Does anyone have the same problem that I am faced with?

Question

I am a 2004 college graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems. I am seeking employment in this field, but have not been fortunate. I have also sought employment in other areas, but have also been unlucky. What am I doing wrong? When seeking employment in other areas do I not list on my application that I have a Bachelors Degree? Please help me.

Answer 1

I know ur problem man, but the jobrecuirements are also unpossible they want to have like a 20 years or younger ppl with more then 5 years experience, while ur about 18-22 when ur done with school. offer and demand is in this case out of balance.

Answer 2

It's getting to be a more competitive field. More and more work in outsourced to other countries, much of the government spending now requires a security clearance, etc.

What skills do you have? Specifically, are you a competent programmer? Do you know JAVA, C#, VB?

If so, there are actually a good number of junior developer jobs. However... and this is important... most employers want to see experience. As a student, where did you work summers? Did you have an on-campus job? Where these jobs in the industry?

As a manager, I hire people, like yourself. I look for four things:

(1) Do you come off as being a smart and friendly person? Even if you don't have a particular skill, I want to know that you can pick it up quickly. I want to know that you'll be easy to work with and will put in the extra time needed. In the IT field, it's not uncommon for there to be 10, 11, 12, or longer days (including weekends). Are you willing to do whatever work (programming, testing, design)? Or are you set on a particular thing?

(2) Do you have good grades? Especially in the relevant courses.

(3) Do you have any work experience? If so, was it related? If you worked summers in a real estate office, that's OK, but not as good as someone who was a programmer.

(4) Can you write? Can you speak? If you communication skills are weak, it's a killer.

Why would you NOT put down your degree? It's OK to not have an MS. In this field, an MS in CIS/MIS doesn't mean a whole lot.

Answer 3

Always list your degree, no matter what. There is no shame in looking for a job that isn't in your chosen feild. An example would be we recently hired a girl with a degree in marketing, she started at the front desk. We knew she was talented, but didn't have the place, it took a year and a half, she's now moving into her chosen profession.

Companies can see what your interest is, and basically put you on the back burner, you know, get you on staff and move you when appropriate.

I have an unusual first name that is considered ethnic, like you, and as a result no one ever calls me off my resumes - except for truly schister stuff. I have to network my butt off and show them I am a normal intelligent adult, and that is how I have found all my positions. Consider joining LinkedIn.com it's a great networking tool, especially for someone with your degree. Unfortunatley this is a form of discrimination that exists, but most employers don't realize they are doing it.

You'll have a harder time relocating as a recent college grad, so you may need to offer to pay your own relocation. Don't give up, you will find your spot to shine.

Answer 4

ALWAYS list on your application that you have a B.A.

Why in the world would neglect not to mention it especially when the job requirement call for a BA.

P.S. The economy is not great either..so don't take it personally

Answer 5

just list everything like you are supposed to...Um, the thing is...alot of it is in your interview and not on your resume...your resume only gets you your interview....its the perception that you are soo good in programming that they will hire you...One time I passed an interview....The problem was, out of all the candidates, I was the worse candidate because I needed to be able to translate. But I got the job and nobody else didnt. It was their perception that I was good....Concentrate on your interviews and the things you say....