The Current State of Resumes

Traditional resumes are dead. While I'll submit one if required for my next opportunity, I'm taking a different approach. Right now, I need to make additional income—around $3,000 to $4,000 monthly. There are a few ways to achieve this: freelancing and selling my skills in web development or project/product management, taking an operations role, or simply finding a full-time job which combines all of these.

My strategy isn't just applying online. I'm going to network, share my thoughts and work openly, and showcase my past projects. I won't blindly send resumes hoping they'll magically lead to interviews.

A Note on Traditional Industries

It's important to note that this advice primarily applies to the tech industry and other forward-thinking sectors. Traditional fields like investment banking, strategy consulting, and certain corporate roles still heavily rely on conventional hiring processes and formal resumes. These industries often maintain more conservative approaches to recruitment, where prestigious credentials and traditional application methods remain standard practice.

My Personal Journey with the Resume Builder

I say resumes are dead with some authority because I've been running an online resume maker for the past seven to eight months. There's still huge demand for it. Reddit is full of job seekers asking for resume advice, and some of the top resume template builders out there are literally printing money. But here's the thing: I started this resume builder as a quick experiment to solve personal pain points and prove I could build something, particularly with AI.

Despite the tool making money from week one, working on it felt forced and joyless. Creating job search advice felt disingenuous and misaligned with my own values. I don't want to push traditional job-hunting methods anymore. A resume is just one small piece among many ways to showcase yourself to potential employers.

The AI resume builder began consuming too much of my life—demanding constant content creation, blog posts, and endless promotion just to see growth. I grew to resent it. Now I'm returning to traditional employment or freelancing because I need more stable income. The tool isn't generating enough, and my life has changed—I'm no longer single, I'm building a life with someone, and we have future plans that require financial stability.

Modern Alternatives to Traditional Job Hunting

In 2025, I believe the most valuable approach is authentically showing who you are. Demonstrate your personality and expertise. Designers should share their daily work on Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram. Create a portfolio website and engage with global communities. Engineers should showcase their projects, AI workflows, and technical setups while building influence. Product people should share insights about industry trends and future predictions.

Industry-Specific Strategies for Standing Out

Be opinionated—take Greg Eisenberg's growth as an example. You need to publicly share your thoughts and take risks to build an audience. Simply listing metrics on a resume isn't compelling anymore. Even prestigious credentials—Columbia, Harvard, Wharton MBAs—don't carry the same weight. Sure, Goldman Sachs experience suggests strong analytical and organizational skills, enough to pass initial screenings, but then what? Without those credentials, you need a recognizable brand and approachable public presence.

For solo founders seeking runway, demonstrate your grit, discipline, and resilience. Show your persuasion skills for sales or business development roles. For project management, prove your writing abilities through consistent practice. Build a social media following, join engaging group chats, maintain your health, and approach it like a professional athlete.

Building Trust Beyond the Resume

Even if you're returning to traditional employment, inspire trust. Show hiring managers you're reliable and committed. For remote work, demonstrate your professional setup and distraction-free environment. Prove you can focus on the company's mission.

Relying solely on resumes in 2025 is outdated. People want to connect with you personally and ensure cultural fit. In today's highly competitive market, building trust is crucial—something a resume alone can't accomplish.