I have worked in a food manufacturing company as a production engineer for 1 year. After a while I really felt this job isn't suitable for me. I like to do more technical stuff and work with electronic industry, never try never know right? Problem is I applied to many companies but haven't receive a single callback. Now I'm wasn't sure whether it's my poor grades or my poor resume or changing industry, but I want to fix my problem.


Can any sifu take a look at my resume and recommend correction? I really hope to work in Penang Island but if really no choice then I have to apply to KL.

If too troublesome to dl then screenshot here:


* Updated resume:









Previous version:




This post has been edited by brightjoey: Feb 16 2014, 05:24 PM


Attached File(s)
 Myname_CV___BEng_Hons__Mechatronics_v4.1___censored_lowyat.pdf ( 99.36k ) Number of downloads: 33

Maybe, just maybe, you lack working experiences ?

Yeah, I've thought about that. But it seems absurb that my friends with so-so qualification like mine can get in whereas I can't.

+ I only applied for entry positions since I'm entering into a different industry and is completely different from what I do now.

You apply through jobstreet only for new jobs? Do you search through newspapers?
Do you try Altera, Intel? I mean they have their webpage for vacancies.

Your current job details too short in my opinion.
You may refer this.

- Responsible for overall process engineering and product engineering.
- To sustain and improve process yield and quality.
- To take up cost reduction projects. (You may edit this)
- To determine the corrective actions related to process yield issue.
- To analyze evaluation and make conclusion.

Your "Solves >10 process abnormality and develop improvement for optimal performance & food safety ..." - improve how many % and how did it helps your company?
Achievements are important.

I see. I can understand that.

Maybe they think that you are over-qualified for applying entry positions ?

Hence the issue.

brightjoey,

Aha!!

A mechatronic graduate that is NOT AS GOOD as Electrical Engineering graduate want to join electronic industry.

WHY should they hire YOU when you know much less that a TYPICAL EE graduate in term of Electronic?? WHAT do you KNOW about Electronic industry to begin with??

YOU need to answer those questions in your resume.

As I had told people again and again, Mechatronic is a LOUSY DEGREE.

Dreamer

This post has been edited by dreamer101: Feb 2 2014, 11:32 PM

Ok Noted, noted. I did apply for Altera and Intel since they're big companies that had their own company job application. But never liked it since it encourages people to post a wall of text with little formatting. It clutters my resume into just words. Plus without a CGPA 3.0+ , I stand a abysmal chance in their eyes. So whenever possible I would apply directly through jobstreet.

The problem I had with job description is being specific. Sometimes I just do what my boss tells me to do and had no idea how much improvement it does show in calculations.

The "Solves >10 process abnormality...." Now that one is something that bounds to happens because of the poor condition of the plant, we have some idea on fixing it but the cost too damn high that the COO wouldn't approve the budget. So I had to "solve" it (taking short-cuts) when easily if we improve the plant condition it wouldn't be a problem. As for how many % honestly that % is going to be the same until the budget is approved.

Ouch! you show no mercy :'(

Ideally I wish I done a different FYP project as it seriously made me a handicap in the real world (too ambitious, wanting to show off etc etc.), Now what's done is done and I need to get doing SOMETHING!

I've taken up MOOC + courseera to cover my weakness, but it's still isn't enough. I know I have no right to ask alot, but If I can get a sliver of chance, I know it's something I can prove myself on.

+ many of my colleagues says how hardworking + useful I am, ( hope they're not stroking my ego), so I think I have what it takes.

brightjoey,

<<But never liked it since it encourages people to post a wall of text with little formatting.>>

1) YOU are looking for job. Altera and Intel is doing the hiring. What you like or dislike is IRRELEVANT to THEM. So, get YOUR MENTALITY set correctly first. A beggar cannot be chooser.

2) Your CGPA is horrible. You have NO WORKING EXPERIENCE in Electronic industry. So, unless and until you can CONVINCE people that you have RELEVANT EDUCATION / SKILL / CAPABILITY to the electronic industry, you have NO CHANCE.

<< The "Solves >10 process abnormality...." Now that one is something that bounds to happens because of the poor condition of the plant, we have some idea on fixing it but the cost too damn high that the COO wouldn't approve the budget. So I had to "solve" it (taking short-cuts) when easily if we improve the plant condition it wouldn't be a problem. As for how many % honestly that % is going to be the same until the budget is approved.>>

3) What had you DONE that is USEFUL and RELEVANT to electronic industry?? If you DO NOT KNOW, you had not done enough research to earn you an interview.

Dreamer

brightjoey,

You THINK that I am harsh?? Those are the questions that you will face if and when you have an interview. Be prepared to answer those questions.

<<+ many of my colleagues says how hardworking + useful I am, >>

As compare to WHO?? And, unless they are working or know somebody in electronic industry, it is USELESS to YOU.

PROVE IT in YOUR RESUME. If you cannot show it in YOUR RESUME, it does not exist.

Dreamer

Dreamer is right. From your resume, I don't see anything like course that you learnt that support you to become software engineer.
Mechatronics definitely is not add any value too.

You should find back and try to compute your improvement. Do your company use Lean's Six Sigma?
Maybe those terms like JIT, kaizen, 5S, poka yoke etc may remind you.
I do feel like you disconnected from manufacturing after I read you resume.

