Advanced Resume Concepts ::: The Advantages of Web Resumes

Because Web resumes are based on HTML (like a Web site) they offer a unique combination of benefits you won't find in other resume formats:

	Control / Confidentiality
	Universal Compatibility
	Attractive Appearance
	Three-dimensional Capabilities
	Full-time Accessibility
	Image Enhancing Appearance

eResume Terms
All About Web Resumes

Control / Confidentiality

Submitting an ASCII resume to an online database may get you in front of thousands of employers, but it can also get you in trouble with your current boss. Unfortunately, if you post your resume in a public database, you lose control over who sees it, who downloads it, and who snatches it up and posts it somewhere else. In contrast, HTML resumes can be set up in private databases – viewable only by those who have the URL (Web address).

Universal Compatibility

Since HTML resumes are basically Web pages, they can be viewed by anyone with Internet access, no matter what kind of software or operating system is used. In other words, HTML's universal format eliminates the need to worry about file conversion problems, formatting glitches, or the ubiquitous computer virus.

Attractive Appearance

HTML formatting provides a vast array of color and layout options. When used correctly, these design features dramatically improve resume appearance and project an image that reinforces your candidacy. With HTML, you can create virtually any style – whether conservative, distinctively professional, or cutting edge. If your profession is image-oriented, high-tech, or creative, this feature alone makes the Web resume a worthwhile investment.

Three Dimensional Capabilities

Like all Web documents, HTML resumes can be hyperlinked to other HTML pages. The World Wide Web provides a perfect environment to build an online portfolio with links to creative samples, letters of recommendation, graphs, charts, photos, and so on. The ability to expand the resume beyond the immediate page – providing immediate access to examples and supporting documents – is unique benefit that can't be duplicated in other mediums. What's more, printing and production costs for traditional portfolios can be expensively prohibitive but there are no printing costs when you "strut your stuff" on the Net. ( samples )

Full-time Accessibility

Unlike the paper resume, HTML resumes "reside" online and they work full-time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You don't mail them, attach them, fax them, or e-mail them to anyone, but instead, include the URL in your job search correspondence and other personal marketing tools. This not only saves money on printing and postage, but ensures that your resume is continually available to potential employers, recruiters, and networking contacts – even when your computer is down or you're out of town.

Image Enhancing

HTML resumes not only look better, but they reinforce your image as a cutting-edge candidate. If confidentiality is not an issue for you, capitalize on the prestige of having a Web resume. Make a "high tech" impression by including the URL in your traditional resumes, ASCII resume, job search correspondence, e-mail signature line, personal business cards, and so on.

In short, the Web resume's 24/7 accessibility, image-building capabilities, and low-profile Internet presence make them an ideal career-marketing tool for many job seekers. If you need to project a high-end image – and you want maintain your privacy or make sure your boss doesn't find your resume online – then consider the advantages of a Web resume.

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eResume Terminology | More About Web Resumes

eResume Terminology

ASCII Resume (aka plain text or e-mail resume)
ASCII resumes are "plain text" resumes, devoid of formatting enhancements such as bolding, italics, and underlining. They are left justified with all elements stacked on the left side. Click here to view a sample ASCII resume.
Computer Viruses
Because Macro viruses are commonly "passed" through the transfer of Microsoft Word documents, some employers and recruiters refuse to accept them. ASCII and HTML files do not carry Macro viruses.
Conversion Problems
Conversion problems occur when someone tries to open a file that is not "compatible" with the programs and/or operating system they have on their computer. For example, a resume created in Word 2000 cannot be opened in Word 6 (a previous version of the same program). In some cases, files can be opened, but formatting problems (like weird bullets or mis-aligned paragraphs or tabs) can occur.
HTML (HyperText Markup Language)

HTML is a coding system (done by hand or via HTML editing tools). HTML formatting can produce many attractive typographical and design effects with full color capabilities and multimedia extras.
HTML Resume (Web resume or online portfolio)
HTML resumes are created with the same formatting as Web sites, but are typically simpler and less complex (though many online portfolios rival Web sites in complexity and number of pages). Click here for a sample Web resume.
Hyperlinks (links)
Hyperlinks take you from one Web site to another, or, like the link you clicked on to get here, take you to other places on a Web page. For example, this hyperlink takes you to another part of this page (the Web resumes article above) and this hyperlink takes you to another Web page (Advanced Resume Concepts' Home Page).
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
OCR is the technology that "reads" the resume and translates it into text when a resume is scanned. For optimum scanning, the words and letters in a resume should not "touch" or be too close together. For example, when the wrong typestyles or formatting are used, words or sections of text may not be readable at all. In this electronic job market, your best bet is to use a scannable resume anytime a hard copy is called for. For more information on scannable resumes, click here.
Online Portfolios (aka Web portfolios, eFolios, HTML portfolios, ePortfolios)
Online portfolios are much like traditional portfolios, in that they provide detailed information, work examples, and supplemental or supporting information. Some Web portfolios are simply "expanded" resumes. A Web-based portfolio can include links to projects, graphs, charts, artwork, design examples, other Web sites, photographs of projects, products, etc. View a sample online portfolio
Personal Search Agent (aka Search Agent, PSA, Job Alert Services)
CareerBuilder.com describes their Personal Search Agent as "an automated job hunting tool that searches CareerBuilder.com's jobs database once a day, seven days a week, for new postings that meet your (pre-defined) search criteria." Once matching jobs are found, they are forwarded to you by e-mail. Here's a list of popular search agents.
Resume Attachment (sending resume as)
The process of "attaching" a resume file to an e-mail message. The most common resume attachment is an MS Word file. Resume attachments should be sent by invitation only. If an employer requests an ASCII or plain text resume it is highly recommended that you send the requested format, since some employers refuse to open attachments because of potential computer viruses.
Resume Blasting
The process of "blasting" a resume to thousands of recruiters and employers via e-mail. (Not recommended for job seekers who have concerns about confidentiality or privacy.)
RTF (Rich Text File)
RTF is a special format that you can access with your word processor's SAVE AS function. In short, most word processors allow you to save your resume in multiple formats and RTF is one of those formats. RTF can be loosely described as a "generic" word processor format that works when other "standard formats" aren't compatible with someone else's system. For example, most people with "old" versions of Word can't open a Word 2000 document – but the same document "re-saved" in Rich Text Format can be opened by almost anyone.

Unfortunately, many employers and recruiters are wary of any attachments due to fears about computer viruses and may refuse to open your file because the file extension ( .rtf ) is not recognizable. The best advice: Don't send a Rich Text Resume unless it is requested.
URL (Universal Resource Locator)
URLs are basically Web site addresses. The URL for a Web site looks like this: www.eResumeIQ.com. A Web resume might have a URL like this: www.CareerFolio/YourResume. Some URLs are too long and almost impossible to remember (www.onlineresumes4u.com/candidate#187402.html). When URLs are long and not "intuitive" (i.e., easy to remember), your Web resume won't work effectively.

Pat Kendall, NCRW, JCTC Advanced Resume Concepts 14928 SW 109th Avenue Tigard, Oregon 97224	Phone	503-639-6098
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