Resumes and Cover Letters
I think that the format of a resume should change with my experience because I need to update information (such as when I earned a new degree, received a work-related recognition, considered changing careers). Likewise, the resume of a more experienced candidate should follow different rules related to the presentation of information within a resume because of the need to highlight skill set and level of experience. For my part, my resume continues to evolve from an entry level to a more experienced job applicant given that I also participated, for instance, in academic training and work enhancement programs.
I try to keep mine at seven (7) years or less. I think 10 years of experience can become dated in some cases, especially when the information are relevant for the job that I am applying for. On the other hand, if the information are not applicable for my promotion or to the job that I am applying for, I have to prune them specifically they are not within 7 to 10 years.
Some challenges that the new way of narrowing down application using new time-saving scanning and word recognition software include exclusion of candidates that have upgraded their skill set and experience level, as well as, limitation of the software per se. The software should instead not eliminate electronic resumes and cover letters; instead, candidates should have the chance to go back to their online accounts whenever they have to update their application dossier. Given that alternative, employers will also have the chance again to review updated applicants’ job documents especially when employers are still interested to hire the person with updated resume and cover letter for the same or related job even when several years had already transpired. Nonetheless, some strategies that I can incorporate when designing my job search documents to overcome such challenges include updating the currency and relevance of my resume and cover letter, as well as, related job documents. Likewise, I should also upload my resume and cover letter to as many reputable job engine online databases or websites so that there is a bigger chance for employers to find the right person (me) for their job.
