Peagler and Yancey write, “We moved away from the prescriptive notion of genre, so common to students, one where a genre is a document whose slots need only to be filled, primarily because it is not dynamic but static, and where the author is merely someone who inputs information. Rather, the resumé, as a genre, invites the author to make conscious, rhetorical choices, to question the nature of the genre, and to become an active participant in the social construction of the document.”
I think this passage is very important. I have always sort of rebelled against traditional conventions so the idea that we are trying to recreate what is already established. If something does not work the way that it currently is why not change it? Resumé’s have the tendency to be very standard, lack personality and sometimes do not effectively communicate what is needed.
I took that attitude about the current state of resumés and created mine. At some point in high school I fell victim to the template, boring resumé so this was a fun assignment. I tried to keep it streamlined, it only contained pertinent information and I also tried to include some of my personality and personal taste.
I like the point you make about rebelling against traditional conventions. I think a resume needs something eye catching with out being 'gimicky' but there is no way to figure out a good balance unless you take some chances.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the point you made that Sara identified with. As with many things in life, balance is key. The way one chooses to balance different aspects within their resume can be eye-catching to some potential employers and not to others- the choices one makes in this area will attract the people who are most similar to you and hopefully open a door to a position that you are best suited for.
ReplyDeleteInteresting points by all. And I also thought that passage was important.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel our society has so many rules and templates for how things "should" look. We're all intelligent people - lets decide for ourselves so we can express our opinion on things. Whether it be a resume or web site. There's no right or wrong way.