In 2011, 89 percent of companies used social networks for recruitment, according to Career Enlightenment, an online site for job-seekers. They're perusing LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter -- and finding talent there. Are you using those channels for your job search? If not, here's how.
Twesumes In May 2012, an estimated 36,000 "twesumes" -- condensed, 140-character résumés listing job qualifications and objectives -- were posted on Twitter. Often a twesume will be paired with a #twesume hashtag that can be tweeted, messaged or e-mailed to a potential hiring official.
Twesumes may be changed as your jobs, titles, tasks, locations or even careers change. Recently promoted? Earned an industry certification? Moved? With any change, modify your twesume and tweet it again. The twesume is a constant reminder of who you are and what you can bring to the table.
First, set up a Twitter account and have something intelligent to say. This is your opportunity to create your brand. Tell who you are and what you can offer. Include a professional Twitter name and photo. Start following and be followed.
A sample twesume: Professional with 5 yrs meeting mgmt searching for full-time position. Creative, budget minded.
http://ow.ly/e2lp5 #twesume
Youtubeumes A "Youtubeume" is a video résumé created by a candidate to describe his or her qualifications and career goals. These video résumés have existed for about six years, but technology has made it a lot easier to self-produce a quality video with a personal computer or a handheld camera.
A Youtubeume is a great marketing tool, providing a hiring official the opportunity to see you as a person as well as your communication style. If done right, it can be very helpful in getting you that interview. If done wrong, it will knock you right out of contention.
To get started, go to YouTube, review a few Youtubeumes, and see what impresses you and what makes you cringe.
To make your own, start with your first and last name; focus on your professional background, not personal details; state why they should hire you and what you can do for them; and thank them for considering you for employment.
Don't expect a video résumé to replace a traditional résumé. Not all hiring officials are interested -- and some are actually concerned about discrimination issues.
Pinterest résumés The newest kid on the block is the Pinterest résumé. Pinterest is an online Pinboard that allows you to share and organize items found on the web. Pinterest is popular for recipes, room design, event planning, weddings -- and now résumés.
A Pinterest résumé is a visual medium that can showcase your work, events, history and allows you to express your creativity. It can also provide a more complete picture of you. It may include personal items -- in good taste, of course -- that show not only the professional you but the personal you. It's also a perfect way to show that you are tech savvy.
Keep in mind that none of these formats replace the traditional résumé. However, if done right, they can attract attention and help get you in the door.