Q. I’ve been told by several prospective employers that I have a good resume; it’s a Word document that I send by email and I take hard copies to interviews. I read a Times article that makes me rethink that I may need to create a website to feature my resume and college experiences. What do you recommend? -SR
A. Unless you are applying for jobs that require digital savvy, there is no need to develop your own website. If you’re seeking entry-level PR jobs, it’s far more important to have a resume that details your relevant work, internship and volunteer experiences. Busy HR managers and agency recruiters seldom have the time to open links to websites. Instead, focus on a simple, well-written resume and a short, effective cover letter. If you’re seeking a social media position, you can enhance your chances by demonstrating skills in that space through Twitter, Facebook and your own blog.
While I do agree you may not ‘need’ a website in order to land an entry-level PR job, it sure does look good to have one, even if its just a single page site. Or, you can also create a live, digital portfolio to showcase some of your best work. At my student branding agency Branduu we suggest to at least create some digital presence to set yourself apart from competition.
Great post and students should always stick to a one-page resume. It’s a golden rule!
~Andrea
@AndreaGenevieve
@brand_uu
Thank you for the advice. How do you recommend including social media with our resume for a social media internship or position?
Brianna: Underscore social media savvy by listing website, Twitter, Facebook and other contact information. One recent job seeker bravely listed only digital contact info–no phone or address. It got a lot of attention, and he landed the job.