Resume, resume...What did I do with that resume?
Recently I decided to explore new opportunities at Microsoft that are aligned to my career aspirations. This meant that I needed to update my resume (which hasn’t been touched since 2005) with my work experience that I have gained over the last 4 years. Hmmm… what exactly did I do over the last 4 years?
I must have sat there for 30 minutes with a blank resume while I tried to remember what I accomplished. Besides a general idea of the responsibilities I had, I couldn’t remember the exact metrics I achieved, awards I won or extra projects I took on. That’s when it hit me that I shouldn’t have waited until I was looking for a new job to update my resume!
Lucky for me, I had to document what I accomplished every year for my annual review at Microsoft, so I was able to reference what I had written in the past to help with what to write on my resume. Had I not been able to view those documents, I probably would have been up a creek without a paddle (so to speak) and might be still sitting here with that blank resume unsure of what to write.
So my words of wisdom for the week are this: Whether you’re potentially exploring opportunities or think you’ll never leave your current job, dig out your resume and update it. You never know when you’ll need it and don’t want to go through the mental stress that I did. Plus, it gives you something fun to do on a Friday night… ok, maybe it just gives you something to do on a Friday night.
-Lisa
17 Comments
Huy Nguyen said:
What do you think about this?
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/181402/microsoft_lays_off_800_people.html">www.pcworld.com/.../microsoft_lays_</a>
jobsblog said:
Hi Huy - Our same advice from January still holds true:
<a target="_blank" href="http://microsoftjobsblog.com/blog/microsoft-hiring-update/">microsoftjobsblog.com/.../microsoft-hirin</a>
Gretchen
Raghu Konda said:
Its true. We need to take some time and update resume. Thanks for the reminder. :)
Ram said:
Hi Lisa, Can you tell me if a job requirement ask for few skills. I have knowledge and experience of all except one i just have knowledge. I mean i by myself just explored that software and also read about it but have no experience.
How would i put it in my resume ?
Thanks
Entry Level Jobs India said:
Hi Lisa,
I absolutely agree with you.
Its always important to have an updated resume in hand rather than an "old" copy.
It reflects very badly.
Cheers !!
Lisa said:
Hi Ram,
I would recommend listing the language in your skills and technologies section, but also including your skill level with it. Example: Knowledge of ASP.Net or ASP.Net - beginner
You could also at the bottom of your resume list personal or side projects you're working on. Then briefly describe what you're working on that utilizes that language.
In any case, don't let 1 language deter you from applying to a position. If you have most of the job requirements, the hiring manager will understand if you need to ramp up in a couple of skills while on the job. Hope that helps and good luck!
Edward said:
Wow! Excellent advice - the MACH application form didn't have a resume-upload feature (here in the UK anyway :) but it's good to know what recruiters think about CVs, and almost as importantly, what they have on their own :)
Currently waiting to arrange my phone interview - roll on November 15th :)
Ram said:
Thank you very much Lisa !
Ram said:
Hi Edward, What kind of skills do you think is most important for the MACH related jobs ? And are you awaiting APM phone interview ?
Edward Bowles said:
Hi Ram,
For MACH jobs I'd imagine that the number one skill required would be an ability to communicate and work effectively in teams, while still being self-motivated enough to be able to work independently. I mean, the precise skillset required would depend enormously on the role applied for - technical, sales, etc - but the ability to work well in teams is truly fundamental.
In my opinion anyway - I'm not a recruiter :)
Ram said:
Thanks edward !! Can you tell me if any specific software skills needed for this job ? And how was your interview ?
Edward Bowles said:
Personally, I'm applying to the Technical stream of the UK MACH programme. It appears that they are looking for people with a passion for technology primarily - in terms of specific coding skills required, I can only tell you what skills I have and what is on my form :) I have some experience programming in Java, coming up to three years of using it in an academic setting and one year of professional development, plus some familiarity with other languages like C, occam-pi, PHP, Javascript, Haskell, and even some Visual Basic 5 (!).
I think for entry-level positions they are less interested in the specific technologies you are familiar with and more interested in how 'trainable' you are - are you smart? Enthusiastic? Customer focussed? Sensible enough to avoid religious conflicts over the 'Right' tool for all problems and pick the best tool for specific problems? They are questions that I figure they will really be asking, as opposed to the finer points of the Java Virtual Machine.
Anyway, I'm not any kind of authority on the subject - my phone interview is on Monday however, I'm very much looking forward to it! I'm getting my action points ready and brushing up on my essential algorithms!
Lisa, do you have any specific information on what MACH recruiters are looking for in a resumé?
Ram said:
First ! Good luck for your interview ... Hope it goes well !
Thank you for the information. I even want to know more from Lisa since the website does not give much of information on the specific skills or tools
Ram said:
Hi Edward
How did the interview go ? kindly share your thoughts
thanks
Edward Bowles said:
Hi,
It's not strictly relevant but thanks for your interest :) I believe it went well - the recruiter was from an agency (<a href="http://pennabarkers.com">http://pennabarkers.com</a>) so she didn't let me ask questions _about_ Microsoft - bit of a worrying sign! I didn't ask how I did though, as per Matt's post (<a href="http://microsoftjobsblog.com/blog/fail-my-phone-interview/">http://microsoftjobsblog.com/blog/fail-my-phone-interview/</a>), but I'm cautiously optimistic!
Cheryl Wilson said:
Hi Edward - thanks for your post, Lisa asked me to comment as I manage the MACH program in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) - including of course, the UK. Mostly I have the opportunity to work with your peers as they enter Microsoft, and throughout their first few years with the company. However, I also work closely with our UK colleagues who are the kind folks on the other end of the phone with you at this stage in the process :-). I can tell you that it sounds like you are thinking of all the right things. I assure you there will be opportunities to ask more about Microsoft, and the MACH program in particular, but for now I would focus on ensuring you continue to convey your passion for/the reasons you are interested in, this wonderful world of technology in the first place! As for what we're looking for in a resume, I suspect you have that as you've already gotten through to the first round of phone interviews. For our technical roles in Consulting/Support, we definitely look for a mix of technical aptitude (read - not expertise - we don't expect you to have that this early in your career, although it's a plus), for PASSION for what we do as a company, and how you might help us become even better by joining MS. I really hope this helps, and all the best to you!
Edward Bowles said:
Thanks so much for your advice, I'll bear that in mind! I should hopefully hear back about how the phone interview went by the end of the week - so either the questions I have are irrelevant, or I'll get the opportunity to talk to someone who can give more informative answers :)
I think it's great that Microsoft puts so much importance on learning what potential Microsoft employees are passionate about, and trying to match that passion with opportunities within the company. I was asked exactly what I was interested in during the interview, and where in Microsoft I might be able to apply that. I'm really into security and mobile devices/ubiquitous computing, which I see as being a major area of development in the next few years. I mean, just look at the 2018 technology prediction video Microsoft came out with!
An even scarier thought is that in 1999, the Nokia 3310 was just released - compare that to Windows Mobile :)