In 1482, at the ripe age of 30, He wanted to find work in the city of Milan as a designer of bridges, or as a boat builder, or a sculptor, or as a man who builds machines that take water out of trenches, or whatever else the city needed using his skills.
So, he sent a letter to Ludovico Sforza, the Regent of Milan at the time, explaining his many skills in anticipation of remuneration. It was written in Latin after all, beginning with a bold introduction, well-lined with flowery language, followed by, a listed eleven things he could do for Milan.
First Resume of the World
Here’s what it looked like in original:
Most Illustrious Lord
Having now sufficiently considered the specimens of all those who proclaim themselves skilled contrivers of instruments of war, and that the invention and operation of the said instruments are nothing different from those in common use: I shall endeavor, without prejudice to any one else, to explain myself to your Excellency, showing your Lordship my secret, and then offering them to your best pleasure and approbation to work with effect at opportune moments on all those things which, in part, shall be briefly noted below.
It’s incredibly personalized, Rather than the normal predefined resumes recruiters are used to getting. And it worked, as the candidate was being selected and brought to Milan, where he would stay for 17 years. There, he did some of his best work, including painting The Last Supper, which remains one of the most famous pieces of art in the world.
Yes, you can guess right, he is none other than Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci.
Read more about the history and evolution of resume here.
