Getting a Job in IT

TechZilla

Not sure if this has been posted here yet. I think it has good information.

So You Want to Get a Job in Information Technology? (Part 2) - Server Fault Blog

What do you think of his sample resume excerpt? I've never seen a job experience section broken down like that.

ptilsen

I don't like the sample resume bits at all. I've seen a few different styles that I find somewhere between acceptable and good, but this would not fall in that range. It is not at all concise, and for anyone with more than a couple of jobs it would be difficult to keep a resume within two pages.

petergrace

ptilsen wrote: »

I don't like the sample resume bits at all. I've seen a few different styles that I find somewhere between acceptable and good, but this would not fall in that range. It is not at all concise, and for anyone with more than a couple of jobs it would be difficult to keep a resume within two pages.

Thanks for your input, and I agree that if you're keeping the resume to within two pages, creative formatting and layout can be difficult to achieve. However, you want to stand out from your competition as much as possible so variation in this area is not unwise.

I'm curious, how might you instead produce a compelling work description based on what I had provided in the blog post? There's always room for input and improvement when it comes to these types of posts.

-pete
(When people post links to our blogs we get a PingBack... thanks WordPress!)

ptilsen

I prefer a format more along these lines:

Company | Dates Employed
Job Title
2-3 sentence paragraph describing job
*Bullets of
*major accomplishments
*and projects

Using extra words like accolades, skills utilized, and accomplishments takes up a lot of space. That space is extremely valuable, and the nature of the sentences should make what's being conveyed obvious. I don't use a skills section at all; my skills show up in my accomplishments bullets. Again, it's more concise and more effective way to reflect expertise than a skills section or individual "skill utilized" sections in each experience block.

Some still hold that resumes shouldn't exceed one page. My vote has always been two, and most of us on this site fall into one of those categories (there are a select few who think three or more is just fine).

In short, I prefer this:

Sanford and Son, Salvage (1972-1977)

Frequently noted as having the best one-liners in the company
Kept a 1952 Ford Pickup in running order much longer than previously considered humanly possible
Voted the fastest salvager on the east side after completing the Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs! (City record!)

To this:

Sanford and Son, Salvage (1972-1977)
Accomplishments

Ran the Los Angeles Kessel Run in under 12 blocks, beating the standing record of 16 blocks. (1972)
Accolades

In Trash We Trust Award – 1973
Salvage Monthly’s “Top of the Heap” – 1975
Skills Utilized

Advanced engine mechanics and collision repair
Navigation of South-Central Los Angeles by automobile and commercial trucks
Lifting heavy loads

ptilsen

I agree and disagree with other aspects of the article. I don't send out cover letters unless the application either asks for it or includes the option (most applications are web forms on recruiting sites or company's web sites). Five jobs later, and none of my employers were companies to which I sent cover letters. Of course, that's anecdotal and could even reflect that I write poor cover letters, but I've been successful without writing a cover letter every time.

I do agree about tailoring resumes, and I generally make minor modifications for each job posting.

I also disagree about salaries. Again, I've always provided my current and required salary when I asked. If my salary requirement prices me out of the equation, then my time is saved by not interviewing. For the jobs at which I've interviewed, I've always been given an offer for higher than my minimum salary -- I've yet to turn down an offer on the table over low pay, and I am notoriously stingy. Be up front with what you want, and if you're worth it you can get it. If you're not, you can't, and it doesn't matter what kind of games you play.

I agree that networking can be a major boon, as can ensuring your web presence is to your advantage.