My resume is currently three pages. The last time did a full CV it was around 15 pages. It would probably be 18 to 20 pages now. Thankfully the main folks who ask for my resume at this point are marketing folks.

I really should update my resume. I'm not job hunting, far from it. But it's so much easier to describe a job while I'm doing it, especially noting the high points of projects as they occur. Which I can then trim down when I actually need to use it.

I am always surprised by how few cover letters we get with resumes when we place ads. It seems like 90% of people just send their resume to every job posting without bothering to customize a cover letter. Just a personalized cover letter that points out the applicable skills helps.

Do you mean customised for each job? I applied for way too many jobs to write a different cover letter for each one. There just aren't that many different things to say about me. In fact, I'm operating mostly on a Buffista-written cover letter from nine years ago. But the key points are still salient.

A lot of places I've applied to in the past have said "no resume, fill in our automated thingie" where you fill in your job history and stuff.

My resume is two full pages, but I need to add a competencies section. My mad skillz are at the bottom, but I think the phrasing and such is rather good.

I write pretty kick-ass cover letters, and personalize every damn one. I've had several interviews where they said plainly my cover letter got me the interview.

I am so proud of myself. I kicked myself back from an illness-related depresso session, re-evaluated some important things on a personal and career level and STILL got a shitton done, while recovering from a nasty, nasty flu.

Updated resume (still needs work, obvs, but still), wrote two cover letters, sent out one app. Job hunted. Worked on lesson plans/assignments for about 8 hours (down from usual 14 -- I AM achieving work/life balance, dammit!!), watched a whole damn movie with my husband, filed 2009 and did 2010 taxes (don't ask), planned my garden, cleaned the garden for an hour, talked to my whole family, didn't throw up since Friday, did a load of laundry and shaved my legs for the first time since December.

It's fucking SPRING!!!

I was rather amazed at how much you did with an evil stomach flu.

I am without relent.

We pay attention to the cover letter. It always scores points to see the applicant apply specific skills to specific needs,, i.e., "My time as an Ewok Wrangler allowed me to learn to handle fur, which would be helpful in the advanced combing position you have open."

My CV is three pages, but I have a one page functional resume. In academia, you will often be asked for a resume and a CV.

Meara'ing like wow:

I have read every single post. Well, skimmed the last 100 or so, but I kindda read them as well. Because you guys wowed me. Maria, I hold you and yours in my thoughts. Everything Buffistas wrote here is true.

Teppy, I'm so glad you're post this thing. I know you probably still have a huge pile of shit to handle, but I'm glad this one's done.

My ~mas to everyone else who needs them.

OMG! That Content Writer job I was zizzing about? the way I was just bragging on my cover letter? I opened up my Monday morning mailbox to find a note -- from their freakin' CEO:

"I like your cover letter so much that i passed your info along to a few of our editors. If I can find a good match, I will let you know."

I might take this down at lunch or something, but I what a way to wake up on a Monday!