How to create a CV website step by step
Submitting your own website for a job application is a creative and professional approach with a unique feature. But how can you create a CV website and what should be included on such a site?
What is a CV website?
On a CV website, you can present your CV (curriculum vitae), cover letter, work samples, and more in one place. The cover letter usually takes the form of a general motivational statement. However, if an application requires it, a tailored cover letter must still be submitted separately — often directly in the body of the application email rather than as an attachment.
Building your own website not only allows you to stand out from other applicants but also offers unique advantages. Unlike traditional documents, a website gives you the freedom to add interactive elements, visuals, and videos — for example, a professional portfolio gallery or even an application video.
Who should consider creating a CV website?
Freelancers and self-employed professionals should already have a personal website. But even for employees looking for a new role, a CV website is an excellent way to present their skills and experience.
Professions that particularly benefit from having their own website include:
- web designers
- photographers
- editors
- artists
That said, employees in other industries can also gain an advantage by applying with a CV website. As digital communication becomes the standard, an up-to-date site can serve as a digital business card, help grow your professional network, and position you as an expert in your field.
Various ways to create a CV website
If you want to create your own CV website, there are various methods to accomplish this. If you have the necessary know-how, you can write the source code manually. Alternatively, you can seek assistance—from agencies or user-friendly tools.
| Manual work | Website builder | CMS | Web design service | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advantages | full control over design | easy to use, no training needed, many templates | expandable with plugins, customisable | support from professionals |
| Disadvantages | requires technical knowledge | limited customisation | system requires regular updates to close security gaps | dependence on third parties |
| Difficulty | +++ | + | ++ | + |
| Price | + | ++ | + | +++ |
Program your own CV website
If you write the source code by hand, you have full control over the web design. However, you must be well-versed in the field. While you can learn HTML and use CSS tutorials, many people don’t have the time to invest.
Website builder
A website builder is an online editor designed specifically for beginners in web design. Instead of starting from scratch, you typically begin with a template that aligns with your design vision. You then make changes to transform the generic design into your unique CV website. You operate the system easily in the browser, and many elements can be modified simply with drag-and-drop.
Content Management System (CMS)
The most widely used content management system (CMS) worldwide is WordPress. With WordPress, you work with ready-made templates and make adjustments directly in an editor. You can set up a WordPress site quickly and easily. Thanks to a wide range of WordPress plugins, your website can be extended with additional features and customised to your needs.
Another advantage of CMS platforms like WordPress is the ability to update and publish new content effortlessly. Changes can be made without disrupting other parts of your CV website.
- Stress-free, no matter your skill level with easy AI tools
- Full customisation with themes and plugins
- Hassle-free updates and less admin
Web design service
If you don’t have the time or interest to manage your website project yourself, you can enlist the help of a website design service. Based on your ideas, an expert team will create a professional and engaging CV website for you.
With a design service, specialists usually work from proven templates, which helps reduce costs compared to a traditional web design agency and speeds up the development process. The team ensures your website has a polished look, optimises the technical setup, and prepares everything to meet search engine requirements.
What belongs on a CV website?
A CV website usually doesn’t require complex features and is typically concise in scope. You can either create a few subpages or use a one-page design, where all content appears on a single page divided into sections. No matter which design you choose, your CV website should include the following essentials:
- Homepage: Welcome visitors with a short, inviting text and, ideally, a professional photo. Remember, many readers will be considering you for an open position.
- Motivation: Use this section to highlight your strengths and personal story. Unlike a traditional cover letter, the content isn’t tailored to a specific role but instead communicates what drives you.
- CV: The CV follows the same principles as a PDF or print version. Focus on a clear structure and a complete overview of your experience and qualifications.
- Work samples: Especially in creative fields — but useful in many professions — work samples show what you can do. Display your projects in a gallery or highlight key achievements in a structured list.
- Contact: If your CV website supports passive applications, clear contact details are essential. Provide multiple options such as phone, email, and a contact form for convenience. This section is also a great place to link to your professional social media accounts.
- Privacy policy: A privacy policy is required under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 if you collect personal information (e.g. through forms or analytics).
How to create a CV website step by step
While a CV website isn’t a large project, there are a few essentials to get right. We’ll walk you step by step to a polished, complete site.
