On Tuesday, we were lucky to have Anna Runyan (@ClassyCareer) join us for #ResuChat and take questions on everything from networking to resumes and interviews. Huge thanks to everyone who chimed in and said hello, and stay tuned for the next chat on February 28, 2012 at 8 p.m. EST!

Here are some of the Q’s and A’s from last night’s get-together:

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Q: What’s a good approach for reaching out to someone who doesn’t know you, without sending your resume?

@ClassyCareer: Definitely don’t send your resume. Send them a brief email asking if they have 10-15 minutes to speak to you on the phone. Most people can find 10-15 minutes AND most people do want to help!

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Q: Have you found that info interviews are good practice for the Real Thing?

@ClassyCareer: I LOVE informational interviews. No stress and you learn if you like an industry before you get into it. During informational interviews you can ask any question you want that you might not feel comfortable doing in an interview. The interviewer will also be asking you questions about yourself so you get to practice giving your responses too! And informational interviews make you seem very proactive which is a great plus for an employer!

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Q: How do you recommend meeting people in an industry you want to get into using networking?

@ClassyCareer: Definitely check out meetup .com to see if there are any networking events that interest you. Find a professional group that seems interesting and check it out. You don’t have to join just because you go once! Make sure you get their business card! Send a brief email after with something you enjoyed talking to them about. If you are interested in what they do, ask them for a 10-15 minute phone interview or take them out to coffee or lunch.

@Resunate: Meetups are great! We’re often asked, how best to follow up with someone after meeting them IRL. To build your network.

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Q: With the multitude of folks on the web now, how do you differentiate yourself among the masses if not by experience?

@ClassyCareer: It actually is pretty easy to differentiate yourself because many people don’t have too much when they are googled. Google yourself and see what comes up first. Then look into updating your Linkedin so it shows at the top…or buy your name as a domain name and make it say fabulous things about you! AND make sure you put your photo in your LinkedIn profile so you can become a real person to the hiring manager. Videos, papers, PowerPoint slides and class presentations are all things you can put on a website to make you look great, and you can start a blog about your specialty. That will definitely make you stand out!

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Q: How did you develop your brand out of college?

@BeKnown: Right out of college, your personal brand = major+interest+dream job. Blog/tweet about that.

@ClassyCareer: Make a plan. What do you want your personal brand to be? Think about it before you start blogging, tweeting and networking. If you can focus what you want your personal brand to be and show it off, people will start thinking of you as your brand. But even out of college, it’s not too late to make a change or head in a different direction or change your personal brand.

@Resunate: The advantage of being a student is you can really think about what you want your brand to be and work on it now.

@IsaAdney: I think the best way to create your personal brand is to know who you are and focus on what you truly want to do with your life.