Demands of Employers

Shiner89

Hi all,
I'm currently seeking my first civilian IT job and I have noticed that almost all companies require that you have a ton of experience in many different areas. It seems like they want one guy to be able to do everything their network requires from security to VM to networking but barely pay them anything at all. Is it just me or does it seem unreasonable for employers to expect so much from one person?

Danielm7

Try to remember that most employers will make a laundry list of skills and requirements, they'll rarely find that person that does everything. Try to look for the key requirements, meaning if it is for a VM admin, know VMs up and down, it doesn't mean you also need an MBA, a CISSP, CCIE, etc, just because they listed it, just apply anyway.

Success101

I think it has to do with the fact that we are still in an employer's market. There are many qualified candidates out there...supply and demand right?

Even with certifications + a degree, there are still many areas I lack experience and find it hard to go against a more qualified individual.

Take away message? Keep trying.

lsud00d

If you haven't worked with certain technologies, research them and at least be able to speak/converse about them.

I have a rule of 3's I like to play by--Start with a broad topic and then identify 3 key traits about that. Then, for each of those traits, branch out and try to learn 3 points about those. In the end you will have some branches that are longer and/or wider than others, but it is a tree of knowledge and as such keep adding to it!

Kai123

Sometimes the lists on some job specs are an employers wishlist, sometimes just non-IT HR throwing everything on it (they might use a simple OS on vmware to test patches = "experience in administering vmware in a production environment ") Its always worth applying if you believe you could do the role as defined by the description.

Being at least aware of some of the points would help once you get through to an interview. You might of never touched vmware, but you know what it is, what it does, a general idea on why its used etc.

cyberguypr

Two jobs ago I submitted my resume even though i did't match all of the skills they were looking for. When I interviewed I asked the manager in what capacity I would be dealing with those technologies I had no experience with. His response was " hmm... We don't use any of those. I am not sure why they were posted".

3-4 jobs ago my employer posted a position requiring 5 years experience in a particular piece of software. Two problems: the software was developed in-house and had only been around for 2 years.

I've seen a lot of what Kai123 mentions, HR coming up with position descriptions that are either very old or copy/paste from job boards. The end result definitely does not reflect accurately the position you will be applying for.

I've also seen helpdesk or desktop support positions that require a CISSP, VCP, and even GIAC certs. Does that mean they get somebody with those? Maybe if the candidate is desperate.

It is also worth mentioning that smaller outfits who have only one IT guy expect him to do everything from changing toner to architecting network and storage. This rarely happens in bigger companies where roles are defined and more focused on a particular skill set.

If you see something you like and know you can do the job, go ahead and apply. During the interview you'll be able to get a better sense of what the position entails.

Danielm7

cyberguypr wrote: »

When I interviewed I asked the manager in what capacity I would be dealing with those technologies I had no experience with. His response was " hmm... We don't use any of those. I am not sure why they were posted".

Had a situation like that with my current job. They had asked in the requirements and during the multiple interviews about a particular type of software that I didn't have experience with. I wasn't concerned about learning it, I had used open source versions, etc. I get the job and then find out they don't even have that software and it will be 6 months before we even get it, and even then a 3rd party is doing the deployment. I was thinking... and this was almost a deal breaker?

iBrokeIT

Every job I have ever accepted I have probably only met 65-70% (at most) of what they asked for in the job description. In fact I probably wouldn't accept a job where I met 100% of the requirements, there would be no challenge and professional growth in that position!

Shiner89

Thanks everyone for all the input, am still trying, most jobs I am applying to I usually am only missing one or two of the things they are asking for. So hopefully I'll hear back from someone soon!