What have you done in free time, company kaizen, etc using computer technology? Because if you like software etc, you will done something in your free time, or office time.
I give you another example for this,
-"You did an automation sending out daily report to every engineering bosses utilising tools you have in the company, using excel, vba, vbs, smtp email and sql."
-"You join and contributing to open-source e.g. certain linux, certain projects."
-"You got few certs from computer science, A.I etc from online courses or other sources."

Know programming is no use, even a 5 years old know it. You must show the passion why you like this kind of job.

1) Ok noted. I better get my act together now.

2) Yes I acknowledge that. I am looking any opportunity that expands on these relevant skills, and therefore aren't that choosy (except abt the penang, KL thing, I really wanna work in Penang)

3) That experience had little-til-nil relevance in and electronic industry, but if i could first get into that company by being in production first, then later changing departments.

I want to improve on these areas, I want to have achievements too, but I'm currently in a industry where most of my superiors only graduated with an SPM cert, all they have is experience. I wanna climb but there's no ladder around. Therefore my conclusion is to change to a relevant industry ASAP. I know my limited skills is my weakness, but if given the chance I know I'll grab and never let go.

I do know 5S, kaizen, poka yoke concept, and my plant practice it too. Thanks I will add on that.

I'm currently learning enough excel programming to do things like automatic calculation or linking, I have noone else that I know in the company who can help refine these skills. Maybe if I switch departments I can get the relevant people, but isn't switching to the relevant industry better and also has better opportunities?

brightjoey,

1) You KNOW NOTHING about Electronic industry. Now, if you KNOW NOTHING, how could you tell what you DO NOW is RELEVANT or IRRELEVANT to electronic industry??

<< 3) That experience had little-til-nil relevance in and electronic industry, but if i could first get into that company by being in production first, then later changing departments.>>

2) How do you KNOW THIS when you KNOW NOTHING??

<<I do know 5S, kaizen, poka yoke concept, and my plant practice it too. Thanks I will add on that.>>

3) Case in point. We had just proven something in your current job that is RELEVANT to electronic industry.

<< I have noone else that I know in the company who can help refine these skills. >>

4) Why do you need this when you have THE INTERNET and some of courses are in YOUTUBE?? STOP giving excuses...

<< Maybe if I switch departments I can get the relevant people, but isn't switching to the relevant industry better and also has better opportunities?>>

5) Why would somebody give you a chance to begin with if you DO NOT DEMONSTRATE that you are MOTIVATED to learn in the first place??

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.
- Confucius
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/t...eLYvkLPYLUyF.99

Dreamer

Are you talking about VBA? What I know is VBA (Visual Basic for Application) which is coded at the back of a spreadsheet. It's can run as macro and other form.
Just read some books and use google, a lot of resources you can learn from. Trust me for this.

Please don't think your company can help you refine any skills. Every skills you need for the future, you have to learn it by yourself.
Just want to let you face the reality, you said you want to change to software, talk is cheap. You need to show what you done to the interviewer and your resume. (Dreamer mentioned this already)

Just want to ask you few simple questions, what do you think of your current resume?
Do you feel that you can survive in software engineering with your current skills?

In your current job, do you do report like using excel etc? maybe yield report, data mining etc?
Why do you work in your current job in the first place? Why you not pursue software engineering last time?

Edit: Chances are not given, is you create by your own.

This post has been edited by quovadis123: Feb 3 2014, 01:36 AM

Macro and VBA programming is very easy compared to C. I did C programming and VBA was ABC to me. Here is a good site I use a lot of time:

http://excelvbatutor.com/vba_tutorial.html

Macros you just look it up on google.

You just need to tailor your resume to what the employers seek. It is better to go out and seek another ladder to climb than to sit around. However, there are skills that you can use that is similar to electronics industry. Such things like PLC, C and C++.

Your resume needs a bit of fine tuning but what I guess is your Jobstreet information was not filled as effective as you can for HR to catch. Sometimes it is better to call or apply directly to the company. Unless your resume is very impressive (green field experience, overseas experience... ) Jobstreet might not be as effective.

Dear TS, please bear in mind that getting your ideal job isn't solely based on your cv / resume. I, myself got the job within my social circle, someone who has connection with the company offering the job that i was applying. A few friends of mine were actually employed by those well known companies through their circle of friends, networking and so on.

add some example, i know u solved 10 issues but what is it? and what is the impact? cost? lead time?
then for improvement, again example and what is the outcome?

Well, I would like to try, the last time I applied I gotten an offer from Pentamaster regarding a software position, albeit a lower pay. At the time, I wanted to gain a management row to improve on my social and leadership skills. I agree my resume is inferior compared to other capable people, which is why I don't ask for the same or even lesser pay.


Thx, I downloaded a few VBA programming guides off youtube, I wanna get around to it but progress is slow since I am busy with a full-time job + OT.
May I know which area in the resume I could still finetune? I would appreciate it very much.


I did send my resume to a few friends, but that was before I actually learn the proper way in writing a resume. Maybe I could try that now.. Thanks I will do that.


Solves >10 process abnormality that passes audits from Nestle, Mondelez and Mamee and develop improvement that reduces amount of complaints down to 0-1 in a year for optimal performance & food safety.

Is that better? I switched around the words abit and added the "amount of complaints down to 0-1 in a year"

I'm afraid that sentence is too wordy and recruiters have no interest in reading.

Some of the simple questions I asked, you have not answer yet.

