6 Reasons Why You Need a Web-Based Portfolio & Resume

Whether you’re applying for a new job, looking for a side hustle, or pitching to new clients as a freelancer, a web-based portfolio and resume are compelling, innovative, and strategic avenues to put your best foot forward and stand out from the competition. 

Keep reading to discover what a web-based portfolio entails, how it differs from a traditional resume, and the benefits of using one in today’s job market.

What is a web-based portfolio and resume? 

A web-based portfolio and resume refers to a digital version of your portfolio that lives on the web, with a custom domain such as 

• myresume.com
• myname.bio
• myportfolio.me

Web-based portfolios and resumes aren’t just aesthetically pleasing—they’re also incredibly instrumental. You can easily promote them online through social media and other platforms, submit them to job application portals, and send them directly to email inboxes. 

Keep in mind that in the modern job market, surveys show that recruiters spend just over seven seconds scanning a resume. While you might not always be dealing with a recruiter, attention spans are nevertheless shrinking. So, during the job search, it is essential to quickly capture your audience’s attention using effective, innovative tools. 

A web-based portfolio and resume is one such tool. 

The difference between a web-based portfolio/resume and a static PDF 

Web-based portfolios and resumes are dynamic, featuring elements such as images, videos, and links. You can also think of them as “living documents” because you can instantly update them with new projects, skills, or achievements – and ensure that recruiters and hiring managers are always seeing the most recent version. 

Additionally, web-based portfolios and resumes allow for limitless creativity. While static resumes, like PDFs, are typically comprised of blocks of text, you can put thoughtful, original designs and interactive elements into web-based portfolios and resumes. 

Web-based portfolios also have a wider reach because they’re accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Once someone has your link, they’re able to see the most recent version of your web-based portfolio and resume.

Benefits of a web-based portfolio and resume

Let’s break down six notable benefits of using a web-based portfolio and resume in today’s job market. 

1. You can showcase more creativity with a web-based portfolio/resume

From excerpts of your best work to professional-grade videos, you can let your creativity shine through with a web-based portfolio and resume. You can also organize and manage different portfolio projects and visual elements, take advantage of design templates, and implement original branding and color pallets. 

All of this can help you stand out—and considering the increased competition among job seekers today, it’s critical to use every tool in your arsenal to ensure your applications and pitches attract attention.

2. You can make it interactive

Whether you want to include simple features or advanced elements, you can make your web-based portfolio and resume interactive to boost engagement. Just consider the appeal of features like animation, scrolling text, clickable elements, scheduling and booking links, calendars, and checkout options. 

3. You can reference it on job boards and in job applications, and ensure that people always see the most current information

Having your web-based portfolio and resume hosted on a website offers significant advantages. When applying for jobs or reaching out to potential clients, you can effortlessly share a single link that grants instant access to your most up-to-date information and projects. This not only streamlines the application process but also ensures that your prospective employers or clients can easily review your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a professional and organized manner. Additionally, a well-designed online portfolio can enhance your personal brand, showcasing your creativity and technical skills in a way that a traditional resume cannot.

4. You can use analytics to see how many people have viewed it

With web-based portfolios and resumes, you have the power of data and analytics on your side. What exactly does this mean? 

Ultimately, you’ll gain incredible insights, such as how many people have viewed your portfolio and resume and what links they’ve clicked. Depending on the exact tool you use, you might also be able to see where your web traffic is originating and what time of day people are visiting your site. 

5. Enhanced accessibility: a web-based portfolio can be accessed from anywhere, on any device with internet connectivity

Web-based portfolios and resumes can be distributed with just a few clicks of a button. Because they’re available online, anyone with a computer, smartphone, or internet-connected device can view them. This universal access allows potential employers or clients from around the globe to view your work at any time, increasing your reach and opportunities.

6. Updates and scalability: with a web-based portfolio, updating your work and adding new projects is straightforward

When you have new work experience or projects you want to showcase, updating your web-based portfolio and resume is simple. Unlike a static PDF, you don’t need to redistribute the file each time you make changes; your updates are instantly available to anyone who has your link. 

This makes it easy to scale and evolve your portfolio as your career grows.

Wix simplifies the process by providing templates specifically designed for online portfolios and resumes. With over 500 professionally designed templates to choose from, intuitive website editing tools, and a built-in suite of digital tools to enhance your analytics, Wix makes it easy to create and manage a polished and professional online presence.

Build your web-based portfolio and resume with Name.com

Name.com has everything you need to get your web-based portfolio and resume online, from domains and innovative domain extensions to website products that simplify the website creation process with intuitive templates and simple, drag and drop functionality. Get started today!

Sources: 

Forbes. Study Says Hiring Managers Expect (and Prefer) AI-Enhanced Resumes.  https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswestfall/2024/01/26/study-says-hiring-managers-expect-and-prefer-ai-enhanced-resumes/?sh=6482ee5d3722 

American Psychology Association. Speaking of Psychology: Why our attention spans are shrinking, with Gloria Mark, PhD.  https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/attention-spans 

Workday. How an Increasingly Competitive Job Market Is Impacting the Employee Experience in 2023. https://blog.workday.com/en-us/2023/how-increasingly-competitive-job-market-impacting-employee-experience-2023.html