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Need advice

 
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hello
I am looking for a job as a Java Programmer and willing to relocate anywhere in the US though i would prefer something in bay area ,sacramneto,los angeles or for that matter in california.I looking for an opportunity to gain some practical experience and also fund my graduate studies.I have been trying for the last 4 months without luck.Besides posting my resume on various jobsites and emailing my resume ,I have been actively calling up recruiters and companies.The standard response i get is you do not have experience(well i am aware of that),no the job requirment has been frozen, or no we do not answer calls regarding jobs.
If anyone would like to hire me or knows of opportunities for someone with my qualifications I would really appreciate it.
I would also at the same time appreciate any comments on my resume and cover letter.
Thanks
------
Cover Letter
Dear Sir/Ma'm
I am a Sun Certified Java Programmer with experience in java technologies like jdbc, servlets, rmi and swing. I have also used html, javascript, PL/SQL for writing application code and worked in windows and UNIX environment.
I am a permanent resident and require no sponsorship.

I have attached my resume for your perusal and would appreciate it if you would consider me for a suitable positions.
Thanking you.
--------------------------

Summary:
Java, awt, servlets, rmi, swing, jdbc, C, HTML, JavaScript,JSP,XML, Oracle (PL/SQL), Windows NT, Unix, JReport,Jdeveloper, PVCS Version Manager.
Skills:
Programming Languages: Java, C
Java: Sun Certified Java Programmer
Experience in creating application using Servlets, RMI, JDBC, J-Swing, HTML JavaScript and programming using the OOPs concept Software Tools:
Familiar with software tools like Dreamweaver, PhotoShop Pro
Worked with JReport a report development and distribution tool
PVCS Version Manager
Platforms:
Windows based platforms such as Windows98, WindowsNT4.
UNIX
IDE:
Symantec's Visual Caf� 3.0a, JDeveloper 3.0
RDBMS:
Oracle 8, Developer2000
PL/SQL, Cursors, Triggers, Procedure& Functions, Packages and Error Handling
Professional Work Experience:
Java Programmer Dec 2000- April 2001
This is a servlet based application and is used to estimate property value based on an address.It uses the distributed computing paradigm and is implemented on WindowsNT and Sun Solaris platform.
Studied the application code to understand the flow and logic of the application.
Successfully set up an environment for testing and debugging the application.
Wrote application code using java technologies like rmi, jdbc, servlets, third party packages(JReports) and Oracle 8 as the backend with JDeveloper as IDE.
Used Visual Cafe for developing UI for sub-applications like bulk order processing.
Analyzed problems reported by end users and developed code to implement appropriate functionality of the application.
Solved problems encountered while integrating modifications with existing applications.
Provided support and maintenance for the existing system.
Project Engineer (India) Aug 96 - Jan 2000
Reduced the repair time by 50% while independently handling the service section for AC Servo drives and motors
Employed a variety of software tools in implementing Electrical Projects.
Developed flow charts for in house processes as per ISO 9002
Employment Authorization Status:
Permanent Resident
Academic Background:
Master of Science in Information Sciences, Jan 2001 (3 credits)
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, 1992-1996
Govt. College of Engineering Pune, University of Pune, India

 
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Quick things I immediately noticed.
-Address your cover letter to the actual person you already
talked to at the place, rather than dear Sir/Ma'm (ouch).
-Check your grammar with a native english speaking person.
-Under professional work exp., what was your job? where was it? (maybe you left this out b/c you were posting it here?)
Unless you come clean with the usual information in this section, it may look like you're trying to pull something over on the person reading it.
-Whoa! You've got an MS? Put that up at the top.
 
