| The calls often begin with an apologetic "never needed | | | | source project; or start participating in some discussion |
| a programmer resume" admission: "I've never had to | | | | groups that allow you to let others know that you are |
| get a professional resume before." Or, "I never | | | | enhancing your skills. |
| dreamed of hiring a professional resume writer. I've | | | | Sharpening specific skill sets is a good idea, in fact. If |
| always been able to land a programming job." Or, "I | | | | you can look like a problem solver to companies that |
| never even had to look for jobs. They found me." | | | | are trying to figure out how to handle the tons of data |
| Software wizards have seldom needed help from | | | | they face, then you will be an appealing candidate. |
| resume wizards. Programmers have a desired set of | | | | Businesses don't know how to analyze data well. |
| skills that has often made it easier for them to find a | | | | Things like computer vision, data mining, collaborative |
| job than many others. Unlike the rest of us, many | | | | filtering, machine learning, video processing: All these |
| programmers have seldom had to spend much time | | | | specialties will be hot for several years at least. |
| developing their technical software engineering resume. | | | | Enhance your skills. Learn the vocabulary. Identify |
| The thought of hiring a resume writing expert never | | | | recent innovations and the companies associated with |
| entered their minds, until the recent economic crisis. | | | | them. |
| When it comes to a programmer's resume and cover | | | | Managers hiring programmers are impressed if you |
| letter, the usual advice applies: Highlight | | | | have contributed to open source projects. If you are a |
| accomplishments, write clearly, design the document | | | | Java programmer and participated in an open source |
| carefully, avoid spelling errors, organize the resume in | | | | Java project then you have an advantage over other |
| reverse chronological order unless you have a | | | | job candidates. Another approach is to create your |
| compelling reason to organize it functionally. List your | | | | own open source project. It will cause people to pay |
| technical skills, making sure you cover the skills that are | | | | attention to you because not everyone does this and it |
| most in demand nowadays. | | | | demonstrates a certain special interest and passion for |
| But there are other special job search tips for | | | | the field. |
| software programmers/engineers. Sharpen your skills | | | | It's a good idea for programmers to have a website. |
| as well as your resume. If you have key skills that are | | | | But, make sure it's a clean, well-designed website. |
| in demand, then today can be just like those good old | | | | Again, the writing should be crisp. Likewise, some |
| days. Companies are looking for specific skill sets: For | | | | managers will check out the HTML code on your site |
| instance, accomplishments and expertise in the area of | | | | so make sure you have clean code. Place your |
| hard core algorithms, pattern recognition, statistics, and | | | | resume on your website. Make sure it is cleanly coded. |
| applying algorithms to real world data. If you have | | | | Not just a converted Word file. |
| these skills you are likely to have a good chance to | | | | Also, show off some of your code from a project on |
| find an opportunity. You may even find you'll get | | | | your website. Managers appreciate the chance to |
| multiple offers. | | | | review some sample code. |
| You want to make this hard core algorithmic expertise | | | | Use the networks: Facebook and Linkedin, for |
| clear on your resume. Not all professional resume | | | | example. Make sure you have endorsements on |
| writers are qualified to handle technical resumes. Make | | | | LinkedIn. Work your LinkedIn networks. Participate in |
| sure you ask about their experience in the technology | | | | groups that share your interests. You may find people |
| field. Making technical accomplishments clear and to | | | | these groups are at companies that are hiring. |
| the point requires special expertise. | | | | If you are interested in mobile computing, design an |
| Other timely skills you don't want to leave out include: | | | | iPhone application. Get it reviewed. Get people talking |
| AJAX/JavaScript, Objective C, Java, PHP or Ruby on | | | | about it. Side projects like this are effective techniques |
| Rails. | | | | to get noticed. |
| If you lack these skills and if you're having a tough time | | | | This may seem like a lot to do but the good news is |
| finding a job, you should start studying. Find a good | | | | that these job-search strategies work and in today's |
| book that will help you build these skills and start putting | | | | economy effective job-search strategies are the envy |
| them to work. Consider getting involved in an open | | | | of many. |