I think that would-be users should be shown a comprehensive experience without having to sign in; if things don't work when they first go to the site, then they probably won't go back...
If there are features that don't work without signing in, then I think that unregistered users shouldn't be able to see them UNTIL they sign in. You can list them in a feature list or something, but don't make them available as links for someone to click on and not see anything in.
For example, if you don't sign into facebook, you can't see a wall or profile or anything, but if you sign in, everything is available.
Sorry, I misread your original comment. That's completely my fault.
About the recently viewed list -- could you filter it so that it only shows recently viewed resumes with X fields filled out? Or maybe even make it something you have to log in to see, then take advantage of that space to list the features really plainly right there, with no need to click through links or sit and watch the ad.
It depends on how much you're looking to spend, and where you are located.
Is it important for your graphic designer to be in-house? Good graphic designers I know charge up to $250/hour... Some of the more average ones will do $50-100/hour (especially if they like the idea.)
