Dilema for a Computer Engineer

[B0000rt]

So I've graduated with a Computer Engineering degree, and have been looking for a job since September. I'm not partial to relocation to anywhere in Canada or the United States. The problem is, noone's been getting back to me. I've only had two real callbacks, ATi and Microsoft, out of maybe 150 or so applications.

I've been using those large jobbank type websites (such as dice.com, hotjobs, workopolis, monster, thingamajob etc etc) in addition to corporate websites. After the first month, I realized I should make a Cover Letter, so I did that, and I believe my resume is as polished as I can get it.

I'm wondering, is this to be expected? Is my resume bad or my cover letter bad? Or am I applying to the wrong jobs (Ideally I'd want a development type job, but what I've really applying to lately are QA tester jobs)

The current company I'm working for is unrelated to my field of work (it's a Mechanical contractor), and I've been offered a fulltime position, but the office is small, and I don't believe I could move up much, and the pay isn't that great, 35k. So, I've told them I'm willing to stay on part time, to benefit us both, some cash for me, and help them out with what I was previously doing for them, and on my days off, dedicate it to applying for jobs/reviewing technical stuff incase of an interview.

Emebdded systems is my endgoal, ideal job.

Below is my resume, it seems verbose, but I think it's well polished. Is there anything majorly wrong with it?
Here (http://www.cs.yorku.ca/~cs231104/B0000rt.txt)

[en]

I am in the same situation as you.

I graduated from UBC Elec. Eng. in Nov. 06, and I have not gotten any callbacks.

It seems from your resume that you had some co-op work exp. which should have been helpful (unlike me).

I think if you apply to US companies, when they ask you "Are you authorized to work in the US", because if you are a Canadian citizenship, you have access to the TN visa which means companies do not have to sponsor you to work in the US so that question may be where they screen off non-US applicants...

I think its much easier if you use your university's career services, because its much easier to get an on-campus interview.

[B0000rt]

You know what? I thought the companies have to still sponsor you even if you need a TN Visa no?

I mean everytime I apply to jobs in the states I hit yes I require sponsorship to that question... Or is that what I'm doing wrong?

Edit:

TN (NI)
Category: Professional as defined by NAFTA

Purpose: Provide for working visits by Canadian and Mexican professionals (professions listed in NAFTA FTA)

Requirements: Professions must be listed in NAFTA FTA/Some differences for Canadian and Mexican applicants/ Sponsorship by US employer

Duration: No maximum
1-year intervals

Restrictions: Job must be temporary

No?
http://www.aps.org/programs/international/visa/categories.cfm#tn

[Maxspeed]

you need to a job letter from a company before you can apply for a TN1 visa...

[hugh_da_man]

I think you'll have a hard time hearing back from anyone if you don't have a cover letter so it's good that you've added that.

What type of jobs are you applying for? When I went into embedded systems I took the lowest job on the totem pole inorder to get in the door. Now I don't have any trouble finding new jobs because I have the applicable experience.

[x86asm]

Man if you're having trouble getting an embedded related job well then I should be scared I guess :lol: . It is my goal to work in the embedded field as well, but I think the embedded job market here in Toronto is kind of dry. Montreal/Ottawa and the US are better from what I've seen. That is of course, you don't mind moving.

I have been looking for an internship position and was somewhat disappointed at what was available. So much to the point that I am seriously considering looking elsewhere and relocating after I graduate.

Let me know how your job search goes B000rt (sorry if I misspelled).

[B0000rt]

you need to a job letter from a company before you can apply for a TN1 visa...
Ya, I figured as much, but TN Visa, I've heard, is very easy to obtain!

I think you'll have a hard time hearing back from anyone if you don't have a cover letter so it's good that you've added that.

What type of jobs are you applying for? When I went into embedded systems I took the lowest job on the totem pole inorder to get in the door. Now I don't have any trouble finding new jobs because I have the applicable experience.
Yeah, I quickly realized that! To be honest, I'm looking for whatever I can get right now, that's related to my degree! If it isn't in embedded, I won't fret, as industry experience is industry experience, much better then the experience I'm getting at my current job! I am applying to every Entry/Junior QA tester positions, and Junior whatever Engineering positions I see..

Man if you're having trouble getting an embedded related job well then I should be scared I guess :lol: . It is my goal to work in the embedded field as well, but I think the embedded job market here in Toronto is kind of dry. Montreal/Ottawa and the US are better from what I've seen. That is of course, you don't mind moving.

I have been looking for an internship position and was somewhat disappointed at what was available. So much to the point that I am seriously considering looking elsewhere and relocating after I graduate.

Let me know how your job search goes B000rt (sorry if I misspelled).
Well apply early! Don't leave it like me and apply after you graduate! I bummed around the summer, and did some traveling, so I didn't start applying until the fall!

As for internship, the one I got at ADI (Analog Devices) was through connections, my cousin works there as a developer.

From working at this Mechanical contracting company, there's this control system for HVAC units called Building Automation. I've looked through the spec sheets and there's quite abit of embedded coding involved. Also, for pump motors, you can't just switch them on, as it'll mess up the breakers and whatnot, rather you gotta step the voltage up gradually, by means of something called a Variable Speed(or Frequency) drive. That also has quite abit of embedded coding too! So those things have started to really interest me, but I don't know how to get into it! I've looked at the manufacturers websites and such, but no openings for Junior staff :(

[curtis]

Well, for one thing, some items in your resume are projecting yourself as a flake or a definite exaggeration. Perhaps this was overseen as elegance or as being a polished way to describe your roles, however it likely comes across as overconfident. Modesty and sincerity go a long way.

[B0000rt]

Well, for one thing, some items in your resume are projecting yourself as a flake or a definite exaggeration. Perhaps this was overseen as elegance or as being a polished way to describe your roles, however it likely comes across as overconfident. Modesty and sincerity go a long way.

So you're detecting cockiness in my resume?

The problem is that the line between overconfidence and shortselling myself is very blurry! Any specific areas where you see this problem as glaring?

Thanks for your honest opinion!

[curtis]

I wouldn't go as far as to say cockiness, just the typical engineering student overconfidence.

I would emphasize specific tasks you've done rather than titles of the responsibilities you've held.

So you're detecting cockiness in my resume?

The problem is that the line between overconfidence and shortselling myself is very blurry! Any specific areas where you see this problem as glaring?

Thanks for your honest opinion!

[Rehan]

I'm wondering, is this to be expected? Is my resume bad or my cover letter bad? I think you need to re-structure your resume into a functional format (http://www.quintcareers.com/functional_resume.html). I think it would help a lot in telling potential employers what you can bring to the table.

[B0000rt]

I wouldn't go as far as to say cockiness, just the typical engineering student overconfidence.

I would emphasize specific tasks you've done rather than titles of the responsibilities you've held.
So less summaries, and more about specifics? My reasoning behind being less 'technical' behind the descriptions, is that the first line I really have to get through are the recruiters and HR people, no? I have been told that I should expand on the details of the responsibilities, and outline how they pertain to such things as leadership, skills etc.

I think you need to re-structure your resume into a functional format (http://www.quintcareers.com/functional_resume.html). I think it would help a lot in telling potential employers what you can bring to the table.
Thanks for the link, I'll look into that!

[curtis]

So you've been told to cut out real information and substitute some bullsh1t.

While recruiters and HR people do screen through the resumes, they are looking for very specific things in your resume, not the general things that everyone else is likely bullsh1tting about - leadership, etc...

Imagine what the recruiter is thinking after having read a few hundred resume's saying this guy was a great 'team player' and had 'great leadership skills'?

You're looking for a technical job. The recruiter will probably expect and want to see some level of technical jargon.

Read the posting, consider what you should put and the level of detail that you want to/think matches the posting and include it in the resume.

