Giving up...

I have worked a few internships/ volunteer positions, but haven't been able to find something solid. I get a lot of interviews but its always the same story, "Not enough experience"(close on a few jobs tho). A friend offered me a great paying job that is non IT related and I'm torn on what to do. If I take the job with the friend I need to stay there at least six to nine months. I should be finishing my BA from WGU in February. Really I would love to stay 100 percent IT focused and wait for a job in that field, but my money is running low and need something soon. So my question is, should I take the chance and hold out and pray to land a IT job soon, or take the job with my buddy and keep studying and try again after I obtain my BA

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ande0255

If you need the work / money I'd take the other job and keep looking in the mean time, cause for me it took years, so there is no telling how long it will take you to land something solid. Once you nail a few contract jobs and get some experience though, recruiters will be beating down your door to employ you.

networker050184

As ande0255 pointed out, if you need the money you gotta do what you gotta do.

What I would concentrate on personally though is your interview skills. If people are taking the time to interview you they have already saw your resume and know of your lack of experience yet they are still giving you a shot. If you aren't sealing the deal after that then you aren't doing a good enough job selling yourself. The hard part is getting an interview with just a piece of paper to convince someone. You already seem to have that part down. Now once you get in front of them you need to be selling yourself to them.

Good luck!

Akaricloud

I agree with what Networker said. If you need the money, go for it but keep trying!

To break into IT it's almost entirely about showing your enthusiasm, willingness and ability to learn. If you're getting interviews they're willing to accept your lack of experience but you're likely not showing them how you'll make up for that.

Even in higher level interviews when asked if I know about X technology the answer is never just "No", it's something along the lines of "I've not yet had the opportunity to work with X in a production setting but would love the chance to learn it", along with explaining the relevant, similar knowledge I have that shows I could learn it quickly.

snunez889

I agree with you networker, I don't feel confident and I know that's my down fall. Maybe with time and progressing in my studies I will build my confidence.

ande0255

To build confidence you really got hit the interviews hard, and write down what they are asking you, then go home and study those topics enough to at least have something to say when they are brought up. The more confident you are that you can answer questions, the easier it will be for you to relax and convey the best possible you.

Trust me, I used to sweat bullets through interviews, and now it's still there, but not anywhere near as bad from when I first started.

NetworkingStudent

Never give up
It took me 2-3 years to land a full time IT job.
Here is what you need to do.
1. Post your resume on this forum for review
2. Visit this link:
the Ask a Manager guide to preparing for job interviews
3. Check this podcast episode out (listed below) for more info on getting the resume that gets the job.

This podcaster has said that he has had listeners write in and thank him for releasing this episode, because it helped them land a job.
http://mikenation.net/2007/06/mike-tech-show-podcast-129-06-16-07.html

Do you have any contacts at the internships and/or volunteer roles that you previously worked at, that will give you a reference letter?

Can you use them for a reference?

Can you have any of them connect with you on linked in, and verify your skills?

Also, one thing to remember is how important your customer skills are.

The tech skills will come , but the customer service are what matter most in the entry level roles.

Try to find a time when you provided a customer with spectacular customer service and share that story during interviews.

I hope this helps

snunez889

Thanks a lot guys, You have given me some great pointers and advise.

Clem25

I am making a career change into IT, and this site has been very helpful so far. I was successful in sales because I was great at building relationships, and when I had to find a new job it wasn't tough because I built up a great networking base. Since I've decided to make a career change, one of the things that I have made a point to do was to find some of the local IT chapters and introduce myself and meet people in the industry "Building Relationships". I have met some great people, and also have received some great advice. Good luck on the job search, and I hope everything works out for you.

SteveFT

It took me two months to land my first IT gig. My background is in Exercise Science, so that didn't help me any. To reiterate a few items above and add a few of my own:

- Search through your network and continue to expand it. I found my first gig through a friend.
- Be confident in the interviews.
- Make sure that you show your willingness to learn.
- Talk about projects that you do on your own time. Employers love this stuff.

I'd take the money if you need it. This isn't an end to your IT career. Use this as time to work on certifications and networking.

markulous

Where at in California are you? Some areas are pretty tough to find work because their economies are hosed.

no!all!

Hm, with the certs you have, especially with your CCNA I would assume you would be able to find at least an entry level networking position...but then again, California is pretty rough right now. I've been in IT almost 3 years and I've had two positions: one was a temporary help desk for a year and now I've been a contractor for almost 2 years, so I feel your pain. I would say keep your head up and plow through it if you can. Those certs will definitely back up your experience eventually. Good luck in whatever you decide though!!

snunez889

There area in California I am locatcated is between San Diego and LA, my area has very few IT jobs. That seems to be a problem when I go to interviews, that I might live to far.

Essendon

Plenty of advice here already, check out some video motivation if you have a moment > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcS0NWvo6ss&list=UUGxXDtRBJfDuCDv392x28Dw

White Wizard

NetworkingStudent wrote: »

Never give up
It took me 2-3 years to land a full time IT job.
Here is what you need to do.
1. Post your resume on this forum for review
2. Visit this link:
the Ask a Manager guide to preparing for job interviews
3. Check this podcast episode out (listed below) for more info on getting the resume that gets the job.

This podcaster has said that he has had listeners write in and thank him for releasing this episode, because it helped them land a job.
http://mikenation.net/2007/06/mike-tech-show-podcast-129-06-16-07.html

Do you have any contacts at the internships and/or volunteer roles that you previously worked at, that will give you a reference letter?

Can you use them for a reference?

Can you have any of them connect with you on linked in, and verify your skills?

Also, one thing to remember is how important your customer skills are.

The tech skills will come , but the customer service are what matter most in the entry level roles.

Try to find a time when you provided a customer with spectacular customer service and share that story during interviews.

I hope this helps

If you discount Geek Squad, it took me even longer although I started my IT business mainly because I was unable to find an IT job which ironically helped me get where I am today.

Never lose sight of your goals and dreams, it's not easy by any means but stay in it for the long haul and you'll make things happen.

philz1982

Do what I did, take a back door approach. I started in building automation worked my way up through the technical into a management role. Then I shifted to be a project engineer on our cloud offering. I had no IT certs and a business BS degree. I am now responsible for all technology partners and integrations for a fortune 75 company. Send me a PM and I will walk you through things. It's not as hard as it seems its all about connections and career combinations...

snunez889 wrote: »

I have worked a few internships/ volunteer positions, but haven't been able to find something solid. I get a lot of interviews but its always the same story, "Not enough experience"(close on a few jobs tho). A friend offered me a great paying job that is non IT related and I'm torn on what to do. If I take the job with the friend I need to stay there at least six to nine months. I should be finishing my BA from WGU in February. Really I would love to stay 100 percent IT focused and wait for a job in that field, but my money is running low and need something soon. So my question is, should I take the chance and hold out and pray to land a IT job soon, or take the job with my buddy and keep studying and try again after I obtain my BA