From: lstowell@pyrnova.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Newsgroups: misc.jobs.misc
Subject: Re: Can anyone give me suggestions?
Date: 7 Apr 92 15:27:42 GMT
Reply-To: lstowell@pyrnova.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Distribution: all
Organization: Pyramid Technology Corp., Mountain View, CA

In article <1992Apr07.020900.33163@yuma.acns.colostate.edu> lj359831@LANCE.ColoState.Edu (Lee Jarvie) writes:
>
>I'm curious if there is anyone out there (preferrably someone
>in Human Resources) who can screen my resume and give suggestions.
   
   Human resources typically screens experienced resumes looking for
   specific buzzwords from job descriptions given them by the hiring
   managers.  

   Those including a suitable number of these buzzwords get passed
   on to the hiring goups...those without get "the letter".

>I have seen numerous formats for engineers, but I've never been able
>to tell what the employer likes the most.  Things things I might be
>missing or need to omit.
>
    Its hard to say exactly.  What would make you stand out from
    amongst all the other resumes received.  

>I also have questions about etiquette.  Is posting your GPA
>(assuming it's low) a good idea.  I've heard differing views.
    
    For a new graduate, if it isn't included, I would usually ask it
    on the interview.  Not necessarily for the actual number, but
    for some indication of how it MIGHT (or might not) relate to
    your ability to contribute.

>Although my GPA is low, I feel I would make an excellent worker.
 
    So figure out how to convince the interviewer of this.  For
    example, if your GPA is significantly higher in the last year or
    so than in the freshman years, this would be a good sign to me.

>I admit that engineering didn't come very easy to me at first,
>but I have great references from a professor and the employer 
>I served my internship through.  
    
    Engineering doesn't come easy to a lot of experienced engineers
    either.  Again if your grades show that you did manage to muddle
    thru and improve with time, you would get points from me.  Also
    the internship would be of interest...depending on whether it
    was busy work or real contributing work.  But in general, ANY
    work history is better than none.  

>.How can I effectively get
>this info through to an employer?  Also, since I lack the
>magical 3-5 years experience, how do I find entry level jobs
>or how do I convince someone to hire me regardless?

  Its tough.  Most recruiters rarely handle new graduates...as it is
  VERY tough for them to get a handle on whether you'll be an asset
  or a liability to an employer...and these folk's ability to stay
  in business is HIGHLY dependent on their reputations.  This is
  also true of your first couple employers...you are a risk that may
  or may not pay off--and most employers hate to have to lay anyone
  off.  Most recruiters get their income from the employer...thats
  why they rarely deal with new grads.  

  I would forget about trying to shoe-horn your way into jobs
  clearly stated as requiring experience.  You have very slim chance
  and will only reduce your credibility by attempting to show that
  YOU know the requirements better than the interviewer.  

  Open houses and recruiting drives from companies work, but these
  tend to be "cattle calls"...and it is very hard for someone with a
  good attitude to make themselves stand out.   

  Without actual work experience, the difference is usually
  attitude.  Can you read and follow directions reasonably well?
  Can you express yourself reasonably effectively?  Are you going to
  try to EARN your experience or do you expect someone to GIVE it to
  you?   Are you willing to ask the "stupid question" or is your ego
  too big to admit you might not understand?

  Believe it or not, there are a lot of companies who eagerly seek
  out new graduates for their new ideas and learning..knowing that
  there will have to be considerable training investment.  How can
  you convince an employer you have learning that their current
  employees might lack?
Newsgroups: misc.jobs.misc