Should You Include Internet Links in Your CV or Cover Letter?

The decision to include internet links in your CV or cover letter is one that job seekers often debate. While such links can enhance your visibility and provide employers with supplementary information, it’s important to use them strategically to ensure they add value without detracting from your overall application. This article will explore the pros and cons, share best practices, and provide expert insights to help you make an informed decision.

When It’s a Good Idea to Include Links

Portfolio Links

For creatives such as designers, writers, and web developers, including links to an online portfolio is a valuable way to showcase your work. Employers appreciate the opportunity to see your projects in action, directly reflecting your skills and experience. If you’re applying for a role in a creative industry, having a professional and well-organized portfolio online can significantly boost your application.

LinkedIn Profile

Providing a link to your LinkedIn profile can give employers more context about your professional background and connections. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile showcases your recent projects, skills, and endorsements, which can highlight your expertise and professionalism. This additional layer of information can make you stand out among other candidates.

Relevant Projects and Publications

If you have specific projects or publications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, linking to them can demonstrate your expertise and dedication. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing position and have published articles on SEO techniques, including links to those articles can provide concrete evidence of your knowledge and experience.

When It Might Be a Bad Idea to Include Links

Unprofessional Content

Avoid linking to personal social media profiles unless they are strictly professional, such as LinkedIn. Employers may be concerned about maintaining professional boundaries and may perceive personal social media links as a risk. Stick to professional networks to ensure your application is taken seriously.

Broken Links

Ensure that all links you include are functional and lead to professional content. Broken links can reflect poorly on you and may give the impression that you are not detail-oriented or responsible. Double-check each link before submitting your application to ensure it works correctly.

Overloading with Links

While including links can be beneficial, it’s important not to overload your CV or cover letter with too many of them. Too many links can clutter your document, making it harder for employers to focus on your key qualifications. Aim to include only the most relevant links that add value to your application.

Best Practices for Including Links

Keep It Relevant

Only include links that add value to your application and are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design job, include links to your best design projects rather than unrelated blog posts.

Make It Easy to Read

When including links, use short, clear text rather than lengthy URLs. Phrases like “My Portfolio” or “My LinkedIn Profile” are much easier for employers to read and understand than long, uninformative URLs. This makes your application more concise and professional.

Test the Links

Before submitting your CV or cover letter, ensure that all links work correctly. Broken links can be frustrating for both you and the employer, and they can even damage your credibility. Make a final check to ensure everything functions as intended.

In summary, strategically including links can enhance your application. They can showcase your work portfolio or relevant online profiles, but they should be professional and lead to appropriate content that enhances your application.

Expert Insights

I reached out to Muse career coach and job search expert, Clayton Wert, for his thoughts on this topic. Clayton, along with many experts, emphasizes the importance of being strategic when including links in your job application. He notes that links should be professional and enhance your application, rather than detract from it.

Clayton’s professional opinion is largely that links should not be included for several reasons:

They may be of interest to the employer, but primarily only if they add value. When printed, the links will appear different from the rest of the text, which can look unprofessional. There is a risk that the recipient might accidentally click on a link, leading to a page they didn’t intend to open, wasting valuable time. There is also a risk that clicking on the link could cause technical issues, such as freezing or crashing, which can be frustrating and unprofessional.

Overall, Clayton recommends being cautious and only including links if they are essential and clearly add value to your application. This approach ensures that your CV or cover letter remains clean, professional, and focused on your qualifications.

For more tips on crafting the perfect CV and cover letter, you can visit my Quora Profile.