Enhance Your Resume by Building a Profession-Specific Web Site

One of the things I focus the most on in my job search techniques are how to build experience when you don't have much experience. It's an awful paradox, the great Catch 22 of the job search world, and it's especially vexing when you're trying to switch careers. For that task, here's one of the greatest, underutilized secret weapons -- building your own profession-specific Website.

By building a site to serve as an information source for the field you're hoping to get into, you show that you're serious, committed, ambitious, disciplined, and familiar with the profession. Granted, it takes some technical knowledge, and it eats up a lot of time. But when you need credentials, it's pure gold and well worth the effort. Follow these steps to using this great weapon of job search experience building.

Research the field
Take a look at what Websites already exist in the profession. Don't limit yourself at this point. Look at everything you can. If you have access to people in the profession, ask them what sites are out there and what are the leading ones in the field.

Find Your Niche
Look at what information gaps exist in the profession and look for sub-specialties that are within the scope of your time, access, and expertise. But you should probably shy away from subjects and specializations that are too controversial for your job search. Remember, this is a site that exists primarily to show people what you know and get you a job. Being too controversial might eliminate some opportunities.

Choose Your Name
Your job search depends on your conveying a professional image, so pick a name that works toward that end. For instance, "GalleryRight.com" sounds a lot more appealing than "NancysArtGallerySite.com" Emulate the top professional sites in the industry and choose a name that's unique, but with a similar flavor.

Pick the Right Look and Feel
There are numerous free templates for Websites, and they can save ages of effort in building your Website. There are countless sites that offer such templates, but Freelayouts.com is a great place to start.