Hello and welcome to the JobSyntax Jobseeker chat. In this session called, “Wake Up Your Job Search: How to Jumpstart a Dead-End Hunt for the Perfect Job”, we’ll directly address questions you might have about your current job search including resume tips, interview hints and negotiation tactics.
JobGal_Zoe: I’m Zoë Goldring, a Partner with JobSyntax. I’ve been working with jobseekers for the past 8 years with a particular focus on the software engineering market. I am a passionate advocate for helping to break the code between technical jobseekers and employers and am looking forward to answering your questions today!
JobGal_Gretchen: I’m Gretchen Ledgard, also a Partner with JobSyntax. Like Zoe, I’ve worked several years in the software engineering recruiting field and know what it takes for jobseekers to navigate their way through the hiring process. Bring on the questions!
Q: I've gotten some conflicting advice over the years about how much detail you shoud go into about each job. For instance I worked at Symantec for 5 years and worked on several projects, should I list each one individually? Would that be meaningful to a person reading the resume?
A: JobGal_Gretchen: First, you should consider what your greatest accomplishments were in your Symantec job, for instance some projects may be more relevant and impressive than others. Then I'd suggest building a list of 5-10 key accomplishments per position and then explaining what you did, how you did it, and why the accomplishment was important (outcome).
Q: I want to get as many keywords on my resume as possible, C++, WTL, XML and so on. I've been putting those in the descriptions of each project where applicable. Does that sound like a good strategy?
A: JobGal_Zoe: You should have a section on your resume called something like Technical Qualifications. This should highlight the skills you are most proficient in using and then you can also build the keywords into your position descriptions. For example - Developed a C++ backend program for a point of sale system which resulted in faster processing time for receipts.
JobGal_Gretchen: In the Technical Qualifications Section, it could also look like this:
Languages: C++, C#, XML
Operating systems: Windows, Unix
Q: Currently, I have a qualifications section on my resume, but it's toward the end of my resume and I'm worried that the reader wouldn't get that far.
A: JobGal_Zoe: Put it near the front! :) The “Technical Qualifications” section should be one of the first portions of your resume.
JobGal_Gretchen: I'd suggest a format that has a summary statement (a line or two about why you are qualified), then technical qualifications, then experience, the relevant projects or publications, then lastly your education.
Q: How specific does the objective need to be? Right now I just have - OBJECTIVE: A Win32 C++ developer and user interface designer position - because UI dev is what I like the most.
A: JobGal_Gretchen: Instead of an objective statement, think of it as a summary statement. What you might do is title your statement "User Interface Developer". Then write a sentence like, "Accomplished Win32 C++ engineer with experience in developing user interfaces which ...."
JobGal_Zoe: You could also have 1-2 additional bullet points in this section describing the value you offer to a potential employer.
Q: I saw in your videos that you recommend a title for resumes, but I'd never thought of having a "title" on the resume like that.
A: JobGal_Gretchen: It's helpful to make sure the reader immediately understands your expertise and a title can help you achieve this goal. Plus, the words "objective" or "summary" are just kind of wasted anyway. Everyone knows it's a summary. :)
Q: Would that title make people not consider me for other dev positions, though? Especially if the resume is in a big database?
A: JobGal_Gretchen: Well, if you'd be open to other development positions, you could just title "Software Engineer" or something general. The good thing about a title is that it's customizable per position. For one company, you may call yourself a Software Development Engineer...for another company, you may be a Sr. UI Developer.
Q: Are awards from companies relevant? For example I'm an MVP, would that help on a resume? It would to Microsoft of course, but how about other companies.
A: JobGal_Zoe: Yes, I think explaining how you have championed a product and been recognized as a valuable member of the developer community is something companies would like to see. It shows you go above and beyond your normal position. You can include this in a "Related Experience" or "Activities" section of your resume.
JobGal_Gretchen: The same goes for your other related accomplishments...maybe you are on the board of your local user group or write a technology related blog. Those types of accomplishments are extremely relevant.
Q: In 2000-01 when the industry was in a slump, I took a couple temp jobs (3 months each) and did some consulting work. I currently have all those grouped under an "independent consultant" heading in my Experience section. Does that sound like a good way to organize things? I thought one header per job would be too much.
A: JobGal_Zoe: I think that's a perfect way to explain that experience.
JobGal_Gretchen: A few points to keep in mind though. Two big red flags on resumes, as you probably know, for recruiters are gaps in experience and super short term assignments - so as Zoë said, it sounds like you explained this very well.
Q: Would short assignments in 2000-01 be a red flag? Considering the state of the industry at that time.
A: JobGal_Gretchen: No, as long as it's not a pattern in your career. 2000-2001 was a "special" time. So, no, not really.
Q: I write programming articles for CodeProject.com - where's the best place to list that? Separate from the work experience?
A: JobGal_Zoe: I would put that in the related experience section and provide hyperlinks on the titles of the articles you have written.
JobGal_Gretchen: If you've written several articles on other sites, too, you could even have a section called Articles or Publications. I'd add all of this information toward the end of your resume so that it's more like an addendum.
JobGal_Zoe: The most important thing that employers want to see on a resume is the work that you have done and the results you have accomplished. That is why this experience should be on the first page of the resume. If that is compelling, they will keep reading to the other sections and pick up on the other experience you have had that is relevant to the job.
Q: Gals, how important do you think it is for an international jobseeker to be certified? Would that increase chances of getting hired?
A: JobGal_Zoe: Typically being a Microsoft Certified Engineer or having any other certification won’t necessarily make you more desirable unless, of course, those requirements are specifically stated in the job description. Most employers are really concerned with the combination of formal education (university degree) and experience.
JobGal_Gretchen: You should still mention it on your resume, but I wouldn't suggest getting certifications *just* to be more desirable to employers.
Q: If I work on side projects that I want to demonstrate to potential employers what’s the best way to highlight it with my resume? Should I create a video of it, a link to it, or just good documentation about what it is?
A: JobGal_Gretchen: It really depends on the project. I wouldn't suggest going overboard (like posting a video for a project that doesn't really warrant a video). But a combination of hyperlinks and text explanations are always good. However, keep in mind that resumes can lose their formatting and links in the parsing process so be sure to explain it as well as hyperlink to it.
Q: Is there a central location or counseling office for jobseekers in need of H1B job offers? I've seen a bunch of sites like this but they don't seem legit at all to me.
A: JobGal_Zoe: Not really. The best and most reliable information is found on the US Department of Immigration’s website. At the same time you can engage a professional attorney to help you if you have specific questions about your H1B eligibility status. Those attorneys will cost you extra and you should be wary of the service they are providing to you.
JobGal_Gretchen: Also, if you receive an offer from a company, in most cases, the corporate attorneys for that company will assist you through the immigration process.