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Dear Friend
No doubt you have few months of Java Experience but today the Java Job Market is very bad for people with less than 3 years experience in Java .Today's Java market is good for people who have good experience in implementing J2EE Technology .Unless you have skills and knowledge in J2EE Technology ,there is very little chance that you will get some Java Job .Instead of wasting more time in seeking Java Jobs with your experience make your self more marketable by becoming a Sun Certified Enterprise Java Achitect .This certification will not compenstate for your lack of work experience in J2EE area but it will atleat give you the sound knowledge about J2EE Technology and set you apart from other job seekers .SCEA Certification is a proof that you have the neceessary "knowledge" about the J2EE Technology .Keep a 4 - 6 month time frame and try to pass the SCEA Exam .This is the immediate best solution .But if you continue to keep seeking jobs without valid proof of Knowledge and Experience in J2EE you will only meet with disappointment as you have already seen now .
Do not loose hope .Study Hard amd make yourself Technically Competent .
Wishing you all the best .
------------------
Krishna
 
Rupali Desai
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Originally posted by john gabriele:
Quick things I immediately noticed.
-Address your cover letter to the actual person you already
talked to at the place, rather than dear Sir/Ma'm (ouch).
>>Thanks for the advice,i will keep that in mind the next time i send a cover letter.

-Under professional work exp., what was your job? where was it? (maybe you left this out b/c you were posting it here?)
Unless you come clean with the usual information in this section, it may look like you're trying to pull something over on the person reading it.
>>I worked as a Java Programmer in Pittsburgh in the IT department of Lenders Service.
-Whoa! You've got an MS? Put that up at the top.


>>I haven't completed my MS.I am working on it.

[This message has been edited by rup desai (edited August 29, 2001).]
 
John M. Gabriele
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>>I haven't completed my MS.I am working on it.
Whoops. I should read more carefully. (3 credits). You may want
to write January 2000 - present (3 credits)
Just a couple other nit-picky things:
-Don't abbreviate the months (write August instead of Aug)
-Put bullets in front of each complete line that describes
your job duties.
-It's PA, not Pa.
Good luck.
 
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Rup Desai:

You can take a look at my resume at:
http://members.aol.com/jpcoxey
There is both a text version as well as an ms-word version.
You can see how (as Krishna and John indicated) I have bulleted important items. Also, I tried to indicate the programming environment for each job I had. Don't go overboard on the environment section - just one or two lines.
I went ahead and abbreviated the months - it doesn't really matter - just make sure that you are consistent throughout your resume and use the proper abbreviations. Try writing you resume both ways and then choose which looks better.
If your resume runs two pages - make sure you add "References on Request" at the end. Reason being that it defines the end of your resume without saying "the end." Also, never put references on the resume - let the company ask for them during an on-site interview or on your first day of work.
-----
To anwer your question - does this really work? I can tell you that I have been on two job searches in the past 6 months - and both times have scored around 10+ good leads each time - with about 3 actual offers each time.
------
Well, it's 9:15AM - gotta go teach a class - or at least try to. Actually, winging my way through core JSP today.
Later,
John Coxey
(jpcoxey@aol.com)


 
Rupali Desai
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thanks everyone for the advice.I have made changes to my resume as per the suggestions.
Well i need advice on one more topic.I recently saw this job posting on a company website.So i called them up...but as usual I got the voice mail of the recruiter.I left her a message.
She hasnt called me back(obviously considering my experience)but the job requiremnt said experience is not a necessity.I really want to pursue this.Could anyone tell me if i should call her back or how else do i pursue this.
Thanks in advance
 
John Coxey
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Rup Desai:
If you are interested in the position - you have to be agressive. It is perfectly legal to call the recruiter as many times as necessary.
Unless his/her voice mail greeting says they are out of town for a specified length of time - go ahead and leave a message every other day. However, go ahead and call 4 or 5 times a day - just don't leave a message more than once every other day.
If you have address of outfit - go ahead and sent them a letter & resume. Let them know you are having trouble getting through.
It's kind of like being a sales-person. Here you are trying to sell yourself - so you gotta be agressive and play the game.
Good luck,
John Coxey
(jpcoxey@aol.com)
 
Rupali Desai
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Thanks John.That was a real help.Lets see what happens
Rupali
 
John Coxey
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Rup:
I assume you are overseas - so pardon if this information seems redundant.
Given the situation this week in NYC/DC - I think it would be best to hold off your calls until next Mon/Tue.
Our office (as is most of USA) is in a total state of shock this morning.
Later,
Johnny
 
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Originally posted by rup desai:
Well i need advice on one more topic.I recently saw this job posting on a company website.So i called them up...but as usual I got the voice mail of the recruiter.I left her a message.
She hasnt called me back


Hi Rup,
I'm a corporate recruiter. I agree with John - keep trying.
I think it's rude that the recruiter did not return your
call, but maybe she was unimpressed with the message you
left. Consider practicing it until you sound natural. Also
try to learn the commands of the voicemail system. That way
you can re-record until you like the way your message sounds.
Your message should be pretty simple --
"Hi NAME,
This is Rup Whatever. I sent a resume recently in response
to your JOB TITLE posting. Based on the posting it seems
like my skills would be a good fit, so I was just just
calling to follow up. [maybe you elaborate a bit on your
experience as well]
I hope you'll find the time to call me back to discuss the
position. If I'm not a fit, perhaps I may know someone who
is. [Now that's the zinger... hehe. What recruiter does not
want to hear that.] You can reach me at NUMBER and MOST
CONVENIENT TIMES."
Let me know how it works Rup.
Scott

 
Rupali Desai
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Thanks John.I did follow up, but this time I was cut off by the receptionist saying that the position was filled.
BTW I am in the US on the West Coast and have a GC.
Maybe I need to rehearse on the message I leave on the voice mail.I will work on that meanwhile...and keep on looking for other opportunities.
Thanks again
Rupali
 
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John,
i am curious what you did in way of employment between the jobs you have listed. some of the gaps are over a year. were the gaps just jobs that you did not related to computer technologies?
thanks,
thomas
 
John Coxey
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Thomas:
The gaps are mainly due to education.
- Between Apr 1993 & Mar 1995 - I was working on my BS-Computer Science degree. Starting in the summer of 1993, I had to take classes at Univ of Pgh, downtown campus - about an hour drive each way. Previously, I was taking classes at their Greensburg, PA campus - about 5 min from house). I decided education was more important than a job at the time - and when company was sold in April - I did not seek additional employment.
- The EDS-GMAC job relocated back to Dayton, OH, (after 2 yrs) and I was in the middle of an MS-Computer Science degree. I ended up getting both a teaching position as well as an internship type project for the next year. Towards the end of the project - I secured a position with Lucent Technologies, but could not work for them until I graduated - reason for 4 or 5 month gap there.
- After the layoff from Lucent, I took an entire year off and went fly-fishing all over the country. This was my own choince and was no way related to the job market.
- I was picked up by AMS/Qwest in Denver, CO this January - but laid off in April.
- Picked up by HP in Philadelphia, PA in June of this year and still with them. But, I still live in Denver, CO. Company may have me relocate to Philly sometime in Jan/Feb/Mar time frame.
-------
Yes, I did security guard work between jobs - as it let me study while at work.
In the 80's - I also spent 5 years as an owner-operator / driver / instructor for both Mayflower & North American Van Lines.
I don't show any of this employment on the resume as it is not relevant to computer science. Also, I think mentioning the truck-driving experience actually hurts my chances in this field.
-------
So what's next on my agenda?
I am basically paying off all of my student loans & assorted bills. However, I do not like being inside a cubicle all day.
I also do not like having the threat of layoffs hanging over my head. Like most companies in this field - HP is going through some difficult times.
Am planning on pursuing a PhD-Comp.Sci. sometime in the next 3 or 4 years. This would be more for myself rather than for advancing my career. I would not mind teaching & doing small to mid range projects - but I do not want to be a full-time researcher.
Then again, if the programmer rates keep falling - I just may go back to hauling freight.
John Coxey
(jpcoxey@aol.com)

[This message has been edited by John Coxey (edited November 15, 2001).]
 
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