Can't Find Job, Need Support & Advice!

[Rob L 3,811]

I work in IT and I had to get that first job when I was under pressure and so I know challenging the process can be.

It sounds like you have one strong lead in IT with the phone interview which confirms that you have something of value in this market.If you want to stay in IT is just a matter of when and not if a good opportunity will appear. The unemployment rate for IT is always half of other industries, so you should hit an opportunity soon. In my company we constantly have to pressure the recruiters to come up with skilled resumes for us to look at. That might be Seattle only, but I hear the same from other parts of the country.

Here are some random thoughts, take the pieces that work for you:

I don't think that Citizenship is an issue at all, but you may want to make it clear that you are legally and physically available to work in DC. You might be getting filtered out by folks who think you are looking for an H-1 situation

You have to know where there is a current, funded opportunity ...and most of those do not get published almost every IT opportunity have been given was because I knew of an open funded position and had the requisition number OR I was working with a recruiter that was trying fill

Practice the Elevator speech:

I don't know about you but when I go through the interview process ( even informationals or coffee discussions with recruiters) I build personal confidence from the practice, increase my self awareness I moved companies about two years ago and was terrified about the process because I was so out of practice. With practice I became aware of what my "story" was and when the big opportunity came I was prepared and confident. Find away to practice what your elevator pitch is , maybe with other friends in IT

I like the volunteer idea, great for a lot of reasons..especially if you can add experience related to IT at the same time.

Linked in is great. Put your resume right out there, recruiters directly cruise your profile all the time. You also might be surprised how many people you know who know someone that can help. And most people will help if you ask...

When I sit in on interview loops the discussion is focused on:

Do they meet the minimum skill levels we are looking for?

Do they display the ability to stay flexible with the constant changes that happen in our environment ?

How will they interact with others? Can they represent our team with senior management? Can they influence others ?

Why are their gaps in employment ? ( You are new to this country and just getting established after a short hiatus, I think there is the germ of a good story in that picked up everything , persevering geography and bureaucratic hurdles to be with the one you love, that is human)

I would try to tailor by resume objective and cover letters to make these answers pop out on the page.

.

Industry certs

I think you said you were in IT project management. PMI certification opens a number of doors and even the Certified Associate is a plus. PMI also has local chapters which are great for networking or voluinteering

http://www.pmi.org/en/Certification/Certified-Associate-in-Project-Management-CAPM.aspx

PMI works in all industries

Stay confident, you have a lot to offer the world.

Edited July 2, 2014 by Rob L

[Stuart and Katie 13]

I work in IT and I had to get that first job when I was under pressure and so I know challenging the process can be.

It sounds like you have one strong lead in IT with the phone interview which confirms that you have something of value in this market.If you want to stay in IT is just a matter of when and not if a good opportunity will appear. The unemployment rate for IT is always half of other industries, so you should hit an opportunity soon. In my company we constantly have to pressure the recruiters to come up with skilled resumes for us to look at. That might be Seattle only, but I hear the same from other parts of the country.

Here are some random thoughts, take the pieces that work for you:

I don't think that Citizenship is an issue at all, but you may want to make it clear that you are legally and physically available to work in DC. You might be getting filtered out by folks who think you are looking for an H-1 situation

You have to know where there is a current, funded opportunity ...and most of those do not get published almost every IT opportunity have been given was because I knew of an open funded position and had the requisition number OR I was working with a recruiter that was trying fill

Practice the Elevator speech:

I don't know about you but when I go through the interview process ( even informationals or coffee discussions with recruiters) I build personal confidence from the practice, increase my self awareness I moved companies about two years ago and was terrified about the process because I was so out of practice. With practice I became aware of what my "story" was and when the big opportunity came I was prepared and confident. Find away to practice what your elevator pitch is , maybe with other friends in IT

I like the volunteer idea, great for a lot of reasons..especially if you can add experience related to IT at the same time.

Linked in is great. Put your resume right out there, recruiters directly cruise your profile all the time. You also might be surprised how many people you know who know someone that can help. And most people will help if you ask...

When I sit in on interview loops the discussion is focused on:

Do they meet the minimum skill levels we are looking for?

Do they display the ability to stay flexible with the constant changes that happen in our environment ?

How will they interact with others? Can they represent our team with senior management? Can they influence others ?

Why are their gaps in employment ? ( You are new to this country and just getting established after a short hiatus, I think there is the germ of a good story in that picked up everything , persevering geography and bureaucratic hurdles to be with the one you love, that is human)

I would try to tailor by resume objective and cover letters to make these answers pop out on the page.

.

Industry certs

I think you said you were in IT project management. PMI certification opens a number of doors and even the Certified Associate is a plus. PMI also has local chapters which are great for networking or voluinteering

http://www.pmi.org/en/Certification/Certified-Associate-in-Project-Management-CAPM.aspx

PMI works in all industries

Stay confident, you have a lot to offer the world.

Thanks for your reply, I am getting more replies to applications I have made finally so hoping something comes good of it.