I know this might sound strange coming from a developer and someone who feels that they don’t have an artistic bone in their body, but I still understand the importance of a taking care of your personal appearance as well as your virtual presence. I can’t stress enough how important it is for companies to take pride in the look and feel of their web site. This is especially true for companies that are looking for new clients or even looking to hire new employees.
Recently, I’ve been browsing through Rails job boards on the Ruby on Rails and Working with Rails sites. Typically, the first thing I do is read through the job description to make sure that they really know what they’re looking for and working on. After reading through a job description my next step is to go to their web site. Oddly enough, this has the most weight in the process for me. I consider your web site to be your first impression. To me this is no different than meeting someone in person.
If I meet someone in person and they’re rockin’ a mullet (as awesome as that would be), some old school Girbaud jeans, a tank top, Gucci sunglasses, and some Prada boots ... I’d be a little reluctant to sit down in a public area and discuss anything with you … let alone be able to take you seriously about your business.
Now, don’t get me wrong … this isn’t to say that you need to put on a Versace suit and stroll around town like you’re made of money either! Not at all. I don’t really care if you’re wearing Under Armour and just left the gym, have a faux hawk and just left a concert wearing your favorite bands t-shirt, or you really did step out of a board meeting wearing your work suit. The important thing is that you’ve put yourself together in a manor that depicts your personal style at that given moment. The web is no different and probably even more important than your personal style.
You’re doing it right
If I’m browsing your site and I somehow feel the need to crank up Firebug or the source code to look at the HTML behind the scenes to see how you’ve put things together … you can almost guarantee that I’m going to submit my resume to your company. Even if you’re not actively looking for a developer. In fact, I’ve been known to browse sites and send emails to their contact us address just to tell them how much I appreciate their site design. It really is that crucial for me.
Or if your site has a good flow to it, well laid out color scheme, good font spacing and size, and just looks like some thought was put in to the design then you’re on the right track.
There are so many things that can make a site unique and/or attractive and to me it’s worth the time, money, and effort to put it together correctly if you’re relying on your web presence to do any marketing for you.
You’re doing it wrong
On the other hand … if your site has that cookie cutter corporate feel with the standard navigational drop down menus, blueish or orangish color scheme, pictures of people standing around the printer smiling like they’re at their wedding, because they’re looking at a document that someone just handed them (seriously?), but you’re looking for a ‘laid back Ruby Rockstar to develop your hot new product management system’ ... you might be doing it wrong.
To me that’s like looking for a lead guitarist for your Metallica cover band at an Opera. Sure you have a chance of finding someone who is musically inclined, but are they really interested in slammin’ down Jager Bombs on stage with you screaming out, “Give me fuel, Give me Fire, Give me that which I desire!”? Chances are probably slim.