The software engineering resume that got me into FAANG and Goldman Sachs (internship)

TL;DR

A resume critique that led to internships at Amazon and Goldman Sachs.

Transcript

a couple weeks back i broke down the resume that got me into fang as a data scientist now in this video i said i would also show you guys the resume that got me my amazon and goldman sachs internships as a software engineer as a software engineer yeah as a software engineer many of you guys may already know my backstory of how i interviewed for sof... Read More

Key Insights

• The resume was created using a popular LaTeX template, which is not ATS-friendly and can hinder automated processing.
• Despite a background in pharmacology, the author transitioned to computer science and secured internships through strategic resume adjustments.
• The resume included scholarships and publications, though they were not effectively communicated for the target industry.
• Work experiences in bioinformatics and research were tailored to emphasize coding and software engineering skills.
• The author participated in hackathons and projects, leveraging them to demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
• Leadership roles in university clubs helped showcase organizational and technical skills, contributing to resume strength.
• The skills section was sparse, highlighting the importance of accurately representing one's abilities on a resume.
• The resume's science-heavy focus was transformed to appeal to software engineering roles, proving adaptability and determination.

Questions & Answers

Q: What template was used for the resume and why was it problematic?

The resume was created using a popular LaTeX template, which is problematic because it is not ATS-friendly. ATS, or Applicant Tracking Systems, are used by many companies to scan and parse resumes automatically. The complexity of LaTeX coding can make it difficult for these systems to read and interpret the information correctly, potentially hindering the resume's effectiveness in reaching human recruiters.

Q: How did the author's educational background influence their resume?

The author had an undergraduate degree in pharmacology and was pursuing a master's in computer science. This educational background influenced the resume by initially presenting a science-heavy focus. However, the author strategically highlighted relevant coursework and skills acquired during their computer science studies to align more closely with software engineering roles. This adaptability and targeted presentation helped bridge the gap between their educational background and desired career path.

Q: What role did hackathons play in the author's resume?

Hackathons played a significant role in the author's resume by providing practical experiences that demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills. The author participated in hackathons such as 'Steady Hands' and 'Drug Me,' which involved innovative projects using technology to solve real-world problems. These experiences were leveraged to showcase the author's ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to technical projects, enhancing the resume's appeal to potential employers.

Q: Why was the skills section of the resume considered sparse?

The skills section of the resume was considered sparse because it lacked a comprehensive representation of the author's technical abilities. While the author included skills like LaTeX and Linux, there was an acknowledgment that these skills were not particularly strong or relevant to the software engineering roles being targeted. This highlights the importance of accurately and effectively showcasing one's skills to align with the requirements and expectations of the desired industry.

Q: How did leadership roles contribute to the resume's strength?

Leadership roles contributed to the resume's strength by demonstrating the author's ability to organize, lead, and execute initiatives. As president of the university club Texplore, the author organized workshops and hackathons, which showcased their leadership and organizational skills. These experiences provided evidence of the author's capability to manage teams and projects, adding depth and credibility to the resume, and making it more attractive to potential employers.

Q: What challenges did the author face in transitioning from science to software engineering?

The author faced challenges in transitioning from science to software engineering, primarily due to the initial lack of direct experience in the tech industry. The resume was heavily science-focused, reflecting the author's background in pharmacology and bioinformatics. To overcome this, the author strategically highlighted coding skills, relevant projects, and leadership experiences to align with software engineering roles. This required a thoughtful re-framing of experiences to emphasize transferable skills and technical competencies.

Q: What lessons did the author learn from crafting their resume?

The author learned several lessons from crafting their resume, including the importance of tailoring the document to align with industry standards and expectations. They realized the need for clear communication of skills and experiences, as well as the value of adaptability in presenting one's background. Additionally, the author recognized the significance of continuous improvement and the potential for growth in resume writing, as evidenced by the successful internship offers despite initial shortcomings.

Q: How did the author's resume ultimately lead to internship offers?

Despite its perceived shortcomings, the author's resume ultimately led to internship offers at Amazon and Goldman Sachs due to its strategic presentation of relevant skills and experiences. The resume highlighted coding capabilities, teamwork, and leadership roles, which resonated with recruiters. The author's determination to transition from a science background to software engineering, along with a demonstrated willingness to learn and adapt, likely impressed employers and contributed to securing the internship offers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video discusses the author's software engineering resume, which secured internships at Amazon and Goldman Sachs, despite its perceived shortcomings. The resume was created using a LaTeX template, which posed challenges for ATS systems. The author highlights the importance of structuring a resume to align with industry expectations.

• With a background in pharmacology, the author successfully transitioned into software engineering by emphasizing coding skills and relevant experiences. Work in bioinformatics and research was presented to highlight software engineering capabilities. Participation in hackathons and leadership roles further strengthened the resume.

• The author reflects on the learning process of crafting an effective resume, noting the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and showcasing relevant skills and experiences. Despite initial challenges, the resume ultimately led to successful internship offers, demonstrating the potential for growth and improvement in resume writing.