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WEB RESUMES:
New Genre, New Rules
©2006, Pat Kendall, NCRW


 
 

While researching electronic resumes for McGraw-Hill's eResumes book, 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 a basic lack of good Web structure and strategy, most contained multiple spelling, grammar, punctuation, and/or HTML errors. In general, most of the resumes I viewed would not benefit the job seekers they represented (see the "Before" example on the right).

That's 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!


Web Resume
Makeover
Before | After

Following the Rules

Capture Employers' Attention

In writing, the fundamental goal 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 add a relevant, 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 and allows you to present your best sales pitch.

The first step in creating a winning summary is to do your homework, research your job target, and find out specifically what potential employers need. Once you have that information, you can build it into your summary statement.

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 developed their resumes, 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. Use the following guidelines to determine where improvements need to be made:

  • 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 and 3) 18- to 24-point (4, 5, or 6) type for major headings. You can bold job titles and subheadings, but be cautious when using bold (or applying different colors to) keywords. Italics should be used sparingly and underlined text is a no-no because most readers will think it's a live link.

  • 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 formatting method for your name or category headings.

  • 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 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. Stick with 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.

  • Limit 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 on potential employers. For some, image is not really a consideration, but for others a "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. And if you think that credibility is not measurable, think again.

Jakob Nielsen (author, How Users Read on the Web) 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. In addition to using a profession-appropriate style, 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 (i.e., researched your job target), you already know which keywords are most important, and you can strategically build them into your resume summary.

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


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