How many hours do you work if include OT?
I think you can able to learn during your working hours since you also using the excel in workplace.
Do you have subordinates like technicians?

This post has been edited by quovadis123: Feb 4 2014, 01:19 AM

Sorry I skimmed through too fast.

1) I think my resume lacks skills and knowledge. Even though I do heavily in programming in my FYP, it still doesn't boldly states a strong programmer. I thinking joining the relevant industry can improve on this.

2) Yes should be able to survive. Because I already have the basics, and if applying for a entry position, I can learn and improve more.

3) Yes yield reports, workbook sharing, data mining (I looked it up since I wans't sure what it is). I have to collect data and show graphs hopefully to show patterns in abnormality or etc.

4) I already replied you on that.

If include OT it should be 1.5-2.5hr. Which means I would have worked 10hr+ everyday, unless very rare I have things to do at home I ask to be released early.

Yes I have subordinates but they're mostly old workers working for the company 10-20 years. Most of their highest qualification is SPM or PMR, but currently trying to find younger employee to replace the older ones.

brightjoey,

<< If include OT it should be 1.5-2.5hr. Which means I would have worked 10hr+ everyday, unless very rare I have things to do at home I ask to be released early.>>

WHY do you do this??

WHY are you working SO HARD to make sure that you LEARN NOTHING and have NO FUTURE??

Why YOU do not make sure that you have TIME to learn something at work??

<< I thinking joining the relevant industry can improve on this.>>

No, IT will not happen unless and until YOU change YOUR MENTALITY. It is UP to YOU to make sure that YOU learn something NEW at work. If YOU do not protect YOURSELF, YOU will be doing THE SAME THING for the next 5 to 10 years.

If YOU do not MAKE TIME to learn stuff at work, EVERYONE else will schedule YOUR TIME fully until you have NO TIME left.

If YOU do not have at least 10% to 30% free time at WORK to learn something new, you have NO FUTURE. Now, if things do not get done, it is NOT YOUR PROBLEM. They need to hire more people.

Dreamer

P.S.: Do you know how to say NO??

This post has been edited by dreamer101: Feb 4 2014, 02:21 AM

There are few methods to reduce your workload so you can concentrate on learning new things.
- for the yield report, you should create automation on it. Auto query data by schedule, auto crunch it, auto tabulate, auto send to your bosses, subordinates and you.
Even you can auto predict the abnormality. This should remove most of your workload.
You should understand this, because you are an engineer. You need to shine brightly.

I did this before, you can find a way to do it.
Last time, I do have 4 technicians and 2 lines to take care of. I remove my technicians and my own workload in reporting(>6k % improvement projects since it is RM 0 project, able to optimize alot of headcounts including my own headcount), so my technicians can concentrate more on the line, and me will always do cima-cima kaizen and other improvements. This is my own design project last time(using software, scripting), and finally extended to full manufacturing line after I leave the company.
Yup, I like software and programming.
Real engineer is not doing reporting, but help company to save money, improve processes and solve problems.

Don't find excuses. When your boss asked you to do something, just answer him/her "I will do it right now!". Become a do-ers.
You will attracts alot of bosses and seniors to teach you other things in life or other useful things.

- You dump all your things to your subordinates (not recommended)


Actually is quite simple, you just need to show your passion in your resume or interview, you will get the job.
From what I seen, you resume lacks of something related to software engineering. You do not show your related achievements related to software.

For FYP, how your FYP is different from others? Do you propose your own topics, did something your mechatronics faculty never did before?
Since you small until now, what do you do that can show us your interest to software or software engineering / CS is deep?
Why I asked this question, just want to know whether you like software out of nowhere in this year or long time ago.

edit: Please do not feel that we are harsh towards you.

This post has been edited by quovadis123: Feb 4 2014, 02:36 AM

I will comment based on each section.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Header:

You need a better looking header as a resume. Something like this:

http://www.livecareer.com/resume-examples#.UvCBPbR4_-o

Objective:

I am an enthusiastic electrical/electronic/programmer (pick whichever is relevant) seeking for a new challenge in the electronics industry. I have previous experience in <fill in the blanks with general skills>. Thus, my long term passion is to embark a managerial role in leading the future of <fill in the blanks> industry with innovation and management quality.

Education:

The "2nd class honours 2nd division" is an eye catching achievement. Keep that.

Kindly take out the diploma grade. It looks bad on your resume. It is no longer necessary. I can bet with you they wont bother considering the fact that your are working already.

Trash that SPM. No one really cares about it.

Only keep your degree and diploma as your education background would be more than enough.

Work Experience:

Dont need to tell people how many years and months. It is not required.

The experience bullet point is good. Keep that. Do correct your grammar mistakes (you have a lot of mistakes, it is very important to keep your resume error free. Most HR will throw your resume away once they see an error).

But, most important thing you need to sell is "what you have achieved? what difference you had made in your previous company?" You can state a nice summary of your achievement after each work experience:

Achievements

-improved the factory production by XX%-XX%
-implemented a newly created technology and reduce the opex cost by RMXXX,XXX
-effective communication skills with the client that keeps them happy and updated (with proven records and experience)
-outstanding time and task management skills by working with XXX number of people in XX departments
-successfully trained XXX amount of new staff members with increased workforce by XX%[/B]

Do this for each work experience. You can play around with this to make your resume look superior. But do not blow your bubble too big, experienced people can smell bullshit easily.

