Job Hunting

GutterPunk · Jan 18, 2005, 03:20 PM

Holy cow this really sucks. For those of you getting out of college with a technical degree you know exactly what Im talking about. The simple jobs with requirements you can do in your sleep are always there but with what?... Required 4-8 years of experience. There are so many jobs I have applied/looked at that have this huge requirement for "entry-level" openeings that ask for 3+ yaers of experience. I just got bored and started applying for like all jobs that I KNOW i can do, with meeting ALL requirements except for the lovely experience part. The only thing i have under my belt is about 2 years of junior administration, and 2 years of basic help desk at my high school. For a school of like 300 people (graduating class of 30ish) that doesn't provide the problematic experience i would incur in the real world.

In Feb. 25, 2005 I will graduate with my Associates in Network Systems Administrator (in wich jobs in this field normally require an A.A. anyways so that isn't the big thing killing me). I can't wait to get a job and get out to live my life.

Any tips would be nice, and share your job hunting stores

. Or if you know someone/place hiring a Network Admin give me a holler Ill be glad to relocate as long as I am garunteed a job. I'll travel for interviews and etc. anything to get my career on the right track so someday I can fill that Senior Admin job @ 80k + hehe

**Vikingod** · Jan 18, 2005, 03:31 PM

Maybe some advise. Don't stop at an AS, go to BS, it if far more meaningful when trying to get a higher paying job. A company is more bound to hire a person with a bachelors that one with an associates, regardless of what they say is required. Any other certifications you can acquire with help of course. Things like this can help you get through the point of entry into the market. Another thing you might want to look at is the current economic situation, a rather dire one for the next few years. it might be more cost effective for you to continue with school, until the market picks up and your dream job is available. Probably the best way to get a job after school, is just to meet people and get in that way. it is a hard lesson to learn, but knowing people is everything, and can really benefit you. Good luck with the hunt.

GutterPunk · Jan 18, 2005, 03:36 PM

My dream job first of all I know is 5-7 years ahead of me. 2nd the financial situation is keeping me from being able to continue.

Knowing people is key, I know the VP of Viola Networks who has been trying to help but everyone is requiring work experience and won't go off his word (probably due to the economic situation) as all new employees are now a risk, its a win or lose situation and the employer does not want to lose.

I really wish I could afford to continue onto school right now but it is so tough. I have 1 big opportunity left, it is at a hospital but I haven't recieved word/phone calls haven't been retunred. This opportunity was given by a family friend. I know so many people but people just aren't hiring people out of the blocks in my area i guess.

**Vikingod** · Jan 18, 2005, 03:55 PM

It sucks I know, the economy is rough. Just a quick question, how about student loans, have you tried to get them. At the rates they are now, you could live off them and actually make money in the long run. Take a bunch of them out (I know it sounds scary, but it is the cheapest money you will ever get), live off them and continue with school.

GutterPunk · Jan 18, 2005, 03:57 PM

Lol, they only would let me borrow so much per 2 semesters

The rest put a burden on my parents (which I do not like and want to start reimbursment asap)

Edit:

A quick question...

Was thinking if I should settle with a help desk/tech support job so I keep my troubleshooting/communication skills sharp while I go back to school (that is if I do not find a job in my field)? If I do get a NSA job, then I will continue on for me BS for sure, Thinking of Technical Management or Project Management. I havent decided on which

drakesteakn · Jan 18, 2005, 04:02 PM

well i'm feeling you, as we are both trying at the same thing.

**Vikingod** · Jan 18, 2005, 04:10 PM

I would say go for the job. If nothing else is staring you in the face, take it. If something else comes up, take that, what have you got to lose? Ask about continuing education programs, especially if you get that hospital gig, they often pay for you to go to school. The trick is, don't hold out for big money, cause it won't come. I slaved away (lol) at a summer job for three years at the bank I work for. The day after my last test for college, I started full time, with great benefits, extensive training and guidance, and a ton of mobility. I only took the job in the first place because the Ice Rink I worked at had closed down and a regular at the rink offered me the job at the bank. I was never expecting it to take me to a career, and one I really like to boot. The point is, I never expected to get into banking, I was thinking more teaching/IT/something else, but banking was there and I went for it. The same could happen to you, don't turn down any opportunities.

**Vikingod** · Jan 18, 2005, 04:11 PM

shit, I sound like a commercial for a self help book. lol

GutterPunk · Jan 18, 2005, 04:17 PM

HOLY COW!!!! That is so weird, my father actually recommended a bank hehe. As they always need IT, and people who love math like myself. That thing I was told was, to not take any job but to take ones with potential. IE: I may be working in a warehouse starting off but a lot of companies hire from within first so say the Sys Admin retires, there is opportunity and so forth. But more people have said to go into banking if there is no other place to go.

I had planned on taking any job as long as it can pay enough for me to live. I dont care if its 25k or 45k right now I want any job. I am not being picky (well sorta, there are a few areas i do not want to live in) I just want to live, be happy, and do what i enjoy.

You may sound like a self help book but I DONT CARE. You know any support is really nice at this point, and when things reinforce eachother it makes me feel a lot more comfortable.

