Transitioning
I don't get it. Several companies have looked at my resume online more that once for a single job and I've had some interviews as well. Not to toot my own horn but I interview really well. Everyone says they want to hire veterans but I think a few out of the crop that got out of the military may have screwed the pooch for me and the rest of us. I'm well qualified and sometimes over qualified for the positions I'm applying for I the IT field and I even still have an active security clearance. I don't get it.
Chris, I am also in the IT field. Just retired as the S6 NCOIC, It's been challenging for me as well. I've been told that my resume is to busy or not enough information. If you don't have any certs, look in to getting Security Plus. That my friend should get you in the door.
Agree it is soul - sucking to go on all these interviews, I also feel that I inteview really well, we really seem to hit it off, I research the comapnies before I go and let them know how positive I feel about the employer, all feels really good when I leave that interview, but then no call back. I have experience specific to the jobs I am applying for, I know my references all speak well of me, I've shown staying power in my job history but I am seriously having a lot of self doubt lately. I have been pretty particualr about who I apply to and not setting myself up for a job I don't really want just to find a job, but at this point I just want a job.
I have applied to over 200+ jobs and did close to 50 interviews, no luck either. Three months in I finally went to a wrong interview for a senior level position and they were in desperate need for a Service Desk which pays as good as the one I went to interview for so I think I got lucky. We are pretty luck right now, the average job search between 2008-2010 was around a year so you're safe if you haven't gone past a year yet.
If you are a young Vet (
Hang in there...3rd quarter hiring is horrid. I have seen more hits and had more calls in the last two weeks than the last three months combined. My last two jobs changes were offered in October. If you have IT experience, are you using a recruiter? Jobcase and I have worked very hard on helping Vets transition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy_iU-Uq9KM is a great example.
Chris, If you are in IT with a clearance, and a vet, you should be a shoo in. Negotiating the HR morass may be your problem, You might put your resume on Monster and CarerBuilder and let the recruiters contact YOU. They are typically tied in with the hiring managers so it gets you past the HR business.
Hi Chris Have you ever thought about applying yourself working for federal government, state, even homeland security. With your experience you would qualify for there position. Military background, knowledgeable in computer engineering or programing. I too was in the military and I regret everyday that I separated from them.
No real advice; I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your service!
Hey Christopher - Thank you for your service to our country! Do you try following up after any of your interviews. A thank you note the day after is always a great idea, and then give them a call a week later to check in. These couple of things may help you move forward in the process!
The first question you need to decide is whether you are willing to relocate. If you are, then you need to enlarge the scope of your search. Many of the big DOD contractors will fly you in for an interview and even pay something toward relocation expenses.Of course job security may be iffy -- only as good as the funding for the project you are working on but these big DOD contractors are always looking for people with security clearances.
There are recruiters who specialize in the IT field. Make an in-person to talk to one of them. As another person has pointed out, recruiters are usually talking directly with the hiring managers.
You might also consider working for an IT consultant firm. Since many of them have govt. contracts, your security clearance would be an asset. Good luck!