Resume Trends You Should Know

A resume at your own website. If your personal website is professional and appropriate, including your resume and background information on it can be a smart choice. You can include a link to your website in an email cover letter to which you also attach a pdf of your paper resume. That way, the human resources manager can choose whether or not to take time to look at the website.



In addition, a website can easily include a portfolio of samples of your work, and testimonials or recommendations from people you have worked with - be it audio, video, or traditional "words in print" format. A website with samples of your work is an excellent choice if you work in a creative field. For example, a website makes perfect sense for a writer or an illustrator. Wordpress websites work well for setting up a portfolio-style website that can show off samples of your recent work. Beware, however, of giving out links to your website if it includes a personal blog that may contain inappropriate content or in which you express opinions that might not be politically correct in your industry. Also, be mindful about giving out links to websites that might also contain links to your social networks, such as Facebook, as you do not have complete control over what is posted on your Facebook page or other similar locations.

A resume that is filed online as part of a professional network, such as LinkedIn. A professional network such as LinkedIn or Behance, and freelance networks such as Guru and Elance, give you the opportunity to enter the information on your resume as a profile. You can also upload a photo of yourself and samples of your work. A network profile can be a useful addition to your job search, but you won't want to make it your only resume. However, a strong LinkedIn network can increase your visibility when you are job hunting and can also help you to build your network of professional contacts.



You are more likely to hear about and be invited to industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities. In addition, it is possible that a recruiter searching your professional network for someone with your qualifications might invite you to apply for a job. If you choose to put together a profile at a networking site, focus on one that makes sense for you and your particular field. Musicians, for example, should put together a page on MySpace. Creative people should probably consider Behance. Freelancers should try Guru or Elance. There are also specialist networking sites in certain industries so be sure to take the time to find the best site for your profile..

What alternative resumes you may choose to consider, don't neglect the traditional hard copy, paper resume. Some employers will always want to see one, even if you end up sending it to them as a pdf attachment to an email rather than as a hard paper copy. Your alternative resume should be an adjunct, not a replacement, for the traditional resume. Save it for those occasions when you already have your foot in the door and need to find a way to stand out. Don't make the original human resource manager who may be sifting through a pile of resumes want to toss yours aside because it won't fit in a

manila folder.



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Brendan Cruickshank (Vice President of Client Services) - Brendan is a veteran of the online job search and recruiting industry, having spent the past 8 years in senior client services roles with major sites like Juju.com and JobsInTheMoney.com. These sites cover employment searches on everything from clerical jobs to California jobs.