Will Resumes Become Obsolete?
February 7, 2012 
137 Comments
Two years ago while applying for jobs, I spent hours worrying about my resume. Is the wording okay? Do I love the design? Thinking about how to improve my resume kept me up at night because I knew that document was my chance to get noticed for an open position.
Recently, as I began my job search for an entry-level position, I saw more and more unique recruitment tools. Last month, I reviewed two applications that asked for links to all of my social media websites and to answer a questionnaire with some pretty unique questions—but did not ask for a resume.
A recent Wall Street Journal article confirmed my thought that more nontraditional means of recruitment might soon become popular.
“Companies are increasingly relying on social networks such as LinkedIn, video profiles and online quizzes to gauge candidates’ suitability for a job. While most still request a resume as part of the application package, some are bypassing the staid requirement altogether.”
Union Square Ventures, a NY venture-capital firm, asked applicants to send links that represent their “web presence” in lieu of a resume. They also have applicants submit short videos demonstrating why they would be the best employee. As a firm that has invested in technology companies including Twitter, Foursquare and Zynga, Union Square Ventures said this helps the firm get candidates that understand what they are looking for.
With technology today, companies are finding that they can learn more about a candidate’s personality and skills by taking a less traditional recruitment route. Many companies are starting to use social media as a recruitment tool. I recently blogged about why it is a great idea to become a “super social” job seeker– because that’s where companies are looking.
Resumes are still the first step of the recruiting process for most companies, but that might not be the case in the near future. Job seekers that may not look as qualified on paper should seek out unique recruiting opportunities– it’s a great way to showcase your strengths and it could lead to a new job. If we’re being honest, I still think about how to improve my resume all the time, but these days there is much more to consider and many different routes that might lead to a great job.
Have you been through a unique recruiting process? What did you think about it?
Article by Dana Schwartz
Dana Schwartz is a senior studying public relations and management at Syracuse University. She has previous internship experience with a small New York City public relations firm, as a communications intern for the Special Olympics in London, and in healthcare marketing. She is looking forward to starting a career in public relations upon her graduation in May.
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I think the resume will always have a place in the job application process, but often a good covering letter is just as important. In terms of social media, I guess it depends on the position – social media stuff might be useful in some cases, but usually it carries much more personal stuff rather than the professional stuff. I’m not sure a picture of me standing on a mountain is really going to tell my employer how good I am at coding… for example!
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I disagree, not all your social activities is on twitter or facebook, and not all your activities is sharing pictures, a simple fork on github or a series of retweets about mongodb says more than you think, and that’s what recruiters look for on social networks
I don’t think they will ever be obsolete. The importance placed on them may change a little, but I can’t imagine a time when a resume is not an important part of the job seeking process.
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I suspect resumes are already DOA, they are just waiting for a new technology to replace them and officially make the pronouncement. It is hard to predict now which technology will take over; whether it be video, interactive or something yet to be invented, but the resume is blunt instrument over 600 years old and desperately needs to be replaced.
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@ a “super social” job seeker– because that’s where companies are looking.
Hmh . . . define ‘super social’ . . . if that means the entity is pretty much everywhere around it could come across they have too much time on their hand or tend to waste it.
Would make a perfect fit for a CCO though (CCO = Chief Chatter Officer)
I don’t know if they’ll ever become obsolete – but they are definitely changing and becoming much more social and interactive.
I think you make a great point Martin. Resumes will definitely continue to play a major part within the hiring space, but the need for a way to humanize candidates will continue to grow as the job market becomes more saturated. The more people competing for the same positions, the more difficult it will be to choose between those with similar backgrounds.
http://www.intportfolio.com is worth checking out!
Martin, you summed it up nicely, and Starr added. They will remain but in different form, adapting and changing to incorporate popular features, similar to the automobile.
Erik recently posted..ResumeCompanion: Will Resumes Become Obsolete? – http://t.co/KMtyUcvx (via @sociablesite)
While online presence is becoming a bigger factor for many companies, I doubt the resume will be replaced as a first hurdle outside of the tech industry anytime soon.
I think it will as service like LinkedIn and About.me become more and more popular. Resumes will become electronic. Employers are already relying on Social media like Facebook to investigate future employees. This trend will continue.
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Think of a resume as a cover letter. Every introduction needs one.