So less summaries, and more about specifics? My reasoning behind being less 'technical' behind the descriptions, is that the first line I really have to get through are the recruiters and HR people, no? I have been told that I should expand on the details of the responsibilities, and outline how they pertain to such things as leadership, skills etc.


Thanks for the link, I'll look into that!

[B0000rt]

So you've been told to cut out real information and substitute some bullsh1t.

While recruiters and HR people do screen through the resumes, they are looking for very specific things in your resume, not the general things that everyone else is likely bullsh1tting about - leadership, etc...

Imagine what the recruiter is thinking after having read a few hundred resume's saying this guy was a great 'team player' and had 'great leadership skills'?
Yeah, I've kinda thought about that too. It was the university's career center that suggested I do that. It's good I didn't take her advice heh.

You're looking for a technical job. The recruiter will probably expect and want to see some level of technical jargon.

Read the posting, consider what you should put and the level of detail that you want to/think matches the posting and include it in the resume.
That's a very good point, but right now I cna't think of what I would write that would be 'impressive' from a programming aspect.

"Efficiently coded multiplication algorithm that ran in O(n) time!" you know? Maybe it's just me being slow at this time of night, I guess I'll sleep on it and maybe better details will emerge in the morning!

But it does make logical sense for my resume to be abit more technical. The recruiter/HR should know some details about the position they're hiring for!

Thanks for your insight, to bed I go!

[dealguy2]

I've marked my changes in bold.


Highlights of Qualifications

- Java SE/ME, C, Assemblerr (X86 or what?), VB, Verilog, Eiffel (Personally I'd leave these last two out)- You get the idea. For each job put in the skills that match the position. I usually copy and paste job ads
into my resume and change the wording for the things that apply to my experience.

* C, Java SE & Java ME, Eiffel, Visual Basic, Assembler and Verilog
Operating Systems:
* Windows XP/2000/NT, Linux, Mac OS 9 and OS X
Software Packages:
* Quartus II, MAX+PLUS II, MatLab, Eiffel Studio, Codewarrior and LabView
Networking:
* TCP/IP, Ethernet, WLAN and Bluetooth
Testing equipment & software:
* Oscilloscopes, Logic analyzers, Veriwell, SPIM simulator





Skills and EXPERIENCE

Here's where you back up your highlights of qualifications from above. The idea here is that
within 1 minute someone reading through a pile of resumes will instantly know that you have the goods and will put you
in the "look at later pile". This section is what they'll look at later.

Product Verification Engineer Summer 2004
-------, Toronto
* Rigorously tested all ADSL chipset lines with each new developer firmware builds on various platforms such as Windows, Linux and OS X
* Wrote a wide variety of automated test scripts used for testing ADSL modems, including throughput analysis over various protocols and DSLAM line rates
* Modified and updated previous test procedures and protocols
* Helped organize new testing protocols for a new digital home media center product

Assistant Project Coordinator Sept 2006 – Current
-------, Mississauga
* Assess bid sites for potential mechanical contract projects
* Obtain quotes from various subcontractors and suppliers to be used for tendering
* Assemble submittal documentation for review by consulting engineers
* Coordinate delivery schedule of materials with tradesmen and owners
* Communicate with site foremen regarding project progress
* Compile and organize maintenance manuals for site operators and caretakers

I would not list this job:
Pharmacist Assistant March 2003 – Sept 2006
-------, Toronto
* Ordered and managed front shop and prescription drug merchandise
* On average, handled over 120 patient prescriptions daily
* Assisted the pharmacist in dosage and prepackaging of medication
* Performed daily book keeping of Narcotic orders and daily sales

or this one. No one cares.
Wilderness Adventure Ride Maintenance Summer 2003
Ontario Place, Toronto
* Ensured proper operation of ride pulleys, belt systems and water pumps
* General inspection and maintenance of ride vehicles
* Awarded company Star of the Week for taking active measures to ensure ride safety


