Include an industry "in-joke" hidden in resume? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bootalito
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 12:24:41 am
content: I'm thinking of adding the following line item in my resume:Worked directly with Rockwell Automation’s Turbo Encabulator project. Assisted with the design of the six hydrocoptic marzel vanes fitted to the ambiphasic lunar wane shaft that eliminated side fumbling.I'm a 37year old male senior industrial control systems engineer with 10 years of experience and would be looking for a project manangement / technical lead position in the automation field. Note that the Rockwell Turbo encabulator technobable video is more penitent in my field that most because I mainly utilize Rockwell Automation control products. Its like...a perfect fit. I've done my fair share of interviews for candidates in my company, and if I saw that it would make me laugh and remember them. But I kinda need some more opinions if I'm actually going to include this.Appropriate or Childish and unprofessional?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 12:37:03 am
content: IMO it will made an impression you don't take this position seriously. If this was a position you barely had any chance getting, you could try this as a chance to be remembered. But if you are a good fit, you should restrain from this. Then again, depends on who will review it.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 12:43:13 am
content: First of all, nobody will ever read it! Your resume will be computer graded and Rockwell Automation is about all it will pick up.However, on the odd chance that somebody does read your resume', it looks unprofessional. I wouldn't do it. It's almost like you are insulting the reader. They should know it doesn't exist, you know it doesn't exist, and yet here you are trying to put one over on them.

author: chriswebb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 12:46:42 am
content: Quote from: rstofer on December 04, 2017, 12:43:13 amWorse could be if there is someone from HR screening. I wouldn't assume your resume is only going to be read by people in on the joke.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 02:46:35 am
content: Quote from: wraper on December 04, 2017, 12:37:03 amI disagree. Good people know when to be serious and when to have some fun. If someone's reviewing resumes, he is likely bored out of his mind and will appreciate a bit of innocent fun. People that take their job and themselves too serious and only serious are often horrible to work with. It's also people not actually too sure about themselves or their own capabilities that will try to mask that by being super serious all the time.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 03:26:34 am
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on December 04, 2017, 02:46:35 amTrue, but a resume (or any professional document) is not the place for "fun". By all means during your interview, built rapport and have a bit of a laugh with the interviewers (if they are the type of person), but if I were to read something like that on a resume, it gives me the impression that the person is a bit of a clown. Best to be professional when it's in writing, especially since you really aren't sure who is going to be reading it.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 03:49:25 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on December 04, 2017, 03:26:34 amIf it was a long list of jokes, sure, but a well written resume with a small joke for those who actually looked isn't really clowning around. It could even be perceived as a professional move, as it's a way of checking people have actually read your resume.

author: Bootalito
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 04:07:17 am
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on December 04, 2017, 03:49:25 amThat's kind of what I was thinking. However I think enough people have basically said that its probably not a good idea, and to be honest I was leaning toward this.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 04:11:26 am
content: But with that said, I don't think I would put that in a resume, not because it's unprofessional or anything, but because it would be a bit awkward explaining it to somebody who didn't get the joke, like, say, a recruiter.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 04:18:29 am
content: Quote from: Bootalito on December 04, 2017, 04:07:17 amIf in doubt, don't do it. You're not losing out on anything by not including a joke, but you could potentially miss out if someone didn't share your sense of humour.

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 04:27:18 am
content: A couple thoughts:QuoteIs by definition not true, because it's joke. Therefore, claiming that you worked directly with it could be construed as misrepresentation for someone who takes things too literally.For someone who knows the joke but didn't like it, they could transfer that dislikeness to you.For someone who knows the joke and likes it, they might not appreciate you taking credit for it.Finally, for someone who knows the joke and likes it, they might think it very unique and clever to include it.All in all, this makes about a 25% chance that it would work in your favor, about 25% neutral, and about 50% not in your favor.However, as an alternative you could put something in the "Interests" section. Perhaps something like, "Exploring and researching the techniques of the Turbo Encabulator project in my spare time."Now, in my case, I'd get a good laugh and it would open up a couple avenues of discussion. Perhaps that's why I rarely get invited to interviewing these days.

