IT JOBS??

[Guest_imported]

Just wondering if any of you guys have any advise for me. I am an IT guy who just got out of school 9 months ago with A+.MCSE and CCNA but having a real hard time find a job here in canada. I even have a 4 months work experience intern. I am actually thinking about changing my career cause I'll get kick out of my house soon if I dont pay my rent. what should I do?? take more computer courses or change careers. because IT is so low rightnow...but to be honest I really enjoy working with computers.
btw I am 22 if that helps

thanks ppl.

 

[nontrad]

Well, are you just looking around home or are you willing to relocate elsewhere? That will make a difference.

Learn how to NETWORK! No, not the omputer kind but interfacing with people/groups who may have connections to help you get a job. Look for any local computer groups oriented towards your computer interests. Register with ALL possible internet job search sites. Contact employment agencies that specialize in tecchies. Contact your school career office and see if you can set up interviews through there. Also go to them to see about help in polishing your resume.

in the meantime, don't let your skills get rusty. Find a non-profit organization that could use your computer expertise, especially one of the certifications. Not only is it another bullet for the resume but some companies like people who have done volunteer work.

Another possibility is to start your own business using the certifications you have to provide support to businesss who have these needs but can't afford to hire someone on their staff. This may e risky because you have to be a self-starter and income is erratic.


Good luck!

 

[jasek78]

Another option open to you is to freelancing. There are plenty of websites (rentacoder, elance, o-ranges, itmoonlighter to name a few) out there... And it sure beats some of the taxes on small businesses. (btw, I really don't know how Canada handles the tax issue... I'm assuming it is at least similar here in the States.)

It may not be a lot to begin with, but its better than nothing.

Jason

 

[guyvernews]

Another idea would be to expand the "Networking" idea to improve your interview techniques. Since you're 22 and relatively new to the job market, you may lack the experience of presenting your requirements.

Sit down and think about the direction you wish to take, this way when you go for an interview you are able to present your needs/requirements/Enthusiasm to your Interviewer!!

Be strong and continue to look stupidly hard! Be assertive to rise above the rest.

I don't know how it is in Canada, but here with MSCE and CCNA is quite an achievement at 22. Normally people at 22 are fresh from University and haven't acquired professional courses.

Good Luck

 

[traef06]

I think you should consider consulting or contracting. It's fun and it exposes you to many different uses of technology. If you're at a client for awhile and they like you and you like them, you could always consider signing on full-time.

Although, I never would.

But that's just me.

Thomas J. Raef
20 year computer consulting veteran and author

http://www.consultantsadvocate.com

 

[goBoating]

I like the "look stupidly hard" advice. If you are young with little work history you must use something else to convince a potential employer that you are worth having. "Look stupidly hard" and when you see something you want, don't just send a resume and wait. Go there, find out about the company, if they look like a good place to work, let them know you think so (and, yes, submit a resume). A good job is very valuable. A candidate should act like they know that. Be professional and persistent.


Good Luck 'hope this helps

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