Why is it so hard to find an entry level IT job? Does anyone have any advice?

NetworkingStudent

Why is it so hard to find an entry level IT job? Seems like more IT jobs are getting consolidated…. That level one help desk guy does level 1-3 now…ect. Ect.

I feel like I have been on every type of interview you can go on,(except for Skype and in person lunch) and I still haven’t even got an offer.

I get alot of interviews, but I never get an offer.

So here’s what I did so far:
Went through school and Tech Exam Forums to update my resume.

I have my aas degree in IT

I have the Comptia certs a+,Net+, and Sec+..and one MTA: OS fundamentals Exam.

Did some volunteer IT work at some organizations, but noticed I wasn’t really learning anything.

Did some work market computer repair field jobs, for on site computer repair....—Now I get calls for traveling field tech jobs all the time.
Currently, I’m an intern at a computer repair shop, but I’m not learning a whole lot. Most of the time I’m just shadowing him. He said he would hire me, but the volume just isn’t there. I have done a few computer repair projects on my own.. here and there, but everyone wants it done for cheap.

Talked to just about every recruiting agency there is…….

I always seem to get calls for jobs that I don’t want ..For Example….
work at the Microsoft store
Help with an Ipad Deployment
Or 3 week help desk job, or 3 month help desk job, and you might get hired, or you may not…
Traveling computer repair tech we will extend your contract as long as you perfom well.

I currently work at a print shop, in a non IT position. I went to an interview for an entry level IT position at my current job(the print shop), and the regional IT director did a one hour interview with me, and then told me they were going to hire the temp that was already doing that job.

Right now I would settle for a 6 month contract or a 6 month contract to hire help desk job/tech support job. However, I’ noticing more and more that the help desk jobs that I see even at that entry level require 2-3 years of experience.


One thing I did notice is that if you post your resume on career builder or monster you get alot of responses from recuiters.

ptilsen

Keep up the search. I use Indeed for my main search, but when I'm looking, I make my resume searchable on Dice and Monster. LinkedIn is getting bigger, too. I get frequent unsolicited offers from LinkedIn.

Why wouldn't you take a three-month help desk contract? That will look better on your resume than PC repair stuff and internships. If you don't have a full-time job right now, take a contract. It will help.

Have you had feedback from interviewers or reviewers, or gotten vibes? If you're going on interviews either you're not a fit or you're doing something wrong. Either way, you have to try to figure out the reason. Do you lack soft skills? Specific knowledge? Good attitude?

A lot of companies will hire you based on your attitude towards the industry. I always look for people with a passion for the job. I remember one candidate outright said he didn't have a passion for it and liked to do anything but mess with computers outside of work. That guy is probably still looking.

Also, be sure to apply regardless of the experience requirement. Unless it says 3+ years and is obviously not entry-level, just apply. If it is entry-level work, experience is by definition not a requirement. Either the "entry-level" bit is wrong or the requirement is wrong.

I would have you come interview for our helpdesk if there were an opening. You're already ahead of some of our "senior" helpdesk "analysts" just based on having the Trio, which is sad, but proves that you're easily qualified for a helpdesk job.

Hypntick

I'll second the passion aspect. In addition, even if you don't know something, own up to it, but show a genuine desire to learn it. I'd rather have someone on my team that wants to be there and is motivated to learn new things.

sratakhin

What's wrong with a 3-month helpdesk contract job? It's better than nothing, even if you don't get a contract extension.

RoyalRaven

Put yourself into the world where you want to be....and what I mean by that is to go to all of the local free events in your area - user gatherings, vendor shows, etc. that are relevant to your part of IT. If there are local groups you can join who meet every so often, do it. You can network with folks, ask questions and learn more at the same time. Seek out people in roles you desire that are local and doing the job you want to do, either in person or through sites like LinkedIn. These folks will inform you of openings, things you need to know about employers, how to break in, etc. It also doesn’t hurt to ask more seasoned employees too about advice...just like you are here. We’ve all been at the starting blocks before!

If you’re relying directly on job boards and the internet job postings, you’ll be disappointed. Almost everything I’ve ever landed has been through who I know or by presenting myself through things I’m involved in. It doesn't hurt to be on there and out there, but the success rate is lower.

I also agree with the passion part. Others will see it! Try some of the alternative approaches to finding work and you’ll be surprised how once the ball gets rolling, it really goes! I would just make sure you’re challenging yourself to get your best foot forward and to take on any work (even if short-term) to get you progressing in the right direction.

W Stewart

You say you're getting a lot of interviews so something in your resume is impressing the hiring manager at these different companies. You just have to find out what it is and why you're not living up to those expectations in an in person interview. Maybe you can ask the manager after the interview what he found notable about your resume when he asks that inevitable "Do you have any questions?" question.

SteveLord

Are you asking questions in your interviews?

Daniel333

I remember in my last job we created completely unreasonable requirements for entry level. Knowing we couldn't fill them. Then we shipped the job to a MSP augmentation specialist out of India/Florida. Not sure if that was some sort of legal requirement for offshoring the job or it the boss was that crazy to think he could fill those spots.

But yeah when I was interviewing candidates he was insisting we stick to $30k (in san Francisco!), CCNA and MCSE required with 3 years experience and we called the job "Entry level help desk"

Just keep looking, don't be afraid of a long commute or having to move for your first big jump into IT once you have the professional network, experience and certs you will have more options.

1) What professional technology organization do you belong to? Like Cisco/Linux users groups? What have they said?
2) What have your friends who work in IT said?
3) How is your online persona looking?
4) Volunteer work? Keep it up! That is the 2-3 years of experience you are going to need.

charlemagne

NetworkingStudent wrote: »

Why is it so hard to find an entry level IT job? Seems like more IT jobs are getting consolidated…. That level one help desk guy does level 1-3 now…ect. Ect.

I feel like I have been on every type of interview you can go on,(except for Skype and in person lunch) and I still haven’t even got an offer.

I get alot of interviews, but I never get an offer.

So here’s what I did so far:
Went through school and Tech Exam Forums to update my resume.

I have my aas degree in IT

I have the Comptia certs a+,Net+, and Sec+..and one MTA: OS fundamentals Exam.

Did some volunteer IT work at some organizations, but noticed I wasn’t really learning anything.

Did some work market computer repair field jobs, for on site computer repair....—Now I get calls for traveling field tech jobs all the time.
Currently, I’m an intern at a computer repair shop, but I’m not learning a whole lot. Most of the time I’m just shadowing him. He said he would hire me, but the volume just isn’t there. I have done a few computer repair projects on my own.. here and there, but everyone wants it done for cheap.

Talked to just about every recruiting agency there is…….

I always seem to get calls for jobs that I don’t want ..For Example….
work at the Microsoft store
Help with an Ipad Deployment
Or 3 week help desk job, or 3 month help desk job, and you might get hired, or you may not…
Traveling computer repair tech we will extend your contract as long as you perfom well.

I currently work at a print shop, in a non IT position. I went to an interview for an entry level IT position at my current job(the print shop), and the regional IT director did a one hour interview with me, and then told me they were going to hire the temp that was already doing that job.

Right now I would settle for a 6 month contract or a 6 month contract to hire help desk job/tech support job. However, I’ noticing more and more that the help desk jobs that I see even at that entry level require 2-3 years of experience.


One thing I did notice is that if you post your resume on career builder or monster you get alot of responses from recuiters.

What works for one might not for another but you shouldn't rely on career builder or monster to get any hits. To get "noticed" one must, must, must get out of the house and network (that is, meet real people) amongst those in your target field. There are many ways to do this. It is, perhaps, one of the most important aspects of the job search or career change.

Do your research and there is a reason why the "most qualified" are often not the one that gets the job. You have to be active. Don't expect HR folks to rush to you. You have to make them notice you. Also, why not pursue a BS degree and ensure it requires an internship to complete the program. No matter how unfair it might seem to be, you (and I did, too) must accept the fact that we live in society in which "knowing the 'right person/people' " will often land one a position ahead of those that have more degrees, experience, certs....good looks, whatever...it is more often true than not. Gotta get out there and meet the folks in your field. It matters.

Xyro

Why is it so hard to find an entry level IT job? Seems like more IT jobs are getting consolidated…. That level one help desk guy does level 1-3 now…ect. Ect.

I feel like this can be true at times; however, it doesn't meld well with the rest of your post.

I feel like I have been on every type of interview you can go on,(except for Skype and in person lunch) and I still haven’t even got an offer.

+

I get alot of interviews, but I never get an offer.

= This is a stop sign that should show you that you're doing something wrong in the interviews.

