Traditional vs. Non-traditional resumes is quickly becoming a hot topic of discussion for both employers and employees in our modern work force. With so many potential jobs in the market and even more potential employees looking to fill those positions, the competition can be stiff so it is important to figure out noticeable professional ways to standout. What traits and concepts make a resume noticeable yet professional?
It is vital, of course, to find ways for your resume to standout when submitting to potential employers or online databases. Many people do not realize the amount of resumes received by both companies and online job databases. Sorting through all those resumes must be a pain and many times, your run-of-the-mill resume is too quickly scanned and tossed for the next one. Consequently, the question at large that I find here is not Traditional vs. Non-traditional; moreover, the question is how to relate your resume to your potential employer. The answer to this imperative question is to plan ahead, understand the field/career you are looking to pursue, and model your resume around those fine points.
The idea that traditional resumes are dying is a bit exaggerated. Yes, it is true that your standard paper resume listing accomplishments and credentials is a bit out-dated, but the truth is that may be all you need to land a job. Your resume must reflect your career path. If you are looking to work for Google or any career in graphic design, the standard paper resume will surely not be enough. In this instance, a resume with more color, quality word spacing, and font size may be necessary. Patricia Laya highlights this point when she states, “we asked career coaches if and when it pays to be creative. The consensus: It depends where you’re applying to.”
The first resume showcases the perfect example of a resume for someone looking to work in the television/film industry, particularly works of horror. The constructor of this resume strategically models his resume after a movie poster. The title is at the top and in big bold letters to demonstrate creativity. A brief bio detailing his objective and skills is presented in a thrilling, exciting manor. The picture adds more flair to his resume, while also including his experience down the left side.
This next resume is perfect for someone looking to acquire a job at Google. It may look like your run-of-the-mill resume, but it works for this job. The creator of this resume, clearly looking to work for Google, crafted a resume resembling a Google search page for his name. A list of experience, skills, and education is provided, but the fact that his resume relates to his employer means he is likely to win the job over others.
On a side note, I want to voice my opinion that social media and job recruitment should remain completely separate entities. This opinion is of course irrelevant, as companies still use these social media outlets to scope potential employees, but I have seen a few posts mention that social media outlets should take the place of traditional resumes and I completely disagree. The internet is vast and unknown and while most people understand what is right from wrong, social media, aside from job specific outlets like LinkedIn, should be a place where people can express themselves free from judgment. It is not the business of the employers to pry into personal lives unless it negatively affects the company.
Sources Cited:
Laya, Patricia. (2011, June 11). 13 insanely cool resumes that landed interviews at Google and other top jobs. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/insanely-creative-resumes-2011-6 [NB: And links to more. A good idea? It depends.]