author: thermistor-guy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 04:43:41 am
content: Quote from: Bootalito on December 04, 2017, 12:24:41 amI would call it as risky, unless you already know the interviewer quite well.You may get an interviewer who has chronically tight sphincters, and won't like the in-joke. You may get an interviewer who would normally smile at this, but right now he/she is under pressure; his/her project is in trouble; and attempts at comedy are just annoying right now.And you may get a change of interviewers at the last minute, invalidating your prior knowledge and risk assessment.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 04:58:15 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on December 04, 2017, 04:18:29 amEveryone seems to assume that disliking the joke will lead to instant disqualification. You'd have to be a thick and unprofessional HR drone to exclude a competent candidate over something like that.Besides, everyone wants to play it super safe. I've done lots of interviews and to be honest, the super safe ones generally don't fare well. You need to show who you are and whether there's a good fit. That sometimes means making the wrong impression, and other times it's just the right impression. But you have to make an impression and playing it safe generally doesn't do that. Remember, you only need one job. You don't need all of them.It's sometimes unbearable, to have 20 people turn up, and 15 of them having the same fish nor fowl middle of the road story. It's an utter waste of time.

author: thermistor-guy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 05:04:59 am
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on December 04, 2017, 04:58:15 amUnfortunately, my part of the world does have thick and unprofessional HR drones. And humorless managers. YMMV.

author: stmdude
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 05:58:10 am
content: I'm actually reading a bunch of resumes these days, as we're hiring for a couple of positions (SW, EE, PM, etc if anyone wants to apply, PM me, and I'll shoot you a link to the postings).We don't have HR drones or software that screens the applicants, just me and two other guys that actually read, rate and comment on each and every applicant.From this perspective, it still wouldn't have worked out to your favour. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one of us three that knows about the turbo encabulator, and even though I've had my stick-up-my-ass surgically removed a while back, it wouldn't make one bit of a difference to me that you are in on industry jokes, unless (possibly) that you were applying to a sales/marketing position.Now, if you had designs or code available in a public forum (github, hackaday, etc), _that_ would be the way to rise to the top of the pile, as it allows me to see that the CV isn't all bullshit, and that you take pride in your work.

author: Paul Moir
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 08:26:40 am
content: Turn it around the other way: you can use it to disqualify humourless employers who you will regret going to work for.Employment is a two way street for professionals.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 08:31:30 am
content: Quote from: Paul Moir on December 04, 2017, 08:26:40 amVery few people understand this. It's as much about you picking them as it's about the reverse. If they self eliminate, that's fine.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 08:53:54 am
content: I wouldn't put it in as an employment (assuming you didn't actually work for Rockwell), but something like that would make a fine personal project.I mean, it's a personal project, who are you to say I can't famulate my own amulite? I know the good stuff comes prefamulated but I can't afford that just for a one-off.That said, if you did actually work for Rockwell, it could very well be that you were involved in the Encabulator production in some way. Wouldn't that make a great resume?Tim

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 08:56:01 am
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on December 04, 2017, 08:31:30 amThis. And this.Schools are concerned with getting you off their campus and into a job. If it's a shitty go-nowhere job, that's your problem, not theirs.It's your duty to learn that, you're forging a relationship here, and the respect must be mutual. After all, that's what contract theory is all about (but engineering schools tend not to discuss that, either, sadly).Tim

author: mc172
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 09:01:12 am
content: Quote from: Bootalito on December 04, 2017, 12:24:41 amWhile I wouldn't put it on mine, I think it would have been even funnier if you had used a correct, meaningful sentence and then put "to eliminate side fumbling" right at the end.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 10:04:53 am
content: There are two distinctly different situations involved here - and not everybody has shown their understanding of the distinction.This is the best post to address this....Quote from: Halcyon on December 04, 2017, 03:26:34 amThe importance of whether a joke will be taken well or not depends on the audience. In essence, you need to be able to "read the room" for it to succeed.When you put it downon a resume, you don't know who will be reading it, their technical skill, their personality or even the mood they are in at the time. Throwing a joke in blind is, IMHO, a HUGE risk. In addition, once you've put it in and sent it off, you cannot change your mind.However,during an interview, yougetthat opportunity to read the room and you can decide to share it - or not. You also get two additional benefits, should you decide to throw it in. The first is the timing. Finding the right moment to deliver it is very important - especially if that moment never comes.The second is that the interview scenario is an interactive one and you can add vocal inflections and body language (which often occur naturally) which can save a marginal situation - or enhance a successful one.All in all - it's a risk either way, but the written joke is a bigger one.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 10:17:51 am
content: Again, taking the safe middle road might actually hurt your chances.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 10:23:16 am
content: Balance the chances of ithurtingyour application against the chances of actuallyhelpingit.Putting it blindly into a resume is too much of a risk, IMO.Having it on hand to inject into a conversation during an interview is much more sensible.Is that being "overly safe" or just being prudent?

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 10:29:33 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on December 04, 2017, 10:23:16 amNeither chances seem very significant to me. Though you shouldn't treat it as simple maths. If that worked, the middle road would pay off. It doesn't, because there will generally be a more remarkable candidate in the bunch.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 10:32:05 am
content: Quote from: Paul Moir on December 04, 2017, 08:26:40 amAgain, this is not the purpose of your Resume or CV (unless you're applying to be an entertainer). Just as an SMS can sometimes be taken any number of ways without proper context.Your CV should be factual, chronological and professional. That's it. It needs to be concise yet hold the dribble. It's there to get your foot in the door for an interview, not to entertain the reader. Where large companies are concerned, they often don't have 15 minutes to spend reading what you've submitted, especially if they have hundreds or thousands of applicants.If and when you make it to interview stage, then yes, absolutely show your true self, if that means having a laugh with the interviewers, then fine. But just pick the appropriate time. As someone who has interviewed potential candidates before, to me an interview is the"I know about your qualifications and education already, I want to get to know you and make sure you're not a dickhead"phase of the recruiting process.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 10:48:38 am
content: Speaking of appropriateness for audience --If this is a general resume that you send around everywhere, leave posted on your website, whatever, then keep it professional.If you are customizing your resume for a particular target company (which is recommended anyway, at least with a cover letter), do whatever you think is appropriate for that company's culture.Tim

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 08:46:42 pm
content: It really depends on the environment I guess, like if they are easy going they might think that's great, but if they are uptight "corporate" types they may not even ever have heard about that joke or simply not think it's funny.I would be tempted myself to put it in but I'd probably leave it out.I actually want to build an encabulator at some point as a gag, it will be a big rackmount box with lot of dials and lights and I'll call it a Network Encabulator.For those who never seen it:Chrysler also has their own version:"Too much gas in the fuel system" gets me every time.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 04, 2017, 11:45:50 pm
content: Quote from: Red Squirrel on December 04, 2017, 08:46:42 pmIs that based on the 1968 model Gonculator?

author: jolshefsky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2017, 12:52:53 am
content: I wasn't sure what you had in mind when I read the title, but I think an entire fantastical entry of work experience is a bit too much. I think adding in an "Easter egg" so-to-speak would be fine if you're clever about it, but—like Easter eggs in software—should not even be detectable, nor burden any part of the whole. If you can spin your cover letter so the first word of each paragraph spells out, "All your base are belong to us,"you have written a far-too-long cover letternobody would ordinarily notice. Or if you can make naked lady ASCII art out of an otherwise readable resume, please post a copy here.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2017, 09:18:00 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on December 04, 2017, 03:26:34 amTrue, also, the one who reads the resume and understands the joke, can not know if the rest of the resume is a joke too.That could be a problem when he has to defend his choice to his superior.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 06, 2017, 01:13:58 am
content: ... another reason to hold the joke for an interactive situation, that is, the interview.Being 'cute' by using humour is not a bad thing if you find the right audience in the right frame of mind in the right situation. Being there to make the call to either present the joke or not (not to mention tonal inflection and body language cues) is much less risky than dropping it into a document and waving goodbye.IMHO

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2017, 01:46:59 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on December 06, 2017, 01:13:58 amYes, being too cute by 3 dB could drive up resistance on the part of the interviewer.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 06, 2017, 01:53:21 am
content: Indeed. Adding any additional impedance to ....No, no, no, no, no...NO!I am NOT going to get sucked in.....I am NOT going to get sucked in.....I am NOT going to get sucked in.....I am NOT going to get sucked in.....I am NOT going to get sucked in.....