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How can I land a new job (even an interview), trying everything!?
I have over 10 years of experience in the IT industry (NOT programming like everyone automatically assumes; technical services) and just got my MBA and PMP cert last year. 8 years as a colleague at a huge reputable company w/ good experience and references. Despite all this, I can't get a new job or even any interviews despite trying. I've tried: the job boards (Dice etc), my network (asking friends family current and former colleagues), trying to find recruiters/headhunters, hitting company job boards directly, even my college's alumni career site. Nothing. All I get once in a while are crappy offers for temporary consulting gigs, usually in different states. I thought given my experience, education, certs, the industry (IT) I wouldn't have a hard time at least getting interviews, but nothing. Yes the Tech Services side of IT isn't as hot as other areas but still. My resume is fine too. What is going on? I am getting fed up, been at this for months.
Public Comments
- You might have to take a lesser paying job in a more marketable area of IT in order to transition your resume to a more appealing area. Sometimes we have to take two steps back in order to take 1 step forward. I was doing mainframe programming about 8 years ago. I took some classes in web development and had to change jobs and take a pay cut in order to get into web development professionally. I'm enjoying it now. I am also a PMP. Have you reached out to the PMI...the organization that offers the PMP certification? I know that they have job boards. They also have regional organizations that meet to discuss project management topics. Also, the great thing about the PMP is that it is relevant across industries. You should be able to apply it to Construction, for instance. The same topics still apply. So, you might need to changes industries. I wish you the best of luck.
- I found myself in the same situation and had to take a long hard look at my resume. Is it saying what you want it to say? What kind of job are you looking for? Do you want to be a project manager? Are you willing to try a different industry? Can the skills you learned in the tech services industry be transferred to another industry? Def check out the project management institute - they have a great job board. Are there any local organizations you could tap for networking opportunities? Talk to the temp agencies - they sometimes have full time opportunities - and they might be able to give you some insight into your resume and why you aren't getting the calls. What does your cover letter say? Is it a rehash of your resume or does it focus on what needs the prospective company has that you can fill? In my situation, I re-vamped my resume, took a long, hard look at my cover letter, and figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up. Once I did that, I had more interviews than I knew what to do with (too many actually) and 2 offers to choose between. Good luck - and don't give up!
- Let them know your background with felines. I'm sure that'll get you in the door. You also come off on this site like you know everything anyway and get very defensive if someone calls you on it, so im certain that will also get you in the door because maybe it'll be mistaken for honest initiative.
- Unfortunately, today's workplace does not value experience the way it used to. Why should they hire an experienced worker for 75-100k when they can get a college grad or someone in India for 1/2 to 1/3 the cost? I have seen many "experienced" workers struggle to make half what they were making just 5 years ago! IT offshoring doesn't help things either. Now that I am done ranting, I have three suggestions; first, consider revising your resume based on the amount of experience the job is looking for. Here is an example: many job search sites allow searching by or will show the number of years experience desired. If you find a job looking for 3-5 years of experience, submit a resume with only your last 5 years of work history. If the job is looking for 5-10 years, list only your past 10 years. Do include all your education and certs, just don't include any dates on those accomplishments. The reason for tuning the dates of your work history is some employers may automatically exclude people with a work history outside their desired "bracket of experience". Your goal is to get considered for an interview. Secondly, make sure ALL your friends and family KNOW you are looking! Many jobs are gained because someone knew someone else. Many companies offer a cash payment to their employees for recommending a new hire. Finally, cast a wider net to include other locations. I would start in cities where you may have family or a close friend because it's tough to start over where you know no one. Good luck!
