Web ResumeProject

Graphic Spice

The following sample uses graphics for three purposes:

Background graphic for Table 1 and background graphic for the left cell of Table 2
Navigation buttons
Certification logos

Graphic Types. Two types of graphics are most commonly used for Web pages. The graphics files ending in ".jpg" are known as jpegs and are noted for their compression which results in faster loading over the Internet. The graphics files ending in ".gif" can have a transparent background and can also be short animations (a few graphics frames combined to make a "movie"). The transparent backgrounds are useful for nonrectangular images placed on a textured background.

Backgrounds. The table and cell background graphics (in this case, a .jpg file) are used to add interest and frame the main body of the resume. It is light enough in color to provide contrast with the black text of the resume heading. Often, HTML editors have a collection of ready-made backgrounds available.

Buttons. The navigation buttons are used to jump to the indicated sections of the resume (more on navigation menus later). Because the buttons change when the mouse cursor is placed on them, there are actually two buttons for each of the five categories in the navigation menu. The graphic buttons are swapped using Dynamic HTML (DHTML). Due to their oval shape over a textured background, the buttons are .gif files with transparent backgrounds. Most HTML editors offer a collection of ready-made buttons, or you can create your own with a graphics program.

Logos. If you have certifications that have logos associated with them, you may elect to use the logos. This technique provides emphasis for professional certifications. In this sample resume, it is one of the major "sales points" used to immediately get the reader's attention.