Should I apply for this post?

[TigerDivision]

Hello everyone!

Thought of posting this here in order to get some feedback as I am in a bit of a dilemma as what to do.

I work as an Information Systems Administrator with a private manufacturing company. Have been with this company for close to 12 years now and to be honest am very unhappy at the way the company treats long-time serving employees. What really kept me working for this company was the technology more or less. I am 43 years old by the way.

In the meantime I've been searching for a better position with perhaps better pay. A post for a network administrator was recently advertised in our local paper. The duties seem similar to what I am doing now perhaps slightly less.

They wrote that they were looking for university graduates or experienced/certified IT personnel with minimum 2 years commercial experience.
When I saw that they were looking for university graduates and with such little experience then I thought that these people might not be willing to offer much by way of salary. And that they might prefer someone much younger. I am not a university graduate myself, so all I can offer is solid work experience.
I am somewhat hesitant in applying for this post and then yes there is that fear of starting all over again at the new post. Leaving a company after 12 years is not easy.

What are your thoughts on this?

Cheers!

 

[supermatchgame]

You've certainly got the experience, but it doesn't sound much of a step up for you - definitely not 'a better position with perhaps better pay'. My advice would be to keep looking.

 

[LadySlinger]

If you do decide to apply you can find out a little more about the position.

Most likely you're right though...the company is probably looking for a person straight from college to avoid high expense in salary.

I would just move on personally and keep looking.

 

[LNBruno]

And now, for something completely different:

You may also want to consider that a lateral move will take you off your current dead-end ladder and put you on one that may lead to better things – which may not equate to technologies, duties or pay short-term. Does the other company value “seasoned” employees? Would fewer duties equate to less stress? Instead of guessing (might, what if, etc), give them, and yourself, a little time to get real answers. Just because you apply for the post doesn’t mean you have to take it. And it’s always easier to find a job when you have a job for this very reason.

Leaving a company after 12 years is hard when you do it on your own. But how much longer do you want to be unhappy in your current situation?

< M!ke >
Acupuncture Development: a jab well done.

 

[JCreamerII]

I think that your conclusion is correct, that they don't think they can pay a seasoned Systems Administrator a competitive salary. Try getting an interview without giving out your current employer's name. Use it as a recon mission, see what they are looking for, salary, perks, what have you. Get a sense as to what the bottom and top end of the jobs available in your area are like. If this is NG, then you know what the bottmom end looks like. It will give you something to compare your current job to, and if you keep looking around you'll have a better sense of the jobs in your area.

Jim C.

 

[GUJUm0deL]

I think you should still apply. The post may say 'university graduates or experienced/certified IT personnel with minimum 2 years commercial experience' but that doesn't necessarily mean that they don't have much to offer to someone with your background.

Many companies post their looking for recent college grads but don't let that deter you. As far as if the job is a step up for you, well only you can answer that. I say apply, go on an interview, and make a decision after you have all the information.

____________________________________
Just Imagine.

http://www.imajinarts.com

 

[Welshbird]

I agree with GUJUm0del. The only way you can find out if this is right for you is to find out more about it.

I have applied to my companies biggest competitor, and we agree on both sides to sign a NDA to cover both of us for having the conversation. This may also be an option for you.

Fee

The question should be [red]Is it worth trying to do?[/red] not [blue] Can it be done?[/blue]