This article is part of the “Resume tips” series.
When a potential employer sees your name, the very first thing they’re going to do is type it into Google, and what pops up could very well make or break your chances of getting that coveted position. Just about everything has gone digital these days, and your resume should be no exception. Online resumes offer more flexibility and room for creativity than their printed counterparts. Here are just a few benefits of using an online resume service:
- You can have multiple versions
Undoubtedly, some of your skills and prior experiences are more relevant to some jobs/companies than others. With an online CV, you’re not confined to one overly broad resume. An online resume service gives you the option of having multiple resumes at your disposal. This way you can use the version that highlights the skills that make you a good candidate for a certain position, without any of the irrelevant distractions.
- Flexible
See a mistake on your resume? Forget to add a prior employer? In the dark ages of the paper CV, this would have meant going back to the computer and wasting more of your precious “eggshell” or “toasted-ivory” resume paper. With an online CV it’s simply a matter of a couple clicks, and you can even do it from your phone.
- It’s searchable on Google
As I already mentioned, Google has become a huge hiring resource for employers in pretty much every industry. In fact, 80 percent of employers say they use Google searches when looking to fill a position. Because your online resume is searchable, it gives you more control over your online reputation. So when your future boss Google’s you, instead of running into a Facebook album full of your college party pics, he or she will find a slick, professional and cutting edge online CV.
- Easily shared
With an online resume you don’t have to deal with postage, or awkwardly approaching a manager or supervisor to hand them your credentials. And it allows you to link to your resume from all of your social media profiles, making employers more likely to see it when they Google your name.
- You can link out to other social profiles and portfolios
You can also use your online resume to direct potential employers toward anything else you might like them to see. For instance, if you’re a writer or graphic designer, you can link straight from your CV to your blog or design portfolio, giving employers a curated tour of your very best work.
- You can get creative
Online resumes give you the opportunity to make your CV unique with creative and interesting multimedia elements. You can bring your resume to life with videos, photos and graphics, or add parts of your portfolio that you think might “wow” potential employers. Just be careful not to get too crazy. You don’t want to overwhelm people with too much commotion. So get creative, but don’t forget to edit.
- It’s printable
For those employers who prefer paper resumes, or if you’d just like to have a few hardcopies on hand when you go out for interviews, you can always print out your online resume and bring it with you.
The fact is, an online resume has everything a traditional resume has, but with so many added benefits you’d be crazy not to have one. There are tons of excellent online resume services out there, so look around. They’re easy to create, maintain and edit, and they’ll do wonders for your job prospects.
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