Would you hire this fool?

[Ibram]

Thanks for all your replies...

I've edited my resume based on your advice.

my overall GPA isnt very impressive (a rather sad 2.27/4.0).

The resume I posted here is the general one I keep on my computer, when I apply to a specific job I modify it for that position (no position here so its just a general outline).

I currently live in SE Virginia, and though I'd like to stay in the area finding a paying job is a bit more important.

Hobbies were added after a class I took recomended adding them, it always seemed... odd... to me.

 

[Mista Collins]

I was always told to leave your GPA off your resume unless it was higher than a 3.25 overall. And you can put hobbies, but have a reason for them. If you like to game, I would have it under interests and then put how it helps you to think outside the box.. or something like that.

 

[ssampier]

I manage an IT dept in Chicago and have reviewed 100s of resumes. Let me put a few of my own observations on this:

- Grades don't matter. Maybe put your overall GPA on there, but only until you get your first job. Then dump it.

I am in the clear. My overall GPA is like 3.0/3.2, nothing bad and nothing too exciting either. I never understood the obsession with perfect scores (I know I had better retention of classrom material than the sterling scholars in my high school).

In any case, I put my hobbies on my first resume. It was for a tech support position and I listed that I like upgrade computers for fun. I got the position.

Now I just need a full time I/T job with benefits (probably stay in my support position another year, though).

 

[Barendd Nobeard]

Sometimes hobbies/activities may relate to a job even if it's not intuitive.

I got my first full-time job, as a computer programmer, partly because of my expereince with college speech teams. It wasn't listed in the job description, but the department did all the training in-house and the classes for programmers were taught by other programmers. Years of experience in public speaking helped me get my first IT job. Go figure. I was just lucky; I had listed the activity since I was fresh out of grad school with no other real experience to put on the resume.

If your hobby/activity can highlight something positive for an employer, it can't hurt to add it. The trick is knowing what "something positive" means for the organization to which are you applying.

Good luck!

 

[Ibram]

Don't know exactly where you are looking to find a job, but UVA is always looking for computer tech and programmers. Take a look: http://www.hrs.virginia.edu/staffing/class.html

And if you are interested in a computer support position at all, this one is in my department: http://as400.hrs.virginia.edu/cgi-bin/db2www/jobs/ucdet.mac/details?jva=LB USER J03BB 001

That position sounds realy interesting, I'll apply to it today. thanks

 

[Gilwen]

I would drop the GPA from the resume. I would also goto the bookstore and get a good book on cover letters (a good book on resume's would give you tons of other types of examples).
The cover letter is really important to nail since that's the first thing they will likely read and that is where you sell yourself on why they should hire you. The resume is categorizes your XP and educaiton. Keep the cover letter simple, short, sweet and to the point. Also if you do get an interview do your homework on the company and become knowledgeable about what they do and what they offer, this will also help you come up with questions to ask them -- remember it's as much an interview of them as it is for you.
Gil