I’ve been filling out applications and polishing up my resume. Before you ask, no I am not “padding” or lying in my resume, rather the original version is more intended to applying for government positions and places in my field. I highly doubt a job in the sales department would give a damn about my experiance in labeling, identifying, and cataloging remains recovered from a site. But I am sure they’d like to know what kind of people skills I have and maybe computer skills as well.

In any case, I noticed a rather disturbing trend on some job applications – asking for academic honors and activities in high school. I have to ask, what the hell? I mean, for those that have never been outside of school and on their on in the workforce, I can understand how that might be the only thing to get them started. However, several of the applications have a large section devoted to this topic. Do clubs, honors and activities really tell you much of anything about the person? Especially if it’s been more than a year or two since that person was in high school?

In high school I lettered in band, was a member of the letterman’s club (briefly), was a member of the Windensemble and Marching band, and maintained the position of first clarinet for three years. I also was 4th chair and then 2nd chair in my senior year with only the section leader above me. That might tell you a lot of things, but then again, that was nearly a decade ago and I am no longer the same person. What of someone who hasn’t been in high school or college for well over a decade? What possible relevance then does those questions hold?

Instead, wouldn’t it be better to ask what current activities, honors, clubs, and hobbies the person is currently involved in?