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Thanks - I'll try those. From what I've seen of Internet employment sites, though, they tend to be very USA-centered (probably because that's the biggest employment market.)
Once I've tried a few more weeks on the employment message board, I think I'll try the lounge - it's not entirely on-topic, but lots of people are in the lounge!
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Hi,
Sun Microsystems or Opus International are big employers over here for engineers and software developers.
For general job searching www.jobs.co.nz or www.seek.co.nz are the two most popular sites for job listings.
You could also try the job section on www.trademe.co.nz which is also a big website.
Cheers,
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Thanks Mark
I've tried jobs.co.nz and seek.co.nz - there's a couple of possibles, but nothing that really suits what I've done in the past. The main problem is that most of my work history has been development and support for the South African Air Force, and NZ shut down the interesting bits of their air force some years ago.
I'll have a look at the Sun Microsystems, Opus International, and trademe.co.za sites.
Cheers
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"I guess it's what separates the professionals from the drag and drop, girly wirly, namby pamby, wishy washy, can't code for crap types." - Pete O'Hanlon
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Hi Paul... Why such a response?
Regards!
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Your original thread in Lounge itself has gathered enough responses.
Vasudevan Deepak Kumar
Personal Homepage
Tech Gossips
A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds, and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs; an optimist doesn't see the clouds at all - he's walking on them. --Leonard Louis Levinson
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Hello everybody. I've never posted here before, but I have read a lot of articles. I am a computer science student at the University of Central Florida. I have a project for my technical writing class that I need help with. I have to write a fake application letter and resume for a real job that I might qualify for. I need to have a professional in my field (software development) review the letter and resume and give me some pointers on improvement. I don't know anybody in my field so I was hoping somebody here could read over these documents and give me some pointers on format, content, and some practical advice for a computer science student looking for his first job.
If anybody would help me I would really appreciate it. I am a little apprehensive about asking busy people to have to do homework, but it is a requirement for the assignment. If anybody decides to help, thank you.
I'll copy and paste the letter below and copy and paste the resume below the letter.
---------- LETTER ----------
121 Fake Address Road Apt 9309
Daytona Beach, FL 32119
March 2, 2008
Nancy Hanrahan
Raydon Corporation
210 Fentress Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Attention: Human Resource Department
Dear Ms. Hanrahan:
I am applying to the entry level Software Engineer position I saw advertised on the Raydon website. I am currently a senior at the University of Central Florida and finishing a Co-Op term at United Space Alliance. I believe the combination of my Co-Op experience and formal education makes me a strong candidate for this position.
While studying computer science at the University of Central Florida I realized that in a dynamic industry like software development, experience is crucial. I knew experience would supplement my formal education immensely. I didn’t hesitate when I was accepted for the Co-Op program at United Space Alliance. The opportunity required me to work full time every other semester. This extended my time in college but I believe the experience has prepared me for positions such as the one you are offering.
At United Space Alliance I’ve worked on projects that solved real world problems without well defined means towards a solution. I have conceptualized, designed, coded, tested, debugged, and documented my projects under limited supervision. Software development can be an expensive, challenging, and lengthy process. With this in mind, I understand the need for innovation, motivation, and the accurate and timely delivery of projects.
In your company profile you say that the products you develop help save lives. At United Space Alliance, it was crucial that everybody understood how potentially unsafe it could be if we did not take the work we did seriously. One of the mottos at United Space Alliance was producing work that was safe, error free, and on time. I believe these are important qualities for any work, especially for the products you produce at Raydon.
In closing, I want to ensure you that I am willing to work as hard as it takes to exceed your expectations. I understand that this position requires candidates to meet and exceed certain qualifications. I hope I can have a chance to meet with you in person and discuss if I could be an addition to your team of software engineers. Thank you for your time. My contact information is in the attached resume.
Sincerely,
Luke Thomas
---------- RESUME ----------
I had to change the format to paste it here. The original is a word document.
Luke Thomas
[Address here]
Objective:
----------
Seeking a position as an entry level software engineer.
Education:
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Associates of Arts degree. Daytona Beach Community College. May 2006.
Currently studying Computer Science at the University of Central Florida.
Anticipated Graduation: December 2009.
Work Experience:
----------------
2007 to Present
Computer Science Co-Op. United Space Alliance. Houston, TX.
Conceptualized, designed, developed, tested, debugged, and documented software tools for Space Shuttle and Space Station technical writers. The tools helped increase productivity and accuracy while comparing documents between revisions.
2003 to 2007
Held a variety of part-time jobs while attending school full-time including computer salesman, carpenter’s helper, and janitor.
Computer Skills:
----------------
Programming Languages:
C, C++, Java, Python, VB.NET, and C#.
Markup Languages:
XML, HTML.
Operation Systems:
Windows, Linux, MacOSX.
Honors:
-------
High School:
Magna Cum Laude.
College:
Graduated with Honors at Daytona Beach Community College.
Deans List for Computer Science at the University of Central Florida.
3.5 GPA.
References:
-----------
Available upon request.
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OK - I can only speak for the way we would do this in the UK, but I would have to say that you wouldn't get past the first hurdle. Your CV (resume) is too bland and doesn't sell you to me quickly enough. Even though you have limited experience, I would expect that to be near the top. You spend a lot of time selling yourself to the HR department, and completely forget to sell yourself to me as the manager.
I see roughly 10 CVs a week, and don't have time to wade my way to the bottom. Sell yourself at the top and make me notice you.
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Thanks, that helps a lot.
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Pete O'Hanlon wrote: You spend a lot of time selling yourself to the HR department, and completely forget to sell yourself to me as the manager.
Manager is very important. But if you have some HR moron that doesn't know what management is really looking for, they'll discard the resume/CV and it never makes it to the manager at all. It requires careful balance...
"Real programmers just throw a bunch of 1s and 0s at the computer to see what sticks" - Pete O'Hanlon
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I don't disagree. I'm just pointing out that he needs to sell himself to both.
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Considering the number of sentences starting with "I", might be an indication that perhaps his English skills may be below par, then, would that trouble you as a prospective manager/employer?.
modified 1-Aug-19 21:02pm.
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Richard A. Abbott wrote: Considering the number of sentences starting with "I", might be an indication that perhaps his English skills may be below par, then, would that trouble you as a prospective manager/employer?.
That's actually a tricky one. It would really depend on how client facing and client leading I expected him to be. If I was expecting that he should be able to lead the client through the design process and to actually liaise with them on a fairly frequent basis (and I do expect this of all staff) then sub par communication skills would be a problem.
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I agree with Pete on the issue of the resume. The better approach to take for this is to use what is called a functional resume. This style lists experience in skills clusters rather than chronologically by employer and is great for someone that doesn't have a lot of real-world experience.
Also, for a resume that is light in experience, you can also list outside activities like usergroups, etc. if you are invovled in any (and they are relevant to the work).
As both Pete and Paul point out, you also have to balance a fine line between "selling" yourself to the HR manager and the hiring manager (usually the technical manager). I think the best approach there is the combination of the cover letter and the resume. The cover letter is usually what sells you to the HR manager while the resume conveys your actual technical qualifications.
Scott.
—In just two days, tomorrow will be yesterday.
—Hey, hey, hey. Don't be mean. We don't have to be mean because, remember, no matter where you go, there you are. - Buckaroo Banzai
[ Forum Guidelines] [ Articles] [ Blog]
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Has anyone started a new job and found themselves in this kind of situation? What did you do about it?
I'm new in my developer position, the only developer in this non-tech organization, and my predecessor was loved by everyone and they still worship the ground he walks on. I'm always getting compared to him in the most negative ways, when I haven't even had time to prove myself yet (I was an inside candidate who moved from another department into this position).
Anyway, he put together some big development projects while he was here and everyone was thrilled by how quickly he worked. So I started going through his ASP code (I'm an ASP.NET person) and was amazed to find out that he used a code generator (a 30 day free trial) for everything!!!
So, what can I do? Do I tell my organization that this guy they love didn't even write his own code? They may not even care because no one here understands what the developer does anyway. The thing is, they are still paying him to be a consultant on the side, which I found out after I started this job. I'm going to have to say something because I'll probably end up rebuilding this entire project over again anyway because this out-of-the-box generated code is impossible to work with! But how can I communicate all this to my boss?
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Why is the generator code impossible to work with? I ask you because it could actually be quite good if it's something like CodeSmith (some of the supplied templates are very good). You can actually get a free copy of CodeSmith or MyGeneration and make use of their templates yourself. Why not avail yourself of the same advantages that your predecessor did? It doesn't make sense for you to code everything from scratch yourself.
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Just try to follow the same steps the other guy did. Like Pete said, CodeSmith is a good one.
"Real programmers just throw a bunch of 1s and 0s at the computer to see what sticks" - Pete O'Hanlon
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Since the system is already up and running, try work with the code generation tool. Using code generator is quite common nowadays anyway and you might pick up a few things or two.
As for the 30 days trial, ask the company innocently, about the license. If nobody knows what the heck you talking about, explain to them the system was built using the code generator, and the company need to purchase the license to continue support it (company needs to purchase it for commercial use, depending on the license, anyway).
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An important key is to, no matter how you feel, not make the other developer look bad because they'll (the dev and the organization) likely turn that onto you. A couple of the suggestions here are good ones - see if you can use the generated code so long as it adequately supports the projects it's being used for, look into licensing if required, and use any downtime you have (it may not be for awhile, of course) to dissect and rebuild areas that end up requiring it due to generated code limitations. I know this is not an easy thing, but right now focus on whatever makes the job fun and a great learning experience for you, and forget what the organization says. If you have a mentor there talk with that person to get some proactive tips, but otherwise, just consider yourself a maverick, have at it, don't let yourself feel pushed into a corner, and forget the rest. Good luck!!!! 
_________________________________________________
Have a great day!!!
-- L.J.
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Just work smart as the others suggested.
As for the negative comments, if you do your job to the best of your ability people will soon recognise that, and you'll be fine. If people continue with the negativity just remind yourself their the ones with the problem - not you.
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"just remind yourself their the ones with the problem - not you."
Goes with
"If they didn't need you, you wouldn't be there."
Remember that 
-= Reelix =-
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Id rather work in a supermarket with people I like and respect, than in a software company with rude/stupid people who I have no respect for.
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Jagdale Anil Ashok
Mobile: +91-9970851751, Email: anil.jagdale@gmail.com
________________________________________
Seeking assignments in Software Development / Project Development with an organization of repute.
PRÉCIS
? A B.E (Computer) Professional with over 1.5 years of experience in Software development in Microsoft Technology.
? Presently working as Software Engineer at I.T. Integrated Solution LTD Mumbai
? Comprehensive exposure on Microsoft Web Technologies like ASP .Net, C#.Net, Ajax R.c 1,0, HTML, JavaScript etc.
? Ability to handle independently projects in C#, ASP.NET 2.0, Ajax R.C 1.0 & Crystal Report with Sal server back end
? Deft at mapping the requirements, custom designing solutions and troubleshooting for complex software & application problems.
? Excellent communication & interpersonal skills with proven abilities in resolving complex software issues.
IT SKILLS
Web Technology : ASP .net, C# .net, XML, HTML, and Java Script
Database : SQL Server 2000, SQL Server Enterprise Edition – 2005, Access
(Installation, Database Creation, Mirroring, Recovery and Maintenance)
Other Skill : Ajax R.C 1.0, Crystal Report, upgrading existing web application on new
Platform,VisualSourceSafe.
Operating Systems: Windows, Linux
Server : IIS Server, Tomcat
Other Programming Language: C, C++, C#, vb, COBOL, Java
Application Blocks: Data Application Blocks, Business Object.
Utility Tools : Ms-Office 2003 Professional, MS-Project, VISIO.
ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Currently associated with I.T. Integrated Solution Limited from June 2007
I.T. Integrated Solution (www.itisl.com) is having strong business analysis base and business experience spanning 3 continents and ranging from CRM Solution and ERP Solution to Distribution, Advertising and Media to Finance and Logistics Management to Production Planning.
Previously associated with Srishti InfoTech from Aug 2006 to June 2007
Srishti InfoTech is having strong business analysis in ERP and E-commerce domain
Projects handling at I.T Integrated Solution Limited Mumbai
? Title : CRM for JP Morgan
Duration : August 2007 to till date
Environment : C#, ASP.Net, Ajax, JavaScript, Crystal Report, Backend – SQL 2000
Team Size : 12 members
Role : Team Member
Scope : JP Morgan is one of multinational Finance service providing organization.
This CRM System acts as an Administrator for J. P Morgan. It is a web based
Solution which takes care of Investor, Distributor and their Activity. The
Solution creates various
Roles for the Users like Customer Care executive, Distributors, and Investor etc. It also maintains
The status of Customer Query, Complaint, Request & Information. It also maintain AUM Budget
And annual profit & loss
? Title : Business Object [BO]
Duration : June 2007 to August 2007
Environment : C#, ASP.Net, Javascript, Backend – SQL 2000
Team Size : 6 members
Role : Team Member
Scope : An online web portal which provides all the functionality to user to retrieve
Information related to JDA. Major modules include in this web portal are
Application Status, Member’s List, Tenders, Press Release, Plot details, Lottery details,
Land bank details, Mail centre etc.
Projects handling at srishti InfoTech
? Title : Medical ERP System
Duration : August 2006 to march 2007
Environment : C# .net, crystal report, JavaScript, Ajax R.c 1.0 SQL Server 2000
Team Size : 6 members
Role : Team Member
Scope : This ERP system acts like an administrator for a pharmaceutical firm.
It keeps all the records of Suppliers, Distributors and Employee of
The company Placing order, creating Invoice, maintaining stock of medicines &
Calculation Employee Salary Messaging of Customer Query & order on Intranet.
Invoice Report, monthly Employee salary Report
? Title : WorldTiketing
Duration : March 2007 to May. 2007
Environment : C#, Asp.net JavaScript, Backend – SQL Server 2005
Team Size : 6 members
Role : Team member
Scope : Worldtiketing is an E-Commerce project where you can online
Buy any tickets For sports, Music or Cultural Events
Maintaining Shopping cart & Pay pal Integration
Maintain every day sale report
Applying different discount scheme
.
? Title : Askpune
Duration : May 2007 to June. 2007
Environment : C#, Asp.Net, JavaScript, Ajax RC 1.0, SQL Server 2000,
Team Size : 6 members
Role : Team Lead
Scope : Askpune is an ecommerce project where you can online buy any stuff
Maintain sale Report
Integrate Pay pal for Payment gateway
Applying different discount scheme
Other Projects
Title : Ubiquitous Health Care System (Final Year)
Environment: VB6 with Nokia PC Component and 8051 Assembly Language
Team Size : 4 members
Role : Group Lead
Scope: Users can Remotely On/Off Appliance of Health Care System
User can Remotely Exam the Status of Patient.
User can send SMS to Server from it’ Cell Phone.
Title : Automobile Information System (Third Year)
Environment: - Visual Basic 6.0, MS-Access
Team Size : 1 member
Role : -
Scope: It’s used for Auto Showrooms to view All type of vehicles, Inventory of vehicles, Add showing demo of new vehicle, Compare to vehicle with available future
.
ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
Qualification University Year Percentage Class
B.E. Computer Pune University 2006 64.87% First Class
H.S.C Maharashtra Board 2002 65.67% First class
S.S.C. Maharashtra Board 2000 64.40 % First class
PERSONAL PROFILE
Date of Birth : 27th may, 1985
Current Address : 29/1985, Abhudaya nagar, kalaChowki, Dadar [East], Mumbai- 400033
Permanent Address : 19, Phoenix, Bharatgaon, Near to Uruli Kanchan
Pune - 412214, Maharashtra
I hereby declare that the above details are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. It would be a pleasure working in your firm.
modified on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:44 AM
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Abusive post - reported to the authorities.
Do not post your resume here, this is a proramming forum.
How can you expect to get a job when you don't seem to understand the basics.
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