How to Demonstrate Ability to Learn New Software

How do you demonstrate your ability to learn new software to a potential employer?


This is an excellent question and a tricky one to answer. I believe that one of the best tricks for software engineers is proving they know new software. So my answer would be by proving that you've done it before. How? Show that you've been using something like C# for example, since it came out. The savvy hiring managers will be able to see that you learned it on the fly or by taking a class, which you can mention under "Education and Training" on your resume.

Also, the cover letter is a great place to talk about your history of learning new software. I wouldn't spend more than a couple of sentences on it.

The 3rd thing you can do is ask one of your references to comment on your ability to learn. Good references are worth their weight in gold so choose them wisely, keep in touch with them, and notify them when they're going to be called.


You could also get one of your references to write you a reference with this issue addressed on your Linkedin profile and then copy and paste that comment into your cover letter.



One final note: the summary section of the resume is an excellent area to discuss this type of soft skill. Then use the body of the resume to back up your claim. Under each new job you can put your newest Software/Language skills and technology first.



For more resume advice, feel free to get in touch by commenting on this blogpost.

Job Market Still Healthy

According to last Friday’s Wall Street Journal the job market is not totally down the tubes. There are a couple of lights at the end of the tunnel.

According to Sarah Needleman’s article, “Executive Job Market Still Healthy”, industries that will continue to have a high need for experienced talent are life sciences, health care and industrial manufacturing. Furthermore, executive openings lie in marketing and sales, supply-chain, and sustainability positions.

Needleman goes on to state that networking is going to be the best way to find a job.

So if you are finding yourself out of a job now or in the near future, start calling everyone you know, beginning with people you most recently worked with or for. Also, if you’re not on Linkedin yet, now is the time to write your bio and build your network.

Feel free to post your comments here or ask any questions about resumes, interviewing, Linkedin, or online networking.

Is "Facebook friending" okay for Thank-You Letters?

Today I was asked whether it was appropriate to "Facebook friend" your interviewer after an interview and whether "IM speak" was okay in an email thank you note?

"A resounding 'no'," was my answer. Under no circumstances should a candidate ever "facebook friend" a thank-you letter or use IM-speak. Communication with a potential employer should still be done as formally as an email allows. In other words, proper grammar and punctuation need to be considered. Candidates will want to remember that all correspondence with a company indicates many things about candidates, including their writing abilities and style, as well as their ability to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

With that said, I would add that if the person is applying for a job at a very hip internet startup that requires them to be using facebook or IM as part of their responsibilities, then perhaps other forms of communication would be okay because techno-savvy skills would be required in that type of company.

Whether one is being hired to write or not, one must always remember that writing skills are always being evaluated because the ability to communicate with the team or other members of the company are important even if you work in a solitary type of position. There is almost always a boss or subordinate who need to be informed of status, problems, etc.

So a thank-you letter should take the following form: first, thank the people by name if possible for their time during the process and for their information. Then reiterate why you are qualified for the position based on information gained during the interview. For example, "I know that my background is a perfect fit for the software development position because of my technical skills, my ability to communicate with business partners and my ability to present to management."

And, when should a cover letter be sent? No more than 24 or 48 hours after an interview.

Feel free to send specific questions or comments to: JLitvin@MicroSearchSF.com or post a response here.