Multimedia Resumes a big hit?!

 When applying for a job, there are always things to consider:

1.     Preparing a resume

2.     Applying for a job

3.     If I get a job, I need to do an interview

4.     Fill out some more paperwork

Of course, this is just a short summary of a long process, but the point being is the one at the very top: preparing a resume.  Now, there are many interesting and creative ways you can create a resume that best suits the job you are applying for. While many individuals prefer creating their resume using the old-fashion way; words on a white piece of paper (typed of course), lines spaced out correctly, checking margins, bolding out important key words, and making some words bigger than others, there is one way that actually has some potential in the field of social media. We (and by “we” I mean those who actually get what these resumes are) like to call this sort of resume “Multimedia Resumes”. Below are some examples of these types and how they are effective:

As many would say, “Pictures are worth a thousand words”, but in this case it means that Hagan Blount is actually willing to walk around publicizing on a nicely printed sign that he is unemployed and willing to “Tweet for Food”, something we can easily just tweet about on our own Twitter and perhaps someone will be willing to fall pity to us, therefore donating some money for food.

How is this resume effective? The simply answer is that it has many many BIG in-your-face words or rather headings that make you want to read more. Not to mention the pretty pictures and large numbers. The guy likes blue and it certainly shows.

Taking a look at this second multimedia resume, the guy (Joe Kelso) seems to be screaming in agonizing pain or perhaps he is screaming that he has many skills, all the while a rope is torturing him to confess it out loud.

From the oh-so blood red font to another in-your-face big lettering and catchy phrase at the bottom; “He was safely locked up—But now he’s out!”, this resume captivates the essence of a man REALLY, I mean REALLY looking for a job. He sure has something to offer, this being that he has “Job Experience” AND “Education” as it’s notably larger than the other fonts. Simple and sweet to the point, the man just wants a job and in it’s horror, this resume painstakingly announces it all with fine mighty details.

Don’t they look spectacular? Well aside from their attractive qualities, it doesn’t seem like multimedia resumes are the way of the future as not many jobs are actually going to care how creative you are in styling your resumes. Although, for some places, especially the technology or media field, might find it tasteful and see that you gave a valiant effort in impressing them.

However… you might want to stick to these Do’s and Don’ts when creating resumes in general (also added tips on creating multimedia resumes):

DOs:

All Resumes:

- Be sure to be clear in your objectives, make sure the company knows what you have to offer and what you aspire to do

- Provide as much work experience as you can, if possible relevant ones so that companies can see that you are an asset to the company

- List your skills, however simple you may think it is, not many people would know how to write awesome blogs like the one you’re reading

Multimedia Resumes:

- Add wow-factor photos to draw the attention of your viewers in

- Colorize your fonts to match the theme of your resume

- Use big, bold words to accentuate important

DON’Ts

- Turn your resumes into a thesis paper, resumes are meant to be as short and a summary of who you are and not your life story (like I once volunteered for an hour, that just looks simply horrifying)

- Print out one copy and think you’re finished, make sure you save your resume on your computer, on a flash drive, on your email, on a website (most handy!), or a few places that you can easily access (you never know when you’ll need it!)

- Forget your contact information (THIS IS IMPORTANT!!), otherwise your employer won’t know how to tell you that you’ve been hired or a potential employee, hence missing out on a great opportunity

Multimedia Resumes:

- Make it seem like you’re turning in a paper, turn in a masterpiece

- Use the same old layout of resumes, make it pop!

- Forget visuals!!!

Now that I’ve expressed my finer thoughts on multimedia resumes and resumes in general, here’s what I’ll be doing since it’s 3am in the morning: