Umm... maybe I'm missing something, but why not put both in your resume?

I was just looking at the latest Castle Wolfenstein code release and it's all in C, not C++ :-O . Don't know what the other big companies are using though.

Is there some reason why you can't put both? Never applied for a game programming job, but as far as non-gaming companies go: some would like to see C# and some would like to see C++. I would just list both and them emphasize one or the other depending on what they're looking for.

Quote: Do you think HR looks for keywords like C++

That is not how it works.

Past C++ experience means you were employed in a C++-related position as programmer. That is confirmed by providing a reference (manager, coworker) from that place of employment that will confirm your work. You'll also need to explain the work done.

If this is for intern/entry-level/junior position, then you have no past skills as far as HR is concerned.

Some job applications will accept self-taught courses, either as part of university, certification, third-party training. Occasionally, open source work may be referenced if it has some penetration (actually used, not just hosted as open source).

For first job, grades and portfolio, as well as low salary expectations will be about only deciding factors. If obtained via HR, first job will likely be non-technical or related to data entry.

Junior programming positions almost always require proven affinity for programming. TopCoder rank, university competitions, team projects as part of extra-curricular activity and such. Past internships as well.

"C/C++" (not C or C++) as part of job requirement almost always means thorough understanding of OS fundamentals, hardware architecture, resource management, development toolchain and ability to apply CS theory in practice. These are only proven on the job, being able to write C++ code doesn't count, it's just a tiny part of it.

There are some exceptions, but they involve networking past the HR.

And if you have any kind of options - don't apply for the job/internship, make them offer it to you. There are tons of career fairs where companies look for fresh blood. Get them interested there, and you will bypass the HR altogether for a prescheduled meeting where they might genuinely give you a chance. Obviously, your work will sell you, whether it's written in C#, C++ or BASIC doesn't matter much, as long as it sells you.

Hello,

I'm new here and perhaps I can shed a different light on this.

.Net certainly is no mistake nowadays. There is very little you cannot do with it. But if you are serious about programming, then good old C / C++ still offer some very valuable experience, no matter what you want to program.

Don't let the similar syntax fool you. C and C++ force you to write very clean code, especially what memory management is concerned. There is no framework that protects you and no garbage collection to clean up after you. If something needs to be checked or a block of memory needs to be allocated or released, then it's up to you to do it. In return for all this effort you get much greater control over the CPU and all the rest of the computer and fast code (if you do it right) as a bonus.

The profit for you? In time you have little choice but to become a very disciplined programmer and you will certainly know much more about what is going on inside the CPU and in your memory.

That's why C and C++ are good things to show up on a resume.