CSCE 481 Lecture 10

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Guest speakers Anthony Rotoli (recruiter) and Aaron Roney (software developer) from Microsoft

Résumés

• self-representation: do it well!
• Expected graduation date (very important): full-time (graduate before job) vs. intern (graduate in far future)
• Cover letters aren't that necessary.
• Programming languages: split into proficient and familiar
• Experience outside classroom (most important!): side projects, research, competitions

Expressing Interest

• career fairs (be energetic and excited about yourself): looking for human beings, not robots
• info sessions
• direct email: always attach résumé, reference a previous meeting if possible.
• be patient and persistent.

Interviews

First Round

Best advice:

• be yourself
• do your best!
• Relax

Let passions and interests shine.

Keep an open mind about your right role

Second Round Interviews

• Keep excitement level: "We already like you, now seald the deal!"
• Show passion for current technology (know about industry trends, e.g. version and bug control)
• Set interview goals: At the end of the day, I want them to know...
• Enjoy the experience
• You're going to be living on location. Explore the area around the company.
  • Think about what you like outside of the job (hobbies, recreation, etc.)

Technical Questions

• Stay calm: think about your approach
• Ask clarifying questions
• Talk through your thought process. Think out loud. (this applies to team projects as well)
  • see if you can communicate your ideas.
• That said, listen for hints
• (ask what interviewer would do after you answer)

Trying Again

while (!success) { try { ... } }

• The "no" is for now, not forever.
• Keep in touch, you already have the company's attention (take note of how far you made it).
• be patient and persistent (again)
• learn about new growth opportunities and be ready to show off new experiences.

Otherwise... Considering Offers

Compensation

• base salary (base paycheck for coming to work)
• stock (awards vs. options)
• signing bonus: extra money for just saying "yes"
• Yearly Salary Progression: merit, bonus, promotional

Cost of Living

• Housing
• State and Local Taxes

Benefits

• Ask Mom & Dad
• Health Insurance (general, vision, dental): look at premiums (how much comes out of paycheck), deductibles (how much money you have to pay before insurance kicks in), and copayments (how much you have to pay for going to the doctor)
• Savings and Investment
• Time off (vacation, sick, parental)
• Corporate giving: volunteer organizations, and charity
• Extras: Health & wellness, product & service discounts, SWAG