I’m about to graduate from college, and at a job interview the interviewer seemed surprised that I didn’t bring my résumé with me. But the company already had a copy of my résumé electronically — so why would I be expected to bring a hard copy?
To me, the fact the employer expects you even to touch paper demonstrates he or she is not the right match for you. I bet they would even have paperwork for you to actually fill out once you got hired. Fools! I must confess that I once interviewed a recent grad — asking them what I thought were standard interview questions about their interests and accomplishments — and the person seemed to wonder why I hadn’t already found out those answers by viewing their social media profile. So, if you don’t think it’s prudent to bring a hard copy of your résumé, then don’t compromise your principles. Instead, maybe you can whip out your iPad and pocket projector, and display your Facebook page and Twitter feed on the wall so we can really see who you are! All kidding aside, always bring a hard copy of your résumé with you to any job interview.
After six successful years in a job, things turned sour with my boss, and I decided to leave before I had another job. Now, I’m struggling with how to explain my decision to prospective employers without bad-mouthing my previous one. Any advice?
Your acknowledgment that it was “probably not a good decision” is an understatement. At the very least — even if you are in a financial position to be able to resign without having another job — make sure you negotiate what statement your employer will make about your departure when asked during a reference check. There are several explanations for why someone may resign before having another job that won’t raise suspicions with prospective employers: a decision to go back to school, start a business, relocate, etc. With any of these reasons, you want to make sure to allay any concerns about your readiness and commitment to resuming your career and pursuing the line of work for which you are interviewing.