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Job seeking? Polish your online resume and portfolio

(ARA) - In today's fast-paced, high-tech world, recruiters are just as likely to glance at your job application submission on their Blackberry while driving as they are when sitting at their desk. Is your resume or portfolio Web-ready?

The first step to getting your online resume in shape is to make sure that you have an active Web site to show your work. "Employers will often visit a candidate's Web site before looking at their resume," says Angie Williams, assistant director of Career Services at The Art Institute of Atlanta

Williams recommends using your name or other professional moniker as your domain name. In addition, your Web site needs to be easy to navigate so employers can quickly find current contact information and a printer-friendly version of your resume.

Based on the feedback Williams has received from employers, a one-page resume is best. Williams recommends "putting the most important information at the top of resume, such as relevant work experience and technical skills."

Remember, employers can easily see hundreds of applications for just one job. It is important to make sure your resume stands out from the rest.

Williams' tips for a creative resume include:

* Limit the resume to two colors. One color is preferred.

* Make sure the type/font is legible.

* Be sure fonts are consistent.

* Be creative with the layout.

* List your experience in chronological order.

Outside of your own Web site, Williams recommends posting your resume on professional sites. "Be strategic about where you post your resume," advises Williams. "CareerBuilder.com may be perfect if you are looking for a job in the insurance industry, but if you are a graphic designer you may want to consider Creative Hot List." In addition, professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), will often have a place where members can post their resumes.

Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn can be powerful tools when looking for a new job or client. "Make sure your social networking sites are professional," reminds Williams. "If they are not professional, consider setting up a professional e-mail that is unrelated to the e-mail you use for your social networking sites."

If you are a creative professional, such as an artist or graphic designer, you will also need an online portfolio. "Only a few years ago it was par for the course to travel around lugging a heavy portfolio case full of your treasured works," says John Christensen, instructor at The Art Institute of Dallas. "The traditional printed portfolio will still be around for years to come; however, there is a growing trend to put a portfolio on the Web."

An online portfolio provides potential employers and clients with 24/7 access to your work for a very cost-effective price. A well-prepared portfolio provides employers with evidence of your accomplishments, skills and abilities.

"Online presentations help to demonstrate your professional abilities," says Kit Johnston, director of Career Services at The Art Institute of Dallas. "They should fit your personality and the position you are seeking. You want to impress the viewer in the first 10 to 15 seconds so keep it simple, easy to navigate and to the point."

But how do you get your portfolio online? Aside from your personal business Web site, Christensen suggests, "using platforms such as dreamhost.com, godaddy.com, squarespace.com and portfolio.com; or set up a blog site on Flickr.com, Myspace and others."

Both Christensen and Johnston agree it's essential to keep the online portfolio current, simple and well-captioned. Feature pieces that have brought results, and mention those results, achievements and awards. They also advise jobseekers to avoid these common mistakes:

* Web sites/online portfolios that are hard to navigate.

* Zoomed and cropped thumbnail images that are hard to decipher.

* Forgetting to include important contact information including phone number and e-mail.

* Nagging background music and background music that you can't turn off.

* Portfolio pieces missing labels or captions. Add basic information such as project name, media and dimensions.

* Outdated Web site/online portfolio.

* Typos.

Successful jobseekers effectively integrate their online and offline worlds. "Your resume, Web site and business cards all need to relate to each other," reminds Williams.

And if you are lucky enough to land an interview, Johnston recommends, "Always write a thank-you note!"

To learn more about The Art Institutes system of schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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