Build your resume without the pen and paper.

With a new year comes a new set of goals, which is the case for some persons. Many individuals are now in a reflecting mood about their future career path and what their next steps should be .

Here are four helpful tips that can assist you in getting that new job without writing a resume:

1) Online Applications

A new trend that a lot of organizations are implementing is asking job seekers to complete online applications that will be later screened using specific software. These online applications are often very detailed documents that query the candidate’s employment history in great detail, as well as, other information and thus resulting in a resume not being a necessary requirement.

2) Networking

Networking has become another fast way of obtaining that desired job. This can be done by reaching out to your contacts in the form of friends, neighbours, college graduates, professional associations and service clubs for information and advice that can lead to interviews. Additionally, Informational meetings can also be set up with emails and in-person contact. In this instance resumes are not required and often send the wrong message that you are soliciting your contacts directly for a job.

3) Create an Online Presence to Represent Your Assets

Having a noticeable presence online can put your candidacy ahead of the rest in your job searches. It has been reported by Career Tool website that a well-constructed LinkedIn profile, personal website or an online portfolio is often an effective and impactful way to promote your candidacy for employment, especially if you are interested in a creative field where examples of your work speak louder than words on a piece of paper. It is believed that your profile can incorporate various elements such as recommendations, endorsements of your skills and samples of your work, as well as a list of your jobs and accomplishments. For Instance the combination of an email or letter with a link to one’s information can be an more effective strategy for building your case without a resume.

4) Volunteering

Finally, but no means least is Volunteering. This another very effective way to show case your skills and at the same time participate in activities that brings you joy and impact the lives of others. Moreover doing volunteer or probono work will afford you the opportunity to interface with other local professionals and showcase organizational, communication and interpersonal also helping

to organize conferences or meetings for professional associations will provide a similar exposure. Additionally, Volunteering is a positive way to get training in areas your current or past jobs didn't provide.

Contributed by Dir Shauna