Resume? What's That?

Note:  Recruiters need not contact me.  I am happy where I am and I DON'T have an up to date resume.

I have never had the privilege of holding a position as a recruiter.  I do view myself as a casual recruiter because I believe it's everyone's responsibility to seek out talent for their organization.  But, I have never been paid a salary to act as a recruiter for my company or on behalf of another organization.  I state that upfront because I am about to go off on a tangent and I want to be transparent about my lack of experience in recruiting.

Earlier this week I received a call from a recruiter who was inquiring about my interest in a potential opportunity she had available.  Apparently I had been referred to her by a past colleague of mine who provided her with few details about my experience.  She was very nice, explained the opportunity and asked questions about my past, what I enjoy, my role, etc.  As she is asking these questions I realize she hasn't done any research before this call.  Anyone who knows me well knows I am an open book.  I have been known to share too much with folks at times. 

So as we are wrapping up the Q&A she asks if I can forward on a resume.  Really?  Are you kidding me?  I haven't had an up to date resume in at least three or four years.  For one, anything and everything you need to know about me is on LinkedIn, Google+ or Facebook.  Two, I am quite happy where I am now and am not actively looking for different opportunities.  And three, you called me, interrupted my day and you want me to spend time creating a resume when you could quickly find out anything about me online. I think NOT! 

This is another fine example of HR administration at its finest.  Not once did this recruiter think about what I wanted or how she should get what she needed from.  She followed the standard recruiting procedures for that company.  What she also did, unbeknownst to her, was set the brand of the organization without saying anything about what it was like to work there.  I now have perceptions about this company before I know anything about it.  I assume they are not adopters of social media in any form, which I am.  I also assume they are more focused on HR driven policies and procedures than focusing on the identification and selection of talent, which I am not. 

So out of this one call I learned a few important lessons.  1.  Don't assume all recruiters and/or organizations use social media for recruitment.  2.  Recruiters shouldn't assume everyone has a resume that's up to date.  3.  What you say and don't say can say a lot about your employment brand.  4.  I am really glad I am not a recruiter.