Latest Contributions by CarmenBremmer

I alluded to this in my post, but I think cover letters are extremely valuable.  Rarely does a person have all of the experience listed in the job description, so a cover letter allows to explain how you would overcome that gap and how your current skills would apply to the position.  It shows me that you actually read the job description and have a genuine interest in the position as opposed to just mass applying.  Our company uses a common talent management software that shows me every position in the company you applied for.  You see some people who apply for every open position in the company so you know they aren’t interested and if they had to write a cover letter for each, you know they would be more selective.  For any position that I am interested enough in to submit an application, I make it a point to compose a cover letter.  It also makes me think about the position and if I would be a good fit.  Even if it is ignored, at least you know you put the effort forth to try to get the job and not wonder if a cover letter would have made a difference. ... View more

I have been shocked at how poorly people have interviewed for positions I've hired.  The first thing is go to your career center at your college and get tips.  Rarely do people write cover letters (and a form cover letter is no different than a resume in my opinion), so those who have one specific to how they would address the posted job description is important for an initial review by a hiring manger. So to some of your specific questions: Is a degree important?  If so, what level, and does it have to be in GIS? - For me, having a degree in a related field and at least some classes in GIS is important, but not necessarily a degree in GIS.  When I was in college, GIS as a major was not offered, so took all of the GIS classes they had and found a GIS internship to supplement it. Experience? Really depends on the position level.  If it is entry level (btw, saying 3-5 year of experience can still be entry level), I have a heavy emphasis on courses/projects completed and actual experience is a bonus. Certification(s)? I personally don't take this into account in private sector, others may. Candidates portfolio? Yes - If you have a portfolio, it is a bonus.  Have your professor or employer review it though because a bad portfolio is an immediate no for me. How the candidate interviews? Of course this is very important.  DO YOUR HOMEWORK! If you mentioned it in your resume or cover letter, you better be prepared to answer questions about it and have questions for the interviewer to see if it is where you would want to work. How the candidate performs on a test you give them? It's very important. If you can't complete it, make sure you can explain how you would have with more time.  We do this to make sure what you say you can do you actually can do.  I'm normally hiring for a Developer/Analyst, so we do a map request and programming test. Their recommendations from other professionals/professors? - Somewhat.  It's validation for the above Good luck ... View more

I should probably call this a 'scaled symbol' since I realize it is not technically proportional when you add this option.  This is also an issue when you have data that is similar.  I have a file with point values ranging from 140-215, and the points all look almost the same size.  This would be much better than having to set groups in a graduated symbol since it would still show variation in size within the groups.    ... View more