Can't Find Job, Need Support & Advice!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Stuart, what specific jobs did you perform in IT? It's a broad term. What are your skills? And what do you not like about it?

What kinds of things would be more interesting to you. Selling things? Brain surgery? Have you thought about what would be something totally suited to you? What about career counseling where you could take aptitude tests and figure out your strengths?

[AtariBaby 17]

Hi all,

I have had my conditional Green Card since the end of February but so far have had no luck with finding a job. My background in the UK is in I.T. to management level and since here I have applied for a variety of I.T. and business analyst roles.

Here in California companies are giving IT people the moon and the stars. We are practically blackmailing silicon valley. I'm surprised to hear this. In fact, on Highway 101, recruiters are posting billboards offering visas to immigrants.

I don't know if you are aiming too high or not looking in the right places. But the IT field has been the most recession proof field I know of, at least here. Something isn't right, but I can't tell what that is.

EDIT: re-reading your post it seems to me your heart isn't in it. I think if you were determined to get good work, you'd get it, but in your heart this isn't what you want. Though I'm sure that's oversimplifying, so please forgive me. I'm only speculating but I think you need to consider making a big change in your career direction.

Edited June 17, 2014 by AtariBaby

[Maria and Jason 55]

If you are IT knowledgeable, look to work in the Security sector.

Lots of interesting jobs.

Look into Access Control, IP CCTV, Fire Supression.

Most people dont even look into those fields, and once you get a job in one, you are set.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

OP - to answer your question, yes, I've changed careers. Yes it is difficult and yes it was worth it.

It required me to go back to university for 2 years, are you willing to go back to school?

We can list hundreds of jobs out there but unless you choose a career that you are interested in, then you will still end up in the place you are in right now, unemployed, unmotivated, unhappy.

What do you WANT to do? Do you want to stay in IT but in a different sector (my husband did that, went from consulting to financials) or do you want a totally new job?

good luck

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I am in the DC/Northern Virginia area as well and I doubt it has anything to do with being a non-citizen. As you've mentioned there are jobs in IT in the DC area, thousands filled by non US citizens coincidentally. I assume you've weeded out the ones which usually explicitly say US citizenship is a requirement.

That said - you've indicated you have a polished resume, do you have your LinkedIn profile updated, have you indicated clearly that you are legally able to work in the US already when applying? On my cover letters I specifically addressed the fact that my last employment was in a foreign country and that the gap in my employment was caused by my immigration to the US with my spouse (beyond that I didn't think it was their business).

Companies (from McDonalds on up) in this area are VERY used to dealing with all manner of Non US folks so I wouldn't point to that.

Linkedin is now being used to post jobs and you an apply through it as well. Glassdoor.com is handy when reviewing what employees (past and present)are saying about their companies. You can also apply there as well - most link to the company's portal as well.

If its a new career you're after - what are you skills from your past jobs....soft skills as well as actual training. schooling. You may have to rejog your resume and coverletter to explain why you want to look in new fields. You can;t expect to jump to a whole new field with zero experience, However if you do want a total change - pick what you like and train for it. If you have people skills - have you thought about Recruiting or HR jobs?

If you still wanted an IT flavour...try looking at some of the AGILE project training available. If you're familiar with the AGILE project methodology its a BIG deal right now across IT companies. Security is another hotbed of activity these days as previously mentioned

No I don't think my interviewing behavior needs any work. My last job I got in the UK I was offered the job at the end of the interview - I know exactly how to prepare and conduct myself. It's not a question of being overlooked, it's a question of if they have a US citizen and a non-US citizen, they will go with the US citizen every time. Here in the DC area there are so many jobs I'm instantly excluded from because they need a US citizen or someone with secret security clearance. The ones left are probably flooded with applications from Green Card holders like me. It's gotten to the point where I want to explore other options even if it means starting all over again.

