In today's first post, we started our look at SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as it applies to resumes and, as such, looking for work. In the coming weeks, we'll take a closer look at how SEO may help your work search.

But is SEO important? And if so, how much so?

To answer the first question: Yes. Incorporating SEO into your resume is important. And incorporating it sooner than later is even more important. Early adopters have the advantage.

Now to answer the second question: It depends. If you incorporate SEO into your resume now, you'll have a distinct advantage over those who don't. As the trend develops, however, and more and more job seekers jump on the bandwagon, SEO will be expected - but it won't give you the edge early adopters experience.

It's very much like a performance-enhancing drug in sports. Those who use them have a distinct advantage over those who don't. But as more experiment with these chemical enhancements, the advantage disappears because everyone is using them. And, of course, those who compete without the performance-enhancing drugs are then at a distinct disadvantage.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The previous paragraph was metaphorical and in no way condones nor promotes the use of performance-enhancing elixers. The metaphor was used for illustration purposes only.)

Where will this SEO trend will continue, but to what degree is anybody's guess. Where do YOU think it will lead?