SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 --

In the old days job-seekers needed a resume. They need resumes today. In the old days it was wise to include a cover letter. Cover letters are still advisable.

In the old days a job-seeker mailed the resume to an employment office – or hand-delivered the resume to the employment office.

Today … today resumes must be e-mailed, and have specific configurations and characteristics.

I realized that I would likely not find employment when an online employment agency informed me that it could not accept my resume because there was a problem with my cookies. I do not know how to correct a cookies problem. In fact I have no idea what cookies are, other than tasty baked treats.

A corporation indicated online that iot had plenty of jobs available. I filled out a basic questionnaire and then, as directed, attached my resume.

The corporation’s human resource office informed me that it did not get my resume and would I please attach it to my application. And then the kicker – the corporation could not accept a resume on paper.

After some time passed I realized that the resume was not received because it was not a “doc.” I have no idea how to turn a plain resume into a “doc” resume. Fortunately I had an early version of my resume with a “doc” and rushed to attach that to my application.

With great relief, I was informed (by email of course) that my resume was received.

Within a day I was informed that my experience did not match the corporation’s needs at this time – BUT my resume would be kept in the data base.

There is another qualification that does not bring elation to my heart: the Excel requirement. I have no idea what Excel is and why it is needed along with Microsoft Word.

I guess it is a good thing Andy Rooney of “60 Minutes” has employment. It is my sense that he would not pass current hi-tech job application muster. Unless his is the one job in the country that does not require an electronic resume and knowledge of Excel.

Hi “60 Minutes” at CBS News. Can I apply to succeed Mr. Rooney? Until we get legislation requiring employers to accept resumes on paper, that is the only job I can apply for. (PS – these remarks were written in Microsoft Word.).