Note: my degree is in MSIS, which is a hybrid of Information Technologies and MBA degrees (definitely not a computer science degree, programming is only about 30% of the coursework).
I've created a comprehensive resume with perfect grammar and strong references from several summer internships (even ones from major companies that have given me awards for high performance). And I've applied to over 100 employers for jobs ranging in difficulty from Programmer to Project Manager, and job searched for over 5 months now.
I feel I've done all the textbook steps of creating good self-presentation and am being met with the same "unemployable" response I got after leaving college (though I only had a 3.3 GPA there).
I also really wonder if there's a personallity trait that says "I'm not some overeducated geek who sits in a corner people like me your co-workers will be able to respect me for doing managerial work my degree entails". How do I communicate strength?
2007-02-16 20:56:27 · 3 answers · asked by M S 5 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
BTW...I've also went to Job Fairs, applied to jobs in papers and online (monster.com, jobsearch.com etc.) I also start to wonder if employers dismiss me because I don't have certs (A+, MCSE, Cisco, etc.) and, if so, how do I pitch myself as being equally self-training as someone with a cert and/or capable of more managerial-strategic / less technical work?
It also seems odd as several people from my school with far worse GPAs and no work experience have gotten Project Management careers (best I've ever gotten long-term is very low line retail work and some Freelance video production & programming on the side).
Side question: might I be better starting off my own business to keep myself from looking like "the techie dork in the corner who can't communicate" and secure a proof of knowledge for managerial skill?
2007-02-16 21:03:04 · update #1
Far as "psyche problems"...hmm......it's a strong point and I wonder how exactly I state myself IE "tone down" so as to be against that sort of attitude.... Should I simply deny my GPA and some (or all) of the awards, or put my retail experience on to say "I'm not too proud and high-ego to have solid work ethic and drive to learn to suceed in my environment at a lower level"?
Although I don't consider myself only capable of high-school graduate-type jobs, I do realize I'm still essentially an entry level candidate to whatever market my prospective hiring company competes in.
I've always looked at it the other way, not that I'm too good and they should be begging (although I do think I'm definitely capable of more than retail work) but that I'm never good enough for them.
If I come across the wrong way, I am wondering how to turn it around.
2007-02-16 21:11:54 · update #2
Your problem is that most places do not realize that they need people like you. Try a small company (with equally small pay). Then work your way up in 18 months to a bigger company
2007-02-18 01:37:53 · answer #1 · answered by NYC_Since_the_90s 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Experience is the name of the game my friend. Trust me, I know. Credentials only get you so far in life. Unless you have an absolutely bulletproof personality and a network of associates to help you get your foot in the door, you'll need to start small and work your way up the chain. You have to pursue every position with determination. Bug the HR department, and bug the management in the department you want entrance too.
2007-02-16 21:08:20 · answer #2 · answered by Henry L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some businesses don't hire people with a GPA higher than 3.7 because they find a high incidence of pysch problems, especially if a large ego is indicated. You might want to tone the resume into a slightly more modest tone and see if that proves more effective. You might also consider consulting and temp work, it is a good way to get your foot in the door.
2007-02-16 20:59:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