Personal particular:

Make these details in the header of your resume. Please refer to header URL link for more details. There are a few good examples there.

Skills:

Lose that jargon for advance, intermediate, and beginner.

Just cluster your skills in category form. Like:

high level programming language
<fill in the blanks>

low level programming langauge
<fill in the blanks>

simulation programming language
<fill in the blanks>

operating systems
<fill in the blanks>

administrative software
<fill in the blanks>

management software
<fill in the blanks>

CAD software
<fill in the blanks>

Languages:

Keep that. It is fine.

Activities:

Scrap that warcraft 3 game thing. Try using more professional activities like rock climbing, swimming, programming... State why you like those sports that indirectly relates to your job. Example:

Rock Climbing - A high risk endurance sport that increases my stamina in multiple folds. I am able to make critical and logical decision in very difficult situation.

Academic Projects:

Keep your project descriptions in bullet point. 1-2 lines per bullet point.

References:

Can I safely assume you mean "Work Referees"?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Try to use some tables as well to keeps your resume tidy.

This post has been edited by razo2: Feb 4 2014, 02:50 PM

Bro, if you are a talented programmer is in the blood.

Trust me on that. I might not program C my entire life, but I know I am able to program it good enough to solve problems.

Programming is a logical process, once you understand it is forever in your mind.

I agree that I'm spending too much time doing many unimportant or mind-numbing tasks, my company is an old company and still uses windows XP + office 2003, and IT problems are quite common, the plus side is we're getting 1 more person to reduce the workload, until then my boss encourages me to use the extra time to learn more about the job. But honestly, I can't learn more when their's noone skilled or specialized to teach. I requested to my boss to hire more experienced guys, but he insist that fresh,entry is better.

I definitely WANT to learn something new and USEFUL, hence applying to bigger technological companies with well established team.

Regarding the free time, it's something that I thought I had no control of, since whatever I do IS work, but I should know better. thanks.


Maybe... maybe.


Wow that was really inspirational! May I have the guides or website where I could learn and apply from? I agree that as an engineer the expectation is much higher, and my passion has always been to improve and not be stuck in the old fashion/inefficient methods.


I used to find excuses but after working and being disciplined by superior I feel that I am maturing and becoming a do-er, thought still have procrastination

My FYP is something is improved on a small vehicle by using a microcontroller instead of a laptop. It was a crazy idea since noone dared to take such a difficult project, most of my friends picked easier (like using matlab to control a already existing xyz plane controller).


I don't quite understand this statement, care to explain?

I really like the programming part, but usually because of failures or codes doesn't work, I give up too fast. Now I'm determined to get it right, so it's definitely not a "out of nowhere" idea, thought in the future I want to in-cooperate hardwares or devices, and not just a person who does only program.

Btw, thanks for sharing your experience, and no, noone who is willing to share their opinions/thoughts are "harsh" on me.


Thanks. I wanna work with brilliant programmers and learn about it. Granted am not the ace now, but one day I want it to be better than most.

brightjoey,

<<I really like the programming part, but usually because of failures or codes doesn't work, I give up too fast. >>

Then, programing is NOT for YOU. You should do something else.

<<I wanna work with brilliant programmers and learn about it. >>

You can't. Good programmer LOVE programing. They like the challenge and difficulty.

One of the most important thing is career planning is to find out what you LOVE. As far as we can tell, PROGRAMING is not the right one for you. But, it is not bad. You just have to find something else.

Dreamer

It's a > 6000% improvement projects because it reduces workload of >10 hours old data crunching and reporting to 0 hours.
So, many of the engineers no need to prepare for most reporting, and can concentrate on solve line issue.
Every morning, a report will deliver for big bosses and engineers including technicians ,FA, Software, Product, Process, Managers, S. Managers and Plant Managers. Like a newspapers, engineers read it and solve it.
Why send to so many people? Because when any engineer absent from work, manager can solve the problems in the line.
This even can train our own technicians to solve the problems since they know which equipment and the yield, they will have faster response.
RM 0 means zero cost project. Why company like it? Because it saves alot of manual work and can optimize excess headcounts.
Whole manufacturing line become more responsive, the manager expect more from engineers and technicians after that.

I remind you again, programming is just a tool used by us to solve problems.

About the fyp, I think it will be better if we propose our own topic to the lecturer. Never mind, time passed.

I would like to hear from you since you're in this field for very long.
How do you tell a person love programming apart from those don't love?

quovadis123,

People that LOVE programing get EXCITED and MOTIVATED when they face a difficult programing problem. In fact, they continuously SEEK OUT tough problem.

I do programing to solve problem. I do not love programing. Hence, I can do programing but I will NEVER be good at it.

I LOVE networking. I read thousands of books on networking. I seek out TOUGH networking problem. I get MOTIVATED by tough networking problem.

Dreamer

P.S.: It is VERY SIMPLE.

People that LOVE programing will do a lot of programing outside of their coursework just for the FUN of it.

This post has been edited by dreamer101: Feb 4 2014, 11:34 PM

Thanks for clear explanation.
I think I'm programming guy.
I like to solve problem, but I will try different method of programming and languages, sometime mixed few languages to solve same problems.
I feel very excited about programming. FYI, I'm not grad from programming related engineering course. I learnt by myself.
I do take a lot of online courses and grad with flying colors like A.I course, programming course. I did enjoy learning programming.
Most of my time, I will read programming books. Most of the python and objective-C languages books I also read before (more than 30books each).
Other programming languages I read just for few books to understand how it works.

