The Software Scout Inc.

Job Search Tips from The Software Scout.

The following is a summary of information about performing a job search. These are my opinions and are derived from my own job search experience and my experience as a technical recruiter. I realize there is no way that this page will get as detailed as I would like in the next few weeks. But this may be a good starting point for you. I consider the following information an overview.

What do you Want?
Creating a Resume.
Organize.
Network.
Working with recruiters and agencies.
The Interview.
Getting the Job.
The New Job.

At present I have not included stories and anecdotes, but I will do so in the future.

What do you Want?

This is often the first question I ask when I talk with a new candidate. It is not enough to know what you do not want. Setting goals and direction will greatly improve your chances of getting employment that is right for you. There are many questions you can ask:

What type of work environment are you looking for?
Are you looking for casual or formal dress?
Do you like a structured or unstructured work environment?
Do you like large or small companies?
Do you like public or privately held companies?
What industry do you want to be working in?
What is your current or most recent pay rate?
What is your 'least acceptable' pay rate?
What is your target pay rate?
Do you like what you have been doing?
Can you visualize yourself doing the same work for the next five years?
What are your personal and technical strengths?
What work do you like the best and least?

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Creating a Resume.

Create a resume, or maybe several versions. This is not a short process. Your resume should be a reflection of yourself, and should include some aspect of your goals and desires. Create the first version and then show it to friends, especially if they have ever done hiring. Do not be afraid to ask people for help. Your resume should go through several revisions before you get to a result you are satisfied with. Even then it will change as you continue the job search process.

The mission of the resume is to get the interest of the reader. You need to generate enough interest that the company will invite you in for an interview. There is no standard format. The resume should be neat and presentable and readable. Never lie. Present the truth in a way that will get the interest of the reader, and that will also focus on the direction you want your career to move.

There are many places to get help with your resume. Outplacement centers generally have a resume service. Also there are many small companies that will update your resume for a fee. If you are working with any outside person to create your resume, it is important that the person have an understanding of the field you are in. If the person is not familiar with your field, and you have no other options, then you can still ensure that your resume is appropiate. After the resume is completed take it to several people in the field for review.

As an example: many people think that a resume should only be one page long. I do not believe there is a general rule about this. The resume of a software engineer should contain a reasonable amount of technical data. In this case up to three pages can be acceptable, though two is better.

In my opinion a resume should include:

A short objective that states a job title and that describes what you can provide to a company that would employ you.

A summary of skills. This could be put either before or after the work experience. This summary is especially important for technical skills. Note that this is a summary. If you add too much detail the important data may not be seen. Ypu do not need to list every software package you have ever touched. List the skills, and minor skills if they are important in the current market.

An educational summary. This should always include the year of a degree. If you do not list the year someone will probably ask you for it. They may wonder what you are trying to hide. If there has been many years since the degree, or if the job experience is more relevant, this information could be put at the end of the resume. I also recommend listing incomplete education, especially if it is still in progress. i.e. "50% coursework done toward BSCS, expected 2001"

Work experience. The most recent work should always be listed first. Given this standard it is not necessary to put the date of work in a column on the left. On the left should be the most important data. This could be the job title, company name, or in some cases the dates of employment. You do not need to itemize every detail of the work you performed. Too much detail will lose the reader. Focus on those items that you want to continue in future jobs. Emphasize your strengths and accomplishments.

References. These should be prepared and typed on a separate page when your resume goes out. Your should have at least three professional references; three people who have agreed to give you a good technical reference and have knowledge about your work preformed. You should include name, title, and a work phone number. Provide your references when someone asks you for them.

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Organize.

Keep notes. Keep track of everything that you do, every person that you talk to, every place that you go. Use any system that you are comfortable with, just keep the information in a neat and organized way. Sometimes following up on seemingly small details can lead to exciting new job prospects.

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Network.

Network. Network. Did I say network? Communication is the name of the game. From first creating a resume to interviewing, your ability to communicate will directly impact your ability to get a job.

So talk with friends, enemies, previous coworkers and employers, old school friends, etc. Ask for their suggestions. Ask who they might know that might have job information. Keep track of every lead in a log book. Keep track of responses and additional leads. I know for some people this can be a long and tedious process, but you can look at it as an investment.

Always keep track of every place your resume has been.

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Working with recruiters and agencies.

I am a technical recruiter, more commonly known as a headhunter. So yes, I am a bit biased here. But I will tell you about my biases and why there are there.

I think working with a recruiter can be very helpful for you. There are some general rules that I suggest:

Find a recruiter that has expertise in your field. A good recruiter should understand your profession, your goals, and your resume. They should be able to read your resume, understand it, and discuss with some intelligence the work that you have done. A person who has expertise in your field should have jobs that fit you, or should be able to find some in time.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. Interview the recruiter to see what they can do for you. Ask questions about how they work.
Find someone you can trust. Are they honest with you? Do they give you real information about companies and the job market? Are you treated with respect? Do they ask about your goals and direction?

Determine the number of recruiters you want to work with. If you are in a hurry and have severe time constraints, you will probably want to work with multiple recruiters. Working with more people will most likely find you a job faster, though it may not meet as many of your goals. But the more recruiters you work with, the less personal attention you are likely to get from each, as the probability of that company placing you gets smaller. Working with fewer companies you are more likely to get personal attention, which is more likely to find you the best possible job.

Stay in control. Do not let a recruiter push you around or tell you what you need to do. If you are not comfortable with a recruiter, go find someone that you are comfortable with. There are many good recruiters and agencies out there.

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These sections still under construction...

The Interview.

Formal dress, TALK! Tell stories… Interview THEM… ASK QUESTIONS!

Getting the Job.

Proper follow-up.  Offers.  Accepting the Job.  Counter offers.

The New Job

If you find a job: Work hard, exceed expectations, the MVP is seldom laid off.

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Eric R. Derby, The Software Scout
office: (315) 906-4085 - mobile: (315) 719-1897