Online resumes are only useful if you publish them online AND publicize their existence.
If you're using a web-based service to design your web resume, then publishing is usually included. You're usually working right on the server, where your resume stays.
But, if you code your resume yourself, using the manual method, a web-design program, MS Word, or our resume creator, then you'll need to find a way to upload your resume to your selected web host.
This can be done via an FTP (file transfer protocol) program, such as CuteFTP (my personal favorite).
Or, some webhosts have a web-based file manager that you can use to easily upload files.
Getting "the Word" Out About Your Online Resumes
Once you've created your web resume and uploaded it to your webhost, the next step is to publicize it. In other words, to get the word out!
The best way to publicize web resumes is to submit them to Google and Yahoo. It doesn't cost anything, and it may take a few days to a few weeks, but it WILL bring you visitors eventually.
Here are some other ideas:
Publish the web address for your resume on your business cards.
Include your resume web address at the top or at the end of your printed resume, especially if you have a web-based portfolio too.
Include online resumes in any emails or cover letters you send to employers. Again, this can be an extremely effective way of showing an employer what you're capable of through a web-based portfolio. KMAC Consultants.com is an excellent example of a portfolio website.
A Few Last Thoughts on Web Resumes
A web resume is a great asset to add to your job seekers toolbox. But only if it's done right.
Remember these cardinal rules of web-based resume design...
Use simple, muted designs, with limited colors. Never have a background design. It makes it too hard to read the text.
Don't have any flashing or animated graphics. It is OK to use understated graphics—in moderation—especially if you're a designer or artist who wants to show what you can do.
Apply the same rules of limited caps, bold, and italic as you would in a printed document.
San serif fonts such as Arial or Verdana work best for easy reading in a web document. (Times New Roman may be a better font choice for your printed resume.)
Be sure to include an email link, as well as links to a portfolio, if appropriate.