I think you’re right. The actual paper resume still trumps, but it’s losing ground fast.
I think it will be a long time before resume requirement go away. Most businesses are pretty traditional and not inclined to shake up the process. Keep a parachute in your backpack next to audio and video presentations just in case.
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I think paper resumes will go away but they will evolve online and incorporate more multimedia.
I don’t believe the resume will become obsolete. A resume lists the places you’ve worked and your accomplishments, your education and your volunteer activities. All this information is critical for conducting due diligence.
That’s what facebook/timeline does. Check it out if you haven’t already. It has all that plus the character you present and the associations that you keep. Birds of a feather…you know. Shows interest in certain fields and areas of volunteerism, victories in athletics, attitude in defeat and so much more chronologically.
Still there with changing of format to more electronic & interactive…:)
I think that is very interesting!
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I don’t think paper resumes will disappear completely, will be kust another form of presentation of our curriculum, along with other’s.
I think the Linkeldn system is the fundamental for job-recruiting. Resumes are still uploaded to Linkeldn but it saves on the amount of worrying that is done.
Definitely food for thought, but in short, a resume creates a condensed outline of someone’s history to give you a brief, quick overview about them. We will always want that. The other tools coming to light through video and Linkin, I would say, seem to be more like extension’s, or step two, to the recruitment process. You still need to see if they have some of the base tools necessary before you waste time reading their social profiles or watching a video.
Big social prese3nce = big waste of time, so no I don’t think the resume will go away any time soon especially for industries that don’t care much about your social life and there are still lots of them.
No way
Ouch! better be careful what we say and do on Twitter & Facebook – posting during the working day might not be a good idea for instance!
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I don’t read a candidates resume until after the interview. I then match them up with reality hopefully without any expectations. The resume has always seemed like a trumped up forced document. There must be a better way.
I never say never but not for a long time!
i find it hard to believe resumes will ever actually be obsolete but hey…so many changes i never would’ve predicted have come about from the wonder of the world wide web… great article!
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I do not think resumes will ever become obsolete. The perfect resume can take a lot of time and effort but a near perfect one will get you there. Very interesting article.
Probably will become obsolete eventually, but think it will still take some time
I think short videos are going to become the norm in the next few years. Editing these may be the next business venture for headhunters and the like.
A short video where I basically introduce myself and speak to what I would normally have in my cover letter, with a link to my resume directly in the video (on youtube, perhaps) and in the video description is something I might just experiment with … I’m not in the job market currently, but this might be the best time to experiment and see what kind of feedback I get.
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It’s nice that we’re moving to digital-only recruitment. My last job required only the contract to be signed on paper — and even that they had me submit via email, so unbeknownst to them, I *didn’t* waste paper. I opened Photoshop, overlaid my signature scan, saved the file and sent it back to them.
Paper is wasteful and hugely inefficient (changes use MORE paper!), and requiring the use of it makes you seem old-fashioned and out-of-touch.
But I think the basic idea of a resume — a list of what you’ve done — is essential to recruiting. With tools like LinkedIn, though, we can have that information on-demand and exhaustive. This is a good thing.
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The resume as we know it will go the way of the VCR. Digital is the current path for discovery. That is why you must be aware at all times of sharing on the Internet.
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I think it depends on the company. As we are individuals with unique personalities, qualities and needs so is each company. And with that, each one will require its own guidelines.
An interesting post
Resumes have already become obsolete in some fields (graphic design sector for ex) and have been or will be replaced by linked in profiles and such. And why not online videos where you will have to “sell” yourself in 3 minutes.
We will keep to write resumes until each human has a readable chip with all his life informations
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As most people above stated, I also believe that resumes have their permanent place in the recruitment and hiring process. But, as you pointed out in your article, it is becoming increasingly obvious that companies these days use resumes as part of the initial step. So much more is required and it would serve the intrepid applicant to add value in his resume by bolstering his social media presence first prior to undergoing the application process.
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Resumes will always exist. Simple the format / delivery will change.
To me, the traditional concept of resume is obsolete. But what I think will never go out of style is a concise way to show your relevant background to an employer (one that is much less static than a traditional resume) — along with a personalized note that helps connect the dots between your experience/background and their job opening.
Too many people skip the note. We tell people that ask to take the job description, break it down into bullet points and then in table format list specific experiences that address the job’s needs. It makes the ultimate cover letter or you could even clip the table and include it at the end. Connecting the dots is key.
