**Your Online Presence Impacts Hiring Decisions**

Crafting a Professional Online Presence: A Key to Unlocking Career Opportunities

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for career advancement. Employers are increasingly using the internet to research potential candidates, making it essential to have a professional online portfolio or personal website. This is not only a best practice for search engine optimization (SEO) but also a crucial step in managing your online visibility.

A recent study by Hover, a domain management company, highlights the importance of a high-quality online portfolio in influencing hiring decisions. The survey of 121 professionals from various job levels found that 71% of employers believe a portfolio's quality plays a significant role in their decision to hire a candidate.

But what constitutes a high-quality website? According to Quick Sprout, a website with 10 essential elements, including a clear purpose, easy navigation, and engaging content, is more likely to make a positive impression on potential employers.

Having a personal website provides an opportunity to showcase your skills, interests, and personality, going beyond the limitations of a traditional resume. It allows you to tell your full story, demonstrate your expertise, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.

To maximize your online visibility, include a link to your personal website in your email signature, resume, LinkedIn profile, Twitter bio, and business card. This will make it easy for potential employers to find and learn more about you.

By investing in a professional online presence, you can increase your chances of getting noticed, build your personal brand, and take control of your career navigation.