A New Breed of Resume (The Job Hunt & Social Media)

[Flames0910]

Hey CP! I wrote a post for Experience Matters, the Critical Mass blog, on how I broke into agency world using social media and a bit of a new take on the traditional resume.

I wanted to share it with you guys (even if it is a bit self-promotingish) because you're mentioned and because I met some great contacts here that led to real world opportunities. Once again, the power of CP amazes.

Also, I know there are a few of you here who are in the creative industry that may find it interesting and might have some thoughts to share or find my experiences useful.

Here I am, fresh out of school and, after a tiring search in post-recession adland, I’ve landed my dream job in Critical Mass’ exciting Calgary office. From creatives to project managers to developers, from augmented reality to iPad – this is where it all happens, and for some of the biggest names in the business. I was one of many students armed with only a degree and no experience to back it up, so how was I lucky enough to end up here?

* * *

Remember that there will always be new tools, but sometimes it’s the originals that are most effective. Here’s an example: I made some connections through a local hockey message board because other users began to read my blog. Keep your eyes open for opportunities, sometimes they come from the most unexpected places.

Here's the link:
http://www.andrew-turnbull.com/a-new...of-resume.html

[Phanuthier]

Side question: Are you active on Quora?

[Flames0910]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Side question: Are you active on Quora?

Yup! I think it's got serious potential for professionals looking to establish or maintain their reputation as credible experts.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Flames0910

Yup! I think it's got serious potential for professionals looking to establish or maintain their reputation as credible experts.

Cool, they have some big wigs on there. The reason I ask is the post I referenced in another thread, my friend is 1 of the 7 or 8 working for that startup. I was given a run through on their technology plateform, its actually quite impressive.

[HotHotHeat]

Definitely going to read, I'm a few steps behind you as far as actually landing said dream job haha. Thanks. Glad to hear things have worked out for you.

[The Goon]

Hey, I saw a link to this article on Twitter and read it earlier. Well done, it's really quite good.

[Flames0910]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Cool, they have some big wigs on there. The reason I ask is the post I referenced in another thread, my friend is 1 of the 7 or 8 working for that startup. I was given a run through on their technology plateform, its actually quite impressive.

Wow, your friend is incredibly lucky! That's a start-up with wings for sure (imo).

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Flames0910

Wow, your friend is incredibly lucky! That's a start-up with wings for sure (imo).

Yeah, for sure, when its led by Facebook's early stage CTO. The application process to work for Quora is a programming algorithm competition in itself.

(Sorry for the hi-jack, just first mention of Quora from outside the Valley peaked my interest)

[Temporary_User]

Good, interesting information.
I've just started my job search, so I will definitely think more thoroughly about applying some of these techniques.

The reason I haven't implemented any of these ideas in the past, is because I sort of value my online anonymity. If you google me all that appears that directly applies to me is one old website that lists my peewee hockey stats.
I guess having yourself online is inevitable though right? May as well control the information if possible.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

This might work for certain types of jobs (especially creative media) and industries (technology) , but I don't see it working for something like Finance, Engineering, and Law. Way too traditional there for this. At least for now.

Not saying it has zero chance, but I don't like your odds in these disciplines.

[KTrain]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

This might work for certain types of jobs (especially creative media) and industries (technology) , but I don't see it working for something like Finance, Engineering, and Law. Way too traditional there for this. At least for now.

Not saying it has zero chance, but I don't like your odds in these disciplines.

I think even for jobs in more traditional environments you should ensure your online profiles are current and appropriate. Lock down your Twitter account if you think it might give you a less professional appearance. Same goes for Facebook, LinkedIn, or other any personal websites.

You may not be using those sites to get jobs but your employer may judge you based on what they see of you on those sites.

[Flames0910]

I guess having yourself online is inevitable though right? May as well control the information if possible.

That's kind of what I think. To be honest, it's not that difficult to act somewhat professionally online. I've found that giving up some anonymity has rewarded me in spades. Even on this forum, I've met some users for coffee, talked to people on Twitter, helped with job-related problems and even played Starcraft with a few. I find it to be much more fulfilling than anonymous lurking.

At the very least, you gain points for having a working social filter. There is nothing wrong with being real (so long as real for you isn't Dexter...)

[Ozy_Flame]

I've heard media agencies like Critical Mass make you bust your ass to the point of exhaustion (ie. 12-15 hour days regularly.) I've had a couple of friends leave places like Critical Mass and Rare Method. Then again, I never worked there, so I don't know fully myself.

It's a hell of a fun industry to be in, but it's not for the faint of heart. Props to the OP if it's up your alley.

[Temporary_User]

Originally Posted by Flames0910

That's kind of what I think. To be honest, it's not that difficult to act somewhat professionally online. I've found that giving up some anonymity has rewarded me in spades. Even on this forum, I've met some users for coffee, talked to people on Twitter, helped with job-related problems and even played Starcraft with a few. I find it to be much more fulfilling than anonymous lurking.

At the very least, you gain points for having a working social filter. There is nothing wrong with being real (so long as real for you isn't Dexter...)

I've met many people from CP offline. It's not totally about being anonymous; I know my posting habits haven't changed since I've started meeting people.
I wouldn't shout to the world Temporary_User is "John Smith" either though.
It's the same with facebook and similar sites, I don't mind key people being able to access my profile, but it is definitely a private profile so only those selected few can view it.

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

I've heard media agencies like Critical Mass make you bust your ass to the point of exhaustion (ie. 12-15 hour days regularly.)

I've never worked for either company, but does anyone work an 8 hour day here in Alberta? (I know the answer)

Every job I've had has been 10+ hours a day, 6 days a week.

[Skyceman]

Thanks for posting - and yes I do agree. This will become a powerful tool for both sides of the equation in the hiring process.

[algernon]

Are you saying no more bikini pictures from hot chicks because they don't want their bosses creeping on them?
Not cool.

[Flames0910]

Originally Posted by algernon

Are you saying no more bikini pictures from hot chicks because they don't want their bosses creeping on them?
Not cool.

Like I said, I prefer to keep Facebook personal

[jtfrogger]

Managing your online presence is very important.

Outlook has plugins to social media (Facebook, LinkedIn & MySpace). One of the features it does is it pulls your photo from those sites and shows it when you are communicating. While communicating with candidates through email, I often see their Facebook photo. In one case, the candidate's Facebook photo was him flipping off the photographer. So, every time I read an email from him, he was flipping me the finger.

[Hack&Lube]

Good and interesting post. I'm of the connected generation and grew up with more computer experience than most people I know but I tend to live fairly off the grid in terms of social communication/social media/networking online. Maybe it's time to change that, but for myself it's a little contrary to my personality.

[Sr. Mints]

Good read, thanks. I've actually thought about doing some sort of 60-second introduction-type clip on Youtube, but the lack of know-how has been my biggest barrier. This has rekindled my interest in doing so.