to arise. While there is no way to truly prepare for unexpected challenges in Web development, there are ways you can prepare for a digital transition that is as seamless as possible.  And, with the online space as noisy and overpopulated as it is, you want to make sure your investment (both time and money) reaps the best rewards.

Before getting started, here are several things to keep in mind:

Choose the right design team

Having a design team, either externally or in-house, that you can rely on with confidence is vital to the success of the process. The team will be responsible for executing your vision and should provide guidance through the entire process. Perhaps more importantly, they will be tasked with resolving any issues (and trust me, there will be issues) that arise along the way.

A design team is the source through which your vision will be made into a reality, so it’s equally important to feel a sense of compatibility with the team. It’s easy to get distracted by Web designers’ ideas, but ultimately it’s your brand, and you know it best. It’s the design team’s responsibility to be in sync with you, not the other way around. So before you meet with your design team, have a firm grasp of how you picture your brand’s site—its look and usability—and be prepared to discuss your expectations for a successful partnership.

Be flexible

To survive the relaunch process, you must accept the fact that there will inevitably be delays. It’s easier if you expect this and maintain a sense of flexibility. You will rarely, if ever, meet your original deadline, so allow a two-week buffer between your ideal relaunch date and the date when your project will be complete.

Bugs are also inevitable. Be prepared to have time to sort through this before your new site goes live.

Remember to breathe

It’s important to maintain your calm on the day of the launch. Chances are that something will not go as planned.  Bugs will appear, functions won’t work, but know that this is normal. If you have a strong team behind you, rely on them to quickly resolve any issues. More likely than not, a majority of the functionality issues you notice won’t be recognized by users simply because of your intimate relationship with the process.

Take time to smell the roses

It’s easier said than done, but remember to take breaks throughout the process! With a strong design team in place, it’s important that you let them do their jobs. You should be able to objectively assess whether you are happy with the final design and functionality of your new website. To do this, it’s best to have fresh eyes.

Looking at a computer screen for too long can become exhausting. Be sure to get out of the office, walk away from your computer and return with a renewed set of eyes. When you come back to the computer, you can decide with a clear mind whether your new website in fact reflects your vision and your brand’s mission. The final product will benefit as a result.

With consumers utilizing the Internet more and more everyday, a strong Web presence can push a brand to the next level. As the newly designed CollegeFashionista has shown me, websites allow a brand to reach a wider consumer base, express itself and position the brand better for the next generation. While exhausting at times, the culmination of a website relaunch is well worth the process. The devil may be in the details, but the details are key to a brand’s success.

Amy Levin is the founder and creative director of CollegeFashionista.

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The post Surviving a Design: What to Consider When Launching Your Website appeared first on Brazen Life.