PS. The ramones rock
and... My aunt and uncle live in Jamestown!!!
Jamestown North Dakota that is

**Vikingod** · Jan 18, 2005, 04:32 PM

Glad you caught the reference in my sig.

GutterPunk · Jan 18, 2005, 04:39 PM

This just came in... just fixed up my cover letter/resume to personalize it for the company

CSI, the nation's premier community bank processor,
serving nearly 500 banks across the nation, has a
immediate opening for a Field Engineer in NP.

Responsibilities: Install and support LAN/WAN
technology and applications in Customer environments.
Travel required surrounding the NP area.

REQUIRED: 2+ years experience
LAN/WAN technology experience (routers, switches,
DSU/CSU)
MS Server amd Client O/S apps
Customer Relations skills and ability to work
independently
Preferred: 4-yr degree; MS and/or Cisco certification

Only qualified applicants will be contacted

CSI offers a competitive salary and an excellent
benefits package in cluding affordable health, dental,
prescription coverage, 401k and Profit Sharin. Please
reply in confidence, including salary history and
requirements to:

I am so stoked as I explained my interest in wanting to advance my education/certifications. I hope they call

Senor_Mota · Jan 18, 2005, 06:08 PM

I love it when "Entry-Level Posistions" require at least a year's experience. I've been working with computers since the age of four. I'm A+, CCNA(Cisco Certified Networking Assistant) and MCP(Microsoft Certified Professional) Certified. I work for one of the largest PC conglomerates in the world(which will remain nameless) doing extensive Technical Support on both the company's first-party hardware and software and third-party hardware and software linked to the original system. It can be a goddamn hassle on some days. I got the certs I have because they're "industry recognized". But I can't find another form of employment that has even looked at it.

I really need to get a BA in Computer Science and Methodology...I really want to do On-Site Tech Support for an out-sourced company. Six figures a year ain't bad at all.

kemet64 · Jan 18, 2005, 06:27 PM

You know joining up with the Air Force, who are always looking for people with technical degrees, can solve your problem.

Both gaining experience quickly, being 'in command', and getting some nice work experience to put on resume for other companies later down the line.

Judas · Jan 18, 2005, 07:11 PM

it's not better were i live.... no matter what i do, they need 2+ years of experience. Course, it's hard to get that since EVERYONE appears to need that.

GutterPunk · Jan 19, 2005, 12:48 AM

U know Judas thats total BS someone needs to pull that crown out of their ass cuz they dont rule the world... everyday i wonder how people even get started...

Judas · Jan 19, 2005, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GutterPunk

U know Judas thats total BS someone needs to pull that crown out of their ass cuz they dont rule the world... everyday i wonder how people even get started...

pretty much... i agree.....

anyone that i'd talked to that has gotten anywere (here locally) has lied there way into a job and stumbled through it quite terribly for quite some time at first.... frankly, i can't bring myself to do that.

GutterPunk · Jan 19, 2005, 01:11 AM

To me, if i lied... id feel guilty and lose it in the interview... 2nd if i did lie and they found out i'd never be able to live w/ myself

drakesteakn · Jan 19, 2005, 11:54 AM

well goos luck, we all need it

GutterPunk · Jan 19, 2005, 01:39 PM

Hey drake when you graduate I think i'd be able to help you a bit to apply for jobs... Ive found some places that are asking for admins... just hope they give a call back

Logla · Jan 19, 2005, 01:57 PM

Just a suggestion - read between the lines. If they say that they wantsomeone with 2 years experience, be brash and tell yourself that youhave been studying in this field for more than 2 years - thats yourexperience - and then apply for the job, you dont have to lie. Ifthey are really impressed in the interview then you will be at leastshortlisted.
This of course gives you interview experience and is invaluable.

If they ask for 2 years experience 'working' in the field then apply anyway, and then blow them away in the interview.

When firms ask for experience, they are often just trying to put people off so that they aren't swamped with applications.

You have to be bold when hunting for a job otherwise you get nowhere.

The company I am working for now required engineers with telephony experience.
I didnt have any apart from repatching phone extensions in comms rooms.
They hired me and now I'm learning about VoIP comms as a result.
Get your foot in the door and get more of the experience you need, then you can start aiming for the 80k jobs.

GutterPunk · Jan 19, 2005, 02:12 PM

im applying for all jobs 2 years 4 years i dont care on experience because im confident in my skills

Hey Bro, VoIP is near

they are pushing the consumer market pretty hard... Im curious to how far it goes it may be the next tech boom... The thing is, the whole tax question is going around so im still pondering whats gonna happen with it

Logla · Jan 22, 2005, 01:54 PM

I just heard today that we are rolling out VoIP on a very large scale over two weekends.
And I'm not going to be involved

Malus · Jan 22, 2005, 02:16 PM

Eh, I think I'll skip the job hunt and go to grad school. Hopefully the tuition reimbursement and a stipend will be enough to get me though; I won't have the money otherwise.

Necrosis · Jan 22, 2005, 02:30 PM

You know it's funny because I've never have received a job just based off my qualifications. It's always been someone, who knows someone, or someone I know that works there. The job I have new requires 5 years experience in DC power systems, but I only had 3. The best bet is to go into the interview /w positive confidence.