About to Post Your Resume Online?
Take Some Pointers From From An Industry Expert.
When it comes to resumes, there’s a right way and a wrong way. And the right way is the one that works best for employment managers and recruiters. While hundreds of books and articles have been written on the do’s and don’ts of printed resumes, in the words of one industry expert, once you decide to venture out on the information superhighway, “it’s time to think again.”
According to an industry expert, you don’t have to look for a job on the Internet, because once your resume is there, the jobs will find you. However, if you decide to post your resume online, you do need to rethink your strategy.
“First, remember that you are not working on a piece of paper and your resume is not going to sit in a stack of paper on someone’s desk, so you have to figure out how to be ‘discovered’ or searched out.” Online recruiters search resume databases using keywords. Keywords are words that describe your skills or experiences and can be used as parameters in a search. Most often, they will come from the specific terminology that is used in your job.
“We’ve learned by talking with hundreds of recruiters that they expect the Internet to be easier and more accurate as they review applicants for jobs, keywords help them complete a search in minutes and the result is a dozen or more people who are a great fit for the job.”
For instance, ‘ICU’ or ‘operating room’ will immediately help classify the kinds of experience and skills that a nurse has to offer and ‘pediatric ICU’ will define them even further. Likewise, ‘month end close’ or ‘general ledger’ give a broad description for an accountant, while ‘cash reconciliations’ or ‘tax planning’ will take him or her to a higher level. Choose these keywords carefully, since they say volumes about what you have to offer to your next employer.
Next, be sure to give a short summary of your job experience for each position on your resume–don’t rely on the position title. Because different titles mean different things in different companies, you must append that information with additional, specific keywords. Use a lot of words, you will not be punished for length in the same way that you would on paper.
Again, new medium, new rules. And since you are trying to have your resume stand out in a database, the more keywords, the more times employers will “hit” your resume by inputting their requirements. Also, be sure to post on a database that enables you to update your resume as your gain new skills, reach new achievements and complete training or certificate programs.
One very important distinction, is to use a resume database that allows employers to find you from all parts of the U.S. and the world. Most job boards allow employers to specify the location of jobs if they are unable to offer relocation assistance. However, they can keep their search open and seek out anyone who is qualified. This is seen as a distinct advantage for job seekers. Great opportunities can come from anywhere, and with the Internet, anywhere is a very big place.”
Finally, avoid paying to post your resume online. Let the employers pick up the tab. There are too many free services available, from job boards like SnagAJob.com, Indeed.com and Monster.com. Because of reputable like these there’s no reason ever for the individual to have to pay.”