Question

Topic: Other

Leaving Job, Need Help With Website Content

Posted by Anonymous on 3/9/2010 at 6:19 AM ET 500 Points
Hello Everyone,

I have made an important decision. I have decided that my dead end job with no prospect is holding me back. I am going to embark on a job hunt in my spare time and having read other suggestions for how to achieve this from the forum, I have decided to design a information website to showcase my skills. Luckily I have the skills to be able to do this. My question is what type of content would a future employer want to see as I will not be able to change it every time I apply for a job. Any ideas?
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 3/9/2010 at 6:54 AM Accepted
    If you won't be able to change it every time you apply for a job, then it's going to be a "generic" site. That's exactly the WRONG strategy for finding the job you want. It's like having a generic resume.

    Prospective employers are not motivated by solving YOUR need for a new job. They're motivated by THEIR need to have a qualified new employee. Your job, as the applicant, is to help them understand that you can solve THEIR problem, not to beg for them to hire you so you can solve YOUR problem.

    This is a common misunderstanding among job seekers, who only see their side of the process. When you are looking for a job, you need to first identify what value you bring to an employer, and then find a company where your unique skills and experience are the most important things that company needs.

    Want to learn more about this approach? Pick up a copy of the book, The Potato Chip Difference : How to apply leading edge marketing strategies to landing the job you want. (www.potatochipdifference.com)
  • Posted on 3/9/2010 at 7:09 AM Author
    Thank you for the responses so far. To answer Karen's question first. So far I have designed adverts, flyer and helped design external websites, including the copy. In terms of what I would like to do is online market, i.e. update websites, SEO etc.

    To answer mgoodmans reply. I know that each CV has to be tailored, but I don't see how I can change the website to every job that I apply for, (applying to lots of jobs as I am desperate to get out of my current job). I have had interviews, but the main response has been the lack of experience, which is why I though a website would be visually helpful in showing that I do posses the skills needed.

    Any other advise would be great.

  • Posted on 3/9/2010 at 9:53 AM Accepted
    Why not create an "online resume" site that is targeted at a single company -- the one who needs you most and where you really want to work? That way you can demonstrate that you really understand their needs.

    I would expect that to be more effective than a generic site that doesn't really speak directly to anyone.

    Or simply have a page with links to sites you've created for others, along with a brief description of the requirements for each of those sites, so your target employer will see how you were able to take the Creative Brief and turn it into a fully-functional website.

    The latter will say more about you and your skills than a generic resume.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 3/9/2010 at 11:41 AM Member
    If during your interviews you can't convince someone you have the experience, then a website won't help you much. If you got so far as an interview, then you must have skills of interest - but you may be missing what the interviewer is telling you. It may be your skills, or something else. Saying "you don't have the experience" may be a polite way to dismiss you. The next time this happens, ask what problems they face, what skills others have, and how they see best utilizing your talents in their company.
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