Step 1: Choose the right domain
A domain is the address of your website and also an important part of your personal ‘brand’. It’s often the very first thing visitors notice—even before they access your site. That’s why you should take enough time to plan carefully. Since a CV website is all about you, it usually makes sense to use your own name as the domain. However, this can be tricky if you have a very common first and last name.
If your preferred domain is already taken, consider choosing an alternative — for example, by combining your name with your profession — or selecting a different top-level domain. In addition to .com, many other domain extensions are available. You could, for instance, register a domain ending in .info or .online.
Step 2: Choose a suitable design
On a CV website, you put yourself in the spotlight, so the design should reflect your personality. At the same time, avoid going overboard — a cluttered or distracting layout can discourage potential employers.
A one-page design is often a great choice for a CV website. This format allows visitors to simply scroll through your content without navigating to multiple subpages. To improve usability, you can also include a menu that lets users jump directly to specific sections.
Step 3: Add content to your website
Once the framework of your website is in place and you’ve chosen colours and fonts, it’s time to add content. Write texts and upload images or videos. Ensure everything follows a consistent line. The texts should be tonally consistent, and images should adhere to a colour scheme you’ve set. Select only the images you truly need, and don’t overload the website. If you want to include multiple photos in one section, consider using gallery features to make it easier for visitors to view the images.
Step 4: Publish the website
Once your website is complete, it’s time to publish it so that interested parties can access your content. When actively applying for jobs, make sure to reference your website in your applications. Links to your CV website also work well on your professional profiles — especially on LinkedIn. You can also include the link on platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor, as well as in your email signature. This increases visibility and makes it easier for potential employers or contacts to learn more about you.
Step 5: Optimise for search engines
Another advantage of a CV website is that it can passively increase your visibility. To make the most of this, aim to get your site ranked at the top of Google search results. For effective search engine optimisation (SEO), keep the following points in mind:
- Keywords: Use relevant keywords throughout your site, especially in headings. Be sure to highlight your exact job title, area of expertise, and location.
- Mobile first: Make sure your CV website is accessible on all devices and screen sizes. Responsive web design is essential.
- Technical optimisation: Google rewards fast-loading pages. Use images only at the required resolution and with optimised file sizes, and avoid unnecessary scripts that slow your site down.
- Structure: Provide a clear navigation structure. This improves usability for visitors and helps search engines crawl and index your content.
How easy these points are to implement depends on how you build your CV website. For example, responsive design is already included in most modern templates, whether you use a website builder or WordPress.
FAQs
You want to create your own CV website but still have questions? We provide answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Is having your own CV website important?
That ultimately depends on what you want to achieve in your career and on the job market. Of course, you can succeed without a CV website, but having a professional online presence gives you a unique selling point that helps you stand out from other applicants. If your application is successful, your website continues to serve as a digital business card — showcasing your expertise, building your personal brand, and potentially opening the door to new and exciting career opportunities.
What advantages does a CV website offer?
Most applications follow a familiar pattern, which makes it hard to stand out among countless cover letters and CVs. A personal CV website, however, leaves a lasting impression. It also gives you more design flexibility — for example, by adding visuals or even a short video — something a static PDF cannot offer.
Another advantage is passive job searching. With a CV website, recruiters can discover your profile on their own, giving you opportunities without you having to make the first move.
How to create a CV website easily
There are several ways to build your own CV website. For beginners in web design, website builders or a content management system (CMS) are especially suitable. Both options are user-friendly and allow you to get started quickly without advanced technical knowledge.
At IONOS, for example, you can choose between the intuitive Website Builder or powerful Hosting for WordPress, depending on your needs and level of flexibility.
Where can you find templates for a CV website?
At IONOS, you can choose from a wide range of design templates that are well suited for CV websites. You can use these templates as inspiration for your own design or directly as a foundation when working with the Website Builder. If you prefer to create your website with WordPress, you’ll have access to thousands of WordPress themes. It’s a good idea to get feedback from friends and family to see which design and content reflect you best. For additional support, the IONOS Website Design Service provides personal consultation from experienced experts who can help you design a professional and compelling CV website.