Many progressive job seekers are creating professional websites to promote themselves to potential employers. These hypertext resumes use the features of the Internet. They may include graphics, video, sound, hypertext links, direct email and more. Additionally, some sites that post resumes require them to be formatted in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). The cost to setup such a site is often reasonable. Many Internet service providers include space for a personal or professional web page as part of their service package.

The hypertext resume should follow the publishing standards of the Internet. They include effective layout and design as well as the use of frames, JAVA, plug-ins, animations, etc. There are many resources on the Internet, in bookstores and in libraries to help you learn how to create a website. Most of the major word processing programs convert documents into HTML. There are also software products designed specifically for writing web pages. Information can be found on the Learn the Net Internet site at www.learnthenet.com.

The hypertext resume should also follow the basic standards of resume writing (with a few exceptions). To learn more about writing resumes, see the chapter on Resumes and Cover Letters, contact your local Minnesota WorkForce Center or check the Creative Job Search Internet site-- www.deed.state.mn.us/cjs.

How you use your resume is just as important as how it's written. Placing a resume on the Internet, hoping an employer will stumble on it, is like leaving your paper resume laying around in public places as a job search strategy. Actively refer contacts to your web page. Include your Internet address in your paper cover letters, email correspondence and on personal business cards.

To view samples of personal web pages designed as a job search tool, go to your favorite search engine and search on the keyword "resume." You will find many samples to preview. Look for people who don't share the same experience and background you have. Consider how they've created a professional appearance using the tools of the web.

A partnership between Minnesota colleges and universities and a private Minnesota based company has created a tool for use in this area. Many educational institutions have used the portfolio concept to organize and present their academic performance in the past. This site expands its application to include not only the traditional student and educator, but also the career-oriented user. eFolio Minnesota puts the portfolio on the Internet for use without cost for Minnesota residents and students enrolled in Minnesota schools. By self-selecting different templates, the user can target different purposes.

As mentioned earlier, just posting your information on the Internet without doing anything else is not a very effective strategy. See the section on portfolios at the end of the Job Search Tools chapter. The structure is similar except the Internet version is in an electronic form. Use of the "virtual portfolio" requires a different approach however. For employers to notice it, you have to actively promote it in some fashion. Some users are including their Internet eFolio address (URL) when contacting employers by email, inviting them to view the information. You can add the URL to your contact information on your paper resume. Others have created calling cards with the URL displayed. If you've used the hardcopy portfolio in an interview, it's a great reference to leave behind to be viewed at the employer's leisure.

Tips for Hypertext Resumes

• If you have a personal web page, keep it separate from your professional web page. Not all personal information belongs on your professional web page.
• Use graphics sparingly and only those that enhance your professional image. Be sure your resume is readable and attractive, with the graphics "turned off."
• Unless you're a web developer or graphic designer, avoid animations and advanced web features.
• Consider making your site more than just your paper resume online. Include more detail about your qualifications, work samples and accomplishments.
• Provide direction. A good website should be easy to navigate. The home page should capture readers' interest and allow them to choose what they'd like to view.
• Don't post pictures of yourself on your professional web page. Personal pictures open up the opportunity for bias and discrimination.
• Post work samples. Pictures of professional accomplishments can provide excellent work samples. Keep the file size of graphics small, so they're easy to download.

How you use your resume is just as important as how it's written.

Creative Job Search is a service of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

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