I read a very interesting article today called “The Resume Is Dead, The Bio Is King” on behance.com. Please feel free to read it here. In this article Michael Margolis makes a great point for having a personal, professional, yet brief biography that showcases who you are, what you do and what you believe (mine can be found here). For many creative professionals this is an invaluable tool for letting clients learn about you and your work. It is also a great way to break the ice to employers in the form of a cover letter as well.

The only thing that did not sit well with me was the declaration that the resume is dead. I will concede that in the freelancing world a resume is an often overlooked document. The reality of the market though is that freelancer’s do not just do business with small business or tech companies that know what they’re looking for in a person right off the bat. For each business or organization that is seeking the employ of a creative professional, that stays with the current trends or knows what they want in a person, there is another that does not. When it comes right down to it, most businesses would benefit from a designer or other creative professional, but not every one that does is a small or modern (web savvy) business. Having a resume on hand for these more traditional clients or employers keeps all of your options open in the market.

The resume may be a formality for some and a waste of time for others, but this piece of paper or electronic document can still be a valuable tool if you are seeking new clients or full time employment. The resume may be down across the board, but I would not call it defeated quite yet.  A bio is always a good option and really is starting to become king.  Whether it be posted on your website, sent as a cover letter or sent alone it is a great way for a company to know more about you which not only helps them, but helps you to find a good working environment.  Definitely read Michael’s article for some helpful tips in getting yours in good shape.