Resume Building Web Sites: Step into the Market with a Stellar Resume

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Your resume serves as a recruiter’s first impression of you. So it's crucial to craft one that presents you in the best light--and with a little extra spark--to place you at an advantage over another applicant. But going about drafting that perfect resume may not seem so simple.
 
Last month YPNation talked to the experts for tips on how to create cover letters and resumes that stand out. Today we present you with our favorite three resume building Web sites that will give you insight into the job market, and help you create a resume that will catch the eye of potential employers.
 
Visual CV represents the future of resume presentation by allowing users to build a resume that literally brings you to life in a way the classic card stock resume can't. With Visual CV, professionals create a resume Web site that can be enhanced by video, sound bites and photographs. Users can also post recommendations, accolades and excerpts from portfolios to enhance the overall presentation. Visual CV is a natural extension for young professionals who already rely on the Web to connect with prospective employers and peers through their blogs and online profiles on social networking sites. In addition to building a resume, users can search for jobs on the Web site, linking users with employers who prefer this new alternative to the conventional resume.
 
The caveat: Keep in mind, however, that some employers are not open to the multi-media format. You should still have a traditional resume.
 
The cost: Visual CV provides users with a media rich resume that they can customize for free. The premium package, at $59.95 per year, allows users to create multiple resumes, view stats on which employers are checking their resumes, connect with other professionals and have the benefit of full email support. 
 
Razume is an all-purpose job searching Web site that allows users to upload and receive reviews on resumes by a community of professionals and consultants at entry and executive levels. Its creators understand the value of receiving constructive criticism from others before your resumes "go live" with recruiters or potential employers. Users can upload and start receiving reviews in a matter of minutes. They can also upload other documents related to their job search, such as cover letters, for feedback.
 
The caveat: Be aware that some reviewers are more seasoned in areas of critique; not all reviews should be taken into consideration. Keep an eye out for reviewers who have built a reputation for giving good criticism.
 
The cost: These services are all provided free of charge. For the young professional seeking to have an edge over their peers, without paying the exorbitant fees that can come with resume consultation, Razume is a great choice.
 
Pongo Resume is also a multi-service Web site. It has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, the Boston Herald, and U.S. News & World Report, and is an expert resource to learn more about the resume submission process, as well as other facets of the job search. Pongo provides a resume and cover letter builder with templates that are personalized according to the experiences and occupation of each user. Certified resume writers are on staff to offer consultations. The site also includes job search tools, articles with expert advice on how to launch your career, task managers to help users keep track of open job searches and live customer support.
 
The caveat: Users are only able to preview resumes with the free trial. You have to pay to print, track and fax your resume. 
 
The cost: Users can start building with the free trial, which gives them access to custom templates, guidance and live support. With the monthly subscription of $9.95 ($59.95 annual), users can gain access to premium services, such as task scheduling and job market tips. 
 
Read more from YPNation on the power of social media.
 
(Image credit: Olivier Charavel; C.C. 2.0)