The short answer? Yes. Even in the year 2014, you still need a resume.
Resumes serve a purpose beyond finding a job. Resumes are a summary of your professional work experience. They can be used in a variety of instances like business proposals and when being considered for board positions (just to name a few). I guess, indirectly, those activities can be considered sources of work but you get what I mean. The resume offers a consistent format for providing a summary of your work experience.
In addition to your resume, you should craft a short biography about yourself. Many people have some sort of side hustle going on and a bio is an effective way to introduce yourself. We often have a preconceived notion of what a resume looks like and what it contains, a bio has more freedom. You can include both personal and professional accomplishments. Some other items to consider:
- Publications you’ve been quoted in
- Noteworthy speaking engagements
- Awards you’ve received
Once you have a resume and bio, create a plan to keep them current. You never know when you might be contacted about presenting at a conference or your dream job comes along. I know this sounds like 1980’s advice but I’m just amazed at the number of people who do not keep their resume current. Then they forget accomplishments like, “How much money did I save the company with that project?” or “My average sale increased by what percentage?” Those are important statistics to know when trying to land that new gig.
Find a way to keep your resume and bio with you. One way to always have them handy is by keeping a copy in a file storage app like Box, Dropbox or the dozens of similar products. It demonstrates you’re using current technologies, diligent about keeping information updated, and agile in responding to requests. All great things to show today’s recruiters.
Using a professional platform like LinkedIn for your resume is fine, if that’s what everyone is asking for. And we might get to that point someday. Not sure we’re there yet. So until then, have a current resume and bio handy.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the quick one question poll below. I’ll share the results in a week or so. Thanks!
Sharlyn Lauby says
A reader sent me a note today saying they keep a folder with changes for their resume. It becomes a “scrap book of accomplishments”.
Thanks for sharing!
Steve says
I was thinking the same thing that Linked IN is the modern day resume with almost all of the same information as a traditional resume.
colin says
Resumes are not dead…but they are not the only things available to employers to assist them in finding the best candidate for their job. Introducing video and on demand interviews helps companies screen more candidates and learn so much more than just a standard resume. try http://www.intervue.ca and find out for yourself how great it can be.
Jace says
I agree with Colin’s point about companies using more than resumes to seek out candidates. I’ve found it very useful to provide interviewers with a portfolio of my previous sales numbers and big contracts upon request. One thing that this post touched on that is absolutely crucial, in my opinion, is the appearance of hard numbers and statistics on your resume. Hiring managers want to see just how big your biggest sale was, or exactly how many people were working under you. I’ve always heard that numbers not only add to the clarity of a resume, but also make it more impressive and relatable.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks everyone for the comments!
@Steve – Totally agree that LinkedIn offers some similar information but only if the user presents it that way. I know several people who prefer to have their LinkedIn profile look more like a bio.
@Colin – Yes, video is changing the purpose of the resume.
@Jace – Absolutely. That’s why people need to update their resume regularly. It’s so hard to remember those numbers.
Patrick says
I’d also have to agree with Steve and Colin. I think resumes are still important, however with all of the social media and communication/information sites around companies are looking more and more at websites like Linked In and facebook to get a sense of the people they plan on hiring. Being able to easily conduct phone and video also helps screen out potential candidates and in some cases a company may even be able to look up an employees work history, accomplishments and failures online.
Shanon Wynonna says
As one ages, one starts to forget more and more, what books he’s read, what newspapers published him or how exactly he’s helped the previous company he had worked at. A CV is a public diary that presents your potential, praises your strength and it should evolve at the same time with you. If technology and testing tools help HR & recruiters hire better, the candidates should use these in their advantage. It’s a win-win game.
Ed Danielski says
Linked In is nothing like a resume, except for those people who use it to post their resume instead of a synopsis of your job titles, companies, and education.
Linked In is a networking tool, that is why it is called “linked in”