So, of course, I would like to begin with an enormous, digital “thank you” to the entire community here at FCC. It’s thanks to everyone that has made the resources and info available throughout FCC, as well as feedback to threads on this forum, that I’m even arriving at this point . . .
And that point is: attempting to get my first job in tech!
That means putting together the oh-so-dreaded resume, applying to a (hopefully not) ridiculous amount of jobs, and then praying that my 8.5x11 white rectangle doesn’t just get ejected straight from the printer to the shredder.
“Impressive. Very nice. Now let’s see Paul Allen’s resume.”
As such, I would greatly appreciate any and all helpful feedback on my rough draft of a resume seen above.
A few notes worth mentioning (I think):
Like many stories found throughout FCC, I am yet another individual who has no real official background in tech, though I am currently 68.934% finished with pursuing a degree in Computer Science.
Due to that, I believe it necessary to downplay my work experience/education in favor of displaying the skills I’ve developed in my specific tech stack through the few projects I’ve built with them.
There are some not-so-obvious soft skills I’ve gained from previous work that I’m sure would be helpful to communicate, but I am unsure how best to do so (i.e. fluency in Japanese, though I sound like a country bumpkin, and the fact that I built some web functionality at my personal training job’s gym’s website and also designed all of our promotional materials.)
The picture is likely largely unnecessary, but maybe HR will take pity on my lopsided hairline and at least offer me an interview.
Finally, those few projects mentioned in the resume are, as of this moment, not finished yet and so I don’t really have a portfolio to display those. Or a LinkedIn. Or a twitter. Or a Github. (I’m getting to it, ok?)
Right now, I’d just like to know how this resume looks and feels at face-value!
Thanks in advance!
P.S. Apologies for the long-windedness. It’s a habit of mine.
Not sure where you intend on applying geographically, but I’m writing from a US perspective:
Split-column layouts don’t scan well by ATS, I’d suggest converting to top-down only.
Delete the photo, those are irrelevant for these types of jobs and can be cause for unconscious bias.
I’d suggest deleting “Frontend Software Engineer” when you don’t have any experience yet.
Your location can just be city, country.
“Stack” should be “Skills”.
Your “Computer Science” education may be unintentionally misleading the way you’ve written it. It needs to be clear that you’re currently a student and haven’t received your degree, i.e.: How to List an Unfinished Degree on a Resume (With Examples)
Your “Profile” doesn’t really add very much to the resume, and could be deleted without losing much. If you’re familiar with Web3 / Ethereum / DApps, add it to your skills.
You should only list projects that are completed and fully functional without any issues, and ideally you should provide a link to them. If you really want to break into Web3 DApp development, you should make a DApp prototype to help get you in the door somewhere.
Your Work Experience needs to be fleshed out with geographic locations (i.e. city and country - or state as the case might be).
If you’re not actually ready to apply to jobs (because it sounds like you aren’t, based off the resume and what you posted), I’d suggest waiting until you are.
I don’t like the lines though, they add some rigidity to it, you could play a bit with that.
I would also try erasing PROFILE heading and make the font style a bit different than the others.
I am not agree with deleting your role, you aspiring to Frontend Software Engineer (I think if you use lower case and maybe smaller font-size, I think your resume header will look better. All in one line better) so you can call yourself that. I have 5 years Bachelor’s Degree in Geology and always call myself a geologist expert in mineralogy and civil engineering, with or without experience. Be always bold, companies prefer bold people also.
I think if you use lower case in your headings you will have more room for some white space. Capital letters are overused and often lower case (with 2 different sytles and sizes, for example) give a better layout; it works great with your name though.
I would be happy to check your resume again if you make some changes.
Well done, keep the good job and start to apply right away
I’m a fan of having a profile in general, a quick and easy way for an overworked personnel person to get a quick summary, but I think it is too flowery, wishy-washy.
Don’t say you are “up and coming” that adds nothing and sounds a little vain. They don’t care about your “deep interests”. I would just want “I am x and am looking for [type of role] using [basic techs]. I live in [location] but can work remotely or will consider relocation.” It’s not a dating profile. This is just a couple sentences so they can see in a few seconds if you are even potentially a good fit and decide if it is worth considering reading further.
I agree with getting rid of the picture - unless you are applying in Japan and that is common there. In the US it seems out of place. Each of your Work Experiences can be cut down to two lines each, if not one. The same with your Education. Then you can expand Skills and Projects - those are more important at this point.
I’ll be sure to clarify that my CS Degree is incomplete as of yet.
And yes, your assumption is correct: stated black-or-white, I’m not actually “ready” to apply for jobs. But finally getting my resume onto paper was my first step towards convincing myself that I might be ready soon, especially since I’ve observed that many of us non-traditional students easily convince ourselves that we’ll never be “ready.”
As such, it was always my intent to begin the application process in the New Year. I’m hoping with my level of “experience” (once I can prove it with the completed projects haha) I can get at least some sort of internship-like position so I can start getting my feet wet professionally speaking, and continue progressing my skills in Web3 dev to eventually move into doing that.
That’s good to hear! I will likely keep it in. I’ve always heard and understood that in a job application it helps to put the title of the exact role you’re looking to fill.
Oddly enough, pictures on resumes is the norm here in Japan. Surprised me, too! I will generally be applying for US based jobs though, so I will take it off for those applications.
I also wasn’t too keen on “up and coming” but wanted to say something a little better than “fresh out th’ gate,” you know. Perhaps “promising”? Nothing at all is probably best like you mentioned and just keep it direct.
Would you still suggest taking out “interest in blockchain tech” even if it’s listed as a requirement in a specific job listing?
I also wasn’t too keen on “up and coming” but wanted to say something a little better than “fresh out th’ gate,” you know. Perhaps “promising”? Nothing at all is probably best like you mentioned and just keep it direct.
To me it just sounds desperate and unprofessional. First of all, it doesn’t tell them anything. What does that mean? Is it quantifiable? Did you do a survey? Is anyone going to say, “Sorry, I’m not up and coming.” To me, that just sounds like you are trying to fluff up your resume with nonsense.
I have a friend that told me about a guy she was set up with once. They were texting and he kept talking about how he was the best guy she could ever date, that she was going to fall in love with, that he was going to “satisfy all her needs”… Do you think that made a good impression? It just sounds immature and inexperienced and desperate to me.
Let them figure that out. Just give them the facts. They don’t care about your status as an “up and comer”, even if they take your word for it. They care about:
Who is this?
What kind of job are they looking for?
What skills do they have?
What experience do they have?
What education do they have?
That is what they want.
But I don’t live in Japan, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
Would you still suggest taking out “interest in blockchain tech” even if it’s listed as a requirement in a specific job listing?
Maybe. I mean, I like the idea of tailoring what you have to the job. Personally, I would put that into a cover letter, but if you don’t have that, yeah, I might add it here. But I’m not sure how much they will care about “interest” on your resume - your resume should show it with some experience.