I feel like smile from my heart when I start think of programming.

TS,

I do have friend that he said he like photography.
He bought a DSLR after he start working as engineer.
At the end, he seldom takes any pictures, he did not learn how to use DSLR efficiently.
But, he said he like photography. Even now, after 2 years and half, never see any pictures from him.


This is the problem, he actually do not know what he likes.
Because he think his friend as photographer very cool, then he think he also like photography.
A person like photography will takes pictures at every moments. They study the angle, contrast etc (This I no expert at all).


After you realised what you really like, your path will be clear.

This post has been edited by quovadis123: Feb 5 2014, 12:51 AM

Wow, u are really very detailed with your academic achievements. I think this works to your disadvantage as your grades are not outstanding. I would do more to not tell (remember not telling everything is not lying) some aspects of your academic achievements.

For the degree, just put 2nd class honours. Only tell what division if forced to.

For the Diploma, just write diploma. Why need the CGPA? Only tell it if you are forced to.

SPM. Its been some time since my SPM. If they still have the pangkat system(e.g: pangkat 1 and so on), just state your grade, no need to specify in detail your grades.

Working with brilliant programmers helps but in the end it is your experience in programming that matters. It can be work or non-work related problems. In order to be a good programmer you need to debug a lot of algorithm problems and bugs. Learn from google and personal experience. It takes a lot of planning to get it right the first 1-2 times. After 1-2 years of programming you will start to see problems in a different way. You will notice that you can catch bugs even before compiling.

Okay okay noted I will rework on it and give you a reply soon.

A few things I need to understand/clarify:

Since I have worked for a year+ after graduating, is my work experience that much important in securing an entry position? I understand that any improvement is a good thing, but do I need to stress on my academic performance since my current work experience has nothing to do with softwares?

Objective:

Noted.
b]Header:[/b]

Education:

Noted. Even if I work only for a year my CGPA isn't necessary? okay.

Work Experience:

Noted. I never noticed the grammar mistakes. Is it the -ed's? Okay I will change that.

Regarding achievements, so I include the achievements after listing out some of the job's responsibility?

Personal particular:

Noted.

Skills:

Noted. Previously I followed the jobstreet's format which includes years. Is that better?

Languages:

Noted. thanks.

Activities:

I used to co-organize blood donation for my college. I think I shall include that?

Noted. I'll add certain interests. I do play ultimate frisbee which improves teamwork and logical thinking.
Scrap that warcraft 3 game thing.
Academic Projects:

Noted.

References:

Sorry I've only had universities referees. Should I try to find a work referees? I'm afraid if I ask my boss as a referee, he could view me as a quitter and not be much kinder to me.

I agree I don't intend to be a programmer as a final career choice. But I do like programming, otherwise I wouldn't have went through so much pain in learning and spending countless hours in the lab just working on programming. I lack motivation and discipline and I slack off easily, + I hate some attitudes of programmers that make me hate asking them( most of the programmer friends I know are high-and-mighty or look down on people, so I inadvertently harbour a strange dislike on programmers). I din't mean it when I give up too fast, upon reflecting, I did strive very hard to solve programming problems when I don't understand.

But hey I hope you're wrong and I'm right. I can't tell but the future will.


I love shooting films and writing storyboards. I still do. I daydream about it sometimes when I see a particular event or a funny situation where I wish I have a camera right there and then.

But filmmaking doesn't put food on the table (well, at least not very much in Malaysia), so I went to other passions which is in engineering science.

The trouble with me is that I'm torn between two worlds. With the filmmaking world captivates me, but so does building and designing working projects.
Well, maybe instead of writing a resume, I should focus more on career discovery.


Hmm, I think you're right. Thanks I'll remove the cgpa and hope they will not mind too much.

SPM in my year doesn't have a grading system, at least when I checked my SPM cert. My bro says employers might want to know if you're an A student. I'm not, but I'm a B student. I guess that's still not good enough?

brightjoey,

<< I agree I don't intend to be a programmer as a final career choice. But I do like programming, otherwise I wouldn't have went through so much pain in learning and spending countless hours in the lab just working on programming.>>

No, you do not like programing. STOP LYING to yourself. You only do it because you need to pass your course. For example, I LEARN 8 programing languages through self study INDEPENDENT of any of my course work.

I studied 167% (20 semester hours) of full time student course load. I worked 40 hours per week. But, I still spend another 20 hours per week learning programing and computer stuff because I LOVE IT. I slept on the average of 4 hours per day for 6 years in order to do all those things. it was so much FUN!!!

<<But hey I hope you're wrong and I'm right. I can't tell but the future will.>>

If you LOVE something, you do it for FREE just for the FUN for it.

<< I love shooting films and writing storyboards. I still do. I daydream about it sometimes when I see a particular event or a funny situation where I wish I have a camera right there and then. >>

What is there to STOP you for doing your own short film publish it via YOUTUBE??

<<But filmmaking doesn't put food on the table >>

So what?? You have ENOUGH FOOD on the table NOW. What is there stopping you for doing this in YOUR FREE TIME?? I forgot!! You DARE NOT say no so you have NO FREE TIME.

