DS, Resume question. Engineering.

[DawnCt1]

DS 24 has graduated and is receiving his BS in Engineering. He is in the process of completely his resume, which is limited to his objectives, education, related courses, experience, etc. With regard to Objective; He wrote: "Highly competent, hard working engineer looking for a demanding position that offers a rewarding experience". That "sounds" good but, he is applying for his first job as an engineer and his competency is limited by his experience. I am thinking that the looking for "demanding position" is fine, rewarding experience is fine but that he needs to interject something along the lines of expanding his experience, learning new skills, etc. Any suggestions are more than welcomed. In other words, HELP!!!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Actually I would leave off the objective and he can explain himself in his cover letters.

 

[DawnCt1]

Actually I would leave off the objective and he can explain himself in his cover letters.

That's something we hadn't considered. Then the cover letters can be specific towards the companies.

 

[mickman1962]

Actually I would leave off the objective and he can explain himself in his cover letters.

Ditto

 

[Galahad]

Actually I would leave off the objective and he can explain himself in his cover letters.

Yep, this is absolutely right. DS23 just started at Intel. He struggled for 10 months with his job search and he really was paying a LOT of attention to his "objective" because the career counselors at school told him he needed to do it. I'm an I.T. manager and when hiring a entry level person, I don't have time or the inclination to read "objectives" in a stack of resumes. We finally convinced DS of this. He got a lot of interview offers he didn't want but that sure beats the alternative. Bottom line, a hiring manager for an entry level engineer doesn't care where you want to be in 5 years.

 

[Sandy V.]

Actually I would leave off the objective and he can explain himself in his cover letters.

I would also agree, and just add that he should avoid the "rewarding experience", or rework it so he focuses on what "rewards" he can give to the employer instead.

 

[DawnCt1]

Yep, this is absolutely right. DS23 just started at Intel. He struggled for 10 months with his job search and he really was paying a LOT of attention to his "objective" because the career counselors at school told him he needed to do it. I'm an I.T. manager and when hiring a entry level person, I don't have time or the inclination to read "objectives" in a stack of resumes. We finally convinced DS of this. He got a lot of interview offers he didn't want but that sure beats the alternative. Bottom line, a hiring manager for an entry level engineer doesn't care where you want to be in 5 years.

Those details with regard to you and your son's experience are very helpful. The career center at his university seems to push the standard type resume that you mentioned but that isn't exactly useful in the real world.

 

[DawnCt1]

I would also agree, and just add that he should avoid the "rewarding experience", or rework it so he focuses on what "rewards" he can give to the employer instead.

That was my thinking. I didn't think that the company existed to create an "experience" for him but what he could bring to the table. He is at work right now (his during college job) so I am collecting all of these wonderful comments to pass along.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I would also agree, and just add that he should avoid the "rewarding experience", or rework it so he focuses on what "rewards" he can give to the employer instead.

Exactly, an employer wants to know what the potential employee is going to bring to the company. And in his cover letters, he should mention something SPECIFIC about the company. Showing interest in the company is a very good thing.

 

[malibuconlee]

What type of engineering? And what kid of position is he looking for?

 

[DawnCt1]

What type of engineering? And what kid of position is he looking for?

He is mechanical engineer. He would like anything to do with jets, airplane engines, turbines, etc. He has mentioned fuel cells in the past. Of course, he would like any position at this point. I am mentioning all of this based on living with him although I haven't specifically asked him lately.

 

[JCJRSmith]

I have to agree with the "drop the objective" sentiment expressed here. I was speaking with our company recruiter one day and we were going over a friend's resume and her first piece of advice was that objective statements are no longer considered useful among most hiring managers.

 

[hiwaygal]

You might have your DS consider doing a "Summary of Qualifications" instead of an objective. While he doesn't necessarily have experience (and any engineering firm looking for someone at entry-level probably doesn't expect that) he does have skills...perhaps a senior project or a specific course of study (i.e. aerodynamics)...just a short list of three or four items will serve to quickly catch the eye of the reviewer and "invite" them to check out the rest of the resume...

