iResume

An interactive resume is an online page where you post information that could be found on your resume and anything else you'd like prospective employers to see. Through the school of communication at FSU, each student has the ability to create and host an interactive resume on the school's server for up to 5 years after they graduate. You might ask, why do I need an interactive resume, and what makes an interactive resume any different from a completed LinkedIn page?

An interactive resume is a great tool for students who are looking for a job. The interactive resume provides an opportunity for you to showcase your abilities to use technology and to stand out from the crowd. Many students have LinkedIn profiles (if you don't already, you need to get one), but not many have a website. Also, many people on LinkedIn don't take the time to fill out their profiles like they should. Even if you don't fill out your LinkedIn completely, there is an option to add a website to your page, where you can add your interactive resume.

When you are creating an interactive resume, keep in mind that it is not a blog. It is a professional representation of you for prospective employers. A photo may be appropriate, or even a video introduction on the home page, but keep it as professional as possible. When you're deciding on a color scheme, keep it simple. An interactive resume should be clean and easily navigated. Also, double triple check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Just as you wouldn't have any on your resume, your online presence should be just as carefully monitored.

Unlike a traditional paper copy resume, an interactive resume can contain so much more information. I recommend uploading a PDF version of your paper copy resume so that it can be printed out. After all, it is a resume. You can also add links to the website's of former or current employers, so that prospective employers can learn a little bit about where you've gained experience. Perhaps the most useful tool an interactive resume provides is the ability to upload samples of your work. You can create a portfolio page on your interactive resume where you can upload samples of work you have relating to your job search. You can even upload recommendation letters that are applicable. 

So, what if your school doesn't offer an interactive resume service? You can still create one on your own. FSU uses a custom WordPress interface for interactive resumes. It's incredibly easy to use and very user-friendly. To make an interactive resume, simply create a new blog in WordPress. In an interactive resume, you won't make new posts, but rather create static pages. 

In my interactive resume I have one post, which is the landing page welcoming visitors to the site. It doesn't ever change, although I do update it when necessary. All of my information, like my contact info, resume link, work samples, etc. are held on their own static page. 

While I don't recommend an interactive resume to be used in place of a paper copy, I think there are a lot of ways to use it as a supplement. Since an interactive resume is online, you can create a QR code linking to it and place it on the back of your business card. When you're networking with professionals, it's not usually possible to hand out your resume, and oftentimes people won't have anywhere to put it. If you give them a business or networking card with a QR code linked to your interactive resume, they'll have a chance to see so much more and will still have access to your paper copy (since you uploaded it as a PDF).

My last suggestion: when you create your interactive resume, be sure to disable all comments. Spam is common, and it will look incredibly unprofessional if you have it all over your interactive resume. If someone wants to contact you after seeing your interactive resume, they'll do so by the phone number or email address you've posted to your site.

Here's my interactive resume if you'd like to see an example.

School's Out For Summer

Yesterday was our official last day of classes at FSU. Next week is finals week and I only have one this semester!

I'm happy to report that this summer I'll be working at Ron Sachs Communications and staying here in Tallahassee. I know it's going to be a great summer and I can't wait to see what's in store.

Is your school out for summer? Is finals week stressing you out?

Peach Daiquiri

I love Essie polish. It's the only kind I wear! It's my favorite nail polish! Hands down.


I bought this color late fall 2010 or early spring 2011 and I wear it all the time. It's a perfect spring and summer color, but I wear it year round. It's one of those colors that makes me happy!

Essie Peach Daiquiri

When it comes polish colors in the winter, I typically use neutrals or pale, pastel colors. I don't usually like my fingers to look too crazy, so I stay away from dark colors. However, I do like bright colors in the summer! Peach Daiquiri is definitely my signature mani/pedi color.

I'm pretty traditional, so I do like my nails to match, call me old-fashioned. I think neutral shades look strange on a pedicure, personally, so when my nails are neutral (if I'm going on a job interview) I don't worry about making my toes match.

What's your favorite nail polish brand? Favorite color? Do you like your fingers and toes to match?

Florida Public Relations Association

I'm so excited to announce that I'm officially a member of the 2012-2013 Executive Board for the Florida Public Relations Association Tallahassee Student Chapter.

During the next year I will be serving as the Professional Liaison to FPRA's Capital Chapter. I am so honored to be serving in this capacity, and can't wait to see what FPRA does in the next year with the help of its new leaders.

FPRA is the oldest public relations association in the nation, and is exclusive to Florida. The Tallahassee Student Chapter is the largest in the state. You can learn more about the Tallahassee student chapter at fprastudent.com 

My Computer

I got a new computer last November and it is like my second child. (My first being my iPhone.) I take it everywhere! It comes with me to class, work and my internship.

Because I take it everywhere with me it's important that I have a bag big enough to carry it. I love big bags so it's not a problem for me. My mom tells me I carry a suitcase!

It's also important that I keep it protected in my bag, so I have a neoprene sleeve on it at all times. I got it from Target two or three years ago and it still works wonderfully. It's also my favorite color..PINK!

Because my computer comes with me everywhere I like that I've personalized it. I have my pretty pink case, but it's also plastered with stickers. It's a teensy bit of personalization that shows it's mine!

I love having my computer with me at all times. I always have all of my projects to reference if necessary, and I'm an abuser of the sticky note feature! I have five on my desktop now and I just deleted a bunch the other day. They really help me to keep on track with things going on during the week, but also for long term deadlines that I need to be constantly reminded of. Once a sticky note goes up, it doesn't usually come down for a while.

These are sticky notes from Windows 7!

