CSCI 240 Pre-assignment: Resume and Cover Letter

Due Fri Aug 31 at the beginning of class

The Assignment

Create a cover letter and resume for the job posting below. This will give you a chance practice writing a resume (if you haven't already), as well help me assign project groups. Be sure to consider the roles and specify any skills that you have that might aid you in your future job. By showing me, in your cover letter, that you have researched and thought about the area you want to work in you greatly increase your chances of getting that position. A professionally written resume and cover letter is a key component of this assignment.

Vi-Char is an innovative start-up company developing a game platform for controlling and viewing virtual characters using real-world movements. We are seeking bright, motivated, and creative individuals to join our company. We have openings in the following areas:

Web Server Development. Desired traits:

Strong knowledge of HTML and Javascript, and server-side programming (e.g., PHP)

Experience with web services

Experience with MySQL, as well as JDBC and/or ODBC

Game Engine Development. Desired traits:

Strong game design and scripting language skills

Experience with game development platforms. Unity3D experience a plus.

Familiarity with 3D character modeling

Augmented Reality Development. Desired traits:

Knowledge of 3D rendering and graphics

Familiarity with existing AR packages and techniques

Mobile Device Development. Desired traits:

Strong Java development background

Background in testing methodologies

Knowledge of Android App development

Motion Capture Development. Desired traits:

Strong background in either C# or scripting languages

Strong background in testing methodologies

Familiarity with Kinect programming a plus

All positions require:

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work well in teams

Ability to research and analyze information

Strong organizational and problem solving abilities

Ability to work and communicate with internal and external clients

Commitment to quality and excellence

Ability to meet harsh deadlines

Strong decision-making and leadership skills

To apply, bring a resume and cover letter to Joel Ross's Software Engineering course. In the cover letter, be sure to specify the position(s) you are interested in and your relevant background.

Submitting

Upload a pdf copy of your cover letter and resume through Moodle.

Some Resume Writing Tips

Career and Employment Services has good resources for writing resumes. See their Resume and Cover Letter Guide for details. You may also get help from the Writing Center.

Remember that a strong resume...

is no more than 1 page in length
has items in reverse chronological order
puts the most important categories at the top
uses active verbs for duties and responsibilities
is specific and detailed
is consistent in its formatting
is customized to a particular job
avoids redundant objectives [despite what packets say, you almost never need an "Objective"]

A strong cover letter...

is less than a page; 3-4 short paragraphs in length
supplements the resume
explains what is and is not on the resume
adds extra information
explains why you are awesome and should get the job!
has the sender and receiver's addresses at the top
is addressed to a specific person whenever possible

Some other resume resources: