Looking for a Job? Throw Away Your Resume

As the needs of our clients increase and FSB expands to serve them better, I find myself looking to hire people. However, this year, my approach is very different. As we are working on branding authors on the web, I am looking for people who can demonstrate that they have the skills to help us market and publicize books in a new way, using social media and web technologies to communicate a story.

What I have found is that a resume is just not enough to get my attention. The job market is tough, for sure, and everyone is looking for an edge. My bold suggestion is that you pretend you don't have a resume. Think, then, how would you get someone's attention, how would you tell them your story? Rather than crossing your fingers and sending out a one-dimensional paper resume, I recommend that all job seekers use a variety of social media tools.

One way to stand out to potential employers is to develop a personal story and a personal brand. Today, your online personal brand is much more valuable than your resume.  

Before you get started, like all branding campaigns, start with an analysis of your goals.

1. Think about the following questions: What are my goals for generating income? Take time to meditate on the types of things that you enjoy doing, along with the unique set of skills that you possess. How can you parlay these specific talents and interests into landing a fulfilling job for yourself?  
2. Who am I? Easier asked than answered, of course, but this question will be presented in each and every interview you attend. "Tell me about yourself." Make sure that you are able to answer this question with your individual goals and aims in mind. Above all, be authentic, be YOU because there is no competition for YOU.  
3. How will my potential employers be able to verify my professional experience and references? Brainstorm about the ways in which you can communicate your assets to potential employers or clients. Maintaining a social media profile is a fantastic way to present your past work experience and professional connections to potential employers.  

Here are some sites and services that can help you develop a three-dimensional resume and your personal brand.

LinkedIn
This site enables you to showcase your employment history, professional contacts, and endorsements from peers and clients. Potential employers want to see the extent of your commitment to an industry, as well as the level of respect that you have gained from colleagues and former bosses. Make sure you use a professional looking photo of yourself.  

Blog
A blog is a great way to show off your expertise and comment on the latest news in your industry. Of course, your blog posts should be current, well-written and representative of your brand and goals in all ways. 

Twitter
Your twitter feed allows potential employers to examine what sorts of things interest you and what sort of information you choose to share with your social network. Become a source of good information and resources for people. Make sure you follow the companies you'd like to work for.

Video/YouTube
Post videos of yourself on YouTube to give employers an idea of your presence and persona. If your personality is your greatest asset, why not show it off? 

The idea behind developing an online brand is twofold: to spread the word about you -- your story, experience, and your portfolio -- and also to allow potential employers to verify your professional history -- references, dates of employment, professional recognition. That said, the next time you apply for a job, don't just forward your standard paper resume. Instead, attach a cover letter with links to your various profiles online. My advice is to replace that dated, one-dimensional resume and bring yourself to life with social media. 

I would love to hear about the ways in which social media and personal branding has helped you secure a job or make connections with other professionals in your industry. Employers, have you ever hired someone that you found through the Web? Job seekers, how much time do you devote to maintaining your social media sites and pages? 

Fauzia Burke is the Founder and President of FSB Associates, a web publicity and social media firm specializing in creating awareness for books and authors. Founded in 1995, FSB's mission is to give authors an opportunity to promote their work to an eager, targeted audience online. FSB is based in the NYC area. Please engage with FSB on Facebook or Twitter. For web publicity and social media news, follow Fauzia on a new Twitter feed: @WebSnapshot

 

Follow Fauzia Burke on Twitter: www.twitter.com/WebSnapshot

Comments

[CatherineAdenle]

10:05 AM on 09/21/2010

This is an enlightening post and thanks for posting it. Recently, on my blog - http://catherinescareercorner.com I wrote an article titled ‘Be a Superstar Job Seeker’ that further demonstrates your point. May I say that most people know that the best way to find a job is through networking? They know they can go to networking meetings, tap into their own circle of influence, personal network, or ask friends who they know. However, with the Internet bubbling and buzzing with social media, it is important to know that there are similarly several other ways to use social media and the functionalities it provides in order to further network, cast out a net of skills, showcase attributes, demonstrate that special x factor and eventually find a desirable job. Social networking will allow all parties involved – potential employers and job seekers to better search for, reach their target and get results.

