BrainSlap!

Why three resumes? I get asked that on occasion so I thought I'd address it here. First, I'm not looking for a job. I really, really enjoy working for Cisco as a wireless solutions architect. I am constantly challenged in the projects in which I am involved and Cisco treats me and my family well.

The reason why my resumes are posted here is so that I can easily keep them up-to-date in an acceptable format for my industry. I've had my resume on the Internet since 1994. In the past, my resume was in "proposal format". This is so the resume can be used as a consulting sales tool to show existing or prospective clients the skills a consultant has and why he or she is eligible to bill at a certain rate. I was a consultant long before I became a Cisco employee.

I have three resumes now because one emphasizes my technical skills and current position as a wireless solutions architect, another emphasizes my management experience, and the last is for the volunteer work I do as a search and rescue team member. Each resume is unique in its own respect. There have been times when I was required to submit a specific type of resume for the different work I do inside Cisco and for the volunteer work I do outside Cisco.

Keeping my resume up-to-date helps me keep an eye on the areas I need to concentrate on if I want to advance in my position. I also use them it to track significant events in my career.

If you don't have a current resume, I highly recommend you update yours immediately. It'll help you understand where you want to go with your career over the next few years and, almost as importantly, where you've been.