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Subject:Re: Experience VS Ability From:Valerie Archambeau <varchambeau -at- LFC -dot- EDU> Date:Thu, 12 Jun 1997 14:02:57 -0500
>Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997 13:23:52 -0600
>From: John Eldard <jeldard -at- PARKCITY -dot- COM>
>Subject: Experience VS Ability
>How many of you in TECHWR-L-land get resumes filled with names of
>software programs that the writer, illustrator, editor, etc., is
>EXPERIENCED in using? I would like to suggest that the ability to use
>complicated software tools is more critical to the cause than listing a
>full corral of tools you are EXPERIENCED or maybe even EXPERT in using.
<<snip>>
John,
I think you raise some excellent points. Forgive me if I do not immediately
delete the "Skills" section from my resume.
Applicants list those scads of tools to secure an interview. If they are
qualified (and lucky) enough to be granted an interview, then they have the
opportunity to convey their abilities as well as their experience. We've
discussed Resumex and other automated resume readers before. An automated
resume reader may not be programmed to see "follows industry trends" or
"attended industry conferences" but it'll certainly pick up "HTML,"
"RoboHelp," and "JavaScript" (please pardon my gross generalizations here).
Job-seekers are conditioned to provide HR departments with the resume
equivalent of a sound bite.
Certainly basic aptitude, self-motivation, and problem-solving skills are
important, but let's not confuse *doing* the job with *getting* the job.
>Go Jazz - Show me the title!!!
Heh. No comment. :)
************************************************************
Valerie Archambeau varchambeau -at- lfc -dot- edu
Academic Technology Specialist (847) 735-5116
Library and Information Technology Johnson 175
Lake Forest College
Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana.
--Groucho Marx
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