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Resumes are already dead. They, like printed books, may not know it yet but they are in the ICU and the plug has been pulled.
The transitional generation will “always remember when” but if it ain’t recorded on the web, it didn’t happen.
I do feel that Linkedin will become more valuable and that we will see an evolution toward more of our social media and e-dispatch newsletters.
Interesting topic. I think employment periods get shorter, hence the decisions need to be become faster and cheaper. The resume games have gotten stupid anyway. White colored keywords in order to get into the right stack?
Just happy not to be in the game
I remember applying for jobs and feeling like the resume I was told I had to put together, was a waste of time. There are some careers that may always require a paper resume, such as a blue collar career. When you are online, there are different ways to present a resume.
The experience I have and show through my YouTube channel provides more insight than a paper resume saying I am a video producer or fiber artist. How would I get the attention of a corporation since so many resumes will come across in a similar manner? I can provide links but will they get watched?
My thought is an online resume site geared towards featuring the best work of the applicant, specifically where it all stays in one place. Make it easy for the recruiter to find everything in one spot. Include a video demo reel of best work and highlights. Nothing speaks louder than showing experience instead of sifting through stacks of paper. Even if a recruiter goes to Linkedin or Facebook, the information may not be readily available.
I remember applying for jobs and feeling like the resume I was told I had to put together, was a waste of time. There are some careers that may always require a paper resume, such as a blue collar career. When you are online, there are different ways to present a resume.
The experience I have and show through my YouTube channel provides more insight than a paper resume saying I am a video producer or fiber artist. How would I get the attention of a corporation since so many resumes will come across in a similar manner? I can provide links but will they get watched?
My thought is an online resume site geared towards featuring the best work of the applicant, specifically where it all stays in one place. Make it easy for the recruiter to find everything in one spot. Include a video demo reel of best work and highlights. Nothing speaks louder than showing experience instead of sifting through stacks of paper. Even if a recruiter goes to Linkedin or Facebook, the information may not be readily available.
no way
When I was hiring people I used the resume as the sorting tool based on the number of skills or characteristics I wanted in the hire. At the interview I would ask questions about them as individuals as I felt it was more important to get a person that would fit. If their skills were not as advertized then I had a decision to release them or train them.
Yes, eventually they will be replaced with electronic resumes or personal websites with your complete portfolio.
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Will the Resume ever be obsolete? No. Will it lose some of its meaning down the road? Yes. I just do not see how the resume will contain the same amount of necessity while our world is inhabited by tons of social media sites.
Resume is the first step to the content curation of your brand. Digital convergence with stone sculpture is still a work in progress. Keywords and tags are only mapping clues.
If I were an employer, I would definitely want to start with a candidate’s resume. However, I would also want to check out LinkedIn etc and maybe facebook & other sm sites as it is hard to keep up a persona consistently on these sites, whereas resumes always try and present only what we think employers will want to hear. So be careful out there!
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There will be always a need for resumes. Employers and employees should perfect understand each other. Tests and quizzes are a great way!
I remember submitting my “resume” in the form of a CD, that contained ancient video formats, so the vetting process could pass around my presentation of who I was. With the large-scale global penetration of broadband, leading to video/audio sharing and the ease of presenting yourself in other than mere words, it’s gotten a whole lot easier to do what I did so long ago. But it’s still the exception. Most don’t think outside the box, just as most people don’t have much of a social media presence. I recruit PARTNERS, not employees, and I want SOCIAL PROOF (a piece of paper does nothing for me) of their influence, the size of their lists and followings, and what the rest of the world is saying about what the produce. I see tools under development everywhere I turn now that MINE that information and aggregate it for partner-level recruiters like me (heck, I’m developing some in-house)
I don’t think it will ever be obsolete, in fact I think as technology continues to grow it will only become more important.
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I think paper resume will take a back seat. It’ll will be there for sometime. Yet, a web standard would be there in the new future.
Nicolas Liu recently posted..Home Office – Why Mitt Romney Do Not Have One
When I was 17 I joined the Navy so I never had to fill out a Resume. Once I got out I became a freelance designer. I’ve never had to use a resume at all so it’s hard to answer the question.
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I think it’s a case of “horses for courses.” Resumes make sense for some jobs, but less sense for others.