I have 500K lines of code in dBASE. I know 8 different programing languages. And, I still do not consider myself as LIKING programing.

STOP GIVING EXCUSES!!! Life is too short!! Do not live in regret later when you are old as to what you could had done NOW.

Dreamer

Okay okay noted I will rework on it and give you a reply soon.

A few things I need to understand/clarify:

Since I have worked for a year+ after graduating, is my work experience that much important in securing an entry position? I understand that any improvement is a good thing, but do I need to stress on my academic performance since my current work experience has nothing to do with softwares?

Focus on what you can offer to be a programmer. Even there is a small task that you did in the previous job it is something that you can offer as a skill to sell. That was my point. There is no such thing as one industry that fits all.

Even experienced people have to learn new industry and skills as well. It is all down to your ability to learn quickly and apply those skills. That is what the employers are looking for. There is no sweet time learning a skill in a working industry. Learn to break from that mind set and you are highly in demand.

Objective:

Noted.
b]Header:[/b]

Education:

Noted.  Even if I work only for a year my CGPA isn't necessary? okay.

I was just pointing out that you must not show your bad grades when it is not needed. Focus on your selling points. I am sure you dont see a fruit seller showing his moldy stocks to you right?

Work Experience:

Noted. I never noticed the grammar mistakes. Is it the -ed's? Okay I will change that.

Regarding achievements, so I include the achievements after listing out some of the job's responsibility?

Yes. Not only it is a good method of summarizing, it also tells the potential employer what you had learned and which skills you could offer to them that is useful. It is all about selling yourself to the employer.

Personal particular:

Noted.

Skills:

Noted. Previously I followed the jobstreet's format which includes years. Is that better?

It is up to you. But I didnt bother to put the calculations in my resume. Usually I will just round it so it is easier to understand. No one really care if you add or minus a few months just to make things easier to read.

Languages:

Noted. thanks.

Activities:

I used to co-organize blood donation for my college. I think I shall include that?

Noted. I'll add certain interests. I do play ultimate frisbee which improves teamwork and logical thinking.
Scrap that warcraft 3 game thing.

Anything is better than a gaming hobby in a resume.

Academic Projects:

Noted.

References:

Sorry I've only had universities referees. Should I try to find a work referees? I'm afraid if I ask my boss as a referee, he could view me as a quitter and not be much kinder to me.

Here comes a nifty trick, learn to make friends outside work that is neutral or in favor to you. Usually your referees are trusted colleague or your clients. Plan who will be your referee, it is important to do so. Your boss is never a good thing to use as a referee until you finally get the job (when potential employers are already interested in you then bad boss is not an obstacle).

Most of them will bad mouth you in a very drastic manner. If you are in good terms with your boss then it is a good thing to add him. If they did bad mouth you, then play the neutral card. There is a lot of ways to talk your way out of this situation.



This post has been edited by razo2: Feb 6 2014, 07:52 AM

What do you intend to become as your final career choice? Architect, Evangelist? Or Managing path?

Ah sorry for late reply.

Alright, let's say you are right, that I don't like programming (which I still disagree, cause I painfully delibrately take a optional programming class even though I could have taken otherelective non-electronic modules). In any case, programming is still a vital skill to learn and to cultivate.

I know I'm still a naive boy, and yes giving excuses to me is like eating candy. But not doing nothing is far worse than doing something I dislike.

You tell me your life story in how you painstakingly spend hours in your free time learning, I can assume a large portion of the time is also programming, but still you confess you DISLIKE programming, but you STILL learn and practice programming. You still ACKNOWLEDGE the power of programming. In light of that, isn't working in a programming environment a ideal place to cultivate the skill?


For now, I don't have a final career choice. But I hoped in dealing with the different industries and enrolling myself into a Masters or PhD might make it clearer in what I planned to span my entire life on.

I really enjoy chemical engineering research, so I might try to go there. At this point, the future looks misty.

brightjoey,

From the highlighted in blue,
Why do you think skill in programming is important?

Programming language is a language to communicate with machine. What dreamer learn is just a communication.
For example, I know how to communicate in Bahasa Malaysia since I learnt it since schooling time.
But my command in B.M is weak, but still I'm able to communicate with most people in B.M.
So, will I will improve my command in B.M ? No!
I will never good in BM for my entire life, just an average joe because I don't like.

In programming, you can use multiple method and algorithms to solve the same problems. For those dislike programming, they will only use one or two methods.
If the method can get the job done, then they are ok with it. They will never good at it.
For those like programming, they will continue for their entire life to find better way to solve it.

Like I said before, programming is just a tool of solving the problems. You need to know what field you really like.
In fact programming field are wide, there are software development, mobile computing, testing, architecture, analysis and very long list.

Let's say you are an expert in C programming(tool). But what field you want to enter with your profile?
Actually you still need a destination.

In fact, we already know programming is not for you. We don't want another average joe in this field. YOLO
You should in the field you really like! We want you to unleash your full potential, so, you will benefits to the world and society.


This post has been edited by quovadis123: Feb 9 2014, 04:37 AM

brightjoey,

<<You tell me your life story in how you painstakingly spend hours in your free time learning, I can assume a large portion of the time is also programming, but still you confess you DISLIKE programming, but you STILL learn and practice programming.>>

Yes, but I did not continue doing it because it BORES me. I learn enough to solve any problem at hand.


