InsideTech

I don't have any advice, however, i am in that boat now, i have changed careers, harder to find a job too than what i use to do.  I would like some advice too, i graduated with a bs in Cs networking/security and don't get alot of bits.  no, before you say anything, i don't have my certs yet.  #1 problem.    but i just want my foot in the door of a company that i could as i can, move in another position better suited to what i graduated for.     Any advice?              JSeale   Former bamaldy now in bethlehem, Ga.       Thank you gratefully.  anyone

I think it is not only the economy but maybe something to do with my resume. I keep reading resume books and cover letter books. Everytime I update my resume and cover letter I seem to make a little progress as far as getting bites but I wonder if the certifications or degrees is what is the conflict.

I got a break today... so to speak. At this time of the financial year a lot of tax services companies and accounting firms are ramping-up various departments in preparation for the end-of-year accounts, and the beginning of tax season. I had a heads-up about this from my roommate who works for an accounting/tax firm (private, 1040's only), that HR Block was hiring seasonal workers soon. Sure enough, I sent in my resume to their recruiting partner and landed the interview. I start at the end of the month. Its tier-1 tech support for their local outlets (stores and managers) - but it's guaranteed full-time until April at least, possibility of going to July.

That's something to look at - if you have the kind of market. In spite of the economic mess, this is end-of-year for financials and the beginning of the Holiday season. If nothing else, look at the larger corporate stores/firms for any sign that they're hiring additional staff. It may not be a "permanent" position, but it is experience (and a paycheck!) that can be added to your resume.

I know, I know... I'm not fond of the unpredictability of temp/contractor jobs either. Too much stress for someone of my frail demeanor (snort! chortle!) - but they are "experience". And if you finish the term of the contract that also shows future employers that you have commitment. So look into the seasonal stuff, if there's any kind of a market for it in your area. I hope this helps - Gods know we all need some now.

The seasonnal work for tax companies and others for this time of year is definately a strong possibility to get some more recent experience and will show you can perform under pressure. Heavens they can't afford to have a pc down, that is costing them money big time.

Looking within your current employers IT department is always easier than beating the doors of others. Most companies (providing you have good work performance evaluations) would much rather hire from within with someone they know more than looking outside.

Also looking at places that have PC repair departments (Fire Dog, Geek Squad, etc.) are good door openners for networking into another better paying job also, granted entry level but hey, money right.

Also look at IT companies that done the IT work for other companies as well as data storage.

I am looking too, getting foot in the door to interview will be the key.

I'm in a situation ya'll might find similar to your own.  Got plenty of experience in maintenance, maintenance management, administration etc, thanks to the Army, I earned a BS in Software design engineering and CANNOT even get a nibble from any jobs I've applied for.  So, for right now, I am thankful I have a job and in my spare time am writing a program (95% completed) that I hope will earn me some money as well as some needed experience.

I can identify with the changing career fields issue. I grew up logging went into communications with the military, then continued that as a civilian. Suddenly (midlife crisis?) decided to be come a Nurse after checking out both bio-electrical engineering (10 to 12 years school with MD and then Engineering degrees was to expensive) and culinary (YA! If I can’t fix em I’ll eat em!) too. From Nursing switched to IT. I guess I will figure out what I want to be when I grow up…. someday. In any event, I have actually gotten pretty good with changing careers and getting in.

First - For any career field change, know what aspect of the field you want to do. For example, In communications, I really liked troubleshooting, digging out and fixing problems. By focusing on that I became recognized for that skill. Nursing it was neurological and technology and IT it was again that digging into the problem (puzzle solving). That is all great but how does this help get you a job? By knowing what your likes and dislikes are you will be better prepared for the interview. If you go to the interview with the attitude of I can hardly wait to start, it will be picked up by your perspective employer, as will a doubting "What if I messup?" attitude.

Second – be comfortable with your knowledge. Study – review – study and review again. Do not be afraid to say that you do not know if they ask you something that you don’t know. If you BS your way through the interview, they will know. If you don’t know but know how to find the answer, then tell them. Make a note of the questions that you don’t know and research them for later interviews. One of the first questions that almost every IT interviewer I have had asks is “If a user calls you and says that they turn on their computer and nothing happens, what will you do?” The answer is given by using basic trouble shooting methods. Ask the correct questions to get the user to give you all the information. (Note - usually the problem turns out the user doesn’t have the monitor turned on or something similar) It doesn’t mater what field you go into it will always require you to figure out the puzzle.

Third – Use all your resources to get the interviews. Have your resume on the web, in as many forms as possible. It is impressive to an employer to have a website to look at for a web developer’s resume. Keep paper copies with you at all times, as well as electronic copies also with you on both CDs (make sure you label them with your name and a smart looking cover) and a flash drive (remember you want to get into computers, be prepared) and keep a copy updated for e-mailing in both Word and a text file. Try to network socially in your area just like we are doing here. Hit all the employment offices that you can. Interviews are the only way that you will get in the door. If you have a bunch of interviews (15 or more) and still have not gotten a bite look really hard at yourself and how you present yourself to the interviewer.

Final point to consider - IT is a customer service field, if you do not have the personality to be social, reconsider IT look more toward programming. Users are intimidated by IT, because they feel like we make them look stupid or inadequate to do their job. Even if they are, you must treat the “User” nicely. Leave them with a positive feeling and you will make management love you.  If the interviewer senses a arrogence about you will likely not get the job.

Good luck!

I began in newspapers, went to customer service, did a stint in the food industry (yuck!), went back to customer service, and now I'm trying to get my foot in the door for IT, in networking and general IT work. 

I've been out of work since april...I'm beginning to think they aren't hiring me because they sense the desperation behind the chipper "go-to" face i put on.   

ah well, maybe burger king will hire me...hopefully I don't get "you're over qualified"....

I myself have recently started to change careers, I recently (8 weeks ago) started school to get an associates degree in IT and Networking. I just got tired of working on cars and barely getting by, I have enrolled at the University of Phoenix and it is going great so far. I start my IT classes next week. I have been looking at job postings on Monster.com and I see lots of IT jobs but everyone wants 2 or more years experience in the field. Can anyone give advice as to what other IT/Networking classes to look at to get an edge in the job market? I have been working with computers and Electronics for many yeard and my friends and neighbors are always coming to me to fix or set up their wireless networks and all of their tech gadgets. If anyone has some advice for a 34 year okd guy changing careers I would appreciate it.

I started my career in accounting and after 9 years I began to make my migration to technology.  10 years later, I am still on my journey.

The best advice is to not give up (persistence will pay off), stay current on your skills and  find a passion, because technology has so many diffrent avenues you can head down, that it can sometimes be ovewhelming...

Regards,

www.johnzpchut.com

www.collegetidbits