Since I posted this thread I’ve done a lot of research on resumes and interviews. What it revealed is a candidate’s last 10 years – even five years – is the only relevant experience that matters. It’s an interesting conundrum for an a candidate who is hyper experienced. One wants to pack all the vast experience into a Happy Meal, but the hiring manager only wants to know the absolute latest things - and only a few of them.
Where this creates a conflict is in the resume. A chronological resume complicates the narrative, especially because only the last few years are relevant. So I created “player card” idea. Like a baseball card, it shows the highlights and is customizable to highlight specific job skills for specific jobs. Some iteration of it makes sense, at least in theory. But the recruiter still wants a chronological resume, which shows not only that you are old but it shows experience that the hiring manager cares little about.
So I use the player card and cover letter as the bait. And if they are interested I am going to reluctantly whip out the chrono one. But until now, this hasn't worked either.