The only thing I dislike about taking my computer everywhere is that I often leave my charger behind. I seem to forget it at my internship all the time! I really should invest in another one, after all I have more than one phone charger.

Do you tote your computer everywhere? Are you a fan of sticky notes? Do you have two chargers in case of emergency?

Tough Times

It's the end of the semester, which means there is a lot of work piling up at once. My major doesn't really require finals - I only have one this semester. It's all about projects. Big projects. Projects that I will add to my portfolio and will one day help get me a job in a big city.

Therefore, it's really important that I do well on these projects because I want to move to a big city and embrace the PR and marketing world, where you work around the clock. Or do I? It's all very overwhelming making these plans at the ripe age of 19. Am I making the right decisions that will help me to be fulfilled in my career 10, 20 even 30 years down the road?

I'm also waiting to hear if I got into graduate school. Since I'm graduating a year early I want to take another year to finish my master's degree, and I'm beginning that course work this fall. But what if I don't get in?

When I'm facing a lot of decisions about my future it's hard for me to not know the answers and to not be in control. But ultimately, I realize it's not up to me. This bible verse, from Jeremiah 29:11 helps me remember that. I find comfort in this verse and I know everything is going to be okay.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." 

Jeremiah 29:11

Do you have a lot going on at the end of the semester? Is the uncertainty of decisions in your life making things tough for you?

Hoppy Easter

It's the greatest day of the year! Easter is my favorite holiday, and coincidentally (or not) I was born on Easter!

Easter is my favorite because of the fun things, like the bright colors, candy, egg-hunting and dying and new dresses, but mostly because of the message.

Easter is a time of renewal and hope. It is a reminder that Christ died for us so that we may experience forgiveness and eternal life.

Remember today to open up your heart and let the Lord set you free from your burdens. After all, it's why he died and rose again.

So, Happy Easter. I hope you enjoy your day filled with friends and family, good food and fellowship and white clothes and shoes!

Time hippity-hopping

Yes, another cheesy Easter reference. I promised they would keep coming!

Timehop is a social media tool that's just plain fun! You link up your Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Instagram accounts to your Timehop. Then, each day you posted in the last year, you get an email. In the email are all of your posts, pictures and check-ins.

This is my Timehop for today!

At this point, Timehop doesn't seem to have a purpose other than reminding you of the day you had a year earlier. But it's fun and brings me back memories that I had forgotten. I think it would be cool if you could set the Timehop feature to go several years back (blast from the past, anyone?).

On another note, Abe the dinosaur is just plain cute. Especially when he's dancing.

Do you have Timehop? What do you think of it? Will you get one?

New Pants Dance

This weekend I went to scour the mall for ankle pants. (I wish Tallahassee had a J. Crew!) I ended up stumbling across these at Banana Republic...for $69.50! Now, that's a lot for a pair of trendy pants y'all! I tried them on and I didn't have to have them, so I put them back on the rack and promptly forgot about them.

Sateen Crop - Bird of Paradise 

Then, on Wednesday morning I got an email from BR with a 40% off one full-price item. Immediately I thought about those pants! All day I was thinking about them, and after I left my internship at 5:30 I hopped (cheesy Easter reference - more to come!) over to the mall and snatched them up!

I wore them today to work and class with a black 3/4 length T shirt from Old Navy, a red coral necklace from Narcissus, and black flats from Old Navy.

What do you think about brightly colored pants? Do you like the cropped length, ankle length or full pant?

How Appreciative You Are, My Dear!

It's big appreciation at Pi Phi!

Big appreciation is a three day period where little sisters in the newest pledge class give gifts to their big sisters to thank them for being a supportive friend during their first year transition. It's very exciting to walk downstairs in the morning and find presents with YOUR name on them!

Since I have two little sisters, I have two best friends to thank for my wonderful gifts. Kathryn and Georgia, you girls are amazing. I can't even begin to tell you how much your surprises have improved my hectic week!

Here are some of the great things I received this week from my fabulous "kids".

Candles

I love candles, air fresheners, dryer sheets and anything that generally makes a room smell nice. I can go a little overkill sometimes. (Fun Fact: I'm allergic to Febreeze!) My littles got me this melon candle for Our Own Candle Company, and these things smell great! It has honeydew melon, summer melon and watermelon sections. I can't wait to experience the different scents.

Twizzlers

It's no secret I love Twizzlers. My sister and I once found these extra long Twizzlers in a Walgreens near my dad's house. The whole package was gone in three days. Yikes!

Tote Bag

I love oversized bags. I love totes. I love monograms.When they are all combined, I get giddy! Especially when you throw in a great spring color, like this gorgeous green! This is one of the most practical gifts I received all week. It's plenty big enough to carry my computer (which I take everywhere) and all my books, and would work wonderfully as an overnight bag.

Michael Kors Perfume

I'll admit, I've never been very interested in perfume. It's just not something I think about in my daily routine. I still have perfume from a year years ago. I'm talking sophomore year of high school old. I should probably go home and throw that away...

So perfume hasn't been such a big part of my life, but lately I've been thinking a lot about it. I want to find a "signature scent", but I just don't know where to begin. The whole idea seems very intimidating to me, which is why I was ecstatic to find this gem among my gifts today! 

I may have spritzed a few too many times (I'm still thinking middle school "body spray" y'all!) but I absolutely love the scent. It's light, fresh and definitely sophisticated. The MK perfume is just my style.

Do you have a big appreciation week at your chapter? Do you have it in the spring or in the fall? What's your favorite scent- for day, or night? Let me know in the comments below!