Edited June 17, 2014 by Udella&Wiz

[haljbr 4]

Position:

The IT Technician works with facilities and Kane & Airamid offices to ensure computers are

operational. This includes software, hardware, set up, wiring, troubleshooting and training. Is

actively involved in the rollout and maintenance of the Point Click Care project.

Position is in Boston. It is a salaried position at $45,000 per year. They offer Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) the 1^st of the month following your date of hire, a 401k plan, 3 weeks paid time off, 8 sick days and paid holidays.

Is this good for you?

[Ning 619]

you could teach IT stuff at a 2 year school in USA, easily, i think but must apply for those gigs.

i'm an IT jockey but usually I run a company doing software development contracting or branding. I'm retired now and mostly clueless.

I think the idea of teaching is good. My husband is head of security at a school and says the school is looking for teachers in several different areas. There are at least 20 job openings right now but of course these require a certificate. The school district has positions for people that assist teachers and those people do not have to be certified. If someone takes such a job the district will help them thru the certification process if they want to become a teacher. The district also employes I T people. There are other districts in our area that are searching for teachers as well. At his school there is at least on person from the U K right now.

If the O P is interested send me a P M for more info.

Edited June 17, 2014 by Ning

[JnRMo 16]

If you want to get away from IT - consider just going to a temp agency in your area for just general office jobs. You can try different things, and will probably get a permanent offer at some point - it's good if you want to work while retraining for another field.

[Stuart and Katie 13]

Stuart, what specific jobs did you perform in IT? It's a broad term. What are your skills? And what do you not like about it?

What kinds of things would be more interesting to you. Selling things? Brain surgery? Have you thought about what would be something totally suited to you? What about career counseling where you could take aptitude tests and figure out your strengths?

Hi Nich-Nick, glad to hear from you. I was in systems support and admin so all that hardware and software troubleshooting and maintenance. Why I don't like it is because:

1. I don't find it interesting. Back when I was 18 my parents persuaded me to study computer science at university as they believed it would be my best chance of success. Back then I was too suggestionable to disagree but initially I was going to study Human Geography with Business Studies. Looking back now I really wish I had but maybe it is not too late.

2. To me it is an unrewarding profession tha

Here in California companies are giving IT people the moon and the stars. We are practically blackmailing silicon valley. I'm surprised to hear this. In fact, on Highway 101, recruiters are posting billboards offering visas to immigrants.

I don't know if you are aiming too high or not looking in the right places. But the IT field has been the most recession proof field I know of, at least here. Something isn't right, but I can't tell what that is.

EDIT: re-reading your post it seems to me your heart isn't in it. I think if you were determined to get good work, you'd get it, but in your heart this isn't what you want. Though I'm sure that's oversimplifying, so please forgive me. I'm only speculating but I think you need to consider making a big change in your career direction.

OP - to answer your question, yes, I've changed careers. Yes it is difficult and yes it was worth it.

It required me to go back to university for 2 years, are you willing to go back to school?

We can list hundreds of jobs out there but unless you choose a career that you are interested in, then you will still end up in the place you are in right now, unemployed, unmotivated, unhappy.

What do you WANT to do? Do you want to stay in IT but in a different sector (my husband did that, went from consulting to financials) or do you want a totally new job?

good luck

I am in the DC/Northern Virginia area as well and I doubt it has anything to do with being a non-citizen. As you've mentioned there are jobs in IT in the DC area, thousands filled by non US citizens coincidentally. I assume you've weeded out the ones which usually explicitly say US citizenship is a requirement.

That said - you've indicated you have a polished resume, do you have your LinkedIn profile updated, have you indicated clearly that you are legally able to work in the US already when applying? On my cover letters I specifically addressed the fact that my last employment was in a foreign country and that the gap in my employment was caused by my immigration to the US with my spouse (beyond that I didn't think it was their business).

Companies (from McDonalds on up) in this area are VERY used to dealing with all manner of Non US folks so I wouldn't point to that.

Linkedin is now being used to post jobs and you an apply through it as well. Glassdoor.com is handy when reviewing what employees (past and present)are saying about their companies. You can also apply there as well - most link to the company's portal as well.

If its a new career you're after - what are you skills from your past jobs....soft skills as well as actual training. schooling. You may have to rejog your resume and coverletter to explain why you want to look in new fields. You can;t expect to jump to a whole new field with zero experience, However if you do want a total change - pick what you like and train for it. If you have people skills - have you thought about Recruiting or HR jobs?

If you still wanted an IT flavour...try looking at some of the AGILE project training available. If you're familiar with the AGILE project methodology its a BIG deal right now across IT companies. Security is another hotbed of activity these days as previously mentioned

Position:

The IT Technician works with facilities and Kane & Airamid offices to ensure computers are

operational. This includes software, hardware, set up, wiring, troubleshooting and training. Is

actively involved in the rollout and maintenance of the Point Click Care project.

Position is in Boston. It is a salaried position at $45,000 per year. They offer Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) the 1^st of the month following your date of hire, a 401k plan, 3 weeks paid time off, 8 sick days and paid holidays.

Is this good for you?

I think the idea of teaching is good. My husband is head of security at a school and says the school is looking for teachers in several different areas. There are at least 20 job openings right now but of course these require a certificate. The school district has positions for people that assist teachers and those people do not have to be certified. If someone takes such a job the district will help them thru the certification process if they want to become a teacher. The district also employes I T people. There are other districts in our area that are searching for teachers as well. At his school there is at least on person from the U K right now.

If the O P is interested send me a P M for more info.

[aruadha 58]

My 2 cents lol- Since you are open to trying anything new, look thru job listings and apply for anything. Give it 120% and maybe it will be what you love. You mentioned being depressed bc you are home, watching tv. Maybe don't think so big picture right now and just find work. Then once you have money coming in, you can further analyze the direction you want to go. I wish you best of luck.

[Stuart and Katie 13]

Keep in mind that you just go here - 3.5 months on the job market in this economy is not really all that despairing. Surely it doesn't make it any easier but at least you know the job market is bad all around right now. You are recently arrived so you also need time to get used to the cultural differences and to get into the swing of things, so to speak. If you have not done yet, create a profile in sites such as Linkedin and Monster.com where your resume will have more visibility.

As I said it doesn't sweeten the pot at all, but don't give up. It's much too soon for despair.

I appreciate it's not that long in the grand scheme of things. I have been unemployed for 10 months before so know the feeling, I just want to find something so my wife and I can start our lives together properly, with only one income we live comfortably but every penny is scrutinized.

Stuart, what specific jobs did you perform in IT? It's a broad term. What are your skills? And what do you not like about it?

What kinds of things would be more interesting to you. Selling things? Brain surgery? Have you thought about what would be something totally suited to you? What about career counseling where you could take aptitude tests and figure out your strengths?

Hi Nich-Nick, good to hear from you. I was in systems admin. I didn't like the tasks of the jobs and the unfulfiling nature of the work. I just fell into it as a career, when I was 18 I wanted to study human geography and business but my parents persuaded me otherwise. I am going to take some career counselling to figure out what I should do.

Here in California companies are giving IT people the moon and the stars. We are practically blackmailing silicon valley. I'm surprised to hear this. In fact, on Highway 101, recruiters are posting billboards offering visas to immigrants.

I don't know if you are aiming too high or not looking in the right places. But the IT field has been the most recession proof field I know of, at least here. Something isn't right, but I can't tell what that is.

EDIT: re-reading your post it seems to me your heart isn't in it. I think if you were determined to get good work, you'd get it, but in your heart this isn't what you want. Though I'm sure that's oversimplifying, so please forgive me. I'm only speculating but I think you need to consider making a big change in your career direction.

All the jobs I interviewed for were senior level positions. But you're right, deep down my heart isn't in it, which is why I know I should change careers.