[Fauzia Burke]

09:21 PM on 10/12/2010

So true Catherine. I just read somewhere that we are now engaged in p2p marketing (which is people to people marketing) and it starts with you and me. Thanks for stopping by and for your thoughtful comment.

[action jay]

10:47 AM on 09/20/2010

Hi Fauzia,

Thanks for the article! I've been 'on' social media for quite a while, tweeting about my sandwich intake, blogging about my boring daily life. Just talking for the sake of talking, really. It was just a few months ago that I became aware of the whole personal brand idea. Being in the customer service business, I started making connections around the #custserv topic on Twitter. Since then I've found myself in regular communication with folks from all over the industry.

While I'm more than happy at my current job, it's nice knowing that I'm a little more visible as a contributing member of online society. And if I ever do need to apply at another company, chances are there'll be someone on the inside who already knows me and can vouch for me. That's pretty powerful stuff.

[Fauzia Burke]

09:04 PM on 09/20/2010

Exactly!! It is much better to be found by others than to look for a job. If you provide intelligent information and help people they will be more interested in working with you. Good Job!

[damonklotz]

06:17 AM on 09/20/2010

Hey Fauzia,

I've been singing from the hills that 'the resume is dead' for a while now. Obviously for certain positions and companies there is still the need for a paper resume. Even Google gets you to upload a resume online through the jobs they advertise through LinkedIn.

But when I say 'the resume is dead' I mean it's not your point of differentiation any more, your blog, your youtube account, your tweets, your online communities and your personal brand is what sets you apart.

I see myself as the future leader of tomorrow's HR professionals. I want to do things differently and create change whilst sticking true to my rebel roots. Hence The HRockstar was born. My brand is now well known in the marketplace and is also strongly aligned to my beliefs of how HR should be operating. So from that point of view it's a win win.

I'd love to feature this article as a guest post on my blog.

Let me know!

Damon - The HRockstar
www.damonklotz.com

[Fauzia Burke]

09:02 PM on 09/20/2010

You bet Damon. I would consider it a huge compliment. Please let me know if you'd like me to email it to you in HTML. I'll reach out to you on your blog. Thanks.

[jessepluna]

01:28 PM on 09/16/2010

Very timely topic, Fauzia. I've been using social media as part of my "job search mix." I use my tech blog as a portfolio to help highlight specific skills. When I apply for a Web/social media marketing manager position I can point employers to the numerous blog posts that address specific topics - interviews with small businesses, social media case studies/strategy, technology tools, etc. I also use Twitter (@jesseluna), Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for sharing my domain expertise, as a key communication channel, and for building awesome communities. I'm still on the job hunt but believe social media is a great way to add a "Pull" aspect to job searching.

[Fauzia Burke]

08:40 PM on 09/16/2010

Fabulous. Good luck with your job search. Hope you find a fabulous position soon.

[Pek Pongpaet]

12:32 PM on 09/16/2010

I agree with your post. Resumes just don't do it anymore and I believe nowadays you just have to show what you are capable of rather than say. I expressed a similar view on my blog post titled 'How to Get a Job in This Economy' http://blog.pekpongpaet.com/2010/09/12/how-to-get-a-job-in-this-economy/

[Fauzia Burke]

08:38 PM on 09/16/2010

Thanks Pek. I liked your blog too.

[stormyslaton]

01:42 AM on 09/16/2010

I completely and wholeheartedly agree!

[Fauzia Burke]

08:37 PM on 09/16/2010

Thanks. Let me know how you have used social media to find a job.

[davidwkaiser]

05:23 PM on 09/15/2010

Resumes are way overrated. How can a piece of paper express who you are and what you can do? It can't.

Check out http://getajobwithoutaresume.com for more ideas.

[Fauzia Burke]

10:18 PM on 09/15/2010

Thanks for stopping by David.