In the world of online dating, the profile you create on the sites you join is much like a resume. If you've chosen to venture into meeting potential dates or love matches online, you've entered a vast candidate pool. Just as that recruiter has resumes pouring into her faster than she can read them, online-date seekers have a wide variety of sites and potential partners to explore.

There are almost as many online dating sites out there as there are different types of people seeking dates. Some are geared to finding your soul mate, others are social networking sites. Are you only interested in a dating partner who has or likes pets? Guess what, there's a dating site out there just for you.

The one thing most online dating sites have in common is that your first step in jumping into the fray is to create your profile. Your online dating profile is where you'll make your first impression. Consider it a social resume.

You wouldn't type out a cover letter in ten minutes and shoot if off to an employer who is offering the job of your dreams. So don't dash off a dating profile that will get overlooked among the many others out there. You're going fishing, and your profile is your bait.

Profiles are as individual and unique as the people who are delving into online dating. Still, there are some general guidelines to help you put your best foot forward and create a profile that will generate messages from people you'd be interested in meeting.