Are Resumes Becoming Archaic?

When we read this piece on Fast Company, it became food for thought. Although resumes are necessary for systems purposes from a recruiting purposes and having a calling card, are they going the way of the dinosaur at least for the start of the hiring process? Phasing themselves out as recruiters and hiring managers rely more heavily on LinkedIn and Twitter up front? In the piece, the president of the search division of WinterWyman revealed the resume is "quickly becoming archaic." Ian Ide continued, “People still like that concise document for purposes of interviews, but the front end is changing pretty quickly.” More and more people are connecting on LinkedIn and landing interviews that way. In fact, the piece emphasized social media. Imagine captivating recruiters by your interests and online profile instead of being so transparent that you're looking for a job especially if your current supervisor views your accounts. Realizing the resume isn't your only calling card and that it's quickly becoming an after-thought in terms of "send me your resume and I'll get you in the system," you can ramp up your LinkedIn profile with a few quick clicks of your mouse. For instance, Ide mentioned in the piece you can update your settings to show in the communications section that you're open to hearing about new career opportunities. It's subtle enough for your current colleagues not to blatantly know you're searching but it's just enough of a green light for recruiters to proceed. Ide also recommended becoming active on your profile by instigating conversations. Similar to striking up a conversation with someone in the travel section of a bookstore, one or two suggestions included putting things on your profile as conversation starters about a charity you support or your favorite sports team. Let's not forget the friendly and professional photo! He added, “If there are seven people who are technically qualified for the job, the person who looks approachable is the one they’re going to reach out to.” As for Twitter, to become appealing to recruiters and hiring managers (not to mention your dear followers), you can establish yourself as an industry expert. Tweet back to your blog and post stories you'd like to share. And if you can create witty banter in 140 characters or less, consider that one notch above other candidates who can't communicate quite as succinctly.

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Are Resumes Becoming Archaic?

Vicki Salemi

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Vicki Salemi