I’ve always been astounded by the number of people who apply for web-related jobs whose CV gives no hint of knowledge of the Internet that goes beyond most people’s grandmas. Vague CVs that give no indication of the technologies being used on the project (Ruby on Rails? Java? Fortran? This information might be useful to potential employers). No way to get more information about past employers. And, most dammingly, no links to any past work.

You know who you are, people. And, whether you’re a project manager, designer, developer, director, or QA specialist, if the word “web” is anywhere in your job title or description, you should do the following to your CV:

1. Add your (professional sounding) email and check it all the time- Set up a name derived email address to use for the job hunt (firstlast@gmail.com, first@last.com, first.last@gmail.com are all good models). Respond to all emails within 2 hours. (No kidding, I once had a potential web designer apply telling me they didn’t have an email address, but I could email their sister and she would print my message out and pass it along…ummm, yeah.)
2. Add the need-to-know info- I’ll be posting more about keyword optimizing your CV later, but be specific about technologies, but don’t exaggerate. Explicitly name frameworks, software packages, methodologies, languages, etc. in use on your projects, but do not inflate your knowledge of them (Sooner or later you will get caught out, and it will be unpleasant. Trust me.)
3. Do HTML and Word versions- Build a web-based version of your CV to sit on your homepage and link to when appropriate. Have a Word CV to use in applying for jobs. Worried about your CV being sent around without your permission? Stick to no-agencies sites (such as Jobyssey) or strip off your employers and replace with descriptions when posting to job boards (replace Nortel with “major multinational telecom”).
4. Give URLs of past employers and clients on your CV- Unless your past employers are all universally recognizable, give their URLs. Potential employers will want to get a sense of what sort of places you’re worked, and making it easy to find out about them improves your chances. This is absolutely critical if you worked outside of Ireland or for employers with really awful SEO.
5. Build an online portfolio- Create a website to house all of your past work samples rather than just adding links to your CV. This gives you a chance to structure the viewing experience and add commentary, and saves typing for viewers. Be sure to add links to any projects that are currently live though, and if possible be sure that you are credited as the designer on the site. You don’t just have to add things you got paid for doing- if you did something as a volunteer or for fun add it too, and if you’re a recent student projects are fair game.
6. Host copies of any past projects that aren’t live anymore- If you worked on something that isn’t around anymore, host a copy on your site if possible, or at least replicate the relevant sections.
7. Can’t post samples? If you worked on projects that aren’t publicly viewable (such as intranet stuff), try to get permission to post sample, screenshots, or wireframes, etc. At a minimum, give a detailed description of what you were doing and a reason why you can’t provide samples. It’s not really a big deal to have the odd project you don’t have anything to show for, but if most of your past work can’t be revealed, you need to think about #9 below to .
8. Add technical samples- It’s not just the finished project that employers are interested in, it’s your contribution to it. It you are a web developer, add code samples so that hiring managers can see your code style. If you are a web designer or UI specialist, you should have wireframes as well as the final outcome. PM’s can include project planning documents, QA might show test plans, etc. Being able to show how you did something is miles better than just saying you did it.
9. Build something clever just for your job search- Maybe a lot of your best work can’t be publicly displayed, or maybe you’re just getting started and don’t have a lot of work in your portfolio. If so, find a free weekend and build something cool and fun that shows off your skills. Small games are a good choice, or websites on something that you think potential employers will find interesting (it doesn’t necessarily have to be content strictly related to work, but do pick something that appeals to a wide audience).
10. Don’t include anything not work-appropriate- This should be obvious, but no matter how cool the project, don’t put anything in your work portfolio your Mom would tell you not to discuss with strangers. If you’ve done work that is religious or political in nature or R-rated leave it off to avoid giving offense.