 

[sharbear]

Did he do a co-op in college? Just wondering, I have a DS who is applying to colleges as an engineering major and they all talk about co-ops.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

I just want to say good luck to your son. I graduated college this past May with computer science degree and this past October finished my job hunt. It's tough but it will be rewarding.

Working with jets? Wow, your son would love some of the other departments of my job. I wouldn't worry so much about the objective part of his resume. Mine only said something simple like "To find a full time job in the computer science field." And I got many compliments on my resume, which I thought was very plain. Go figure. If he is going to use the objective line he should only put something simple. He should only say if he is looking for a PT job, FT job, internship, etc.

I completely agree with the other poster about talking about his senior project. I truly believe mine got me my job. Most companies really are interested in hearing about it.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

Did he do a co-op in college? Just wondering, I have a DS who is applying to colleges as an engineering major and they all talk about co-ops.

One of my friends did a co-op while in college, also a mechanical engineer. If he had done well in school I believe he would have been offered a full time job. I really wish my college did a co-op. It's a great foot in the door.

 

[DawnCt1]

I wished he did a co-op. He opted for additional course work instead. He is graduating with 149 credits...19 too many as far as I am concerned. Thanks for all of your great responses. It certainly made me see it in a totally different way. Sean was enlightened as well as it is different from what he has been told.
How things work in the real world are often different. If anyone wants to discuss the 'COVER LETTER', that would be welcomed too. I will be proof reading.

 

[hiwaygal]

Okay, I am no expert, and I’m sure others will be able to help you out more as well...but here’s my two cents...I hope it helps!

First of all, the cover letter is not really supposed to be an extension of your resume. It should highlight one or two specific reasons you are qualified to fill the position you are applying for...but it still has to be a letter, not a bulleted list of qualities.

Here's a general format:


Dear Hiring Manager/Human Resources Manager/Human Resources Representative/Sir or Madam (it’s really best if you have a name, but I know it doesn’t always work that way),

I am writing in response to your ad in (name of news paper), dated (whenever). I would like to be considered for the position of XXX.

(In the second paragraph you want to show one or two specific skills you have that make you a PRIME candidate for the position. Of course you can be a little more specific depending on the position. You should be able to be a little more detailed in this paragraph.)

(If there is something particular you can offer in the way of training/education you can highlight it in this third paragraph. If there is a person both you and the hiring manager knows you can mention this person in this paragraph, otherwise, just skip this paragraph.)

(In the last paragraph you "submit" your resume and again express your interest in the position, and ASK for an interview..."I have enclosed my resume for your review. I am sure that my experience and skills will make me an excellent addition to your team. I am looking forward to speaking with you about (the position). Please call me at XXX-XXXX at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.")

 

[tkd lisa]

The other thing I would mention is that in my opinion, an entry level resume should absolutely be one page. I had friends who made 3 page resumes! Even though they were very well qualified, no one wanted to read through 3 pages to figure that out. Yes, senior level engineers, or managers need the space to expound their capabilities, but entry level... no.

I hope things go well in his job search. BTW, is he considering the DoD? We hire LOTS of engineers, and it sounds like military aviation might be right up his alley. The hiring process can take a while, but I'll say that I've never regretted leaving GM to go work for the Navy.

 

[DawnCt1]

The other thing I would mention is that in my opinion, an entry level resume should absolutely be one page. I had friends who made 3 page resumes! Even though they were very well qualified, no one wanted to read through 3 pages to figure that out. Yes, senior level engineers, or managers need the space to expound their capabilities, but entry level... no.

I hope things go well in his job search. BTW, is he considering the DoD? We hire LOTS of engineers, and it sounds like military aviation might be right up his alley. The hiring process can take a while, but I'll say that I've never regretted leaving GM to go work for the Navy.

Actually we are encouraging him strongly to consider the Navy. I think that it would be perfect for him on a number of levels. Thanks for the help everyone.