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Well - during the time here at spiceworks forum - i`ve commented here and there about jobs etc.

So, to summarize it - Why is it so damn hard to get another job?

The long version:

I`ve been working in IT in a “helpdesk +” position for a while now - and moved on from being purely helpdesk to being “your fault” for everything with buttons and running on electrickery. I guess the formal title would be ‘local IT manager’ or ‘system admin’.

I have been contacted at times by headhunters or recruiters with a ‘great opportunity’ - turning out to be in a field I have no experience with, for 6 month with an option of renewal (I believe this is marketing talk for “never happening Bro”) and with a great salary (lower than what I currently have) , and awesome benefits (5 days of holiday less, no travel allowance, no overtime) so when can I start.

Now, I don`t really mind a (small) paycut - but also worse benefits - and no security whatsoever ?? (6 months, and then what???)

Admittedly - due to current job, extra training has ‘not been possible’ unless at own time and expense - both items in very short supply sadly (my time is used by my family!)

I wonder if i`ll stay here - granted, not a bad place - or should consider abandoning IT and go back to sales … as I would like the option of living closer to work (or work closer to home) - but all companies ever offer is short term ‘projects’ and no real fixed job…

I`m wondering how other spiceheads deal with uncertainty and these “awesome” offers from often clueless headhunters.

16 Spice ups
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Keep looking - be picky. If it’s not a clear yes, then it’s a clear no.

8 Spice ups
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Never been headhunted, but I guess it’s down to not having my CV out there.

I have moved jobs a few times and taken a “pay cut (well only due to extra travel)” but each move has been for the better in terms of the job, so going from 1 man shop repair place to a company with 47 sites and 300 devices.

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Wages are down across the country. Why would this field be immune?

1 Spice up
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I ignore the clueless head hunters. They’re useless. If you want to get a good recruiter, go find one by referral on LinkedIn.

Training? Your responsibility. If the company pushes and pays- bonus! I feel your pain. I’m studying VCP6-DCV right now, and yes it takes time. Best done late at night or super early so the family is sleeping.

Your security is based on your ability to make money. It’s never been based on a company- it’s not their responsibility, either.

If you want to find a new job, this is he method to use:

http://www.48days.com/wp-content/worksheets/job-search-process.pdf

Hope this helps.

4 Spice ups
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Better off finding an opportunity on your own. Most of the times these headhunters make money of getting you a “job” and are usually stupid. They just try to match key terms on your resume in comparison even if the job is irrelevant I feel.

2 Spice ups
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I’ve got a new job, and found it myself via their own career listings, previous job to that - think I applied via an agency for a specific role, same before that, and before that. I’ve got calls from recruitment people constantly for years, and tonnes of emails - and you are right, most have no idea about IT so focus on one word and think you are suitable. None of those have ever worked for me, it’s always been me applying in one way or another.

I’ve found it quite easy to find roles though, guess it depends on location and experience as ever.

I would advise to be picky though, you are the one needed, the company has to be right for you, don’t move just for the sake of it, and definitely don’t stay just because its comfy.

1 Spice up
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Sales sucks… don’t go back to that!

Stay employed, stay picky in your choices… the right opportunity will come eventually.

4 Spice ups
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If you don’t have to leave I wouldn’t take a pay cut. Research companies in your area, check their website for a careers/jobs area. I hate dealing with recruiters, they’ve never once helped me find the next job. Definitely be picky if you have a stable job currently.

2 Spice ups
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Man sounds a bit like my post…

Sales is great when the market is strong, right now I wouldn’t touch a sales job if they promised to double my current salary as the base.

As for those clueless headhunters, think of them as the fast food end of the job helpers club. They are cheap, cheerful, and plentiful, they also suck at finding real jobs for anyone who is more than just starting out. The Find people to fill jobs the same way many people try and find jobs, contact as many candidates who MIGHT be a remote fit as possible and hope one of them bites.

Like others have said, find a good recruiter, they are out there. The good ones don’t waste people’s time, they find good fits for companies who want the hard work of recruiting particular talents done for them. You’ll know when you find one, they ask questions about what you are looking for, why are you leaving, etc, and they are actually listening to your answers. I’ve used a few, both as an employer and a job seeker. The good ones make everyone’s lives easier.

I’ve been looking for something new for about six months now, problem is that I really wanted something remote. My family (mostly my wife) wasn’t keen on moving again, there just isn’t any other brick and mortar employers for IT types in my area. As in no one within 200 +kms (120 miles) that’s a little too much to commute. It’s been frustrating, I’ve had a couple failed tech interviews, five Oh, we can’t meet that salary!, a whole bunch of silence, and dozens of bs wannabe recruiters wasting my time with entry level, contract, unrelated work.

I talked with a recruiter a few months ago about something that sounded really good, they said they’d get in touch. There was silence and I just figured “oh well, another miss” they just called me this morning and want to meet up. Keep trying and waiting, something will come up if you want to find it.

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Isn’t that the truth! I have heard of fast food employees making as much if not more than many I.T. positions. It’s equally sad that job opportunities are also down across the country.

Stay where you are at until opportunity knocks, unless of course you are finding it harder to control your “fist of death”!

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if you have such good things at work now - be very picky about choosing the next job, you want to ensure it is the “right one”, not just a different one.

I am also sceptical of jobs that have a fixed term contract, 3 - 6 months is common here

tread very carefully I suspect is the advice to heed

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If you have a current and stable job, be picky about where you move.

I’ve dropped the chronological resume in favor of a skills-based version. I’ve gotten wildly more interest in my availability that way because it answers the central question a potential employer has, “Yea, but what have you actually done?”

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They do not get a job history, references, or salary information until I’ve secured an interview.
1 Spice up
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Keep looking. Use your network, everyone you know. Tell them you are looking and what you are looking for. When you go on an interview, interview the company as much or more than they are interviewing you. Good luck.