ACADEMIC PROJECTS


Introduction to Robotics Spring 2006
Reactive Robot Application
* Designed software in C and Java SE for an automated Frisbee following mobile robot
* Implemented various image processing techniques such as edge detection and colour subtraction

Digital Signal Processing: Theory and Application Spring 2006
Sample Rate Converter
* Designed a real time DSP audio sample rate converter
* Prototyped design in MatLab, using various types of filters and parameters
* Implemented an expander, a decimator and the prototyped filter in floating-point C code and finally converted them into fixed-point C code

Engineering Design Project Spring 2006
Bluetooth Racer
* Took an active role as the Project Manager for the duration of the project
* Designed 2-way digital wireless Bluetooth controller to drive a remote control car
* Utilized Java Micro Edition for code on a mobile device, Nokia 6620
* Implemented C code on a Freescale HCS12 microcontroller using RTIs, PWMs and SCI


Delete this crap too :
VOLUNTEER WORK

Momiji Health Care Society, Toronto Sept 2000 – June 2002
* Helped setup and execute the weekly Bingo program for Momiji residents
* Assisted resident seniors when required

Education is the last thing people check.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours Degree – Computer Engineering May 2006

-------, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
* Represented ------- in the Ontario Engineering Competition in 2004-05

Save the resume inspector some time and put the references on your resume.
References Available Upon Request

[CharmyPoo]

For new grad positions, I feel that education is important and I respectfully disagree with the above poster. You don't have much relevant work experience (it's not uncommon for people coming from schools that do not offer co-op => I guess that means everyone that is not Waterloo eng) so your employers have to go by what you were educated to do.

Nothing in your resume particularly stands out to me - no relevant awards, no hardcore projects and your personality doesn't shine. As such, it makes it even more important for you to write a good cover letter tailored to the job you are looking for. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate and give you a chance to let the employers get a feel for the person behind the resume. Don't forget that employers will go through hundreds and hundreds of resumes - you have to figure out what makes you different and why you deserve an interview. Make them want to speak to you and learn more about you.

In terms of your resume, I would remove your generic objective. It means nothing to the employer and just waste space. You might want to consider moving the academic projects section up as it is more relevant to the type of job you are looking for. You may also consider adding a section highlighting some of your skills (ex. Leadership, Interpersonal, Communication, Technical) with solid examples and not just generic sentences like "excellent communication skills" - the examples is what makes this different from generic BS. Follow this with education, relevant projects, work experience and volunteer experience. Everything you say should be backed up by the result. For ex, you say you helped organize new testing protocols - and then what … what was the result?

Your success rate indicates that something is not working with your resume as you already pointed out. It doesn't hurt to try different things and see what comes back. When I was applying for work back in 2003 (not a good year), I had a success rate of around 70% for getting an interview after revamping my resume/cover letter. I was getting 20% prior to my revamp.

Some general tips:

Surf company websites and apply directly to job openings - I had the most success doing this.
Go to various universities and attend information sessions. Speak to them after - make an impression. If you get their contact information, make sure you follow up with an email.
Go to career fairs and conferences and speak to the employers. I believe the National Business and Technology Conference (NBTC) is next month. Research the companies in advance so you can ask intelligent questions.


Last but not least .. be confident ... something will work out for you. Confidence doesn't equal cockiness.

[konfusion666]

So I've graduated with a Computer Engineering degree, and have been looking for a job since September. I'm not partial to relocation to anywhere in Canada or the United States.

You shouldn't HAVE to relocate, as the GTA is pretty good, but keep in mind that for "embedded systems" types of positions, your net should be fairly wide.

Make sure you cover the industrial corridor to the West of Toronto, including K-W, Cambridge, Burlington, Guelph, Oakville, Hamilton, etc. I'd say those places may have more opportunities for you than the 416 area code.

[ukhan]

For new grad positions, I feel that education is important and I respectfully disagree with the above poster. You don't have much relevant work experience (it's not uncommon for people coming from schools that do not offer co-op => I guess that means everyone that is not Waterloo eng) so your employers have to go by what you were educated to do.