If you are IT knowledgeable, look to work in the Security sector.

Lots of interesting jobs.

Look into Access Control, IP CCTV, Fire Supression.

Most people dont even look into those fields, and once you get a job in one, you are set.

Thanks but I'm looking to leave the field altogether now.

OP - to answer your question, yes, I've changed careers. Yes it is difficult and yes it was worth it.

It required me to go back to university for 2 years, are you willing to go back to school?

We can list hundreds of jobs out there but unless you choose a career that you are interested in, then you will still end up in the place you are in right now, unemployed, unmotivated, unhappy.

What do you WANT to do? Do you want to stay in IT but in a different sector (my husband did that, went from consulting to financials) or do you want a totally new job?

good luck

I am willing to go back to school (finances permitting), I just need to be able to get some income while I study. I've done it before as I worked full-time as a postman (mailman) in England whilst studying for my postgraduate diploma. I said I'd never do it again after I graduated as it was very difficult but hey ho!

Not 100% sure what I want to do, I need to figure it out!

I am in the DC/Northern Virginia area as well and I doubt it has anything to do with being a non-citizen. As you've mentioned there are jobs in IT in the DC area, thousands filled by non US citizens coincidentally. I assume you've weeded out the ones which usually explicitly say US citizenship is a requirement.

That said - you've indicated you have a polished resume, do you have your LinkedIn profile updated, have you indicated clearly that you are legally able to work in the US already when applying? On my cover letters I specifically addressed the fact that my last employment was in a foreign country and that the gap in my employment was caused by my immigration to the US with my spouse (beyond that I didn't think it was their business).

Companies (from McDonalds on up) in this area are VERY used to dealing with all manner of Non US folks so I wouldn't point to that.

Linkedin is now being used to post jobs and you an apply through it as well. Glassdoor.com is handy when reviewing what employees (past and present)are saying about their companies. You can also apply there as well - most link to the company's portal as well.

If its a new career you're after - what are you skills from your past jobs....soft skills as well as actual training. schooling. You may have to rejog your resume and coverletter to explain why you want to look in new fields. You can;t expect to jump to a whole new field with zero experience, However if you do want a total change - pick what you like and train for it. If you have people skills - have you thought about Recruiting or HR jobs?

If you still wanted an IT flavour...try looking at some of the AGILE project training available. If you're familiar with the AGILE project methodology its a BIG deal right now across IT companies. Security is another hotbed of activity these days as previously mentioned

Yes my LinkedIn profile is also up to date, on all my communications I put about my legal permanent resident status too. I am definitely happy now to go into a new field with zero experience and work my way up, but need to do some research to find out what would suit me best.

Position:

The IT Technician works with facilities and Kane & Airamid offices to ensure computers are

operational. This includes software, hardware, set up, wiring, troubleshooting and training. Is

actively involved in the rollout and maintenance of the Point Click Care project.

Position is in Boston. It is a salaried position at $45,000 per year. They offer Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) the 1^st of the month following your date of hire, a 401k plan, 3 weeks paid time off, 8 sick days and paid holidays.

Is this good for you?

It would be if we lived in Boston my friend I know my wife would like to live there but having been there in the winter I'd prefer not

I think the idea of teaching is good. My husband is head of security at a school and says the school is looking for teachers in several different areas. There are at least 20 job openings right now but of course these require a certificate. The school district has positions for people that assist teachers and those people do not have to be certified. If someone takes such a job the district will help them thru the certification process if they want to become a teacher. The district also employes I T people. There are other districts in our area that are searching for teachers as well. At his school there is at least on person from the U K right now.

If the O P is interested send me a P M for more info.

Thanks I will send you a PM.

[Stuart and Katie 13]

My 2 cents lol- Since you are open to trying anything new, look thru job listings and apply for anything. Give it 120% and maybe it will be what you love. You mentioned being depressed bc you are home, watching tv. Maybe don't think so big picture right now and just find work. Then once you have money coming in, you can further analyze the direction you want to go. I wish you best of luck.

