What do you have to do to get a job these days?

[gistech1978]

look into the GIS field if you can program
there are literally TONS of jobs open to ppl who can program for GIS
GIS is geographic information systems.
its a good field to get into and the pay is usually pretty good.
its worth searching for i suppose.

 

[SunnyD]

K, you wanna see the text version of my resume... here ya go:

--- NAME and ADDRESS withheld ---
Objective
Detail-oriented individual seeking a programming or software engineering position to utilize, refine and expand my existing skill set, particularly in 3D graphics, logic design and new technologies.

Education
State University of New York at Brockport, Brockport, NY
B.S. in Computer Science
* Software Development Concentration
* Minor in Mathematics
* Primary coursework in Software Design, additional work in Data Structures and Artificial Intelligence
May, 2002
Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
A.S. in Computer Information Systems
* Primary focus on Application Programming and Information Technology
* Additional coursework in Systems Administration and Office Technology
December, 1998

Professional Experience
Some Big Fortune 500 company... (Name withheld)
Software Engineer
* Developed 3D visualization components utilizing OpenGL
* Developed application components for precision measurement hardware
* Specialized in user-interface design using Visual C++, Microsoft Foundation Classes, ATL and ActiveX
Systems Administrator (Assistant)
* Assisted in management of over 150 networked and independent computer systems
January 2000-October 2001

Some Small family owned business (Name withheld)
Programmer
* Adapted raw industrial machine software for additional tasks
* Developed a fully functional user interface for machine control software applications
January 1994-June 1995

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: SunnyD
K, you wanna see the text version of my resume... here ya go:

--- NAME and ADDRESS withheld ---
Objective
Detail-oriented individual seeking a programming or software engineering position to utilize, refine and expand my existing skill set, particularly in 3D graphics, logic design and new technologies.

Education
State University of New York at Brockport, Brockport, NY
B.S. in Computer Science
* Software Development Concentration
* Minor in Mathematics
* Primary coursework in Software Design, additional work in Data Structures and Artificial Intelligence
May, 2002
Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
A.S. in Computer Information Systems
* Primary focus on Application Programming and Information Technology
* Additional coursework in Systems Administration and Office Technology
December, 1998

Professional Experience
Some Big Fortune 500 company... (Name withheld)
Software Engineer
* Developed 3D visualization components utilizing OpenGL
* Developed application components for precision measurement hardware
* Specialized in user-interface design using Visual C++, Microsoft Foundation Classes, ATL and ActiveX
Systems Administrator (Assistant)
* Assisted in management of over 150 networked and independent computer systems
January 2000-October 2001

Some Small family owned business (Name withheld)
Programmer
* Adapted raw industrial machine software for additional tasks
* Developed a fully functional user interface for machine control software applications
January 1994-June 1995

resume seems a little thin, you should expand on yourself and your work experience

 

[weezergirl]

wow, that's your whole resume? shouldn't u add like a SKILLS section or something extra. does it even fill up a whole page?

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: weezergirl
wow, that's your whole resume? shouldn't u add like a SKILLS section or something extra. does it even fill up a whole page?

seriously no wonder hes not getting any call backs

 

[SCSIfreek]

that resume looks wicked!!!! er.. too simple and does not stand out. Rework that sucker perhaps?


--Scsi

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: Ameesh

Originally posted by: weezergirl
wow, that's your whole resume? shouldn't u add like a SKILLS section or something extra. does it even fill up a whole page?

seriously no wonder hes not getting any call backs

Umm... okay, now I'm really confused. A couple friends I have in management positions had told me my previous resume made me look and sound overly qualified, and, more of a detriment: way too pricey of a job candidate. After a couple rewrites and consultations, this is the one I've come up with.

 

[StageLeft]

So far have read only your first post, but after 15 months of not being able to find work in this field I'd say scratch it entirely. I've got a few years IT experience and currently employed. If I lose my job before the economy does a big turn around I'll immediately consider other careers. The competition is fierce, and unfortunately 15 months of not working on your resume is a major hit against the chances of you getting a call back now.

It sucks badly I know, but you need to change fields, go back to school, etc.

 

[pulse8]

Originally posted by: weezergirl
wow, that's your whole resume? shouldn't u add like a SKILLS section or something extra. does it even fill up a whole page?

I'd be surprised if it filled a third of the page.

You have to make that longer and seem more impressive.

 

[StageLeft]

And reading that resume you NEED a skills section. At least in my opinion

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
It sucks badly I know, but you need to change fields, go back to school, etc.

Yeah, I've had that mentioned to me many times too - but it's really not an option either. I can't afford to go back to school. My home situation dictates that I have to have money in order to be able to go back to school (and trust me, I've considered it many times). I am so far in debt that I doubt I could even get a loan to go back to school, and even if I did - I would still have no income to support myself and my family.