Nothing in your resume partially stands out to me - no relevant awards, no hardcore projects and your personality doesn't shine. As such, it makes it even more important for you to write a good cover letter tailored to the job you are looking for. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate and give you a chance to let the employers get a feel for the person behind the resume. Don't forget that employers will go through hundreds and hundreds of resumes - you have to figure out what makes you different and why you deserve an interview. Make them want to speak to you and learn more about you.

In terms of your resume, I would remove your generic objective. It means nothing to the employer and just waste space. You might want to consider moving the academic projects section up as it is more relevant to the type of job you are looking for. You may also consider adding a section highlighting some of your skills (ex. Leadership, Interpersonal, Communication, Technical) with solid examples and not just generic sentences like "excellent communication skills" - the examples is what makes this different from generic BS. Follow this with education, relevant projects, work experience and volunteer experience. Everything you say should be backed up by the result. For ex, you say you helped organize new testing protocols - and then what … what was the result?

Your success rate indicates that something is not working with your resume as you already pointed out. It doesn't hurt to try different things and see what comes back. When I was applying for work back in 2003 (not a good year), I had a success rate of around 70% for getting an interview after revamping my resume/cover letter. I was getting 20% prior to my revamp.

Some general tips:

Surf company websites and apply directly to job openings - I had the most success doing this.
Go to various universities and attend information sessions. Speak to them after - make an impression. If you get their contact information, make sure you follow up with an email.
Go to career fairs and conferences and speak to the employers. I believe the National Business and Technology Conference (NBTC) is next month. Research the companies in advance so you can ask intelligent questions.


Last but not least .. be confident ... something will work out for you. Confidence doesn't equal cockiness.

Listen to the above advice, trust me, it is pure gold. CharmyPoo knows what she is talking about. Ever since I've made similar adjustments in my own resume/job search strategies, I've been bombarded with interviews/offers.

Also, try to send your resume for tweaking to as many people as you can. If you know anyone in industry who has experience with job searching or landing interviews, etc., make sure you ask them for help. Not one person knows the correct answer for you. However, once you get feedback from like 5-6 people, and I mean proper constructive feedback like CharmyPoo's, then you should be confident that your resume is now in tip top shape.

[B0000rt]

For new grad positions, I feel that education is important and I respectfully disagree with the above poster. You don't have much relevant work experience (it's not uncommon for people coming from schools that do not offer co-op => I guess that means everyone that is not Waterloo eng) so your employers have to go by what you were educated to do.
Yes, previously my education was closer to the bottom, after my work experience, but before my Academic Projects

Nothing in your resume partially stands out to me - no relevant awards, no hardcore projects and your personality doesn't shine. As such, it makes it even more important for you to write a good cover letter tailored to the job you are looking for. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate and give you a chance to let the employers get a feel for the person behind the resume. Don't forget that employers will go through hundreds and hundreds of resumes - you have to figure out what makes you different and why you deserve an interview. Make them want to speak to you and learn more about you.
About the cover letter, maybe I should attach that too. What I outlined in my cover letter is the experience I gained at certain companies. Is there something else I should talk about? I also include items such as how so and so company has so and so products (after a little research from their website) and would be suitable for me etc..

In terms of your resume, I would remove your generic objective. It means nothing to the employer and just waste space. You might want to consider moving the academic projects section up as it is more relevant to the type of job you are looking for. You may also consider adding a section highlighting some of your skills (ex. Leadership, Interpersonal, Communication, Technical) with solid examples and not just generic sentences like "excellent communication skills" - the examples is what makes this different from generic BS. Follow this with education, relevant projects, work experience and volunteer experience. Everything you say should be backed up by the result. For ex, you say you helped organize new testing protocols - and then what … what was the result?
I see.. I think that's what curtis alluded to. I tried to make it such that the experience as a PV Engineer showed I had some technical experience, while the Project Coordinator job showed I had communication and organizational skills. I guess from everyone's responses, I didn't make that clear enough in my resume.

