I'm Trying, But No One is Hiring!

(Or What Did I Get Myself Into!)

by Chuck Fried

So you've been out there trying to make a career move, and hitting some brick walls. Well, it's time for a self assessment. So let's start with the basics.

The Mirror
Yes, the mirror. Take a good look. Would you hire the person staring back at you? How do you 'present' yourself? Sure, your current work place is business casual (who's isn't?), but you're wearing a suit and tie to your interviews if you're a man, and a professional business suit if you're a woman, right?

You needn't be a 'fashion model', but do your clothes at least fit right? Is it time for a quick trip to the local mall for a slight fashion update? If you're a man, like the author, may we respectfully suggest getting a female friend's opinion here? You might just be surprised by what you learn!

The Resume
Sure, we might have started here, but where's the fun in that! Given the audience we target, it's a given you spend some amount of time on the internet professional, but are you using all available resources to make sure your resume is not just 'accurate' but contemporarily updated?

What I mean by that is tastes and styles change over time, and what is considered an acceptable and strong resume today, might not have been the case 10 or 15 years ago (subtle hint, no pictures, or references to kids, family, or number of pets!)

Do you clearly identify your chronological work history, and explain any gaps, regardless of cause?
Do you identify projects and successes and tools used or learned at each employer?
Is your resume easy to read, and pleasantly laid out? If you aren't sure, consider using the resources of a third party for some advice.

The Interview
Not all of us can be the smooth, well spoken, intellectual all the time. Yet the interview, whether on the phone, or in person, isn't the time to stumble and bumble along. Be clear before you go in. What are your goals? What are your objectives? Ask questions in advance like who will be present? What are their positions? What is the goal of this interview (typically, employers may break up the technical portion of an interview, from the HR one, which deals with more mundane matters like interpersonal skills, team participation, etc).

Have specific work examples to address, like you have on your resume. In short, view your interview as something of a chance to 'present' yourself, and your resume as the 'notes' that accompany this presentation. YET REMEMBER…this is an interview. Don't get locked into a formal presentation. This is a give and take, interactive, dynamic session. They may go off on tangents you don't expect. Try to enjoy this, and learn from each interview. If possible, explore with your recruiter or interviewer how you did afterwards, especially if you aren't offered the position.

The Position
While this might seem obvious, it bears mentioning. Often, candidates will apply, and attempt to interview for positions simply outside their expertise, or skill level. There are occasions where this is acceptable, but more often then not, it isn't wise. Most enterprise IT positions are NOT entry level, and do NOT offer opportunities to learn on the job. The job you are applying for should be one you are ideally suited for, that will fit you like a glove from day one.

Enjoy
Yes, it's a little cliché, but try to enjoy this process, and do realize, getting a job, is, itself a full time job. Take some time off from work to help you with your search. 3 or 4 hours an evening may not be sufficient, especially if you are looking outside your immediate geographic area. If you are looking at a move, do point out why. Do you have family you are returning to? A connection to the area? Be clear on this, and again, have fun with the process!

Chuck Fried is the President of TxMQ. Born and raised in suburban Buffalo, NY Chuck and his wife were married in 1986, and moved immediately to Philadelphia to begin their family, and professional careers.

Chuck began his IT career in the late 1980s, when he computerized a small non profit agency in Philadelphia run and managed by his wife, Michele. He was a Sysop on CompuServe in the pre internet days (user ID 71601,3243 pre email), and went on to found a national mail order computer manufacturer in the early 1990's. He returned to the Buffalo area with his family in 1994, and founded a company that went on to raise several million dollars of venture capital as an Application Service Provider, only to have to pull the plug as the market collapsed in 2000, prior to being able to launch an IPO. He joined TxMQ in 2001, and became a partner within a few years, ultimately, buying out the original founders. He is an avid long distance runner, and is usually up by 5 am to log his daily 12 miles. He sits on the board of Adoption STAR (http://www.adoptionstar.com), a national non profit, adoption agency founded by his wife, who is also frequently found running along side him on his daily runs.