Who Would Win in a Fight: Social Media and Internet Applications, or Printed Resumes?

My friend, who had previously worked on a cruise ship, is currently back on dry land, living in her parents’ house, looking for a job.

Unfortunately, as we all know, it’s hard out there for a job applicant right now.

But every day she diligently applies to jobs. She goes on the different job boards and submits her resume to interesting positions.  

Because I’m a firm believer in the power of social media in the job search, I also suggested she check out some professional social networking sites, such as Linkedin, and follow local recruiters on Twitter.

And, because this job search is “virtual,” my friend is conducting it in her pajamas. While watching daytime TV. 

Fair enough. 

My friend is working hard at getting a job. She’s optimistic that she’ll get something soon.

Her parents, however, think she’s clinically depressed.

Whenever they pass her room, they see her on her computer. She’s still in her pajamas. She hasn’t moved all day.

They don’t think she’s trying to find a job. (Although, trust me, any 20-something person who is forced to move back home is definitely looking for a way out.) To her parents, looking for a job means printing out hundreds of resumes. Calling up companies and asking if they’re hiring. And, if one is extra ambitious, visiting a company of interest, resume in hand, and demanding an interview.

Now, we all know the power of social media, plus the convenience of applying for a job online.

But, as human resource managers, which method do you prefer from potential job candidates? Do you exclusively accept online resumes? Do you Tweet job opportunities at your company and interview and hire those who answer? What do you think about the “old fashioned method” when people apply for jobs? Or should it be a mash up–some Frankenstein’s monster-type concoction, using social media as well as mailing resumes?

Should my friend’s parents cool it with the nagging (although, I guess that’s unfair–no parent can stop nagging), or should my friend take a shower (yes! no matter what the decision…), and start dragging a mountain of resumes out to the mailbox?