New Skool versus Old Skool

New Skool vs. Old Skool - the ever-present battle between digitalized and paper resumes. What to do? The answer is simple: do every option available to help you in your job search. There are advantages to both digital and traditional resumes. This is what some might call and win-win scenario. Your chances for landing the job have just doubled and your potential employer could notice something previously overlooked.

Of course, compiling a strong digital resume/portfolio is a must. Today’s world is a digital jungle and the job market is no different. The job market is fiercely competitive and all bases must be covered in order to ensure your chances at finding the job of your dreams. A digital portfolio allows you the opportunity to store reference letters and samplings of previous work. You can include pictures, videos and any other materials that may bring your portfolio to that next level.

Many people use recruiting websites to assist in their job search. These websites make your resume available to thousands of potential employers. Digitalized copies of your resume are necessary for any resume-database websites that you find yourself using. Utilizing these tools are immensely helpful in the job search, but only if you understand and use them properly. These websites implement the use of keywords. Employers will enter keywords for skills and qualities they are looking for in applicants. Making your digital resume, keyword-friendly is extremely important.

Be sure to maximize your digital resumes searchability. There are a few easy ways to do this. Your professional areas of expertise and their synonyms should be keywords spread evenly throughout your resume. Be very specific—for instance, if you are fluent in more than one language, you may consider having the word multilingual appear in your resume, as well as the languages you are fluent in. Similarly is you have earned an M.A. you may consider using the words Master of Arts as well as the abbreviation in the education section of your resume. A resume that optimizes keywords does not have to be separate from your traditional resume. The traditional resume and keyword-optimized resume can be one and the same. With a bit of extra effort, your resume can be as efficient as possible.

Paper resumes are advantageous because they appeal to your potential employers eyes rather than a computer database. You have the opportunity to choose thick, impressive-feeling paper. The paper needs to be kept simple, professional and white in color. Sending a hard copy of your resume can do nothing but improve your chances of getting the job. When you include both a traditional and digital resume in your portfolio this shows your potential employer your dedication to the job finding process. By showing your potential employer your dedication to the job hunt, you give them a glimpse into the dedication you will put into all aspects of your life.

Labels: digital resume, job search, job search tool, traditional resume