I want to start a career as a web developer (though all my previous jobs are server administration). To supplement my resume, I'm making web sites that demonstrate my proficiency. An example: This weekend I'm putting together a simple order tracking site for a restaurant. Waiters enter customer orders; food prep team marks each item when it's prepared; waiters update the order when it's delivered and when the customer leaves. All the actions take place in a web app connected to a MySQL database. It's simple, but it demonstrates proficiency in SQL, PHP, and AJAX.
I can put a bullet point on my resume that says: "http://restaurant.mysite.com. Demonstrates proficiency in MySQL, PHP, JavaScript, AJAX". And an employer can visit the site. But how does the employer know that I'm proficient? If he/she visits the site, all they say is the JavaScript. They can't tell if my PHP is well-written or if my database is properly organized. For all they know, I might have just ripped off a template and filled in the blanks.
Is there a way I can post my source code somewhere? The sites in question are mine, so there's no question of IP. They won't be live sites, so there's no risk of exposing customer data. If I made a link to "http://restaurant.mysite.com/SourceCode.zip" would an employer be interested in that?
Forgive me if the question isn't specific or appropriate for the site. I'm starting my career completely over, and I'm a bit overwhelmed.