Job hunting tips. Done with my job completely.

[chessie]

After 3 nights straight of up all night with work calls- DH has had it.  I really have to get new job.  I am literally hearing my blackberry go off even when its not going off. I have tried everything, dice, careerbuilder, local head hunters, state websites, etc, really not much out there.  I can't quit DH doesn't have health insurance, and probably will never have it since he software developer who jumps from project to project.

Any job hunt tips that you find that work?  I wish I knew more people in the state/major cities--seems like a lot of those jobs if you don't know anyone inside your not going to get in.  Considering changing my field as well, I guess as well and learn new skills if I need to.  I have a Computer science degree, software development/side of computer networking, I have tons of technical training.

Any help be great, seriously going to have a nervous breakdown.

[Deleted]

are you female?

If so you are a highly desirable candidate to most large company IT dept who are trying to diversify. Have you reached out to any recruiters?

[chessie]

Feb 1, 2013 7:20:15 GMT -5 @septimus said:

are you female?

If so you are a highly desirable candidate to most large company IT dept who are trying to diversify. Have you reached

Yes,  What I have found though some places I have found actually avoid that especially my age group.  I changed my resume to say Firstname initial.Lastname, amazing how many call backs you get when they think your a male.

I have reached out to local head hunters, and found some I had found through dice- the ones that calls me back the location requires to move and I am stuck where I am at this point.

[drloretta]

linkedin? Have you networked?

[chessie]

Feb 1, 2013 7:56:18 GMT -5 drloretta said:

linkedin? Have you networked?

I am on there- have some people I am networked with, but really I haven't spent too much time on it.  I probably should look up how to better use it though.

[Deleted]

Feb 1, 2013 7:59:25 GMT -5 chessie said:

Feb 1, 2013 7:56:18 GMT -5 drloretta said:

linkedin? Have you networked?

I am on there- have some people I am networked with, but really I haven't spent too much time on it.  I probably should look up how to better use it though.

Yes and get your profile to 100% complete.  Robert Half IT, Volt, Kelly etc all have direct hire positions.  Do not be afraid of the staffing agencies.

[gt7301b]

I'd start emailing old coworkers who you have good relationships with. Not just every old Joe, but the ones who would be willing to do more than just pass your resume along.

[sweetnsour]

Are you a developer? Have you tried for analyst jobs? Are you interested in government jobs? Staffing agencies can help!

What states and cities are you interested in?

[raangoli]

I can't remember for certain if it was you, but I think you had asked about the CISA and CISSP certifications a while ago? That might be another route for you to take to get your foot in the door. After I added my CISA to my Linkedin profile, I have definitely noticed an uptick in the number of emails I get. (And they definitely know I am a female as I have a picture on there.)

[chessie]

Feb 1, 2013 9:50:04 GMT -5 raangoli said:

I can't remember for certain if it was you, but I think you had asked about the CISA and CISSP certifications a while ago? That might be another route for you to take to get your foot in the door. After I added my CISA to my Linkedin profile, I have definitely noticed an uptick in the number of emails I get. (And they definitely know I am a female as I have a picture on there.)

Yes I did ask.  In works getting it.  I got my CCSA and CCNP last year though, just added it to my profile.

[chessie]

Feb 1, 2013 9:26:50 GMT -5 sweetnsour said:

Are you a developer? Have you tried for analyst jobs? Are you interested in government jobs? Staffing agencies can help!

What states and cities are you interested in?

Yes I used to be a developer at one point.  Havent tried the analyst jobs, mostly looking for Infrasture network and security positions out there.

I am interested anywhere in Rhode Island area and CT.  Boston be too far of a commute from S RI.

[chessie]

Lots of great tips thank you! Will have to update my linkelin account, I dont even have a picture on there, I will to have a professional done for it.

[moolarkey]

When H was job hunting we were surprised to learn that several of the major companies here (at least as far as IT goes) ONLY hire through their selected agency. H kept sending resume's directly to these companies when he'd see jobs posted, would apply directly on the company's websites etc and not get any thing back. I don't even remember how found that he needed to go through a specific head hunter agency. That particular major corporation then changed agencies several months later, we had friends that were hunting for IT jobs and we passed the information on to them because they didn't know it either.

So - do go through agencies, some companies won't even look at your resume' or online application (so why do they have online applications possible???) unless it comes from an agency. The agencies listed above are all good ones too.

[sweetnsour]

Feb 1, 2013 10:00:15 GMT -5 chessie said:

Feb 1, 2013 9:26:50 GMT -5 sweetnsour said:

Are you a developer? Have you tried for analyst jobs? Are you interested in government jobs? Staffing agencies can help!

What states and cities are you interested in?

Yes I used to be a developer at one point.  Havent tried the analyst jobs, mostly looking for Infrasture network and security positions out there.

I am interested anywhere in Rhode Island area and CT.  Boston be too far of a commute from S RI.

I was hoping I could help you out but I am in Maryland so that would be too far for you

[jigsy]

I've just started reading "What Color is your Parachute" and it focuses on job-hunting as well as finding a career path that fits you. In the job hunting section, the basic message is Network, Network, Network. The majority of jobs are filled by people who were recommended by someone else, so make sure people know you are looking for a job.

[chessie]

Feb 1, 2013 12:59:33 GMT -5 jigsy said:

I've just started reading "What Color is your Parachute" and it focuses on job-hunting as well as finding a career path that fits you. In the job hunting section, the basic message is Network, Network, Network. The majority of jobs are filled by people who were recommended by someone else, so make sure people know you are looking for a job.

Will have to put that on my list, maybe pick it up at the local library.

[scherbatsky]

Also on LinkedIn if you know anyone in senior management or with an important title and have a good relationship, ask them to write a recommendation on your profile.

I've gotten recruiter calls based solely on my strong recommendations.

[LoveTrains]

Yeah, the unemployment rate in RI is really high right now.

[chessie]

Feb 1, 2013 18:25:56 GMT -5 @msstarry said:

make sure you have a nice picture on linkedin. List all your certifications on your profile. Link to anyone you know who may be influential / linked to headhunters. Start joining professional organizations. I have found out about a lot of professional opportunities at ISACA.

I need to work on this, I have 0 professional pics I can even post. 

[chessie]

Feb 1, 2013 18:33:41 GMT -5 LoveTrains said:

Yeah, the unemployment rate in RI is really high right now.

Sigh..know this too well, the company I am currently working for- closed 2 large manufacturing sites and laid off like 1500 people alone in last few years..