An online resume is strikingly similar to a website. In fact, it is a website. Which is why you should approach the content much like a web copy specialist. These keys will help you write convincing online prose and a winning resume!

Craft a compelling headline

A headline draws readers into a website. Your resume title is the equivalent of an article title. Its purpose is to draw readers into your content. A compelling headline should convey your profile and uniqueness. Here are a few examples of resume headlines that pique interest:

• Up-and-Coming Media Manager
• Expert in Change Management in Fortune 500 Companies
• Technology Project Manger with Event Planning Experience
• Director of Sales and Marketing Specialized in Training

Tip: Experts say keep titles to eight words or less because it’s easier to grasp shorter expressions as we scan a website.

Make the benefits to your audience clear

Why is your resume worth reading? Let your audience (those recruiters sitting on the other side of the computer) know that it’s worth spending more than a few seconds on you.

You can use the biography, or About Me, section on your DoYouBuzz resume to accomplish this feat. Take advantage of this space to put forth your most exceptional qualities. In the text, explain how you contribute to the organizations you work for. Does your text answer the question, « What will this person do for me? » It should.

The same goes for writing the body of your resume (on or offline for that matter). When you explain your previous experiences, phrase each line so that it highlights your results and work process.

Tip: You can customize the title of the About Me section. We’ve seen great use of it here.

Back up your assertions with proof

On the web, proof is only a click away. If you make an assertion, take time to demonstrate it. The best part of an online resume is that it negates the need to squeeze yourself on to one page.

What this means to you is that you have room to provide additional information such as describing a short case study or creating a presentation that proves your excellent communication abilities.

On DoYouBuzz, you can use secondary pages for additional text and the portfolio for visual proof.

Tip: To better display text, use line breaks (hit return) in your descriptions as in the example. Also, your DoYouBuzz resume will beautifully display YouTube videos, SlideShare presentations and even simple documents using Scribd.

Keep on reading!

Interview: We had the chance to ask Debra Wheatman, President of Careers Done Write, a few questions about writing an online resume. You can read her advice here.

When it comes to your resume layout, consider these tips for organizing and displaying a super online resume.