This week I participated in an online talk #tchat via Twitter. It was a robust discussion about HR, recruitment, academia and the role of the resume.
A good portion of the chat focused on recruiting college students and exploring advanced curriculum via recruitment certifications in lieu of hands on experience.
In the threaded conversation opinions surfaced about how young professionals must stay actively engaged on social media during their job search. However, the pointed advice translates across all generations.
When the discussion ventured off towards the staying power of a Linkedin profile versus the life line of the resume, I had to press the pause button. Ironically one member found the need to educate me on the fact that recruiters don’t actually read resumes.(Chuckle) Unfortunately, he did not glance at my profile because he would have known that he was preaching to the choir. Since I’ve authored a resume book about how to write an “employer friendly” document called Resume Branding 101: Strategies for Getting Noticed in 10 Seconds or Less. But he is consistent, and proved his point.
Make Yourself Easy to Find
Recruiters are quick to make judgments… good, bad or indifferent. The immense value of Linkedin was a common theme throughout the evening. We all seemed to agree that Linkedin is the preferred tool to source talent. Some went so far as to proclaim that the resume will be a dinosaur within 5 years. After writing resumes for over 27 years, I can safely say it will take a while for everyone to get on board. Keep in mind people are still using Microsoft style templates from over a decade ago.
Structure Like An Invitation
The best Linkedin profiles are a synopsis of the personal brand. Save the resume for the serious offers. Our Resume Branding Philosophy™ is built on the premise that “The Resume is the First Interview, An Invitation and Tells your Brand Story”. So until a person gets hired based on the Linkedin profile and nothing else, it will be a long time before the resume becomes obsolete.
Brand Your Resume First
Do not get me wrong, I am a huge Linkedin fan. An update resume is the best complement to a digital profile. The both go hand in hand. It’s easy to glance at a person’s Linkedin profile, see if they’re interested in career opportunities, contributing to group discussions and review recommendations. However, most members sign up, upload their resume (Not Recommended) and wait for someone to request a connection. Linkedin is a serious professional networking tool.
They have added new features including the Linkedin Today online newspaper to help users engage with companies, conduct market research and follow industry trends. 89% of recruiters are on Linkedin and countless others are using social media to source talent. Meet them where they are. Engage them with your expertise and personality. Brand yourself to standout from the crowd.
If you’re looking for a job, start using Linkedin before, during and after your job search. Real Names, Real Companies, Real Jobs…Really!
Persona Affairs
