My first CV had a really nice font

I didn't have much experience to speak of, so naturally, the most important decision was the font.

I spent ages making sure it looked professional. The spacing was right, the headings were bold, and everything fitted neatly onto one page. It was, in my opinion, an excellent CV.

Years later, when I applied for the job I'm still doing today, my CV had grown up considerably. I had actual experience, relevant skills and projects I could point to.

I also had a business mentor who helped me say it all rather impressively.

Suddenly, I wasn't simply good at working with people. I could foster productive relationships. I wasn't looking for a job where both sides would be happy. I was seeking a mutually beneficial opportunity.

Mutually beneficial. What a magnificent phrase.

I remember reading the finished CV and thinking, "Am I this guy?"

It certainly sounded impressive. It sounded like somebody who knew exactly what he was doing. Somebody who might own several suits.

But it didn't sound much like me.

Your website might own several suits too

I've been thinking about how closely those CVs resemble the way businesses build their websites.

The first website is often a collection of facts. Here's our company name, what we do, where to find us, and perhaps a few pictures of our work.

And, naturally, a considerable amount of time is spent choosing the font.

As the business grows, so does the website. Now there are client logos, testimonials, case studies and years of experience to talk about. Somewhere along the way, somebody introduces you to innovative solutions, industry-leading expertise and synergistic partnerships.

Before long, your website sounds like it owns several suits too.

There's nothing wrong with showing off your experience. People need reasons to trust you. But somewhere in the effort to sound impressive, you can lose what makes you recognisable.

And there's another problem. You're still spending an awful lot of time talking about yourself.

What about the person reading it?

Think about the person reading your CV.

They're not fascinated by your career history. They've got a position to fill, work that needs doing and problems that need solving.

Your experience matters because of what it means for them.

The same goes for somebody visiting your website.

They're probably not there to admire your achievements. They've arrived with something on their mind, and they want to know whether you can help.

Instead of telling somebody you've been building websites for fifteen years, explain how that experience helps them avoid costly mistakes.

Instead of listing your content management expertise, show them how their team could publish information without constantly asking a developer for help.

Your experience hasn't become less important. It's become relevant.

Getting the interview

A CV might get you shortlisted, but eventually you need to have a conversation. The employer wants to know whether you understand what they need and whether working together feels right.

Your website has a similar job.

It should give people enough confidence to want that conversation. Show them that you understand where they're trying to go, and that you've got the experience to help them get there.

And somewhere in all of that, it should still sound like you.

Because the best CV isn't necessarily the one that tells your story most impressively. It's the one that helps the person reading it understand how you might fit into theirs.

The same goes for your website.

Although I'd still spend a little time choosing the font.