Is the resume a dying tradition?
Recently, a friend of mine asked if I would take a look over her resume. “Well, after I figure out how to write it,” she added. I told her I would be happy to look over it. However, a part of me dreaded the thought based on her closing statement.
Millennials are now so accustomed to everything being digital or web-based that the concept of basic resume writing is almost a thing of the past. And, in my opinion, that may be for the best.
It seems to me that, in our now technologically advanced and creative world, there has to be a more “fun” way to sell yourself to employers. Luckily, I wasn’t the only one with that thought.
Now there are more ways to promote yourself and list your experience and skills. Below are a few alternatives to the standard resume that can set you aside from the rest.
Stand out and show off with these resume alternatives
1. JobCV: JobCV allows you to create an original and digital resume. You have the option to print your resume or send it electronically as a PDF. You also have the ability to attach certificates, diplomas and qualifications so that everything is in one, concise place. There is a charge of $9.99 for 6 months access.
2. Lunchcruit: This alternative matches you up with employers in your field that are looking to fill a role. You and the employer sit down to a no-strings attached lunch to see if the job would be a good fit. An expansion on this concept was done earlier this year on AGBeat.
3. Jobr: Let’s get real – we all saw this one coming. Jobr is essentially Tinder but for job hunting. This app is the perfect alternative for the quick-paced, “get it done yesterday”, type of job hunters.
4. ResumeRuby: “Your Microsoft Word Resume Isn’t Designed To Help You Stand Out”. Right off the bat, this website speaks to my heart. ResumeRuby is designed as an easy to use, MadLibs type of concept that allows you to build your perfect resume.
5. TripleByte: This concept is one that proves that, just because you look good on paper, does not mean you’re qualified. The idea here is to help programmers find their perfect fit at a start-up. TripleByte’s mantra? “No resumes, just show us you can code.”
6. Sumry: This website takes the “human” angle of job hunting. In lieu of a resume, users can build a profile for themselves that showcases their skills and experience. Sumry allows you to put yourself out there in a creative way.
7. Remotive Jobs: Remote + productive = Remotive. This site helps the remote worker find jobs that would be best suited for them. At the same time, they offer tips for productivity to help the remote worker stay on task.
This is a non-exhaustive list of the alternatives to resumes. While this may help you to stand out from the pack in some jobs, there will always be the companies that prefer the standard, Microsoft Word resume. However, what’s the harm in having multiple ways to showcase yourself?
