
You can boost your job search networking and success through use of
a web resume (one formatted in HTML and posted on the Internet).
This article outlines tips to help you develop a successful web resume,
and it includes a useful web resume model. This article also assumes
that you already know how to create a web page and publish it online.
The terms that have been used to discuss and describe resume types have
not been universally consistent. The most widely-accepted definitions
are included below to help distinguish the web resume from other resume
formats.
Types of Resumes
-
Scannable Paper: A specially formatted hard copy resume
used by employers to scan into a computer database. The database
can then be searched for keywords to help identify applicants with
qualifications for job openings.
-
Electronic: An ASCII text-only resume created with a text
editor such as Notepad. This is a resume stripped of formatting
to ensure the file will transmit correctly from any e-mail, Internet,
or electronic interface to an employer's resume-tracking software.
-
Web: A resume in HTML format published to a web server for
viewing over the Internet with a web browser program. This
format adds flexibility in that it supports incorporation of more
sophisticated elements such as animated graphics as well as sound
and video clips.
The use of web resumes is most common in the high-tech
industry and is effective as a link from a personal or business web
site. However, you should research to determine if a web resume is
necessary in your career field. Also note that a web resume should
be used in addition to your standard paper and electronic resumes.
Purpose and Benefits
of Web Resumes
The benefits of developing and posting a well-designed
web resume are numerous:
-
A well-developed web resume is a good tool for displaying
your expertise in computer technology (HTML, web site and graphic
design, and more).
-
Web resumes can also be creative sales tools for
people who want or need to display their artistic abilities (photographers,
artists, singers, models, architects, graphics and computer specialists,
etc.)
-
Listing the URL to your web resume is also effective
in a networking e-mail.
-
E-mailing your web resume in the body of a networking
e-mail is also effective. (To do this, open your browser; access
your web resume online; in Internet Explorer, click on File, Send,
Send Page by e-mail. Fill in the recipient’s e-mail address and
the subject line, then click Send.) NOTE: Check to make sure recipients
can read HTML in their e-mail programs before sending.
-
Listing the URL for your web resume in your paper
and electronic resumes can also expand your job search marketing
effectiveness.
-
A web resume can also be used as a useful meeting
or interview follow up tool. Reserving your web resume for this
purpose may provide an important opportunity to initiate further
communication with your contacts.
-
Having business cards available containing your
web site URL may be more appropriate or convenient to give to
contacts or potential employers in some networking situations
than offering your printed resume.
-
Some employers search the Internet for candidates
with specific job skills. A web resume can expand your network
in this way too.
Successful Web Resume Content and
Tips
Always begin by preparing a first-rate paper resume
(see Chapter 9, “Prepare a Winning Resume,” of Your Career: How to
Make It Happen). Use your paper resume as the content foundation of
your web resume.
Your web resume will in many ways mimic the content
of your completed hard copy. It should also include many enhancements
and formatting adjustments including the following:
-
Include An Appropriate Page Title: Search
engines sort by page title, URL, and meta tags (discussed in next
bullet). Use a page title that reflects your job objective–in
our web resume model, we have used the page title "Web Specialist."
See an example of the page title used in our model web resume.
Click on the following web resume link, then place your cursor
in a blank portion of the screen, right mouse click, select "View
Source," and review the page title used in this resume.
See web resume model
-
Use Meta Tags: Meta tags are keywords
that describe your relevant skills, education, and other job qualifications.
These are placed within the HTML code to be used as a reference
for search engines and other web services to locate web documents
by topic. Meta tags are not viewable in your web browser–only
in the HTML coding of the document. Adding keywords at the
beginning of your web resume that describe your skills and qualifications
increases your chances of being located by search engines and
by employers who surf to find qualified candidates.
See an example of meta tags used in our model web resume. Click
on the following web resume link, then place your cursor in a
blank portion of the screen, right mouse click, select “View Source,”
and review the meta tags used in this resume. See web
resume model
-
Use Hyperlinks: Hyperlinks make web resumes
user friendly as they speed navigation. At the beginning of your
web resume, consider using hyperlinks to the main sections of
the resume (qualification summary, education, work experience,
etc.)
-
Link to portfolio. Also consider including hyperlinks
to a portfolio of your relevant work such as web sites you
have developed and examples of programming, architectural,
artistic, or other relevant projects.
-
Link to your other resume formats. Include links in
several downloadable formats (Word, pdf, ASCII) to your scannable
paper resume and to your electronic resume.
-
Link to your e-mail address. Make it easy for employers
to reach you!
See examples of hyperlinks in our web
resume model
-
Include a Qualifications Summary: Help readers
by presenting a summary of your primary qualifications near the
top of your web resume, so they can get an overview immediately.
Include your keywords in order of importance and relevance to
your job objective.
See an example of a qualification summary in our
web resume model
-
Use Graphics: While using too many
or inappropriate graphics can clutter a web page and distract
the reader, relevant images, borders, and bullets will keep the
employer interested. Note: Do not include a
photograph of yourself. In effort to avoid discrimination,
many employers will not consider a resume with a picture attached.
-
Use Color: Choose a color or scheme
and use it consistently to highlight and accent titles and key
points. To achieve maximum readability, use background colors
and text font colors that are contrasting (light background with
dark text font or darker background with light text font).
-
Use Standard Fonts: Arial and Times
New Roman are commonly available on computers. Using these
fonts helps ensure that your resume prints and displays correctly
for employers. Use an 11- to 14-point font size in the body
of the resume to ensure clear readability. Use a color and
bold font for your headings.
-
Consider Using Tables, Outlining, and Bullets:
Tables, outlining, and bullets help in organizing information
for maximum readability.
REMINDERS FOR WINNING WEB RESUMES
-
Emphasize measurable and other accomplishments under
work experience.
-
Place qualifications/skills near the top--loaded
with keywords.
-
Repeat keywords in the body under the education
and experience sections to prove actual use of skills/qualifications
claimed.
-
Include links to your word processed resume (.doc)
and your electronic resume (ASCII).
Publishing, Verification, and Distribution
Upload all files and verify the appearance of your web
resume in several different web browsers. Confirm that all images
and links load properly.
Let employers know you are online. Distribute your web resume
URL on your business cards, your hard-copy resume, in your electronic
ASCII resume, and in your e-mail communications with potential employers
and networking contacts.
See our sample web
resume.
|