In this article, Alison Green shares some of the strangest things seen in cover letters and resumes. Some of the notable examples include a candidate mentioning getting “laid” (likely meaning laid off), someone mentioning their nights spent incarcerated, an applicant submitting an application from the perspective of a hand puppet, and a candidate openly stating their intention to work for the opposing counsel. Other bizarre examples include mentioning personal experiences like navigating a divorce, claiming to have a powerful voice and charismatic aura, and listing allergies to pet dander. These stories highlight the need for professionalism and appropriateness when submitting job applications.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unconventional items on resumes | From traditional resumes to creative and unconventional resumes | Resumes may become more creative and unique | Desire to stand out and be memorable in the job market |