Paper resumes are still a valuable job hunting tool. Almost all of the current generation of Human Resource managers grew up in the era of paper and still prefer it. But you need to consider posting an online resume also. It widens your job hunting reach, and it gives you a professional presence on the Internet. Many companies will research you online even after receiving your paper resume.
When posting an online resume, make sure:
- The online information is consistent with the resume you have sent to the company. If a professional resume writer is helping to write your resume, you may want to hire the same person to write your online profile.
- Any comments or referrals on your online resume are positive and bolster your image.
Is the fear of identity theft keeping you from posting details on line? If you search for your name online, you may be surprised to find out how much information is already available. In all probability, your contact information is widely known, especially if you’re listed in the phone book and have shopped online. However, if you want to hide your real address but still show your local availability, you could rent a mailbox at a UPS store or other mailbox service. Unlike Post Office boxes, commercial mailboxes offer a real street address.
Stay away from resume-distribution sites that request your date of birth, marital status, picture or social security number. That’s where the possibility of identity theft is strongest.
Technology, comfort levels and employment law still have a way to go before all resumes are online. But you want to take advantage of every resource available to you. Do you have a success story to share about your online resume?
