[vox-jobs] intent in a resume

[Peter Jay Salzman]

hi all,

i'm starting to realize that i may have a big problem.  my tenure at
lugod has made me damned handy installing, configuring and
administrating linux.  and it's something i REALLY enjoy doing.  alot.

i also love to program.  i can easily sit in front of a computer and
hack out C code for a 10 hour stretch and not feel like a second has
past.  and it's something i'm good at.  i think my strength here is the
broad knowledge of various libraries that i've learned over the years.
much more than the _typical_ CS student graduating from college.

i have experience in both fields, and can't decide which one i'd rather
do.

when looking at some people's resumes, i found myself envious, because
their resumes clearly state their intent.  they program.  nice and
simple.  there's no question about it.

do people think it's better to have a narrow and focused resume?  or is
the scattergun approach good too (just laying everything out on the
resume)?   and if the scattergun approach is viable, what do i do about
my objective?   would stating that i'm looking for admin as well as
programming jobs sound too diversified?   what would the right approach
be?  my true feeling is that i just want a job.  don't care if it's
programing or admining.  i'm happy with both.


i just got terrible news.  i've sent out 8 resumes about 2 weeks ago.
got 1 call back for a "quant" position.  made it through an interview,
then a proficiency test in C/C++, then a 2nd interview.  it was a very
high paying job and things looked very hopeful.  yesterday i was told
that they don't have a position for my skill set.

does anybody know what "we don't have a position for your skill set"
mean in plain english?  is that a code phrase for "you suck" or
something?

so now i'm trying to hone my resume a bit more.

this is utterly disheartening.  i'm beginning to understand why everyone
seems cynical about job hunting now...   :(

pete

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