When was the last time you hired someone after looking only at their CV? Have you ever hired someone based on their online presence, such as their portfolio, social media, or network connections?

Did their CV carry the same importance as their LinkedIn profile or personal blog when making your decision?

Why are traditional resumes becoming less important to recruiters? CVs, which include work history, educational background, and skills, are the resumes typically discussed here.

An online portfolio can also be considered a CV but provides much more information than a two-page document.

People hire people, not titles

Employers used to emphasize job titles and work experience when evaluating a candidate, but now they care more about cultural fit and personality.

A typical CV lists dates and job titles, but neglects to include a person's interests, lifestyle, and ambitions.

Modern professionals may fulfil many roles beyond their official titles. For example, a candidate listed as a "Financial Analyst" may also possess coding abilities and a dedication to self-taught web development. Had you known this, would you consider the candidate for a Junior Developer job?

CVs lead to unintentional bias and assumptions

Demographic details on a resume, such as name, gender, ethnicity, age, and education, can lead to unconscious bias when determining which applicants to move to the next stage of the hiring process.

Having a senior title does not always mean one is talented. A lack of experience does not signify an unqualified candidate.

Job gaps are not necessarily a warning sign. Unfortunately, when reading resumes, we sometimes make hasty judgements.

Understandably, you don't want to spend excessive time reviewing resumes.

There are better ways to hire

It’s not the CV’s fault that it’s becoming less relevant in recruitment. We have better ways to hire great people.

Instead of asking people to submit their resumes, for example, we might give them a pre-assignment to get a better view of their skills —especially considering that many candidates exaggerate their skills on CVs.

In this article, we'll explore some innovative alternatives to CVs and how you can make a mark in the job search process without relying solely on your resume.

1. Portfolio Websites: Highlighting Your Skills and Achievements

It's important now more than ever to stand out from the crowd. A portfolio website is a great way to do just that.

Instead of just listing your work history on a CV, creating a curated and visually captivating portfolio website allows you to narrate your story.

Here are a few advantages of portfolio websites:

• It's a more personal and engaging way to present your work. A CV is a static document that can be easily overlooked. A portfolio website, on the other hand, is a dynamic and interactive experience that allows you to tell your story in your own words.

• It gives you a platform to show off your creativity. A portfolio website is a great way to showcase your design skills, photography, writing, or other creative talents.

• It helps you build your brand. A well-designed portfolio website can help you establish yourself as an expert in your field.

• It's a great way to generate leads. Potential clients can easily find you online and learn more about your work.

With a little effort, you can create a portfolio website that will help you stand out from the crowd and achieve your career goals.

2. LinkedIn Profiles: Connect with Recruiters and Professionals

A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can help you connect with recruiters, professionals, and potential employers, and can give you a leg up on the competition.

To maximize the impact of your LinkedIn profile, consider the following strategies:

• Use a clear and concise headline. Your headline is the first thing that people will see, so make sure it is clear and concise and accurately reflects your skills and experience.

• Write a compelling summary. Your summary is your opportunity to tell your story and highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Be sure to tailor your summary to the specific jobs or industries that you are interested in.

• Get recommendations. Recommendations from colleagues and previous employers can be a great way to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. Ask for recommendations from people who can speak to your work ethic, skills, and accomplishments.

• Engage with your network. Don't just sit back and wait for people to find you. Be proactive and engage with your network by sharing articles, commenting on posts, and participating in groups. The more active you are on LinkedIn, the more visible you will be to potential employers.

3. Online Courses and Certifications: Demonstrate In-Demand Skills

Digital badges and verified credentials from reputable online learning platforms are a great way to showcase your knowledge and skills and can help you stand out from the competition.

By enrolling in online courses in sought-after areas, you can expand your skill set and gain new knowledge and skills that are in high demand. This can make you a more attractive candidate for jobs and can help you advance your career.

In addition to gaining new knowledge and skills, online courses can also help you develop new skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are essential for success in today's workplace and can help you stand out from the competition.

When you complete an online course, be sure to highlight your key accomplishments in your resume and portfolio. This will show potential employers that you are a skilled and knowledgeable individual who is committed to lifelong learning.

4. Video Resumes and Personal Elevator Pitches

In an age where attention spans are shorter than ever, video resumes offer a unique way to stand out from the crowd and grab the attention of potential employers. However, it's important to make sure your video resume is well-crafted and professional, as it could be the first impression a hiring manager has of you.

Here are a few tips for creating a successful video resume:

• Keep it short and sweet. Aim for a video that is no longer than 60-90 seconds. This will help to keep the viewer's attention and make sure your message is clear and concise.

• Be yourself. The best video resumes are genuine and authentic. Let your personality shine through and show potential employers who you are.

• Dress professionally. Even though you're not meeting with the hiring manager in person, it's still important to dress professionally in your video resume. This will show that you're taking the application process seriously.

• Practice, practice, practice. Before you hit record, be sure to practice your delivery a few times. This will help you to feel more confident and natural on camera.

• Edit, edit, edit. Once you've recorded your video, take some time to edit it. This will help to remove any awkward pauses or mistakes.

• Add closed captions. Closed captions can make your video accessible to a wider audience, including people who are hard of hearing or who speak English as a second language.

By following these tips, you can create a video resume that will help you stand out from the competition and land your dream job.

Conclusion: The New Age of Job Searching

In conclusion, traditional CVs are no longer the only way to stand out in the job market.

Digital methods, such as portfolio websites, LinkedIn profiles, online certifications, and video resumes, can help you effectively promote your abilities and connect with recruiters and employers.

By using these tools, you can give yourself a competitive edge and increase your chances of landing your dream job.