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| While researching electronic resumes for McGraw-Hill's eResumes: Everything You Need to Know), I encountered Web-hosted HTML resumes of all kinds: homemade
Web resumes, professionally-designed HTML and Flash resumes,
and full-scale Web portfolios with examples of the latest and
greatest Web technologies. In addition to lacking any kind of workable structure,
most of these resumes contained multiple spelling, grammar, punctuation, and/or
HTML errors. In general, most of the resumes I viewed were poorly executed. |
This is unfortunate, because when they're done right, Web resumes
can provide job seekers with some real benefits. Their 24/7
accessibility, confidentiality options, expandability, and (potential)
eye appeal can benefit active and passive job seekers, freelancers,
and consultants.
Very little information has been published on how to integrate
HTML and Web technology into resume writing – so it's
time for some common sense guidelines!
Capture Employers' Attention
The fundamental goal in writing is to capture and hold the
reader's attention – and this is no less true in resume
writing. In fact, the most effective resumes communicate critical
"selling points" within the first 15 seconds.
In most cases, the best way to accomplish this is to incorporate a
keyword-based summary statement at the top of your
resume. The summary statement is valuable because it allows
you to combine your skills and strengths in a strategic manner
– unhampered by arbitrary job titles, unforgiving dates,
and "untellable" circumstances. When it's done right,
a summary statement levels the playing field a bit and allows you
to present your best sales pitch. |
The first step in creating a winning summary statement is to do your
homework, research
your job target, and find out specifically what potential
employers need. Once you know what they need, you can focus on it in your summary statement. |
A poorly written
resume won't get
you very far
–
no matter how
great it looks. |
An attractive resume may capture employers' attention initially,
but it won't hold their attention unless everything else is
top-notch too. A poorly written resume won't get you very far
– no matter how great it looks.
Make it Readable
One might assume that job seekers would prioritize "readability"
as they develop their resumes for the Internet, but a sampling of typical Web
resumes tells a different story. Many HTML resumes are not only
difficult to read, but are barely readable at all.
In most cases, optimizing readability requires a few simple
adjustments in typography and page design.
- Simplify Typography:
Make it easy on the reader by keeping your
design simple. A good formula is: 10- to 12-point type for body
text (size 2 to 3) 18- to 24-point (4, 5, or 6) type for major
headings. You can bold job titles and subheadings, but bolding, color, and italicized type should be used sparingly.
- Maximize Contrast:
Stick with a light background and black (or
dark) text. It's difficult to read reverse type (white text
on a dark background), so it's best to reserve this kind of format enhancement for your name or category headings (not body text).
- Unclutter Your Format:
Lines, tables, boxes, graphics, and background
designs are effective in small doses, but some job seekers don't
know where to draw the line. One of the most common problems
with Web resumes is an overabundance of visual effects –
which ironically, has the effect of reducing the resume's visual
appeal. If in doubt, simplify!
- No Underlining:
On the Web, underlined text signals the presence
of a hyperlink, so underlining should not be used to highlight information on Web resumes.
Project the “Right” Image
When it comes to paper resumes, most job seekers understand
the need for restraint – but the Web's colorful, multimedia
nature makes it easy to create resumes with "sensory overload
syndrome."There are thousands of page backgrounds, color
combinations, and special effects you can use, but that doesn't
mean they are all appropriate for your resume.
The following guidelines will keep you out of trouble:
- Use Spot Color:
The use of color on category headings or bullets
adds pizzazz but if you overdo it, your resume will look like
a carnival flyer. Limit yourself to one or two complementary colors.
- Carefully Select Your Graphics:
If it's animated, cute, or
reminds you of the psychedelic '60s, forget it! Appropriate,
businesslike graphics can enhance your resume, but steer away
from anything that might distract the reader. In addition, large
graphic files can adversely affect page loading time –
resulting in a frustrated (and unimpressed) audience.
- Use Constraint with Visual Effects:
Unless you're a graphic designer (and
you know what you're doing), stick with one primary design element.
In other words, if you're using a colorful side bar and with
matching headings, omit the fancy ruling lines between categories.
If you're including graphic images or icons, avoid busy textured
backgrounds. If you're using colored text, show it off against
a simple white background. In most cases, you'll fare better
if your resume's design elements are constrained.
- Nix the Extras:
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
Your Web resume should not be "accessorized" with
horoscopes, weather reports, or banner ads. In addition, links
to other Web pages should be used only to provide access to
relevant work details or supporting information, not to show
off your online gallery of bowling trophies.
- Don't Be a Plain Jane:
Whether we like it or not, there are
times when we are "judged" on the basis of outward
appearance. With resumes, some job seekers need be reminded
that the resume is a personal marketing tool created specifically
to make a good first impression. For
some, image is not really a consideration, but for others
"poor presentation" can be a deal-breaker. Make sure
your Web resume is an appropriate reflection of you and your
profession.
What does your resume say about you? That you are careless
about details? That you are in a hurry to get the job done?
That you are uninspired? Or, does your resume project you as
a professional – someone who takes the time to do things
right?
Regardless of your profession, your Web resume should demonstrate
a careful balance of design, common sense, and good taste.
Build Credibility
When all is said and done, your resume must exude credibility.
If you think that credibility is not measurable, think again.
Jakob Nielsen (author, How Users Read on the Web) has conducted
ground-breaking research on how people "surf" the
Net – noting readers' reactions to Web site graphics,
typography, space design, downloading time, etc.
His findings show that well-written Web sites with "quality"
graphics ranked highest for credibility. In addition, he found
that most people detest "marketese" and prefer to
read writing that is simple and straightforward.
Since Web resumes are a VISUAL medium, they must engage readers'
attention in the first couple of seconds. The best way to get employers'
attention is to give them what they're looking for: Communicate
your top keyword skills in a dynamic and well-written summary
statement. If you've done your homework, you already know which keywords are most important,
and you can strategically build them into your resume.
In short, you can dramatically improve your Web resume by
following these guidelines:
- Add a keyword-heavy summary statement
- Make "user readability" a priority
- Project the right image for your profession
- Use restraint with color and design
- Avoid pretentious or verbose writing
- Demonstrate your commitment to quality and attention to detail
– by example
He is not only idle who does nothing,
but he is idle who might be
better employed.
SOCRATES 
©
2010 Pat Kendall
All Rights Reserved
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