A DoYouBuzz resume is search-engine optimized meaning your polished, professional resume website will appear in the top results for your name. It is an effective way for you to position your professional brand.

To help your DoYouBuzz resume reach the top of search results, follow these guidelines for structuring key sections of your online resume.

NOTE: Before you go any further, remember to check that you have allowed your resume to be indexed by search engines. Already did that? Here is how to use those keywords.

A well-constructed resume “talks” to recruiters as well as search engines. But, search engines can sometimes be a little hard of hearing. Keywords are the key to an effective online resume so it is important to choose the right ones. It is also just as important to understand how and where to use them.

Resume Title

Besides your name, the title of your resume is the most important reference for your resume. A recruiter is not necessarily going to know to specifically search for you, but will use keywords that will give them possible applicants. Be specific and stick to the terms used in your profession.

Include your position followed by one of the following:

• your industry
• your specialty if you have one
• the name of your company

For example:

• “Social Media Marketing Manager” rather than “Marketing Manager”
• “Flash Graphic Multimedia Specialist” rather than “Designer Resume”
• “Managing Director, AIESEC Australia Ltd.” rather than “Managing Director of SMEs”

No need to say “Online Resume” or “Resume” in the title. Search engines recognize that it is your resume. Recruiters will know it is your resume when they read it. So do not be repetitive and help yourself out by being specific!

Avoid long titles

For example: “Industrial Chemicals Broker, Technology Consultant, Visionary Entrepreneur, Musician & Music Producer” If you put too many words, you will end up watering down the important ones. So think before you write a 10 word title. Each word will have ten times less impact. It needs to be concise otherwise it will not be readable. It needs to be specific too, otherwise recruiters will leave feeling confused. Is the job seeker looking for a job as a Chemicals Broker or does he want to be a Music Producer? Save your more lengthy description for the “About You” section.

Do not say you are a jobseeker (that will not distinguish you) or include your availability in the title. Recruiters will not think to search “Student looking for an Internship in April”. Make that title tangible.

Do not even think about trying to be funny or creative as tempting as it sounds. Just because an online resume may seem more relaxed, it will likely hurt you rather than help. A slogan like “Your Future Model Employee” does not tell recruiters or search engines anything. Instead give them something with substance.

About You

The “About You” section allows you to focus on any part of your professional biography. It gives you the opportunity to use essential keywords: title of your resume, specialty and core experiences. But do not just start writing down a bunch of keywords. Tell a story with your keywords. It is important that the “About You” section shows your personality. Try to stay away from canned phrases like, “versatile and dedicated team-player”. Be original and convey your motivations.

Before you start your “About You” section make sure to brainstorm an optimized resume title. Your resume title will help set the direction and focus for the rest of the sections in your resume.

Skills

This is the place to emphasize the specialties that you could not put in the title of the resume.

Be specific and consider using industry related language. Remember, skills go beyond technical abilities or languages. Consider adding some of your interpersonal skills like your work or communications style.

Experiences

Be specific. We can not emphasize it enough. Make sure your current position and past job experiences are clearly laid out and detailed. Highlight the interesting information and elaborate by including quantifiable details. Do not worry if some of your job experiences do not fit on your home page either. Recruiters will find them and they will still strengthen your resumes performance.

Think about placing keywords not just in your job description, but also in company description. Search engines and recruiters love information. Taking the time to add these extra pieces will only help recruiters put the pieces of the puzzle together about why you are the perfect candidate.

It is a balancing act

Even though we have been talking about Search Engine Optimization, it is important to remember this basic principal. Keep your resume readable. Identify your three or four main keywords and use them appropriately throughout your resume.

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