The virtual resume is about standing out in a sea of candidates. By creating a virtual resume, you are showing employers that technology is your friend, you know how to use it, and be creative with it. This is a huge selling point. But for a lot of job seekers, the term “virtual resume” can raise a brow. What is it? How do I create one? What should it include?

The average recruiter will take about 20 seconds on a resumebefore they form an opinion about a candidate. That leaves the candidate with very little time to get them engaged.

The beauty of the virtual resume is that it can be whatever you want it to be. For instance, Hagan Blount, a social media strategist created an infographic resume that went viral in 2011. Blount used his skills to create a smart, eye-catching resume that definitely set him apart. And he of course, landed the job.

Play to Your Strengths

Candidates are going wild with the endless possibilities that virtual resumes lend. Infographics, online magazines, rich media, and videos are just the tip of the virtual iceberg when it comes to creating innovative resumes.

Not all of us can design an infographic or create a magazine resume, so figure out what you are capable of. Video resumes are becoming more common because they are so easy to create. Just about every computer comes stock with a camera and video editing program.

And if you don’t want to give up on the infographic dream, there are easy to use templates that make it a breeze to look creative and talented. You might not be a design wizard, but we can all Google.

Engage Your Audience and Run with the Creativity

Make it interesting. A video resume isn’t simple reading your resume on video. Check out what others are doing and give it your own spin. And just like we’re not all designers, not everyone will translate well on video. Consider creating a slideshare or powerpoint.

Virtual resumes allow you to use music, pictures, effects, and so much more. The whole point of the virtual resume is to set yourself apart, and getting creative is exactly how you do that. A black and white resume will pale in comparison to a dynamic, colorful and informative virtual interview.

If this is all too much for the type of position that you’re applying for, try a site like VisualCV. This site creates more professional looking virtual resumes in an easy LinkedIn-look. And the step-by-step process makes it simple for non-tech people to create their own virtual resume.

Don’t Forget the Basics

The virtual resume should include everything that your traditional resume has. Don’t miss the basics in all of that creativity. Your virtual resume should include an introduction, contact information, a fees list (if applicable) and a portfolio.

Your goal is to be just as informative as that black and white sheet of paper, but in an engaging way. Pictures of yourself, your work and your passions make you stand out as a real person, not just another piece of paper or profile. Any time work is showcased on the virtual resume, be sure to link it directly to the complete work.

A study done by Forrester Consulting showed that 40% or more of the companies polled had 40% of their employees working in virtual teams. The world is online, so should be your resume. Showing employers that you’re tech savvy and creative are the two main goals of any good virtual resume.

Check out this helpful post with 7 easy to use sites for virtual resumes and portfolios.

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