Last week, a client contacted me with the question, “How should I update my resume to meet this market?”  I quickly realized that talking about updating the resume is just the beginning of the story because when seeking a new position, it’s not just about the resume anymore. It’s about making sure all written and media materials are in perfect alignment.

But, what does that mean?

Take a minute and survey all of the ways you are “out there” and accessible online (or all of the ways you could be …). Now consider that this information is readily accessible to prospective employers who are increasingly “googling” all prospects. Having your materials in perfect alignment means that your resume, your FaceBook profile and your LinkedIn profile — not to mention Twitter and other blogs! — all reflect a crisp, trustworthy professional presence and all deliver the same message. Your profiles should have a similar tone and show a similar journey.  I realize this might be demanding, if not tedious, but it is well worth your time.  Your first contact with your next employer may very well be an online exchange of information. Heavy hiring happens through FaceBook and LinkedIn.  Spending time on all of your materials makes sense.

Start with the resume because it is probably your most extended description of what you have accomplished and, more importantly, what you can do going forward.  In the past, the resume described your professional history.  Increasingly, employers want to know what you can do for them going forward.  A resume that only applauds past achievement may not represent you as someone who can go with the flow and take on new challenges.  Present and get feedback about new resume approaches with your references or other valued colleagues while being aware that, in a time of uncertainty, a resume inspiring confidence is the likely winner.

Take just as much care with your online materials as you do with your resume.  Review them for content accuracy, tone and energy.  You are competing online with millions and billions of other qualified professionals worldwide.  Your profiles need to be accurate, compelling and engaging.  You have very little time to make a positive statement and to create interest in learning more about you.  Seize the opportunity, and project yourself in the best possible light.

To support your online efforts, invite trusted colleagues to update their comments on your profiles to reflect recent professional interests and growth.  Because first impressions matter, spend time hunting down the perfect photograph.  If you have a personal website, focus on your professional goals.  Market yourself online through both visuals and written language.

If you do not have a website and it is under consideration, construct it with appropriate links to your resume and/or a compelling bio.   Here are a few pointers to consider as you develop a portfolio of engaging professional materials:

(1)      The first point of contact between you and your next employer may well be through FaceBook or LinkedIn.  Craft those profiles with this in mind.

(2)     People do not have the time nor desire to work through sloppy content.  Avoid anything unprofessional. Your online profile is your personal brand.

(3)     Ensure your profiles are entirely accurate.  Employers are conducting increasingly rigorous background and credit checks.  Make sure you emerge with your reputation intact.  If you have any doubt about a particular description or piece of information, leave it out.  It is much easier to add information to a profile than to explain an error.

(4)     Consider developing a bio you can use as an introduction and/or as a template for many of your Web profiles.  Consistency wins every time.  Having a base document to which you can refer helps keep your materials carefully aligned.

(5)     Remember that less is more.  If you display all that you are on the Web, it may work against you.  A positive, focused presentation will invite employers to contact you to learn more.

When rebooting your job search, consider Google, FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter and your resume as reference points for who you are and what you bring to the table.  A consistent, engaging portfolio will get you the kind of professional attention you deserve.

— Karen Alphonse is an Executive Consultant for ExecSearches.com and can be reached via email at KarenA@execsearches.com. Whether you are starting from scratch, need strategic advice or simply need to polish your resume and cover letters, Karen can help.  Learn more about our Career Coaching and Advice services.

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