How to write my resume (for Java developer) ?

[Yang Li]

I am a new grad with a few years php/web development experience. All my Java experience comes from my course projects, or following examples from a few books. Here is part of my current (related with java)

Objective
Java Developer

Overview
3+ years experience as a Java programmer, Web Developer, and IT Support. Solid academic training in Design Patterns, Object-Oriented Analysis & Design; hands-on experience in websites development, PHP/PERL/Java programing, and IT support. Experience in open source software (Apache, Tomcat, MySQL, etc) development.

Java Course Projects

Chat Room
" A Client/Server application that covers Java SE, Socket, threads, and Input/Output stream

Eclipse Plug-in
" A plug-in to receive, read, compose, send emails that support SMTP and POP protocols

Discussion Board
" Developed a basic discussion board with Servlet, JSP, and MySQL
" Applied recursion algorithm to implement collapsible tree view on threads

Bookstore
" Used Struts, Hibernate to develop a bookstore with back-end administration
" Mashed up with Web Services from Amazon, Google, and Commission Junction

Student Management System
" A RCP application (plug-in) built with Eclipse
" Used SWT/JFace

Any suggestion how to modify my resume in order to make it sound more professional? How to describe my Java course projects in a way that interviewers (usually senior java developer or lead) prefer?

Thank you

[Campbell Ritchie]

In Britain we call it a CV (=curriculum vitae).
It varies from company to company; you will need to find out what they are looking for, and write that down.
You also need to see the requisite format; in this country most public sector posts allow a long CV and most private sector posts have limits; if it says "up to 400 words" don't write 401.
You are allowed to present yourself in a positive light in a CV; most people say there is no need to describe your weaknesses; it is for the employer to ask about weaknesses at an interview.

I think you will get more useful answers in another forum, so I shall move this post to "jobs in general."

CR

[arulk pillai]

I have Java/J2EE resume tips and sample download at http://www.lulu.com/java-success. Can be handy.

[Sunit Gupta]

Few suggestions -

1) Since you actually have 3 yrs web development experience, your real projects still carry a lot of weight and companies will focus on them even if they're not in Java (since many of the technologies might still be usable in future projects involving Java), therefore those projects should be highlighted prominently in your CV.

You can mention your Java projects consolidated under heading 'Academic Projects using Java' as 2-3 lines bullet point for each project mentioning the project objective and technologies used.

2) 'Overview' section should not be a continuous paragraph, rather should have each point as a bullet.

3) 'Objective' section can be removed altogether, it's sort of an 'On Demand' information and can be provided if somebody asks for it specifically.
[ July 23, 2008: Message edited by: Sunit Gupta ]

[Shikhar Madhok]

I recently made my resume. And I have about 4.5 yrs of exp.
My 2 cents

1) Remove Ojective.

2) Rename Overview to Profile. Should be a single sentence describing you. Do not mention specifc tenchnologies in the sentence like J2EE, .NET etc instead use broader terms like 'web development'. Preferably a single sentence to pack a punch. Definietly will not exceed 2 sentences. Something like

Java developer with extensive experience in development and support of web based applications as well as core java applciation.

3) Add a section for 'Technology Proficiency' (or call it by any other name).
This should have bullet points for OS, Languages, Framewoks, IDEs, Design Tools, etc etc that you are comfortable with. So it would be something like
OS: Windows, Linux, UNIX
Design Tools: Borland Together, Rational Rose,
Build Tools: Ant, Maven
Technologies: EJB, RMI
Frameworks: Struts, Hibernate
(I would not use 'etc' here. Be as specific as possible)
4)Then include your Project Experience in reverse chronological order. (most recent first). Something like
Project Name
Technologies Used
Role
Team Size
Project Details: Bulleted points indicating brief about what the project was, and in which part of the project certain technologies were used. You can also add your contributions specifically, and any challenges you may have faced
5) Educational Qualifications (again in reverse chronological order): Some companies in India ask for this. But it would not harm to specify what you graduated as.
6) Additional Certifications: here you show off if you are SCJP, SCJD etc etc.

You could possibly interchange 5 and 6 depending on which is flashier.
Being a new grad you could add more details indicating your leadership skills if you were head of a fraternity or something.

That should be about it.

HTH
Shikhar
[ July 23, 2008: Message edited by: Shikhar Madhok ]

[Yang Li]

Thanks, guys!

[Mark Williams]

Is this resume style considered appropriate for someone who has almost 3 years experience as a programmer analyst? I work a lot with Java/J2EE but it is definitely not all that I do. I am worried that simply listing the projects I worked on will not do my career justice but at the same time, I don't want to clutter my resume by including a project list and several paragraphs about my other accomplishments and responsibilities.

[Mark Herschberg]

Originally posted by Java Beginner:

Any suggestion how to modify my resume in order to make it sound more professional?

The most important piece of advice is to know in what country you want to work. Resume/CV formats differ in the US, Europe, and different parts of Asia.

When I hire in the US and see a resume in a non-US format it tells me either the candidate probably isn't serious or doesn't do his homework. Either way, it does not lend itself to a favorable impression.

--Mark

[arulk pillai]

Is this resume style considered appropriate for someone who has almost 3 years experience as a programmer analyst? I work a lot with Java/J2EE but it is definitely not all that I do.

From my experience many lack the ability or inclination to write an effective resume. Ones resume is a key marketing tool in promoting his/her services.

Most resumes fail because they

fail to highlight achievements & don't use action verbs.

Uses ordinary phrases without being results oriented and credible.

Markets him/her as just a techie (not as a well-rounded candidate)

5-7 pages packed with irrelevant and trivial information fulfilling HIS/HER needs NOT the employer�s needs.

Starts with �responsibilities included� in many places

One size fits all resume. The same resume is emailed or reprinted as required. This is wasting an opportunity to present you in the best possible way.

Important information is scattered throughout the pages in the resume.

Starts with a standard format:

--Elaborate contact details.

--Leaving out the objective, especially, if you are a novice or making a career change.
--Elaborate career objectives.
--Education details listing every course details and certificates.
--Employment history listing every trivial and non related task.
--Large skills list and failing to include relevant and highly sought after skills.


[ August 03, 2008: Message edited by: arulk pillai ]

[Muhammad Saifuddin]

does the linkedin profile considered as resume? because I read in the article where Job Search Expert say Use your linkedin profile as Resume.

please share your opinion.

[Mark Herschberg]

Originally posted by Muhammad Saifuddin:
does the linkedin profile considered as resume? because I read in the article where Job Search Expert say Use your linkedin profile as Resume.

please share your opinion.

I don't want to get this thread too far from Yang's original question, but yes, I recommend putting your resume on your profile and I do that with my profile.

--Mark