Selecting Resume Banks to Use
Given all the choices available, you may be wondering where to post your resume. Nothing says you can't post to more than one database. Since most online resume databases don't charge job seekers, you could, theoretically, post to every site. You probably don't want to spend the time it would take to do that. You must select resume banks using several criteria.
General Versus Niche Site
A general resume bank has a database that includes resumes of people in a wide variety of fields. A niche site specializes in a particular field. If it is unclear from the description on the site's home page, take a look at the resumes housed on a particular site. For example, if a site has resumes that predominantly showcase technical backgrounds, it's a safe bet that most of the companies that search that database are interested in filling technical positions.
When you post your resume online you make it accessible to virtually anyone with a computer and an Internet connection. That means they can look at your personal information — your name, address, telephone number, and other details. If you don't want that information available, look for services that offer confidentiality, like the option to hide your name and contact information.
If you're thinking of posting your resume to a general job site, like Monster, check out the companies that advertise in the site's job listings section. Often those companies will also utilize the service's resume bank to search for candidates.
Experienced Candidates Versus New Graduates
Some resume banks cater to new or recent graduates with little experience, while others cater to those with a lot of experience. Employers looking for candidates who fit into either of those two categories will visit the appropriate site. Make sure your resume is in the type of database in which it belongs. Also read the information on the Web site. Look for clues about the types of candidates who use their service.
Fees
Most online sites don't charge for posting your resume. Employers and recruiters usually pay to access the resume bank. Some, especially those run by independent recruiters or career placement services, do charge a small fee, which may include resume preparation and advice. These databases are smaller and may not have the wide exposure of some of the larger, free databases, but if you feel you need help composing your resume, the fee might be worth it.
How to Post Your Resume
Most sites have instructions for entering a resume into their database. These instructions should tell you how long resumes remain in the database, how to update and remove your resume, who has access to the database, and the fee (if any). If a database doesn't have instructions, e-mail or call the site administrators for more information.
Before writing a check or giving your credit card number to a company over the Internet, it's a good idea to check its reputation with the Better Business Bureau or a similar agency. While the majority of companies selling services over the Internet are reputable, remember that simply because a company has a presence on the Internet doesn't mean it's legitimate.
Some sites may require you to fill out personal information online, like your name, e-mail address, and resume title, but most allow you to attach your own resume or paste it in a specific area.
