How one web product manager’s unique approach to getting hired provides other job seekers with useful resume tips.

Maybe you’ve already heard, but yesterday The Next Web shined a spotlight on French web product manager Philippe Dubost. The reason? Dubost created an online resume that looks exactly like an Amazon product page, representing a “wild experiment” that caught the site’s attention. It also caught our attention. Not only is Dubost’s fake Amazon page commendable, but it offers resume tips that may benefit other job seekers.

Building a buzz

Most opinions on Dubost’s fake Amazon page range from “cool” to “amazing.” Mashable goes as far as to claim it’s the “best online resume ever.” Others aren’t overly impressed. Either way, one thing’s certain — people are talking, and attention is exactly what you want your resume to attract.

Step outside the box by having a friend skilled in web design refresh your resume to show off more of your personality, or take things to a whole new level by making your resume a downloadable iPad app. Other resume tips may come and go, but giving potential employers a reason to talk about you should always be a priority.

Seeing is believing

Dubost’s online resume may be jarring for some recruiters to read, but mimicking a fake Amazon page gives Phil several advantages — like being able to include a picture of himself, which most articles on resume tips would warn against. For Dubost, though, including a picture is vital to the presentation.

Plus, mimicking a web product page forges a deeper connection with Dubost’s title as a web product manager. Potential employers may notice Phil’s passion for his career path, and be more inclined to give him a shot over some faceless applicant with a boring resume. The trick is knowing that resume rules only apply to those unwilling to break them.

Be Yourself

Dubost’s resume works because it seems so genuine, like the guy actually had fun creating his portfolio. Small touches like “Only 1 left in stock — Order soon” and “Ships from Paris, France. Gift-wrap available (frustration-free breathable packaging)” relay a sense of humor that may otherwise go unnoticed in traditional resumes.

Maybe fake Amazon pages aren’t for you. That’s okay. Just don’t let fear keep you from exploring new resume avenues. Consider creating an infographic, or toss around the idea of filming a video resume. Sometimes you have to step outside the box to find what works best for your job search.

A quick word of advice to Proven users: if you choose to go the traditional route with your online resume, save it as a PDF to avoid reformatting issues every time a new recruiter opens the file.

Do you think Dubost’s fake Amazon page offers any valuable resume tips? Let us know in the comment section below!

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