David VanHorn wrote:
> Ok, I don't see much of this on the list, but I figured "why not?"
>
> I'm looking.
>
> I'd like to stay within the indianapolis / dayton / cincinatti area, but
> anything's negotiable.
> Obviously I'm an AVR fan, but I can work with anything.
>
> Resume on request, code samples etc.
> I do analog, digital, SMPS, some RF, layout.
>
> A couple of recent projects: http://www.gizmag.com/go/4701/
> And this one, which I did the barcode reading system for on a single 8 pin
> AVR : http://www.beyondconnectedhome.com/products/microwave.html
>
> I've done a bunch of projects over the last 10 years plus, telecommuting
> from home, but most of my clients have me under non-disclosure, which 
> makes
> it difficult for me.
>
> Anyone have an opening, or know of one?

Don't have an opening at this time, and if we did we would prefer someone in 
Phoenix (telecommuting didn't work very well in the past).

However, if you want some unsolicited advice from an employer's POV, read 
on. :)

The first thing you want to do, is have a resume readily accessible by a 
potential employer -- e.g., put it on your website, or attach it to the 
e-mail solicitation. I find it very annoying when something basic I need to 
make a decision (personal references, code samples, etc) is "available upon 
request." Why would anyone want to withhold that information, anyway?

In your resume, *clearly* state your objective, and list the projects you've 
worked on. Again, be as specific as you can. I see a lot of resumes which 
under "Skills/Experience" have a long list of buzzwords. As someone has 
said, "you can't get a job doing something you haven't done before." A list 
of the latest and greatest tools and technologies tells me nothing about 
your personal skils and experience. Don't do that.

Instead, pretend that you're actually talking to the interviewer, and for 
each project:

- Write a brief description of the project.
- Explain what *you* did on this project. If you were working on a team with 
twenty other people, the interviewer would want to know what your personal 
contribution was.
- List the tools and technologies which you used on the project, and (unless 
it's obvious) explain how each technology was used.

Even if you signed an NDA, you should be able to tell the interviewer all of 
the above, leaving out details that would identify the company you've worked 
for, or the product you developed.

It's OK, and even advisable, to list "hobby" projects that you did in your 
spare time. If anything, it tells me that you like what you do.

Above all, keep in mind that your resume will be read by a person, not a 
machine. Write your resume accordingly.

Once you have the perfect resume, post your resume on a site like 
Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com (both are free). Then do a search, and send 
your resume to companies that you would like to work for. It's a good  idea 
to modify the resume based on the company's needs, to make the content more 
relevant (the job description usually tells you exactly what skill set the 
company is looking for). Remember that HR people look for the perfect match, 
so the more points you hit, the better are your chances of landing an 
interview.

Good luck,

Vitaliy

PS A while back, there was a discussion with the subject "Re: [OT] Job hunt 
advice". I highly recommend it. 

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