[vox-jobs] intent in a resume

[Rod Roark]

On Tuesday 15 July 2003 09:39 am, Peter Jay Salzman wrote:
> ...
> 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.

Being flexible is good, not bad.  :-)

> 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.

Agree with Richard, that you need at least two resumes.
Send the one that fits the job description.

> 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?

Very unlikely.  But since you were interviewing for a
specific position, it's clearly an obfuscation of some sort.
I would call up the hiring manager and ask "off the record"
why they took a pass.  They might not tell you but it can't
hurt to ask.

> 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...   :(

Plan to spend a few months at this.  It's not as easy as it
used to be.

Good luck!

-- Rod