<<
In light of that, isn't working in a programming environment a ideal place to cultivate the skill?

But I hoped in dealing with the different industries and enrolling myself into a Masters or PhD might make it clearer in what I planned to span my entire life on.

>>

You do not get IT!!

You HOPE someone or some environment or some job will FORCE you into learning something. WHY?? If you are MOTIVATED , you will find TIME and ENERGY to get it done without any EXTERNAL FORCE. Now, if you are NOT MOTIVATED, those EXTERNAL FORCE will not help either.

<<enrolling myself into a Masters or PhD >>

This is CLEARLY a bunch of BS. ALL MIT, Princeton, Harvard university class lectures are FREE and AVAILABLE online. ANYONE with Internet access can learn from those lectures NOW. WHY are YOU not doing it now?? If you CHOOSE to DO NOTHING now, how does enrolling in any classes matter??

Those with will and determination will find a way. Others will find thousands of excuses.

Wake up!! Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you WANT out of your life?? Are you willing to put in THE EFFORT to get there??

Dreamer

I've uploaded the newly edited version, kindly please check it out and give me feedback. Also regarding the work referee, I'm finding it difficult but I'm sure a few of my colleagues are willing to give the support I'm looking for.

I've also checked http://www.rubyresumes.com and it certainly is very helpful.



I understand your meaning. I have to do a little research on the available industries and soul searching. For now I'll temp. look for any jobs around my scope, cause I really want to leave my old job as the bosses and the culture isn't what I'm comfortable with, even after a year.

If you're saying I'm heading down the wrong path, what is your recommendation I should do? If possible kindly be specific, and not too much open ended questions.


Attached File(s)
 Myname_CV___BEng_Hons__Mechatronics_v4.1___censored_lowyat.pdf ( 99.36k ) Number of downloads: 11

brightjoey,

STOP LYING to yourself!!

1) Ask what do you REALLY WANT TO BE in 5 years??

2) What are you willing to DO NOW to get there??

At this moment, you just want to get out of your current job but you DID NOT ASK what you want to be.

<<If possible kindly be specific,>.

How can WE be SPECIFIC when you keep on LYING on what you really want??

Dreamer

Just want to ask you simple questions,
What do you want to become in the future? Maybe next 2-5 years...
Work in engineering? become own boss, open a restaurant? running ecommerce? become lecturer? making movie? or prefer unemployed stay at home?

Just a honest answer..

I like to see myself working in engineering, I really do, but maybe not as a programmer, but maybe more of a technical R&D in electronics.
The main thing is to get a job that I love spending time with, and it involves going through different industry and finding out what I love and passionate about.

I love video making as mention in 1 of my previous post, but I also love engineering technology, and solving problems dealing with R&D.

Thanks for making me realized that programming is a tool, indeed I want programming as a tool, but not as a life long career path.


In 5 years, I see myself being a leading professional in designing machinery. What machinery I haven the faintest idea, but my long term passions has always been to advance the technology of civilization, and to work towards building the next-gen machines.

Seems this time you have some firm answer for us. For design machinery, normally you will exposed to CAD, for example AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ANSYS and etc.
During my FYP last time, I did propose and do projects of verifying fatigue life of certain steel using ANSYS via Finite Element Analysis.
I'm only one in the course proposing such computational method and compare with real experiments. Most of the 99% undergrad that time only taking titles given by lecturers/supervisor.
The ANSYS do have programming features if you want to custom run some extra simulations for those not available in the software itself.

Below is only illustration of the software.

Had a quick glance through at your resume and my suggestion would be :-
1. Remove diploma CGPA. It is too low to do you any good and might harm your chances.
2. Remove SPM results. It is not even relevant when you have a degree and diploma.
3. Work experience might be too boring for HR. Suggest you try to make it more interesting? Maybe add in some accomplishment?
4. Remove expected salary. No point to tie down your negotiation power.
5. Remove irrelevant personal particulars i.e. IC number, transportation.
6. Seems like you have leadership and event organising experience. I would suggest you re-phase these to your advantages and park it under skills. For example, list out communication skills and you go on to show how you are the MC for the event. Fully attended by students is too vague. If there are thousands of participants, do not be shy and make sure you quantified it in your resume as a key strength.
7. I would suggest you remove the Warcraft 3 name from your resume. Some interviewers might interpret it as being too childish. Instead, you could maybe list it as an event organising skills. For e.g. organised inter school computer game tournament whereby xxx number of participants attended.
8. Why the heck is FYP included? Is it applicable? If not, remove it.

brightjoey,

<<I like to see myself working in engineering, >>

Why??

<< The main thing is to get a job that I love spending time with, and it involves going through different industry and finding out what I love and passionate about. >>

That is a long and wasteful way to find out... It will be wrong anyhow.

It is VERY SIMPLE.

What are you doing with YOUR FREE TIME now?? What are the stuff that you GLADLY do that without getting pay for??

If you have to get pay (a job) to DO SOMETHING, you do not love and passionate on that thing.

<<In 5 years, I see myself being a leading professional in designing machinery. >>

Why and what is there to stop you now??

http://3d.about.com/od/3d-Electronics/tp/L...eady-To-Use.htm

You can buy a 3D printer for less than USD $1,000. And, they are dropping to less than USD $500.

You can manufacture almost anything now at home. What is there to stop you??

Dreamer

I have not tried ANSYS before, but Autocad is pretty much my bread and butter during college days. May I ask what kind of jobs would require me to use ANSYS?


Thanks, I had updated the front page with the latest version

1. Yup, removed.
2. Yup, removed.
3. I added some accomplishments, kindly check if it's interesting to catch HR's eyes.
4. Okay, although without much working experience I'm afraid they might think I'm asking too high when I'm expecting lower.
5. Okay. Will do.
6. Ah, another advice I had was it din't really matter and I should leave it as a one liner.
7. Yup, changed it to cybergames. I suppose that makes it seem less childish and more impactful towards leadership roles.
8. Guides around the most , and especially since I'm thinking of switching path more towards software, I think my FYP shows my skills hard work.

Okay, I am extremely torn in my passion. I love alot of things. I love making videos, (though I haven't created one cause i'm busy, and without the right equipment) I love learning languages ( I learn Japanese & German juz because it's really fun), I love making machines work ( I want to build a functional robot and feel satisfy seeing it work), So how am I suppose to know what should I do?

ANSYS just like other simulation software. Similar softwares are like CATIA, solidworks etc.
You create a 3D model through AutoCAD/Solidworks/ other CAD software then you exported to ANSYS to do testing in terms of materials strength, simulate and predict the product in real life etc.
Those jobs are called Finite Element Engineer.
It's not like a engineer design by drawing only... Those can be done by draughtsman already.

Edit: There are a lot of jobs using those simulation softwares, maybe other professionals can comment about this too.

This post has been edited by quovadis123: Feb 18 2014, 12:46 AM

What right equipment do you mean? You can use your phone camera, right?

Like a typist, at beginning, they will use normal keyboard a.k.a membrane keyboard or maybe you can use laptop keyboard.
After that typist break alot of keyboard after long time use, they will move to more reliable keyboard like mechanical keyboard. They will notice the drawback of membrane keyboard.
Moving from membrane keyboard to mechanical keyboard is like from RM 20 keyboard to RM 500 keyboard.
Everyone start at level 1, then slowly level up..

You will notice what is the drawbacks of that item then you will upgrade based on your needs.
Even if I give you a best equipment, you still don't know how to use its full potential.

My advice is use what you have currently have.

This post has been edited by quovadis123: Feb 18 2014, 01:05 AM

brightjoey,

<<I love making videos, (though I haven't created one cause i'm busy, and without the right equipment) >>

No, you don't.. Or, you do not love enough. Or else, you will find TIME to make it happen instead of excuses... I loved programing. I could not afford a computer. My first program was written with Casio FX3600p programmable calculator.

You worked for FREE (18 hours) on your dead end job instead of doing something that you CLAIMED that you LOVE??

Stop lying to yourself. If you TRULY love something, you find TIME to make it happen... Stop making excuses. Or else, you will REGRET in future as to what you could had done with your life.

Dreamer

Hey brightjoey...

Just my 2 cents...because already got a lot of comments, and most are quite harsh.

I've read a lot of resumes.

And most of them I don't want to finish reading.

Why? because they demonstrate no knowledge of the companies I represent, the work my company does, or what my company needs.

You're trying too hard to create a general purpose resume that you can bulk mail to a bunch of prospective employers and hopefully get an interview.

If I'm looking for a programmer, for example, who will apply? programmers. So stating that you have programming skills is irrelevant to me, unless you won an award or something outstanding.

Customize your resume AND COVER LETTER to the interview you want to score, and do your homework about the company and what it does and how you could fit in.

A good tip would be to remember that sending in a resume IS THE SAME AS AN INTERVIEW, except you cannot defend yourself.

Nobody in HR is expecting a perfect resume (usually perfect means fake). HR is expecting someone who provides best value for their available resources, & is a cultural fit.

Also, update your resume with the latest fonts and templates. as an modern job seeker, you have to move with the times of what considered good design. Templates in Word can be used automatically.


As for details, a lot of the Sifus here have mentioned good moves. Be careful not to oversell projects you've worked on, or skills that you have.

on a more personal note, I believe references should be on a resume, not available on request. It means that you are 100% sure that this person will vouch for you, any time, any day.

This post has been edited by brien1193: Mar 30 2014, 01:25 AM

Got referred to this post from https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3174677

Some of the items I see in the resume are interesting/weird.

The Highlights said "I have previous experience in C, C++.......Thus my long term passion is to embark on a managerial role..."

First, the word "Thus" is incorrectly used here. What has C++ experience got to do with management? If you say "I have recently completed MBA, thus my long term passion is to embark on a managerial role..", that is not too bad but C++ is not skills related to management.. It would be better to remove the word "Thus" completely and start with "My long term passion...". To use the word "Thus" there implies your lack of comprehension of the word "Thus".

Second, no where in your work experience has anything to do with software development or C++. Putting "I have previous experience in C, C++..." in your highlights is, if I may say, pure "rubbish". Anyone can say "I have previous experience in this or that", so whatever you say there must be substantiated. Also, that's your highlights. And you are highlighting something (C++) that you have no real life working experience in.



The other weird item is the part that said "Ultimate freebees.... helps you to make critical and logical decision". Maybe ultimate freebees works for you, not for everyone, maybe it helps to make critical and logical decision, maybe not. Maybe not at all to most other people. Keep that to yourself and off the resume but you can bring it up in the interview if it is something you want to talk about.