Are You Job Ready?

Career Clusters for IT Students Career ClusterPossible Career Opportunity Information Support and Services Computer information systems manager Database administrator Help-desk specialist Programming and Software Development Computer software engineer Applications programmer Computer programmer Web and Digital Communication Graphic artist Webdesigner Webmaster Network SystemsNetwork administrator PC support specialist Security administrator

Example: Software Developer Requirements Technology Skills B.S./M.S. or Ph.D. degree in engineering, computer science, or related field. Experience programming in C++ & Java (required), as well as other languages (preferred). Strong technical skills, including understanding of algorithms, systems architecture, and end-user experience. Critical Thinking Skills Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Experience solving complex problems & managing complex project schedules. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Communication/Collaboration Skills Strong written and verbal communication skills. The ability to collaborate effectively with remote team members.

Industry Facts  Global competition for jobs is fierce. So fierce, in fact, that a college degree – while vital – is no longer a ticket to a great career. You’ll need to do more to stand out.  Be strategic about a.) the projects you select for your portfolio, and b.) the skills you are mastering.

Resume & Cover Letter Hints Colleen Cassity Executive Director, Oracle Education Foundation Use projects and/or awards to differentiate yourself from other graduates with same qualifications. Highlight very clear examples that directly tie to the position you are applying for Provide proof that you can produce a finished project that solves a real- world problem or addresses a need. On your resume, state your accomplishments in projects /jobs/internships clearly and compellingly. For example, “I increased sales by 50% in 6 months.” Make your resume easy to read at-a-glance. Distill the important information down into the most concise writing possible.

More Hints… Make your resume easy on the eye. Keep it simple and clean looking, but give careful thought to what you make bold, your use of white space, etc. If the content of a resume is too dense (long paragraphs, no white space) it often doesn't get read. Always be polite and gracious in your cover letter. Double check the spelling of the name of the person you are addressing. Add elements to your resume that differentiate you from other applicants. Add something personal. For example, I am earning my private pilot's certificate; or since 2009, I have volunteered at my local food bank.

Example Cover Letter Text using Projects Dear Brad, I would like to apply for your open software developer position. Attached is my resume. I possess a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Virginia. In addition to completing my college course requirements over the past four years, I developed the following applications using Java, JavaScript, PHP, PL/SQL, Oracle 10g Express Edition, Oracle Application Express, Dreamweaver, and Flash. Algebra Assistant is an interactive game that helps students master Algebra. This website won 1 st place in the 2012 National AITP Web Application Competition. is a web application that enables college students to apply for summer internships with employers. Collegecook is an online library that helps college students make healthy eating choices. Please feel free to peruse these applications. If you like what you see, I would happy to discuss my qualifications for your position. Regards, Ben

Oracle’s ThinkQuest Application Development Competition Select a real-world problem to be solved. Produce an application or a game that elegantly solves that problem for users. Use your choice of the programming languages, software and development environments from below. Programming Languages Option 1Option 2 Flash JavaScript Java PHP Database: MySQL Flash JavaScript PL/SQL Database: Oracle Database 10g Express Edition Resources available at

Other Competitions Microsoft Imagine Cup IBM Battle of the Brains Google Programming Contest CES Apps for Innovation HASTAC Digital Media & Learning Competition

Resume Tips Robert Half Consulting Hiring managers look for resumes that are straightforward and easy to read. Here's what you should focus on: The format: Job seekers typically use reverse chronological resumes, which list the most recent jobs first, followed by previous positions. However, if you are a recent graduate and/or lack extensive work experience, you may want to try a functional format: Begin your resume with a summary of your skills and education and then list your work history. Some applicants use a combination of the two formats, presenting an overview of their most important qualifications and accomplishments along with a chronological work history. Highlighting your accomplishments: Give hiring managers a sense of why you would be a stellar employee by highlighting specific examples of past successes. Don't undervalue achievements outside of your main field. For instance, the fact that you improved a procedure while volunteering as a treasurer for a local community organization shows initiative and creativity, which are valued qualities in any job candidate.

Keywords: Many employers use resume-filtering software that scans for keywords and evaluates how closely resumes match the preferred skills and experience. To minimize chances of your resume getting filtered out, incorporate terminology from the job ad – if, of course, it honestly describes your abilities. Accessibility: When applying for a position online, paste a plain-text version of your resume into the body of an to ensure recipients can read your material on any computer system. Resume Tips Robert Half Consulting

Resume Length 2011 survey of hiring managers – 52% prefer one-page resume, 44% were ok with two pages. The best rule of thumb is to allow the breadth and depth of your experience to dictate resume length. Modernizing Your Resume The executive summary: More job seekers are replacing the objective statement with an executive summary. A well-crafted executive summary that outlines your most impressive qualifications at the top of the page can better convey why you're an attractive candidate. Different delivery formats: HTML or Internet-friendly resumes Video resume - wise to check with an employer first. Resume Tips Robert Half Consulting

According to a Robert Half survey, 86 percent of executives polled said cover letters are valuable when evaluating job candidates Importance of the Cover Letter Robert Half Consulting

The Cover Letter is the first thing a hiring manager sees and the Primary enticement for him or her to read your resume. Spend as much time perfecting your cover letter as you would your resume. Cover Letter TIPS Robert Half Consulting  Make it specific to the job.  Avoid rehashing your resume in the cover letter.  Key in on key words.  Keep it brief.  Proofread!!

Online Resources Robert Half Consulting Online Resume Examples Search Keywords great IT resume examples great resume examples 2012 information technology great resume examples 2012 information technology graduates great resume examples 2012 information systems graduates great resume examples 2012 computer science graduates Try adding “projects” to the search criteria to find example resumes for graduates with projects listed.