The number of resumes sent out annually is almost 4 million. This frustration is growing among job seekers who feel they are being overlooked in the increasingly competitive world. Although the economy is a factor, experts think resumes may also play a part in this anonymity.

The 1950s saw the birth of traditional resumes. Since then, they have been a rarity. While Facebook revolutionized connectivity and LinkedIn offered tools for networking opportunities, they only allowed the crowd to be seen, not the techniques that would make you stand out. Today’s resume looks very similar to one 20 years ago.

Joe Weinlick is the VP of Marketing for Beyond.com. Beyond.com connects job-seekers with employers through a network of more than 30 million members. Career Portfolio, a new tool to reshape resumes, makes them more dynamic and visually appealing. Weinlick believes that this graphical approach to resumes will improve the perception of candidates during interviews. It allows recruiters to get more information about them faster.

“If the only resume you have is one you can recreate on a typewriter, you’re missing a big opportunity,”Weinlick. “We surveyed hundreds of HR professionals in our network, and 55 percent responded that the biggest problem they see is a failure to use a resume effectively. What makes a resume unique to a recruiter isn’t the font; it’s how easily they’re able to scan for relevant skills and experience.”

Weinlick has three suggestions to spice up resumes

1. Information Location. Be sure to highlight your most important attributes. Don’t forget what makes your uniqueness special.

2. De-Clutter. Avoid confusion caused by jargon and excessive writing. This is your first chance to communicate clearly.

3. Sea of Simplicity. You can overcome the traditional resume format and show that you are able to approach problems differently. If you’re not unique in your application, you won’t be unique at work.

Weinlick encourages people who are satisfied with their current resume to send it in as an attachment. [email protected]Beyond.com will convert it into a career portfolio and give you a free membership.

“Career Portfolio can’t change your work experience, but it can change how people view it,”Weinlick. “If you are serious about getting interviewed, it’s time to give your current resume a serious makeover.”