Traditional Resume Versus Nontraditional

resumeConventional wisdom says that job candidates do not need anything more than the traditional resume.  It is the content that is most important.  Qualifications, experience, training, and education will always be the biggest factor in obtaining a great job, but taking your resume high tech can be well worth the effort.  A high tech resume will have a lot of influence with certain industries and jobs. Nontraditional resumes are not for everyone, however.  They can be very beneficial for certain types of job applicants. Nontraditional resumes are ideal for job seekers in particularly creative industries, such as marketing and design. More specifically, online resumes are helpful for applicants who want to post films, sound clips, photographs, or other pieces of work related to their industry.  Online resumes also allow those in web design and information technology to display their skills. But, it is important to note that the traditional resume is significant for various reasons. A traditional resume is a simple document with your employment history, education history, an objective or a profile and your contact information. Nontraditional resumes include video resumes, infographic resumes, career-focused websites, and online portfolios. These types of resumes can help your job search if you use them effectively. On the other hand, if you don’t make a great impression they can cost you. Before you spend the time and energy to work on a resume that’s much more than the basics, consider the pros and cons of using a nontraditional resume.  Nontraditional resumes include infographics, video resumes, online portfolios, and personal websites. As a result, nontraditional resumes can help display a person’s skills and qualifications. Nontraditional resumes are also helpful for people without an extensive work history. They allow candidates to emphasize skills rather than their chronological work history.

Keep in mind, however, that many companies still prefer the traditional resume.  Always investigate the dynamics of the company that you are interviewing.  Some companies utilize an applicant tracking system that requires you to have submitted a traditional, typed resume. They use these systems to track keywords. Because of these tracking systems, many companies will simply discard the nontraditional resume.  Do your homework.  It is always advisable to know what the company wants.

Remember that the resume is an “advertisement” of your appropriate skills, experience and abilities for that job.  While we all wish we had profound skills that enable us to find the best jobs, it is important to be honest and create a resume that advertises your skills and your talents.

Source: “Choosing a Traditional or Nontraditional Resume Format.” www.Examiner.com  Web. 02 July 2013.

Follow Us:  FacebookTwitterYouTubeLinkedIn

Contact Us