 

[slycat]

a couple of things...I will try to be helpful

firstly, yes that resume is thin...i dunno if ur really trying for entry-level..
lemme tell ya these days VERY few firms are asking for entry-level coz that means they have to
train and teach...so try not to put that across too much...of course u don't wanna over-boast
but i think a little padding is always helpful coz in most situations, if ur even mid-intelligent(which u appear to be),
u will be able to adapt and overcome should that 'padding' come back to challenge you.

Also, have u looked for temps?...or part times?...or...even offer your expertise free? Do some pro-bono work.
How this helps is ur not sitting around getting rusty and it makes u 'work', think,
and it creates people-network and also fills up your resume with more meaningful stuff.
It also looks good to the pre-viewer that this dood hasn't been sitting around for a year
doing nothing. Be a little more proactive. I am in IT and have been blessed and fortunate to have
been recruited the next day after my previous .COM went bust. I know u didn't wish for it but this
free time can be useful to brush up on skills, get degree/cert...etc.

Contrary to what some people might advise...i don't think u should get a way-off track job...like
say accounting, bankteller or flipping burgers(for lack of a better word) unless...UNLESS u need the
dough very badly. I sense this is not the case. Suffice to say HR or interviewer will most often eliminate the
one who goes in such a misdirected fashion. It just tells people you are not committed or goal oriented or some
other reason.

Hope this helps and good luck to u.

 

[Atlantean]

That sucks, I am only a student, but I have never had a problem getting a minimum wage job, usually its the first place I apply that hires me, not too sure why, perhaps things will be different when I look for a real job.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
So far have read only your first post, but after 15 months of not being able to find work in this field I'd say scratch it entirely. I've got a few years IT experience and currently employed. If I lose my job before the economy does a big turn around I'll immediately consider other careers. The competition is fierce, and unfortunately 15 months of not working on your resume is a major hit against the chances of you getting a call back now.

It sucks badly I know, but you need to change fields, go back to school, etc.

I didn't even notice that when I skimmed it the first time. This is, imo, the main reason you're not getting any leads.

15 months in the IT world is an eternity. In the developer world you can't even go a few months without being left behind. As Skoorb says, the competition today is so fierce that being left behind is simply unacceptable.

Find some way, any way, to work on current projects. Based on your resume one really can't get a feel for what you want to do. Do you actually enjoy development? If so, join up with your local development organizations. You'll meet people who need people, or at least be able to participate in a project.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Just graduated a month ago...am now hunting...so 4 weeks now and counting...

 

[weezergirl]

Originally posted by: SunnyD

Originally posted by: Ameesh

Originally posted by: weezergirl
wow, that's your whole resume? shouldn't u add like a SKILLS section or something extra. does it even fill up a whole page?

seriously no wonder hes not getting any call backs

Umm... okay, now I'm really confused. A couple friends I have in management positions had told me my previous resume made me look and sound overly qualified, and, more of a detriment: way too pricey of a job candidate. After a couple rewrites and consultations, this is the one I've come up with.

that is really weird that they told you that. I would think at least you want a full 1 page resume. If you can't filll it up with work experience or skills, try picking up some sort of volunteering. It sounds like you have the time! Anyything, you can do to add to your resume is always good. And if you are involved in other things...you will make more connections that way with more people. no use sitting at home wondering why you don't have a job. you have to go out there and make it happen.

where do you live? was your GPA below 3.0?

 

[SunnyD]

The competition is fierce, and unfortunately 15 months of not working on your resume is a major hit against the chances of you getting a call back now.

Okay, so basically the concensus is to pack it up, curl up in a corner sucking my thumb and live off welfare for the rest of my days?

There's something to look forward to.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: SCSIfreek
that resume looks wicked!!!! er.. too simple and does not stand out. Rework that sucker perhaps?


--Scsi

It IS your resume



Go to a good resume writing site and completely rework it.

It will NOT get good attention or call backs.

Also, when you send a resume, include a "cover letter" specific to the company you are trying to work for - let them know how UNIQUELY qualified you are to work for them and that you "admire their company", "would be an asset", "am reliable", BLAH BLAH BLAH . . .

 

[her209]

Will code for sex.

 

[kranky]

I wish I had time for a longer post, but let me throw out some ideas.

Move your experience above your education. You want to make it obvious that you have real experience.

Elaborate on what you did. You are too brief. Instead of "developed 3D visualization components using OpenGL", say "Responsible for developing a suite of 27 visualization components using OpenGL that were integrated into a financial modeling system. Project was completed two weeks ahead of schedule."

A perfect example - "Adapted raw industrial machine software for additional tasks". That is way too generic. What about "Researched, designed, and implemented a method of performing X, Y and Z with a MegaCorp X-950 CNC RotoGrinder, which had been previously determined to be not possible. This enabled the company to avoid having to purchase a MD-2020 Mollergizer, saving $80,000 in capital expense." Hey, if somebody sees something like that on a resume, they might want to talk to the guy to find out more.

Did you get any special recognition at your job? Singled out to work on a committee? Can you point out any ideas you had which led to cost savings? You need some things to set yourself apart from the crowd. Liven it up.

