Here's what some of the career counsellors from the Calgary Youth Employment Centre had to say on the subject. Also, they included information on how resumes, and the information put on the resume, have changed. Here's their thoughts:

Swami Warren says:

"The paper resume will live on, except in high tech business where it will only be a figment of someone's imagination. (Some old techy will be heard to say: "When I was kid, we had to print out our resumes - on paper - with a bubble jet printer, no LaserJets back then. Sometimes had to fax 'em too!)

"I do think that paper resumes will still be around. Some people (me included) still like to see some info on a clean, white (or off white), crisp piece of paper. (Some will say) 'portfolios' will be all the rage. I'm not so sure. Maybe electronic portfolios though. I think we might start to see more and more people building web page resumes as an 'addition' to their traditional paper resumes."

Swami Sherri says:

"I think the paper resume will always be around. Right now the bigger corporations seem to have the technological programs to identify 'key words' in electronic resumes, but I don't believe too many corporations do this. In my opinion, paper seems to be preferred in some way shape or form.

"When HR (human resources) people review resumes it seems easier to have a stack to go through instead of (them being) on the computer, especially when a number of people have to go through them. Corporations/companies also have formal application forms applicants need to fill out. I can't really see these going away, unless they do them on-line, and then there are FOIP (freedom of information) issues."

Swami Susan says:

"I still think the paper resume will be around for a while, especially for entry level positions... not everyone is wired in this world yet. Educationally, we are continuing to see more and more demands for higher education - remember way back when (30 years ago) when a high school diploma was OK and a BA (bachelor of arts) was 'job certainty'? Now BA's are a dime a dozen. Technical training is getting more and more respect, but still we see trades getting a bad rap as kids still get pushed into post-secondary education, overlooking a world of possibilities in trades because of parents' and kids' images of trades being 'not good enough'... which is very unfortunate.

"Kids in high school are well positioned for the job market - look at the average ages of people in various occupations and this tells us the next 10 years is going to hold much opportunity. We are already seeing this in nursing, teaching, law enforcement....

"But increasingly, a high school diploma is not going to cut it. Most occupations will want post-secondary education, namely to show employers (you) have the ability to think, communicate (verbally and in writing) and analyze information. Technical education is great, but employers still need people to think and communicate with customers and other employees."

Resume tips: the old and the recommended

Warren: "As for old resume tips no longer in the groove, hmmmm, obvious ones like the chronological resume is the only way to go; I rarely will suggest a client use a chronological resume.

"That there are 'three types of resumes.' I think people are more accepting of different ways to present a resume. Not that they should be on pink paper with 16 point Comic Sans font with everything underlined, italic and bold... but different ways of presenting the necessary information."

Sherri: "Resumes seem to be targeting specific skills more than in the past where the chronological work history seemed more important to employers. I think in the past people/employers seemed to be more concerned about work skills but now are realizing that people acquire skills/knowledge/qualifications from all areas which are transferable to a job.

"Employers also acknowledge and value 'soft skills' more than in the past. They realize that all employees need interpersonal skills, teamwork skills etc. It seems soft skills are a bigger emphasis on resumes and job postings than in the past."

Susan: "Resume tips that are not valid any more: (including) age, birth date, and all those 'personal details' (such as) weight, height, marital status etc. (on the resume).

"What is OK on a resume? Your skills, abilities, knowledge - whether (gained) through volunteer or paid work experience. It's becoming more acceptable to put volunteer experience with work experience on resumes. Hobbies and interests are OK because they give employers another dimension to what you are like as an individual beyond work and education."