Very often, creating a resume seems to be like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Plus a lot of what people put in their resume is BS.
Employers are already scanning resumes for keywords, etc., anyway, so the next logical step seems to be going completely digital and using a customized electronic application form to make sure the prospective employer gets the relevant information from the applicant.
I definitely hope so
I think that conventional companies will continue to use conventional methods of learning who the applicant is. However, talent seekers will continue to surf the net looking for you.
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Resume Bear is great service and I don’t think it will out live it’s usefullness.
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If we are all honest about it, resumes are already obsolete.
unfortunately it might because of the driven mechanism of Big Corporate method of control thereby making sure that everyone would have to have a social media platform failing which there would be no term of reference (a referral of sorts) I personally do not believe that this should be the way but than again it is only my opinion
Resumes in their traditional document form, yes they will become obsolete.
No doubt a shortlisting system is still required, regardless of how resumes change in the future.
Leon De Silva recently posted..Empire Avenue : Social Networking Online Game
When you reserve a seat on any airline, you need a ticket to be seated.
When you are in job search mode, you resume is you ticket to an interview.
Recruiters are not reading your resume online when recruiting. Recruiters are looking across the Internet to uncover who you really are. If you have the right fit and synergy in digital space, then your resume matters to earn an invitation to be seated at an interview.
Don’t ‘burn’ your mortgage and do not ‘burn’ your resume. Keep it fresh, current and dynamic to showcase your competences and your talent for solving mountainous problems with precision, accuracy and speed.
It really depends on your industry.
A perfect resume is not as important as an online portfolio for web designers and UX experts. That, and a complete LinkedIn profile.
I certainly don’t think that the resume is completely obsolete as of yet, but I see that coming up on the horizon. In specific industries, the traditional format of the resume still has its place – but in an age of social media, they’re are becoming less and less necessary. Perhaps they will evolve into something else entirely as internet technology is able to provide deeper insights into employment history, employability, personality, ethics/morals…etc.
One of my friends works for a company that virtually cyber-stalks potential employees via social media sites to determine whether they’re suitable – resumes just provide the information for them to find them.
I try to keep my information on LinkedIn updated, so in the end LinkedIn kind of is my resume. I appreciate it if recruiters and companies start looking at the online presence of their applicants, especially also if this is anyhow relevant to their future job!
Resumes are changing form for sure. Things are going digital, but with social media and blogs our professional and personal experience has become digital.
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Resumé swill always have a place in job recruitment. Especially important to see how you are able to present yourself to the world.
I think what we are going to see is a transformation of a resume into something quite different from what is considered a traditional paper resume. My guess that it’s going be more of a morphing than a noticeable switch.
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There will be a need for resumes for some time to come. But I do expect this will continue to be a growing trend. Everyone interested in working for a living will need to think twice about what they post online.
Many companies are now looking to your Social Media presence and most importantly your content on your platforms. They are looking to gain insight on the ‘true you’ to reduce error in the hiring process — increasing their odds for the perfect fit. Not saying I like this trend — but it is here and we must as job seekers understand that anything posted on the web becomes public and adjust smartly and swift to the changes in these HR practices.
Resumes are there to stay, they can change in style or format.
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I agree more people seem to be linkin up with me on Linkedin & viewing my Linkedin page. Beside you can put what you want on a resume whereas a linkedin page being more public and permanent is more likely to be a more honest account of your activities.
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Like most things, it’s going to change business by business. There will be business for the next 10 years that must do things the old way, but the real scope of the change in HR technology will be felt when that just can’t happen anymore, or rather, it’s not cost EFFICIENT anymore.
It’s kinda’ like saying that, now that we have all of this new technology, printed books are obsolete. Sure, some companies will employ alternative means of screening applicants and progressive job-seekers will use every means at their disposal to attract attention, but in some degree the traditional resume will remain an indispensable tool.
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The development of this trend will probably vary widely according to the industry. Traditional industries, such as banking, accounting and financial services, will probably be the last to adopt. If ever.
The development of this trend will probably vary widely according to the industry. Traditional industries, such as banking, accounting and financial services, will probably be the last to adopt. If ever.
The development of this trend will probably vary widely according to the industry. Traditional industries, such as banking, accounting and financial services, will probably be the last to adopt. If ever.
Paper. Online. Face to Face Interviews. Skype Interviews etc etc etc
The options will just broaden!
