I’m sure you expect that as a resume writer, I will absolutely and unconditionally tell you that resumes are still relevant. However, I have a caveat: they are now relevant at a different stage in the job search process than they used to be. Here’s what I mean.

In the past, the resume was the only way (other than physically showing up) to join the queue for a job opening. Even if you did physically show up, you had to fill out an application that, in effect, was the same as a resume. Companies would list jobs in the newspaper. Job seekers would mail in their resumes or fill out the job application. This method is still being used by many companies and recruiters, but social media has changed that scenario dramatically.

Companies and recruiters are still advertising but so are job seekers. Job seekers are putting their resumes and portfolio online; companies and recruiters are searching for candidates online. They are meeting each other on LinkedIn and professional sites, sometimes without a job ever being posted. Referrals are as important as ever, but often companies and recruiters will often back up referrals by investigating on social media, where candidates may reveal a lot more about who they are and how they behave.

The resume is even handled differently at the company; most resumes are submitted to an applicant tracking system. The resume has to contain the keywords and format appropriate for applicant tracking systems. Recruiters and hiring managers expect to see the resume at some point in the recruiting process, either on paper or online, no matter what position they are hiring for at what level. The resume has to back up the information that originally attracted recruiters and hiring managers on social media or that caused the applicant tracking system to select it; and it has to be completely professional.