Is the CV becoming extinct?

As technology continues to grow, improve and new “revolutionary” gadgets and social media sites spring up continuously; it would be easy to think that the CV is dying out. The internet is a major tool in the job search for both the perspective employee and employer. Many companies are now using Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others to find potential employees and advertise job vacancies. It is a fast way to reach a large number of people.

The use of social media sites versus the old-fashioned CV is a hot topic particularly now. So, which is the best option? Here’s where things can get complicated; some companies prefer using social media sites like twitter, facebook, LinkedIn and online questionnaires to screen potential employees, especially those that are technology or internet based. “Companies are increasingly relying on social networks such as LinkedIn, video profiles and online quizzes to gauge candidates’ suitability for a job. While most still request a résumé as part of the application package, some are bypassing the staid requirement altogether”http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203750404577173031991814896.html)

Some others still prefer the hard-copy CV, whether it is scanned in an email or sent to the office. “Although applicants rarely mail in résumés these days, the job search isn’t going paperless. In fact, experts say, a paper résumé can make or break a bid for a job” (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203750404577173011519129748.html?mod=WSJ_Careers_CareerJournal_2) Many prefer the hard copy CV especially when it comes to the face-to-face interview. With the CV in front of them they can make notes in the margins and see the chronologically of work experience easier than staring at a computer screen.

While times are becoming more and more technology dependent and social media playing a large part in the job search it does not seem to killing off the CV entirely. The debate about social networking sites replacing the paper CV has been going on for years now, with both sides highlighting the benefits of each. Each of which do have its merits but for the time being anyway, neither will replace the other completely.

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