I have my aas degree in IT

I have the Comptia certs a+,Net+, and Sec+..and one MTA: OS fundamentals Exam.

It sounds like you have some great items to put on a resume which is likely why you keep getting called.

Did some volunteer IT work at some organizations, but noticed I wasn’t really learning anything.

+

Currently, I’m an intern at a computer repair shop, but I’m not learning a whole lot.

= These both show a desire to learn, which is great; however...

I have done a few computer repair projects on my own.. here and there, but everyone wants it done for cheap.

Why wouldn't you take these opportunities to learn?

All 3 of these statements show that you're relying on others to provide learning. In life, this often times falls short. Discovering how to take learning into your own hands will prove much more effective.

I always seem to get calls for jobs that I don’t want ..For Example….
work at the Microsoft store
Help with an Ipad Deployment
Or 3 week help desk job, or 3 month help desk job, and you might get hired, or you may not…
Traveling computer repair tech we will extend your contract as long as you perfom well.

What was "wrong" with these jobs??? You're entry-level - not a 25-year veteran lol.

I currently work at a print shop, in a non IT position. I went to an interview for an entry level IT position at my current job(the print shop), and the regional IT director did a one hour interview with me, and then told me they were going to hire the temp that was already doing that job.

Failed the soft-skills again... & if the interview lasted for an hour, it sounds like he initially really did want to give you that job.

Right now I would settle for a 6 month contract or a 6 month contract to hire help desk job/tech support job. However, I’ noticing more and more that the help desk jobs that I see even at that entry level require 2-3 years of experience.

Just the word "settle" here is yet again another large indicator that there is some item coming across negatively in interviews.

As an entry-level worker, if you don't learn to "settle" more effectively you're going to get stuck in a rut. I state this to you with the best of intentions & for your own well-being.

You can select to sit around being disgruntled that you can't find that perfect entry-level "dream job" at this point in your career, or you can be pro-active about taking the required steps & making the necessary changes to get to that eventual dream job.

Take what you can get, even if it doesn't sound perfect, & use it as a stepping-stone to get to that ideal entry-level job you want. Also work on your soft-skills so that you don't continue to fail these interviews. It may be as simple as just adjusting your attitude towards these "non-perfect" jobs. Your lack of satisfaction & patience may be coming across to whomever is interviewing you & that alone may be the reason you keep getting rejected.

Good luck

NetworkingStudent

sratakhin wrote: »

What's wrong with a 3-month helpdesk contract job? It's better than nothing, even if you don't get a contract extension.

Well I work full time right now at the print shop, so if I take a 3 month help desk job with no extensions, then I won’t be able to pay my bills if they don't extend my contract. Now if it was a 3 month help desk job that was contract to hire I would take that chance.

Essendon

Excellent advice already, I'll also highly recommend working towards another cert, preferably a CCNA or an MCTS. Something that may tilt the scales in your favour.

If it makes you feel any better, it took me 8 months to find an ISP tech support job after I finished my Master's in Engineering. So keep at it and it'll happen.

sratakhin

NetworkingStudent wrote: »

Well I work full time right now at the print shop, so if I take a 3 month help desk job with no extensions, then I won’t be able to pay my bills if they don't extend my contract. Now if it was a 3 month help desk job that was contract to hire I would take that chance.

Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith. Save up some money so you can live for a few months if you can't find a job afterwards.
I'm not qualified to give you any financial advice but think about reducing your expenses and saving as much as you can.

Xyro

Also, time it right by starting to look for other jobs as soon as you get the 3-month.

Somehow though, I believe you would be able to get a FT helpdesk job if you could just figure out how to come across better in all of these interviews.

ptilsen

NetworkingStudent wrote: »

Well I work full time right now at the print shop, so if I take a 3 month help desk job with no extensions, then I won’t be able to pay my bills if they don't extend my contract. Now if it was a 3 month help desk job that was contract to hire I would take that chance.

Take the chance, and be frugal. I can't imagine the print shop pays nearly as well as the helpdesk job. Save up and keep looking if another opportunity like that comes up. I'll eat my hat if you do a three-month helpdesk stint and still can't find something longer-term after that.

WiseWun

sratakhin wrote: »

What's wrong with a 3-month helpdesk contract job? It's better than nothing, even if you don't get a contract extension.

I was thinking the same thing. Keep your self busy and gain the experience while you look for the right job. This is how you build your network, trust me. Also, what is wrong with working at a Microsoft Store?