The following is a guest post from Barak Taragin, a University of Maryland business student who served as an intern for The Cline Group this summer.

As a new explorer in the sea known as the job market, I have been told that in order to successfully navigate my way through these dangerous and unpredictable waters I need my map (resume) because, as we all know, these have been used by explorers, rookie and veteran, for hundreds of years.

But as I take a closer look at my exploration tools I find that the map is too small to hold all the content that is necessary for me to complete my journey successfully. I recall to myself that there is a new revolution afoot called the Social Media Revolution. One of the many things that this revolution has to offer is a tool called LinkedIn, which allows me to basically create a virtual map.  I can connect with others and see what detailed information they have on their maps.  This new virtual map is so easy and accessible to use that I have taken the liberty of listing 6 reasons why I think it should be used instead of the old, small, ineffective paper resume.

6) Formatting

Resume – All resumes are different.  They each have their own formats, which can be very different, some work and some just do not, thus making it more difficult for companies to compare job candidates.  Basing job candidacy selection on formatting and not focusing on experience is foolish.

LinkedIn- On LinkedIn, everybody’s profiles are formatted identically thus making comparison much easier.  This makes it easier for potential employers to base their selection on content, not context.

5) Connecting

Resume- There is no space on a resume to put professional contacts and connections.  So how can an interviewer see who you associate with?

LinkedIn- With LinkedIn you can see an individual’s connections, and who they associate with socially and professionally. This can be helpful for companies trying to find new skilled employees or for job seekers making contacts.

4) Showing Your Work

Resume- On a resume there is no way to show examples of work that you have done or what you have written.

LinkedIn- By using LinkedIn you can create links on your profile to your blog, or upload presentations. This feature enables potential employers or partners to get a small “peek” at the work that you have done.

3) Recommendations

Resume- There are no recommendations listed.  Interviewers must go through the hassle of being proactive in contacting people for details about you.  It is in the job candidate’s favor that interviewers see a recommendation and unfortunately this is something that Resumes lack.

LinkedIn- Recommendations are usually clear and easy to read.  You can have almost an unlimited amount of recommendations, the more that is positively written about you, the better the chances that employers will be interested.  Interviewers can contact and further discuss the individual with the recommender, whose name is linked to the recommendation.

2) Editing

Resume- Resumes are a pain to edit.  You need to edit them in a doc format.  I am not just talking about pains when editing on a computer.  I am talking about having to reprint new copies of your resume with every addition made to it-it’s a hassle, and it costs money.

LinkedIn- LinkedIn is simple, easy, and accessible.  All you need to do is go online and add a few words to your profile and you are done-everybody can see the changes.  As an added bonus you can even edit your profile using a mobile device. The best part is these basic features are totally free!

1) Its About You

Resume- There are no sections to give information about who you are and what you have done professionally.

LinkedIn- On LinkedIn you have the opportunity to write about yourself.  This is a way for you to advertise yourself whether you mention good characteristics that you posses or previous experiences that you have had.  Another great thing is that you can write down detailed descriptions about your positions in your previous firms.

Now I am not saying that we should be getting rid of our old maps completely, but I am saying that our virtual maps should be made a more essential part of our explorations.  Because after all who doesn’t like free maps?

Tags: Job Hunting, LinkedIn, resume
Posted in Blog