How do I compete in the job search just out of college against these heavyweights??

Question

I'm 22 just graduated with a Bachelors in MIS (Management Information Systems). Every big time IT job I apply to I know Im getting overlooked by the competition which has a million certifications (A+, MCSE, and so on) and are middle aged with 5 or 6 jobs on thier experience. I have no certs, and I have 2 years of experience (during college with interships) with 2 different jobs.

How can I make a stamp on recruiters and HR personell with my resume and credentials?? Why are 40 yr old men who are overqualified applying to entry-level jobs??? Help!

Answer 1

its called supply and demand, when you first started the major there were jobs needed in that field, since then not only are there an overabundance of graduates there have been downsizings too, I got a degree in business finance, and I havent even bothered to look for a job.

Answer 2

:( bad news. You chose the wrong field. The overqualified are applying to entry level jobs because the computer industry took a beating and it never fully recovered. There are tons of programers (etc) all vying for what little positions are left. I know many out of work computer people that are working as handy men, baggage guys, etc. However, try to recommend the things that my friend who can seem to get hired anywhere recommends to me whenever I'm looking to change jobs.

1. Clean up your resume. The resume should be no longer than 1 page if you can avoid it. No more than 3 bullet points per job you've had. And use words that jump out at people like "outstanding" "excellent" "professional" (ie: "performed outstanding customer service"). You should also have a top-notch objective (ie: Seeking a position that offers potential for advancement and allows me to utilize my computer, problem solving, and people skills.). Don't put reference just "references available upon request". And in your education, don't list specific classes, just the degree you took, and any minors. The general focus of your education, any deans listings, or awards, or organizations you belong to (ie: phi theta kappa international honors society).

2. Don't put down that you're looking for any specific job. Just make a brief list of your skills. Include any skills you may have gathered during your work experience.

3. Put your cleaned resume up on sites like monster.com, careerbuilder.com, etc. And once every few days go back and edit your resume just slightly. Not enough to really change it, but more to change the date. So that it looks like you just posted it. The older the date is, the more they're likely to wonder why you haven't gotten a job yet. So keep the date fresh and new. You'd be surprised what companies might be looking for smeone with your skills who you wouldn't have thought to apply to.

4. As you apply to specific places, customize your resume for them. If you have to cut out certain jobs to do this put "relevent experience" instead of "experience" as the title of your job list and let them know you can submit a full detailed job listing if interested.

5. In the interview, ask questions they want to hear. Show interest in the job. But ask the right question. It is said that of all the things you can do at a job interview, asking the right questions at the end shows initiative, intelligence, interest in the job, and develops a raport with the interviewer. The interview process is the finish line. You can get there, but so do 30 other people perhaps "overqualified" or of the same qualifications as you. The best thing you can do is know how to get through the interview with style. Visit the link I included to read up on the best possible interview process and what questions to ask. If however you don't make it there, I will give you three from a host of questions they suggest.

a) Now that we have talked about my qualifications, do you have any concerns about me fulfilling the responsibilities of this position?

b) What’s the most important thing I can do to help within the first 90 days of my employment?

c) What does this company value the most and how do you think my work for you will further these values?

I hope all of that helps. I recommend reading the interviewing site. Its the hardest part of the hiring process and its important to get it right. To put yourself over the top of the heap. Visit the link below.

Answer 3

we like to hire college grads because they don't require high salaries (initially), are focused on growing their careers, are bright and enthusiastic and if we're really lucky they will have new ideas and techniques that help give our company a competetive edge.

we do not hire people that are over qualified for a position because they will likely get bored, be searching for a higher paying job that they can easily get, and they won't share the same enthusiasm for the opportunity we gave them to learn our business and grow within the company.

for you it's important to be very realistic. you need to take a foot in the door kind of job to get started and likely you will not be paid what you're really worth, but from experience i can tell you that if you know what you're doing, are dependable and deliver every time you're called upon....you will quickly become an invaluable asset to your company and they will compensate you accordingly.

good tech people are very difficult to find.

fyi, certifications may mean something to some recruiters or HR personnel out there but most of the time i interview these clowns they don't know what the hell they're doing.

in my world, people that are good at what they do are spending time doing it, not studying it.

to answer your question directly, your edge is that you're green and you can't ask for 150K as a starting salary.

Answer 4

Why are they applying - because they are unemployed. Hate to tell you this, but most computer related jobs are headed over seas - India, China, Romania etc....

The advantage you have is that you won't require the salary level that the older guys need.

Every company/entity out there needs some sort of MIS help. Look at public school systems, medical offices, real estate etc.. places you might not normally think about. The school district in my town is always looking for an I/S guy.

Answer 5

Its a Big old world out there. In St Louis Missouri There is a Afternoon Talk Show Host on the Radio that was a Lawyer. Don't think that job requires a Law degree. Go Figure. Maybe go more in person or to smaller companies that you can talk to someone about how hard you'll work and that you'll negotiate your sallary down to get experience. Follow up Follow Up...

Answer 6

Your competitors are applying because they are unemployed so have some sympathy for them.

However - you need to stress your enthusiasm, and willingness to learn and have a look at the jobs again - a 'big time IT job' is not usually for new graduates.

You could also join an agency and take some temporary contracts - that will gain you some experience and you can start networking - a number of people I know have great jobs through applying for internal vacancies while thy were temps.

Good luck.

Answer 7

Try giving your resume a face lift - as far as the wording and also the design. (make it look more "cutting edge" or modern) That way when someone is looking through possibly hundreds of resumes - yours will stand out and look professional and sharp. Try adding some color - If you know a graphic designer they might be able to help you out with a resume layout.

Also...I would still try applying for internships - It's a good way to get your foot in the door with a great company.

Answer 8

You are making the same mistake that many grads make. You are assuming that you are ready for the "big time" fresh out of school.

You are not, sorry to break the news.

You need to do your time, just like everyone else and work at the small time companies for awhile. You can also try start-ups, that is how most in the industry make big bucks, pick the right one and you have it made when they go public.

Answer 9

Unfortunately, the economy has caused a job-shortage that is forcing people with higher levels of experience to have to apply for entry level jobs. It is a case of bad timing for you. If you make it to the interview stage, you will have to stand out by showing your personality and drive.

Answer 10

Someone asked a similar question a few days ago.
Try http://jobshunt.rediffblogs.com/