Here's one for you:

I've had 41 employers in my lifetime. No bragging. No complaining. Just a fact.

ALWAYS keeping my options open, been doing a little "research" into any changes that might have taken place within the "hiring process."

Here's the conventional wisdom and expert advise:

1) RE resumes: "Make them unique. Make them standout."
2) RE personal interviews: Still advising those hideous navy-blue suits, short hair, etc. (Same advice since the 50s!)

So, as I recently told one prospective employer while talking myself out any possible consideration:

"How in the hell is that you expect me to make a written document, a piece of paper, 'stand out,' be 'individual,' and yet you expect ME to walk through that door and look just like everyone else?

"And you dare ask me 'Where do you see yourself in five years?' You know, I have no damned idea where I might be in five-minutes! But I'll make you a deal: I'll answer that question if you can answer one for me, okay? 'Where will this company be in five years?' Can you guarantee me that THIS company, as it stands this very moment--THIS company at which I'm applying for a job--that THIS company will NOT close, will NOT merge, will NOT change in five years? The answer is 'No,' you cannot. It's an unreasonable question just as is YOUR question to me.

"But you're going to give preference to anyone who gives you the expected response to such questions. And I can't do that. You're looking for the 'ideal' candidate where no such things exist any more than does the 'ideal' employer."

And so forth.

That's how all my interviews go....

Note to self:

Take duct-tape to the next interview.....

Randy