Online Profiles Replacing Resumes?

Is the traditional resume going the way of the dinosaur? It might take some time, but some human resources (HR) managers interviewed recently by OfficeTeam think so. More than one-third (36 percent) of respondents said it's at least somewhat likely resumes will eventually be replaced by profiles on social and business networking sites.

For the survey, HR managers were asked, "In your opinion, how likely is it that profiles on networking sites, such as LinkedIn and Facebook, will replace traditional resumes in the future?" Their responses? Eight percent said "Very likely"; 28 percent said "Somewhat likely"; 42 percent said "Not very likely"; and 21 percent said "Not likely at all." One percent said they didn't know.

"The resume continues to be an important job-hunting tool, but it's also useful for professionals to create online profiles that highlight their expertise and qualifications," said OfficeTeam executive director Robert Hosking. "As hiring managers turn increasingly to the Internet for information about prospective hires, job seekers should keep their online profiles current and behave professionally in the digital space."

Here are five tips for creating an impressive online profile:

1. Get the picture. Make sure photos that are visible in your profiles and on social media sites are professional. Untag yourself or adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see certain images.
2. Show your star qualities. Provide employers with a clear sense of your capabilities by posting information about your work history and highlighting key accomplishments on sites like LinkedIn. Sharing your personal interests and hobbies on Facebook also can help people relate to you more easily.
3. Talk the talk. Incorporate key industry terms to describe your skills, specialties and positions of interest so hiring managers can more easily find you online.
4. Make the right connections. Be selective about who you allow into your social networks because potential employers may contact these individuals for insights on you. Your contacts also could alert you to job openings.
5. Keep it fresh. Regularly update your profile and be active professionally. Post useful advice or comment on articles on LinkedIn and industry forums.

Additional tips for presenting yourself professionally using digital tools can be found in Business Etiquette: The New Rules in a Digital Age .