Recruiters sift through tons of resumes looking for that perfect candidate.

It's hard with the prolific amount of online resumes, and if you want a recruiter to take notice of you, you've got to have your online resume have that special something that makes it stand out. Usually recruiters take about six seconds to scan a resume; you want yours to pass the test.

As the article, “Stand out from the crowd! A new way to get creative with your onlin...” looks at, it is important for starters that you get your resume online. Now you have to make it special.

Among the ways to do that:

• Incorporate your social media - That doesn't mean adding your Facebook page so potential employers can see how many friends you have and how much fun you are at parties, but include a Pinterest link to showcase your creative works or even a visual timeline and definitely your LinkedIn URL for a professional look at you socially.

• Show, don't tell - Include infographics, a short video, tweets from happy customers. Include testimonials and other visuals that showcase you. Remember a picture is worth a thousand words.

• Be creative - You don't need to keep an online resume to one page in 12 point Times New Roman. Add in some relevant fonts and play with the sizes. Use good colors. Think of how you'd want a webpage to look; transfer that look to your resume. Just make sure it's clear and legible and again, showcases you.

• Links - Include links to a website, online portfolio, anything you have published, and anything else online you can share that is relevant. Most employers and recruiters will Google you, make it easy for them.

Know What Recruiters Look for

Remember to include what the recruiters are still looking for. You don't want all the creative glamour to outshine the necessities.

Look for:

• Clear objective and headline - Let them know what position you're looking for, what you want to do, and perhaps most importantly, who you are professionally. You can still go simple like, "Freelance Writer" or "Technical Sales Associate."

• Work history, especially most recent - You want to show your experience and relevant background to the job you are seeking.

• Career progression - Recruiters want to see some consistency in employment instead of job hopping. It's a plus when you can show some longevity with a company, as well as advancement.

Recruiters want to see you as a person, as a professional.

With an online resume, you've got more leeway with creativity and individuality; use it.

Don't just post an average black and white resume; make it shine. And you'll be noticed.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Heather Legg is an independent writer focusing on social media, the job search and small business.