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Doubt that they’ll ever become obsolete, as there still additional paper work checks but it wouldnt surprise me if they started to use linked in for example as an additional /alternative source
I think for most cases resumes will still be required.
Yes – I think resumes will stick around, perhaps in a much different format, but employers also want to know how you present yourself on paper. This could all go on line, absolutely, but the resume will not go away, instead it’ll evolve.
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I think that resumes will still be around for a while, but I do like the idea that employers are also looking at other ways to gauge if a person will be a good fit.
The last time I send out my resume, I simply wrote it out in an email. I got the job.
I don’t think the design of resumes is nearly as important as people think. What’s most important is that you match the criteria for the job.
The resume is simply the first step to get an interview, and that’s when things get importance.
Oh, and as always: Less is more.
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I think resumes will become obsolete thanks to LinkedIn
I recently had to do my EuroPass resume and it was a nightmare and really didn’t make too much sense.
I have been self-employed, freelancer, independent consultant for many years but sporadically become an employee with a client to take advantage of benefits for other offers (profit sharing, etc.)
I think resumes will be around for a while but I think how they are used and the actual “value” is changing.
Resumes will always be required
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A resume (or CV) is still very important in the UK but social media is taking off as a means to find the ideal employee.
I can’t say for sure what the future holds, but I have had little need for paper resumes in my lifetime. LinkedIn offers the same information in a digital format, but it still provides a printable version (PDF), clearly serving a need that still exists. No matter how you slice it, some companies aren’t ready of online interaction. I just don’t happen to be looking into those companies for a job.
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Social media is probably one of the most accurate ways to gauge a person, especially if they are active.
I suppose it depends on the profession. I think resumes will remain in use for a while.
I think CV’s are a starting point, but now more than ever, it is necessary to be able to demonstrate effective skills and experience. Most importantly, it’s critical to be able to articulate the value that you bring to the marketplace. Therefore, making the CV a window to the high value you will bring and difference you will make in the said role and workplace is fundamental. How that gets received over time – or what form it takes (e.g. an online presence such as LinkedIn versus a paper) will probably continue to evolve.
The resume will not become obsolete, but its form will change over time. Instead of simply the classic two page and a cover letter type, we could see fully interactive online version. The online type could be sent to the hiring manager’s mobile device, along with video and audio information.
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I think people may start expecting to see the essential facts on your LinkedIn profile or something, but that doesn’t change the need for good writing, the best wording to support your current objectives, etc. If anything, it amplifies it.
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I don’t think it will disappear altogether and it may always be part of the package but will diminish in importance somewhat. It also depends on the job … community manager vs inland revenue officer !!!!!
It depends whether the job is about being hip and trainable, or also being qualified and experienced–that latter needs a resume to demonstrate.
I thought they already were.
For the most part they are useless although they are what may get you an interview though.
So my advise is to look at a resume as your introduction to the employer and figure out a way to use it to get to the next step in the hiring process.
CV will not become obsolete, but the format will change from time to time. In paper / written format it will still be a support pilar to be reflected upon when making decisions.
The resume as we know it will probably disappear (as did the resume of the 1950s).The new one will be more electronic (like a LinkedIn profile). So the word will stay the same, but the format will change. That’s evolution!
Wow, I like the non-traditional way of screening job seekers via checking out their social media profiles. It’s going to reveal more of the applicants personality. It’s like seeing them in action as to just simply basing it on their resumes. I believe the non traditional type would work much better for me.
Electronic resumes are now a requirement for programmers – there has to be something to run the keyword-matching against!
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As an internet marketing and social media person, I have posted all of my “pages” on my resume. For the most part , it has not worked for me in Australia. The traditional resume with 2 or 3 referees is apparently the standard in Oz and I feel it will take a while to change. However, I think they are making a mistake, because everything any employer would want to know about me, my approach, my mindset, my skills and abilities are all there!
The last casual job I got was with a national company. They loved my resume and we interviewed over Skype. VERY COOL! and very progressive company by Ozzie standards!
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I think the paper resume will be obsolete, if it isn’t already. Most paper turns into electrons when scanned into an Applicant Tracking System.
But what will replace it? How about everything you ever did online?
See http://careeronestop.org
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I don’t think resumés will be obsolete – but they might be used to see just how “truthful” a candidate is.
