Today’s post is from guest writer Kyle Lagunas. Kyle is the HR Analyst at Software Advice, a resource for selecting a talent management or an applicant tracking system. Kyle reports on trends and best practices in HR and recruiting software—offering fresh insights into the ho-hum of people processes.

Qualified candidates are regularly overlooked, and for the simplest of reasons: they didn’t plug the right combo of buzzwords into their resumes. Candidates are taking things into their own hands. In an attempt to circumvent the keyword-laden resume game, job seekers are adopting a more creative approach to captivating recruiters. Rather than dropping the resume altogether, the trend seems to be more focused on breaking away from over-automation and a return to the heart of what makes a good hire. In short, they’re using elements of multimedia—video, infographics, and social media—to bring their resumes to life.

While there are certain guidelines that you should always follow when submitting a resume regardless of mode of delivery, there are a couple of multimedia elements a candidate can tap into to get that extra oomph into his resume:

1. Adding a Face and Voice with Video. By replacing a cover letter with a quick video pitch, job seekers can showcase skills and abilities lost in translation in a traditional resume. As Bruce Hurwitz of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing says, “Video can increase my confidence in a candidate’s ability to successfully interview–Is she professional? Is she articulate?–or eliminate a candidate from consideration.” Of course, time is money, and candidates need to give recruiters a reason to keep watching. My advice: personality is great, but don’t get too cute. Balance is key.

2. Bringing Flat Resumes to Life with Infographics. Breaking out of the traditional resume template isn’t easy without a degree in design. But presenting a recruiter with a more visually stimulating overview of experience and qualifications can go a long way in setting a candidate apart. Thankfully, it doesn’t take an Adobe Illustrator savant to turn a boring old resume into an interesting infographic. Not only are these easy to create, but they’re easy to share across multiple channels.

3. Showing Off with Blogs and Personal Sites. Blogs are an excellent platform for candidates to showcase their hobbies, writing and communication skills, and general interests. Think they’re just for marketing candidates? Think again. Even a meat cutter at Whole Foods can run a successful butcher blog to establish expertise and share experience with an avid audience.And who said blogs are just for writing? Techies can demonstrate their ability to build WordPress templates, too, or simply prove they know how to find and add plug-ins to build websites. And candidates for and candidates for artistic positions can showcase their portfolio of work.

Attention Small Business Owners:  The Elite SDVOB Network is bringing its 8th National Convention to Chicago on July 20-22, 2011. Organized by U.S. military veterans, but available to all business owners and entrepreneurs, the convention will include workshops and seminars, Business Matchmaking sessions, tradeshow exhibits and dinner and cocktails.

What is the Elite SDVOB Network?
The term “Elite” is taken from military history, in recognition of veterans who have been disabled as a result of their military service and seek to contribute to business enterprise in the U.S. and its territories. The Elite SDVOB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Network) is a non-profit 501(c)19 corporation that was established over fifteen years ago. After serving their country, veterans have historically found themselves struggling as business owners, so a group of veterans established The Elite SDVOB to advocate on behalf of service-disabled veterans and veteran-owned small businesses. Elite is now in 42 states and Puerto Rico. With chapters continuing to form across the nation, the Elite SDVOB Network has attracted the participation of thousands of companies whose collective voice is gaining attention throughout the federal procurement space.

Some of the this year’s Elite convention topics include:
“Mining Data for Opportunities and Partnerships” – Gloria Berthold, President of Marketing Outsource Associates, which created TargetGov and the Government Buyers Guide

“Doing Business with Large Prime Contractors” – Orysia Bunchan, Lockheed Martin Supplier Diversity Program Manager

“Simplifying Social Media for Successful Businesses” – Michele Rempel, Social Media Trainer and Consultant, and founder of Mediavine Marketing

“Working with the Dept. of Homeland Security” and “Govt Contracting 101” – Dan F. Sturdivant II, Assistant to the Director, Outreach Programs, Department of Homeland Security, Offi ce of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

“Understanding Request for Proposals” – Joan Fulkerson, Director of Small Business Programs and Contracting Officer at United States Air Force & Department of Defense

“How to Become a Strategic Supplier to the Federal Government” – Richard Hernandez, Certified Professional Contracts Manager and founder of E-MBE.net

“It’s Just a Blue Pen- Keeping Your Business in Perspective” – Jason Meszaros, founder of It’s Just a Blue Pen Academy and the award winning author of Interrogation of Morals 

This year, attendees can choose to regsiter for the entire convention or pay a reduced rate to attend any of the workshops, trade show and lunch on July 21st.  If you’re a business owner, you’ll find a wealth of information to help you succeed. 

For more information on the conference and to register:

Elite SDVOB Full Convention Flyer

Elite SDVOB One Day Package Flyer

Conference Website

If you’re someone whose livelihood depends in part on networking to find new clients, you’re probably becoming a little more choosy about how far you’re willing to drive to the next networking event.  I know I am.

I discovered a great way to network with other business professionals over the telephone using a unique service called Blitztime.com.  In Blitztime, you can join any number of virtual networking events and talk with several people in one-on-one conversations or in groups. While you’re talking to people, you are able to see their profiles and check out their websites, Facebook, Twitter and other social media accounts and any other information they have chosen to include.  The system also allows you to request who you want to talk to ahead of time (as well as any people you might want to avoid).  After the event, you have enough information to connect with your fellow “Blitzers” and do some follow-up. 

If you become a Blitztime member, you can schedule and hold your own events.  Everyone is allowed to attend two free events to check out the service.  After your first two free events, Blitztime charges a modest monthly membership fee.  I don’t know about you, but after gas, parking, a cover charge and something to drink, I often spend more than $20 on one networking event alone. 

If you are looking for a different way to network, I would love to have you join me and other business professionals on May 20, 2011 at 12:00pm CST.  Here is the link to register:  http://www.blitztime.com/events/4848-1128765808