Matthew Epstein spent $3,000 out of his own pocket to create a marketing campaign aimed to cajole Google into hiring him. He created an engaging mustachioed character, built a website, and then did what he did best. Market the hell outta it.

What has he got to show for it? How does >10k Facebook likes, >3k tweets, and 2.8k Google +s sound? His story has been covered by top media sites like TechCrunch. While he hasn’t officially been offered a job at Google, I don’t think it’s that far a leap to say that it’s just a matter of time. According to his blog, he has already been contacted by Google recruiters. And what happens if Google doesn’t pick him up? I wouldn’t be surprised if top agencies snap him up in a heartbeat.

Stellar work.

It’s exciting to see creative folk thinking outside the box and using really exciting new ways to sell themselves. These guys caught my eye as well:

and

So does this mean that the traditional cover letter and resume combo has begun to become obsolete?

In this digital space? I would say so.

Some months ago, I decided to get rid of my physical resume. Why? I felt that having to click to download it from an email seemed too arduous for a time when you have, quite literally, the world at your fingertips. Instead, I kept my online presence up-to-date and concise. My CV can be found on LinkedIn, my thoughts and findings can be read on my blog, and my Twitter gives you pretty good idea of my personal style. I combine all these elements together to give future employers or clients a good idea of my education, experience and working style. This, I feel, is far more effective than any .PDF or (god forbid) .doc resume I’ve ever sent out/received. By a mile.

What are your thoughts? Resumes – paper or pixel?

- Cross-posted on Propaganda House