In my search for a resume
DTD (I've been working on a personal portfolio site) I came across
The XML Resume Library.
Initially the idea of an XML based resume seemed really neat (geeky neat) - with
an XML resume you have a single master copy that easily transforms into: HTML,
PDF, RTF, or plain text.
However, after closer inspection I decided an XML based resume was impractical for my needs.
My reasoning:
I don't have a single resume but a number of different resumes (a
generic, a specific, a master etc…).
A word processor is easier to use, has spell check, and is
better suited for a resume than an XML editor (don’t get me wrong, I love
Altova’s XML Spy).
If I ever want to edit or append to my resume in a hurry (in a coffee shop or an internet cafe) I
am more likely to find a word processing application than an XML editor.
Very few jobs are secured solely through the internet, the time spent
maintaining my XML resume could be better spent meeting, greeting and
networking - due to the passive nature of the internet, something like 3% of
people actually find work online.
An XML based resume would be more of a novelty than an integral
part of my portfolio site.
An XML based resume could prove useful for a HR department,
employment agency, or community / social software, but for my personal resume
it would be an impracticle novelty.
View my resume here (be sure to view the print preview).