You might need to tweak your resume to particular jobs you are applying for. That's especially important with a cover letter.

Put in any buzzwords you can think of. Many companies use scanners to process resumes and program it to search for certain keywords. You don't want to leave any out.

Your main problem for now is to fix your resume and cover letters so you get interviews. If you need a professional to help, it will be well worth the investment.

 

[Zugzwang152]

sheesh, i hope the economy brightens up in 2-3 years, or i'll be caught in this mess :Q

 

[T2T III]

Does anybody know how I can get Security Clearance without joining the military? I know that I would have a much easier time finding a job... I have to pass over probably 200 listings daily that say "Active Security Clearance Required".

You could have lots of defense contractors in your "target" company listing. They are the keys to getting a security clearance. However, if they don't have some unclassified assignments to work on, your employment with them could be contingent upon successfully getting the clearance. I heard today from someone today that top secret clearances could take up to 18 months to finish. This doesn't seem good.

Some suggestions:

1) Re-work your resumé (as suggested by some others)

2) Have you considered writing some applications on your own? Start coding some things on your free time. See if you can't approach companies with what you've created as a method of making them more efficient (whether it be saving them time or money.)

3) Have you applied for any temporary agencies? You might have to take on an assignment as a clerk for $12.00 an hour, but it will get you feet into some doors. From there, you can find a lot out about various companies -- and maybe even have some opportunities to show off your I.T. experience to get yourself noticed.

I'm in the same bag as you are. I'm now approaching 5 months of being unemployed. However, I hit a minimum of 3 networking functions each and every week. So far, I've gotten good contacts for all the companies that I'm interested in. Now, it's just a matter of time until I reach the hiring managers to promote my skills.

Feel free to take a look at my resumé - there's a link to it in my signature area.

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
sheesh, i hope the economy brightens up in 2-3 years, or i'll be caught in this mess :Q

It will - and when it does, milk it for what you can. If you land a great position with a good salary, overlook purchasing a nice car with $500 per month car payments. Instead, buy a car that will cost you $200 per month and save the extra $300. Volunteer for any assignment that you can get your hands on in the company that hires you. The more experience that you gather, the better off you'll be. Realize that every position change does not always mean a promotion - some are lateral moves. However, keep in mind that the skills you gather will make you more valuable as each and every day goes by.

 

[gotsmack]

Originally posted by: SunnyD
K, you wanna see the text version of my resume... here ya go:

--- NAME and ADDRESS withheld ---
Objective
Detail-oriented individual seeking a programming or software engineering position to utilize, refine and expand my existing skill set, particularly in 3D graphics, logic design and new technologies.

doesn't anyone else see the problem?

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: SunnyD
Sorry, I had to come somewhere to rant...

15 months of unemployment this week...

I've sent out several hundreds of resumes over the last 15 months, and have been lucky only like 3 times to even get a callback. I haven't even had an interview, so to speak. One phone interview, but that was through a recruiter, and it was kindof a pre-screening thing to filter the candidates down.

My question is, what am I doing wrong. I mean, seriously, *I* have to be the one not doing it right here. All my friends have managed to get by here. I have mid-level experience, a Bachelor's and an Associate's degree (Comp. Sci. and related + Math Minor). I might as well say I'm a programmer/software engineer, and have been programming for a long, long time. Professionally, for about 4 years. I should be able to find a mid-level position, shouldn't I?

But here's what seems to happen - listings, paper, online, through friends... all of them... we want a million years of experience and a skillset the size of a supercomputer, all for an entry-level position. Why? Why am I getting turned away and not looked at for positions when I am an ably qualified candidate?

Okay, so I'm told that a large portion of my workforce is displaced and in the same boat... but I know people are calling THEM back. Why am I not getting callbacks?

And callbacks... well, yeah, I've taken a much more proactive stance over the last half-year in looking for jobs. I've been quite active on the phones trying to get ahold of the powers that be. And still... nothing.

I've had job listings before me that basically was my resume in their listing, only to never hear from those companies (and trying to contact them is nearly impossible due to lack of contact information).

Recruiters? I've given up on them ever since the last one I used sent 10 people for the same job. He did that twice to me.

My best hopes have been my friends lately. And even then, I've only had some empty leads thus far. It's definitely further than I get blindly sending a resume and attempting to contact - it means I have an "in". But like I said... empty leads.

Does anybody know how I can get Security Clearance without joining the military? I know that I would have a much easier time finding a job... I have to pass over probably 200 listings daily that say "Active Security Clearance Required".

And best yet... I recently got a rejection letter for a minimum-wage job saying I was "too overqualified" for the position.

So what the heck is one supposed to do in this position? I don't even think McDonald's would hire me at this point.

Depression is setting in and taking hold... and I need something to turn things around.

-D

well, if you are a good looking female, attach you pic w/the resume. at least it'll get the person's attention and actually read it. i know people who have hired good looking females over someone more qualified.

for security clearance, join the military as an officer for 2 years. get your top secret. risk: being sent to war

your resume should fill up a page. work on that Objective!