Your success rate indicates that something is not working with your resume as you already pointed out. It doesn't hurt to try different things and see what comes back. When I was applying for work back in 2003 (not a good year), I had a success rate of around 70% for getting an interview after revamping my resume/cover letter. I was getting 20% prior to my revamp.
Wow, 70% success rate eh? I will definately change things around. I mean it can't make things worse for me lol!

Some general tips:

Surf company websites and apply directly to job openings - I had the most success doing this.
I've been doing this, at one point I had a list of 25-30 companies on my white board checking each off as I applied to various jobs on their websites
Go to various universities and attend information sessions. Speak to them after - make an impression. If you get their contact information, make sure you follow up with an email.
I do this too, but there aren't that many at my school :(
Go to career fairs and conferences and speak to the employers. I believe the National Business and Technology Conference (NBTC) is next month. Research the companies in advance so you can ask intelligent questions.
I've been looking into that too, haven't found any that a relavant for me. There was one this past week, but I believe it was for experienced individuals :(

Last but not least .. be confident ... something will work out for you. Confidence doesn't equal cockiness.
I will try to be. Thanks for your input!

Listen to the above advice, trust me, it is pure gold. CharmyPoo knows what she is talking about. Ever since I've made similar adjustments in my own resume/job search strategies, I've been bombarded with interviews/offers.

Also, try to send your resume for tweaking to as many people as you can. If you know anyone in industry who has experience with job searching or landing interviews, etc., make sure you ask them for help. Not one person knows the correct answer for you. However, once you get feedback from like 5-6 people, and I mean proper constructive feedback like CharmyPoo's, then you should be confident that your resume is now in tip top shape.
The problem is, I thought my resume was tweaked out as much as I thought! I have sent it my aunts, uncles and cousins, and in turn they've sent it to their colleagues in the industry who've critqued it to the point it is at now. But clearly it still needs tweaking! I guess there is always room for improvement.

[CharmyPoo]

Don't restrict yourself to attending only info sessions at your school - you should also stop by UofT and check out their info sessions. I have encouraged students to attend my firm's information session at other schools.

I was at the Canadian Undergraduate Technology Conference (http://www.cutc.ca/2007/) last month and I thought it was a good event. You can also check out http://www.impact.org.

Your resume will never be perfect because each company is looking for something a little different. All you can do is to make it better and tailor it for each job. Every year, I personally look at hundreds of resumes and I am not in HR (I am not soliciting applications - please do not send me any). I have seen great applications and some not so great ones. I have friends who are brilliant but can't write a good resume.

[llAPll]

taking a quick look at ur resume, it seems u have A LOT of irrelevant things in there, including experience. also, as charmypoo said, u really lack concrete projects, academic background (CGPA?), and work experience.

u listed way too many things in ur programming languages area.... ie. applying to a Q/A tester won't care about ur skills in quartus rite?

i dunno how york's graduate job service/bank is like, but there seems to be more than enough jobs at the UT one. i landed a job last year already and i haven't even graduated. many of my friends are getting numerous interviews.

u should definitely make some changes to ur resume and maybe even consider volunteering in some (big?) companies to get the experience u need to find a job.

good luck

[nocash]

I went through the same thing after graduating with a B.Eng.

I have three pieces of advice:
-Tweak your resume for each position you apply for. If the job reqs list 5 items, make sure you have a bullet for each of the 5 job reqs. I wrote a specific cover letter and resume for each position I applied for.
-Apply for jobs you are overqualified for. This may backfire (ie. you won't get selected because the employer may have to pay you too much etc.) but you will be more likely to get an interview. If you interview well, other doors may open for you above and beyond what you applied for.
-Use referrals as much as possible. Most large companies have a referral option on their application page. Referral applications get sent to the top of the recruiters pile. Reach out to all your buddies from school, family, friends etc etc.

I accepted a lower position then what I thought I was qualified for, but within 3 months I was promoted and after another 6 months I was promoted again.