Resume Etiquette, Resume’ Etiquette
When was the last time you had a look at your resume? It’s been a fair few years for me. The exercise of reflecting on your skill set can really ‘spotlight’ what you didn’t realise, you do very effectively (and don’t do?)
Applying for roles is humbling, insightful and time-consuming. Humbling; because you question the degree of your knowledge/skills, Insightful; because there is something truly enlightening about writing down your ideas about pedagogy, teaching, management and leadership. Time consuming, because, even in an internet-centric society , very application deserves your steady, concentrated response.
Whilst I have enjoyed most of this reflective process, I do have a minor complaint about ‘modern employer etiquette’. I do not understand why it is not common policy for employers to send a letter/email saying ”Thanks but…” In my own recent experience, less than half!
In one instance I filled all 17 pages of the official application form (YES – 17 pages!), attached my cover letter, resume and responded with a five page “Selection Criteria” … After that, don’t we DESERVE a response? My wife says, “You shouldn’t be so harsh, it’s so long they are probably still reading it”.
