# Virtual Self-Branding Using social media to enhance one's personal brand. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Dec 27, 2012 | Category: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-media-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-selfbranding ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Virtual Self-Branding trend? **Virtual Self-Branding:** Approximately 80 percent of recruiters are using social networking sites in their recruiting efforts, according to a 2011 survey by Jobvite. As such, individual job seekers are taking advantage of social media's visual and connected nature to enhance their personal brands, creating visually appealing and engaging resumes that go beyond the traditional black and white, text-based resume. Offering increased exposure and a new way to display one's experience and skills, social media is becoming the next big thing when it comes to self-branding and job hunting. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 9 to Dec 12, 2012 - Published: Dec 27, 2012 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Virtual Self-Branding trend ### Visual Resumes Using social media to create visually appealing and engaging resumes that go beyond the traditional text-based resume. ### Infographic Resumes Designing resumes in a visual and infographic format to promote artistic talents and experience. ### Job-Related Personality Traits Highlighting personality traits that can trump a resume and help build connections with employers. ## What the Virtual Self-Branding trend means for industry ### For HR & Recruiting Incorporating social media tools as another way to connect with job seekers and expand recruitment efforts. ### For Graphic Design Using visually appealing and creative resumes and infographics as a way to showcase artistic talent. ### For Professional Development Building soft skills and personal branding through social media to enhance job prospects and potential career growth. ## Trend signals for Virtual Self-Branding Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 52%, activity 50%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 52% - Activity: 50% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Virtual Self-Branding trend 5 featured examples from Sep 9 to Dec 12, 2012. - [Pinterest CVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/empowerment-of-the-individual): Wanda Catsman Uses Social Media to Land a Job (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Social media is an ecosystem that requires experts with advertising and branding skills to assist individuals in establishing professional profiles and promoting themselves online. - [Infographic-Inspired Resumes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hire-me-infographic): The Hire Me Infographic Promotes Artistic Talent and Experience (Category: Special) Implication: Opportunities for disruptive innovation in the field of graphic design by using visual resumes to showcase skills and creativity. - [Facebook-Enhancing Resumes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toronto-social-media-internship2): Facebook Timeline Resume Uses Social Media to Display One's CV (Category: Special) Implication: In the recruitment and HR industry, incorporating Facebook timeline resumes can create new avenues for attracting and evaluating candidates. - [Pinned Resume Infographics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toronto-graphic-design-internship): How to use Pinterest to Build Your CV in a Visual Manner (Category: Special) Implication: The HR industry could benefit from exploring visual resumes as a means of attracting creative candidates. - [Job-Related Personality Traits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traits-that-trump-a-resume): Learn the Eight Traits That Trump a Resume in this Infographic (Category: Special) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the recruitment and HR industry where technologies can be leveraged to streamline the hiring process and improve candidate-employer intera… ## Recent trend clusters - [Fixable Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fixable-devices) (Tech) - [Circular Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/circular-simplicity) (Eco) - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Social Media - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Nostalgic Dating App Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hily-dating) - [Offline Pinboard Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinterest-manifestival) - [Weekly People's Choice Cookie Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choice-menu) All articles: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia)