Get Hired @ MSFT, Episode 1: Write a Killer Resume
A few months ago, Channel 9 asked us if we'd like to refresh the old "What's it like to interview at Microsoft" videos that Gretchen and Zoe filmed 4 years ago. Sure!
So Kenji, Gretchen, and I - along with some other Microsoft recruiters and employees - took part in a 7 part video series called Get Hired @ Microsoft. I star in Episode 1: Write a Killer Resume. Once we've released all 7 videos, Dan and Channel 9 plan to call us back together to film an 8th video (or more?:) so we can be extra sure to address your unanswered questions.
If you have more questions for me, leave them here or over on the Channel 9 post! Next week's video is all about how partner with your recruiter ... so stay tuned!
Lisa
http://channel9.msdn.com/posts/Dan/Get-Hired-at-Microsoft-Episode-1-Write-a-Killer-Resume/
14 Comments
Greg Lucas said:
Thank you so much for this video series. It really helps us who are attempting to get into the company. I am looking forward to next weeks video. I have found two positions that I am very interested in, I have applied on line but have yet to receive a phone interview.
Brian said:
How do you keep a separate resume for every job posting on the Careers site? I can't figure out how to make a new resume without changing my current one.
Does updating my current one change the resume I submitted for previous job postings?
egcarter said:
I was informed by a JobsBlogger several weeks ago that the system only accomodates a single resume for keyword searching by the recruiters. So if you are applying to multiple jobs with different resumes, that methodology doesn't really work!
Lisa said:
Good question! Right now your latest resume is the one that’s considered your “primary” resume in Boolean queries. But a good piece of advice is that your resumes shouldn’t be very different. You should start with a general resume and then custom sections, like a summary section or specific accomplishments, to highlight your skills for particular job descriptions – but otherwise, your various resumes should be similar, keyword-wise. Hope that helps!
Lisa
said:
Hi lisa, thank you for your efforts with us.
If i want to work at microsoft in USA and apply my resume to USA location,
but i live in egypt, is this wrong or what ?
thanks
Daniel said:
I know this has probably been answer a million times but I can't find the answer. If I have a resume on Microsoft careers website but don't submit it for any specific jobs will recruiters still see my resume in a search?
Yasin said:
Mahmoud Ahmed my brother international candidates cannot apply for specific job position at Microsoft. Teams are visiting your country. You will interviewing only with the team visiting your country. You can only considered for SDE or SDET positions. Folowing post <a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://blogs.msdn.com/jobsblog/archive/2007/12/27/upcoming-international-recruiting-trips.aspx">http://blogs.msdn.com/jobsblog/archive/2007/12/27/upcoming-international-recruiting-trips.aspx</a> might be helpful.
(Note MSFT bloggers your search on this site does not work)
Also you can consider applying for development centres in Europe but I suggest you to apply directly to HQ, Europe talent teams are not good at finding talents. For applying development centres outside the states following post would be helpful for you,
<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://blogs.msdn.com/jobsblog/archive/2008/08/21/working-for-microsoft-outside-the-u-s.aspx">http://blogs.msdn.com/jobsblog/archive/2008/08/21/working-for-microsoft-outside-the-u-s.aspx</a>
Shahed Khan (MVP C#) said:
196 Microsoft Team blogs searched, 97 blogs have new articles in the past 7 days. 218 new articles found...
Lisa said:
Hi Daniel,
Yes, your resume is still searchable by recruiters performing a general search. I would recommend, however, to apply to specific positions if you are interested in certain teams or roles. Hope that helps!
Sean Kearney said:
Tip (not funny either).
It is mentioned in the video and it is SO true.
Target your position. I know there is over 4000+ postings in the system (Trust me, I KNOW).
It makes it easier on the teams and recruiters if you sit down and target the items that REALLY inspire you.
I know it's a LOT like going into a candy store, they all look so good. But think to yourself, what lights that spark in you, what do YOU love to do. Focus on that.
Trust me, if you watch and watch, you WILL find the job that makes you say "YES THAT ONE!"
If you apply to too many "just because" you could find recruiters having a harder time getting to your resume. (If you apply to 100+ departments, who gets to it first?). The end result could be the job you desire most falls to the bottom of the pile, because they do have to seriously look at all applications.
Focus your passion. It will pay off in it's own ways no matter what.
Dhawal Chheda said:
Hey Gretchen,
Thank you for the amazing video. It was too good to miss.
I got a call from Microsoft College Recruiter couple of days back and she wanted me to fill out a form in order to start the interview process. One of the questions in that was that do you want to be interviewed for 1. SDE 2. SDET 3. PM
My question is I dont have any post - university work experience yet as I am about to graduate. I know I am good technically, but I might not be as good as people who are working right now in Microsoft, so do you think I should interview for SDE in Test? Or should I go with my natural instincts. Its just that working for Microsoft has always been a dream and I dont want to ruin it.
Could you guide me with that?
Dhawal Chheda said:
Oops! Forgot to mention my contact info.
Email: dhawal.chheda@gmail.com
said:
Hi Dhawal - The question is asking about your preference. I suggest researching the positions on JobsBlog and at microsoft.com/college, and select the one you'd be most interested in pursuing. Both SDE and SDET roles require strong coding skills so obtaining a SDET job isn't necessarily any easier or harder than a SDE role - just different. Also, the recruiter will guide you into the interview that is a best match for you ... based on your experience, skills, and interests. By selecting one, it doesn't mean you are turning down the other. Good luck in your interviews!!
Gretchen
Dhawal Chheda said:
Thank you so much Gretchen!
Can't wait to interviewing with Microsoft!