Re: ADA experienced software engineer - great employment opp...

[rlove@antispam.neosoft.com (Robert B. Love )]

In <396c8e63.8005125@news.gwtc.net> marc mandel wrote:
> 
> Robert (and others),
> 
> Then perhaps you can tell me what I am doing wrong...
> 
> I _am_ very interested in avionics / real-time / distributed computing
> / defense industry type work.

Much like the other responder I can tell you that getting past the
HR types in large aerospace companies is a bear.  Talking directly
with the technical managers is the best way to gain entree but
then HR wants to shield those people and do their job.

I could tell my personal horror stories but instead, let me suggest
that you use whatever personal contacts you have at the companies,
try and talk to project managers instead of HR and write follow up
letters.  Also, don't appear too desparate.  And if a less than 
perfect job comes up, take it.  Getting that first 1-2 years experience
is the key.  Then you can move onto jobs that you consider ideal.

Right now I hear Boeing in Seattle, LockMart in Denver, Raytheon in
Tucson and, of course, Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids are hiring.
Also, most of these firms now have web sites you can type in skills
or locations and find a list of openings.  I don't tailor my resume
but I do adapt my cover letter to stress what the potential employer
needs.
 
> I went to a job fair in Santa Clara this last March and saw 200+
> booths that had 'Pre-IPO" and "Web/E-commerce" banners.  These booths

I once worked a job fair for Mother Martin there.  Every recruiting 
trip I was sent on, I was paired with a HR guy.  Try to to talk to
the technical guy, not the HR guy.

Good luck.

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 Bob Love                                   
 rlove@neosoft.com                            
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