That is to say, what they leave out,and what information a recruiter can find online that is NOT mentioned.
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This is what we really need…Thanks for the updated ideas here…
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I don’t think so. Even though a lot of companies are using ATS where resume is an additional attached doc to a candidate’s profile, it is still a mandatory piece of the hiring process. And will be for a while.
I’ve always held that face-to-face interviews are worth far more than a resume. At least monitoring web-presence makes a more accurate representation of the hiree, if not a little creepy. Make sure to keep your private stuff private and there’s no problem. If anything maybe this tendency will encourage people to make their privacy settings a little more strict on social networking sites.
I’ve always held that face-to-face interviews are worth far more than a resume. At least monitoring web-presence makes a more accurate representation of the hiree, if not a little creepy. Make sure to keep your private stuff private and there’s no problem. If anything maybe this tendency will encourage people to make their privacy settings a little more strict on social networking sites.
Нет картинок и все не на русском…
I’ve always held that face-to-face interviews are worth far more than a resume. At least monitoring web-presence makes a more accurate representation of the hiree, if not a little creepy. Make sure to keep your private stuff private and there’s no problem. If anything maybe this tendency will encourage people to make their privacy settings a little more strict on social networking sites.w
I’m a ‘tard, sorry for reposting, I didn’t see my comment show up for a couple of minutes and I just now realized what happened. /facepalm. Good thing you have Moderation on and can just not post the copies. Sorry again.
Very interesting article. I don’t think it will become obsolete but importance wise it will compliment what a company finds out about a candidate from different other sources like social media sites.
Great article! Perhaps they will become obsolete…
I believe hard copy resumes will be far and few sooner then some think……Social networks, mobility, etc… EXPLODING, just take some time to research. Organizations are beginning to look into applicants social networks such as LinkedIn, FaceBook, MySpace, tweets, etc….as part of their hiring background checks. How much do you understand about a person from a couple 1 hr interviews? Compared to a day on their Facebook wall. There are no privacy regulations out there on social networks!
If you can’t say it to someone’s face, don’t be writting it, if you don’t want the world to know about your entire life, don’t publish it for the world to see and read about it!
I think it will be quite a while before resumes bite the dust, if ever. But I do think they will be delivered differently – digitally, via video, etc.
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The answer is it depends! It depends on how progressive the company operates. It’s wise to keep one handy either way.
This depends on your industry. While some industries will focus more on online presence; some others will still require resumés.
Excellent article. Yes, I believe that resumes are going the way of the dinosaur – and not fast enough. A resume is meaningless today when a recruiter can get so much more information online. Also reminds me of a new site I just discovered called http://www.re.vu. I think this type of information is much more helpful.
Love this Bob, re-posted on Fb!
Great article. I think paper resumes will be in use for quite a while still (especially when going in to meet with someone like a recruiter / employer where they need a physical CV) but online resumes are definitely getting more popular.
Gerry
CV.com.au
Now Google has stepped in this social network with its new platform called Google Plus which is gaining popularity rapidly these days. Google+ profile will become the topmost priority in the coming near future.
Great posts!
I don’t think the regular CV / Resume will get replaced BUT with the popularity of social media we will see an increase on online CVs and more importantly the big players like Facebook and LinkedIn will be getting more involved.
Basically Resume should be stylish and Designing .
http://acaiburnextremefacts.net/?p=12
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good point
I think the resume won’t be obsolete. All the paper resume will display clearly.
prowess web
A couple of disclaimers:
- After 14 years of recruiting IT folks I am not a fan of resumes.
- I full embraced Social Media as a tool years ago.
I do not think resumes will or should become obsolete:
- What happens if LinkedIn implodes, is acquired, the next “cool thing” replaces it… then what?
- Should all jobs require a Social Media presence including construction workers, 3rd shift call center customer service reps, bartenders?
- Are you really going to rely on my colleagues to find your site?
- What about all the reporting companies need to do for OFCCP, ADA and all the other acronyms?
- Think about the hundreds of thousands of jobs that were fill in 2011… how many, what is the percentage, of those folks had a “personal brand”?
I drink the Social Media Kool Aid but I think many of you are sniffing it straight from the container.
Paul DeBettignies recently posted..Minnesota Recruiter Jobs
Time will come that it’ll be true, I think a good example is Linkdin, online profiles that would serve as reference.
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My company, Identified, has a very unique hiring process because we strive to keep the company culture and skill level that we’ve become accustomed to. It depends on the job, though. For my position, in marketing, I was asked to put together a 30-60-90 day plan to show how I’d “hit the ground running”. Many of our engineers take a pretty intense test before they are even invited to meet us in person. And our web designer was asked to submit a 140 character cover letter. Each of these things helps potential candidates stand out amongst a sea of other candidates that seek the same jobs. I think that’s why employers are getting creative, and asking for more than just a resume – everyone looks about the same on paper. By adding another element into the application process, it’s easier for the employer to narrow down the best candidates for their needs.
This is especially true for entry-level positions, which is what you were applying for when you noticed this trend. By definition, entry-level candidates are those with little to no experience. So, what makes them stand out against other candidates without experience? Social media profiles, questionnaires, tests, … you get the point. All of these things help differentiate the candidate from their competition – something a resume can’t do.
However, I don’t feel that resumes will ever be dropped altogether, because not all hiring managers have the time to check out your social media profiles, watch your video resume, or review any of the other slew of materials you may have available. Many are content with the one page resume, which summarizes your experience, followed by the phone screen and/or in-person interview to get a feel for which candidates are the best fit.
Where social media will have the biggest impact, however, is with passive candidate recruitment. A social profile, like on Facebook, is updated on a daily basis. When I find a new job, I immediate update my Facebook and LinkedIn profile. I do not, however, update my resume and re-post that online. Why would I? I’ve already found a job! So, I have a static resume on Monster, CareerBuilder and Craigslist – which means that any time a headhunter comes across my resume for an awesome opportunity when I’m not actively seeking work (which, by the way, I’d NEVER consider – Identified is a great place to work!), I probably won’t be considered because my resume is not up to date with my newest position, skills, and accomplishments. On the flip side, my social profiles ARE up to date – which makes them a much better place to recruit passive candidates. From there, employers will probably still ask for a resume.
Long answer, but in short – resumes will not be replaced by social media, but they will be supplemented for a variety of purposes. I hope this helps!
Jen Picard
Product Marketing Director, Identified
http://employers.identified.com
Identified professionalizes Facebook data and allows people and companies to tap into their existing Facebook network for professional purposes.
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Thanks Jen. Your company definitely has some unique approaches to finding the perfect candidate for each position.
How long have resumes been in use? I doubt my grandparents used them. I think there was a time when jobs were gotten through personalized recommendation letters. McLuhan was right. Technology brought “social proof” back from obsolescence.
Barbara Saunders recently posted..Perspective?
The CV or resume is not going away, but employers and recruiters are becoming smarter about how they use it. It will always play a role for many people as the only way to introduce themselves to a potential employer, especially when making speculative job applications.
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I call it interview entitlement, everyone says “If only I could make it to an interview.” Skip to the interview; that’s better than a form email “thanks for applying.” An interactive online experience pays off and positive branding reaches further. I have two software partners that understand this; that the resume is not more important than the person. They don’t start by asking for a marketing document (resume)! That personalizes the process yet gives a 1,000 data points that can be tuned to improve the employer’s brand. Give them what they want, a chance to answer questions, highlighting what they can do if hired. Why is it that the ticket to an interview is a properly engineered resume? Thousand more interviews granted creates brand ambassadors. Only then the final cut use the resume and a face-to-face. Beyond resume talent acquisition!
Resumes are here to stay, they will simply change form, integrate the newest technologies and incorporate other media forms. Resume’s are like automobiles, they are constantly being updated and modernized, fine tuned and changed to incorporate the latest technology (electric vehicles) or incorporate media (On-Star, Sync, Hands-free phone operation). But the point is they will remain in one form or anther, because short of telepathic linkage, there is no other way to get a complete “picture” of an application other than a profile that a resume provides, whether it includes text, picture, video or online media.
Erik recently posted..ResumeCompanion: Will Resumes Become Obsolete? – http://t.co/KMtyUcvx (via @sociablesite)
Maybe one of these days and depending on the job, the resume might be obsolete, but at the moment, it is very much needed to make people know the significance of your talents.
It’s very true that non-traditional resumes will become the norm. It’s not that resumes will stop existing but that they are already evolving into something more than just a paper full of keywords and your work experience.