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Edwin Wurster asks about creating a database of experience with XML.
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Sorry for chiming in late on this.
I haven't done this, but I like the idea and I love xml. It would be pretty easy to use xml to create your database, then design an xsl to pick the info you want from it. As with any project with xml, the devil is in the planning. So, you would want to define elements and attributes that would make it easy. You could then use xlinks to open all of your samples. You could approach the output in one of two ways, either output some other format using something from here http://xml.apache.org/ , or use IE to view the transformed xml (if you're going electronic). I suggest IE because Netscape doesn't seem to have the same level of support for xml as IE does. :-(
So, for example you could have a parent element for each of your jobs, and include, among other info, the skills you used/acquired for each job (<task>Created online help project</task>). You could then use one or more attributes to "define" each of those skills/tasks (<task qualification="online help">Created online help project</task>). When it comes time to generate your output, simply set the attributes you want in an xsl and ... poof, instant, customized resume. Hmmm, I like this idea, it would be pretty useful if you had a lot of skills/jobs to describe.
I know you initially asked about maintaining a database, but have you thought about using RoboHelp and conditional tags to create a customized resume? Each of your bits of experience could be a separate topic, and then you could just include whichever topic you needed. Again, that would be pretty slick if you were creating something that was just for online viewing. Hmmm. Maybe I'll do that for me! :-)
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Sean Hower - tech writer http://hokum.freehomepage.com
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