You are right I am looking out for anything now it's just hoping that my resume doesn't make me seem overqualified. Thanks.

[ustrack 3]

surely i have been here in the us since feb with a management degree and cant even get a cashiers position...I have also friends who been here a while before me and the same applies 8 months no jobs etc... so i am guessing its part of the game of becoming a us and we just have to keep applying until one day we win... keep trying. i do everyday.... also you should be able to convert your qualifications to us qualifications... research that... good luck

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Hi all,

I have had my conditional Green Card since the end of February but so far have had no luck with finding a job. My background in the UK is in I.T. to management level and since here I have applied for a variety of I.T. and business analyst roles.

I have had a few interviews for I.T. positions but all have been unsuccessful. A couple I could understand because I don't think I did myself justice but the others I just wonder if my status as a non-US citizen counted against me as I felt they went really well.

I'm actually thinking of retraining in something new now as I'm fed up of being rejected, I've wanted to leave the I.T. field altogether for a number of years now anyway.

Another frustration I have is that before I decided to move across to be with my American wife I obtained a postgraduate diploma in management but now I feel like it was a waste as I might have to start from a lower level.

Feeling very low to be honest, most days I am stuck at home and do nothing but watch TV, now I'm finding it hard to motivate myself.

Can anyone recommend a profession that is easy to train i order to increase my changes of getting an entry-level job and working my way up the ladder again? I'll consider anything. I was thinking of becoming a real estate appraiser but the fact that I'd likely be receiving no income for 2 years while I train is a huge red flag, my wife and I want to start our life together properly and to do that we need 2 incomes.

Just need to hear something that gives me some hope!

My thinking is that it is the area you are what makes it difficult. I'm in IT too and I'd say that of all the people I know in the filed (quite a bit) every case of someone working in DC had a job already offered before moving there. Surely people get jobs in the area, but a lot of it is thru networking and you do not have that edge, at least not yet.

If it is possible to move to another area, I'd consider that highly. Many other areas of the country have a lower cost of living than DC; and of course, there are pros/cons. You both need to define what/where/when.

One example, a little over a year ago, I was looking for greener pastures and I was open to move anywhere in the country.

Among others, I was offered a good position in upstate NY. I went over and found my commute would be 5-10 minutes in rush hour. Cost of living was higher, but the higher salary would take care of that. The determining factor was that my wife did not want to spend a NY Winter (we were and are in Houston), so I pass (luckily I had also an offer locally that I ended up taking).

Other have noted 3 1/2 months is not long and truly it is not. I was giving myself 6-9 months when I was looking. The job market only recentrly has become more friendly.

I read you migth want to exit the field of iT. Some possible avenues I had explored myself were:

Financial planning: needs education and certification though).

Teaching in a city college: I have done a lot of teching in colleges and would like to do it again, but I'd advise to not go into a private one like ITT or the like.

Independent consulting: for this you would need networking and might not be the best until you get a few contracts under your belt; but it is a possibility especially if you attend some of the area meetings on the field.

Project management: needs a certification (PMP, Agile) that can be obtained on your own schedule. There seems to be a large demand of PM lately. I have the certification and constantly get asked about running projects (IT projects). TO me is a bit boring and would only do it as a last resort; but maybe it would be something you like to do. Given your experience and credentials, I'd say you can qualify for the exam for certification. The certification will get you an edge over other candidates.

[Cori and Rob 55]

Do you have any friends who could put a good word in for you on a job? Sometimes internal referrals go a long way- it definitely did for my husband. I know you need to work out the issue of what you want to do with your career, but I'm of the opinion that something is better than nothing. There is no reason you couldn't be exploring other career/education possibilities while working somewhere that might not be the best fit. Money is money, even if you don't like the job that helped you earn it.