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Ask HN: What is wrong with my resume and portfoilo?

7 points by wornoutman ↗ HN
This is my resume https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8b4MJypbW9Yc1FFYjM3aUZ1ZzA/view?usp=sharing , I would like to know what is wrong with it? I been applying to lots of jobs, and haven't got any offers yet. Earlier I applied to full stack developer, now I am just applying to junior web developer. This is the website I build for my portfolio: opusworkspace.herokuapp.com. This is my GitHub page: https://github.com/Sujinthan

11 comments

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danielvf
Your resume does not focus on the technical things you have actually done. There the keyword section at the front, and a few more things later on, but they get lost. Also, listing a project that you have not completed isn't that useful - it also feels like padding.

The book stacking and library work don't seem to sell your programming abilities.

Your english (here) isn't perfect. That's not a huge problem, if you are smart, but it is something people pick up on quickly.

wornoutman
What do you mean by "(here)"?
kefs
I think he is referring to your text at the top of this post, as it is not proper English.

As another data point, I would disregard your application immediately upon being asked to 'Sing In' and 'Sing Up', which is clearly a rookie typo/shows a lack of attention to detail.

https://i.imgur.com/Pwwmsda.png

Regardless of what anyone says, keep going at it and get better every day.

atmosx
You would disregard a non-native PROGRAMMER because on the front page of his side-project says"Sing" instead of "Sing". That's extremely harsh. I might even consider it stupid.

I think he is applying as a developer, not as an English teacher.

ps. I've read a lot of comments like this one, in various threads here and on reddit. I really wonder if the people who make those remarks are equally austere with themselves.

kefs
Yes, I would. Typos on github readmes and HN posts are trivial, however, any blemish on a site built solely to showcase accomplishments, skills, experience, and attributes, regardless of how small the blemish is, reflects negatively on the author. Of all sites, this site should be top-notch.

As for your PS, yes.

some1somewhere
If I were you I'd look at what "standard" tech resumes look like for entry level people. Here's a good example: http://www.careercup.com/resume

Keep your resume one page. Don't add stuff that's not related to tech.

I think putting projects that are in progress/incomplete are fine as long as you have dug into it enough to talk about some technical/issues you've faced.

I can help you construct at least a decent resume...

starshadowx2
I can't comment on the information/experience side, but the design isn't great in my opinion.

I know a lot of people say it should be plain but you can still make it look nicer while staying simple. Maybe a bit of colour or a better font.

You also have some weird lines in your work experience section.

Check out Represent.io, you don't have to use their templates but they are a nice reference point.

runT1ME
Leave out how long it took you to learn node.js and parse.com. It's not relevant. Probably get rid of the whole personal skills.

Condense Current/Previous projects into 'experience'. Leave out all non-technical jobs (including your volunteer experience).

Your resume's primary job is to show if your technical skills line up with what they are looking for. It's up to you to pass their tests/interviews, NOT your resume. Don't give them a reason to exclude you. Just have your current skills, contact info and experience. Maybe an objective or technical interests.

skylark
Your approach to resume writing is a bit off.

Imagine a site with one button. The recruiter clicks on that button and gets a random fact about you. They'll click the button 6-10 times and then make a "pass" or "continue" decision.

What would you populate your site with? This is basically what your resume should look like.

Every bullet should stand alone and have high impact. When I click on the button, I should get a sentence that makes me say, "Wow, I want to talk to this person."

Compare the impact:

"Online IDE to allow users to develop applications in real time."

"Solo created a cloud based IDE which supports multiple programming languages and allows real time application development."

Be ruthless about cutting out things which fail the "button test" and your resume will look a lot better.

danieltillett
I would be more concerned with your HN user name since your CV is now linked to it. I hope it is not a reflection of how you are personally feeling.