IT jobs are back from overseas? or damn recruiter

[tloonya]

Ok, I just got this info about IT job market.
I've called my former recruiter company.
Recruiter said jobs ARE back and booming and some jobs were brought back from outsourcing...

I told him I have 11 years of experience and his company placed me with top notch Fortune company they hired me full time...but it is 3 years since then.
He wasn't too enthusiastic about my chances.
I did tell him that I will agree to take entry level position to get up to speed and he said 'it is matter of time and he has nothing to offer to me at this time'...
...then I went nuts and told him that he doesn't seem too eagwer to do his job and he apologized and told me that he thought I want job right away and I said NO I did not say that!

So to make a long story short...I want to ask if any of you went back to IT and how did it go?
For those who doesn't understand IT 'thang' I have to explain that it is NOT as riding a bike...you don't use it (skills) you lose it!
They paying you top dollar for keeping up with technologies and be always aware of new things that are happening in your field.

So what pissed me off is that recruiter basically told me that he did not have any people like me. I asked 'do you have any advise for people who are like me returning to the field?' and he said 'I did not have anybody...' and I was like WHAAAAT???

So if you were out of work for 3 years you are screwed?
And should I maybe ask for someone else to represent me?

[Wisconsin Beth]

Start doing your research on what IT skills you need/want to brush up on (or gain.) Retake certification exams. Take classes to update your skill set. Or read Dark Honor's post in the YM Important threads section on IT jobs.

[tloonya]

I don't do this...reading, classes...I have store to run, remember?
All I wanted to know IF any of you had DONE this? Not have talked about his...DONE this?


So the questions were:
1....I want to ask if any of you went back to IT and how did it go?
2..So if you were out of work for 3 years you are screwed?
3...And should I maybe ask for someone else to represent me?

Just those. No answers to other questions please. Thanks

[justme]

If you have been out of IT for 3 years and refuse to take classes or do new certs, you're probably pretty much screwed. As you, yourself said

They paying you top dollar for keeping up with technologies and be always aware of new things that are happening in your field.

Being gone for 3 years means not keeping up with technologies unless you have proof (classes and certs) that you have.

[tloonya]

Nov 27, 2012 13:57:39 GMT -5 justme said:

If you have been out of IT for 3 years and refuse to take classes or do new certs, you're probably pretty much screwed. As you, yourself said

They paying you top dollar for keeping up with technologies and be always aware of new things that are happening in your field.

Being gone for 3 years means not keeping up with technologies unless you have proof (classes and certs) that you have.

Thats for the rest of the world.
I do not do re-certification. If I can get an interview - I'll get a job!
I just want to see willingness of companies to GIVE me that opportunity of having an interview.
I want to know how companies are looking at us, those who were 'out of it'?

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Nov 27, 2012 14:02:10 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Thats for the rest of the world.
I do not do re-certification. If I can get an interview - I'll get a job!

[Deleted]

[Deleted]

DH went back to work in IT after being out four years. He got a degree in the meantime so that was helpful. He also worked on stuff at home to keep up to speed and learn new programs. He had to start out being a contractor but it looks like his latest job is going to make him an offer.

[swasat]

Nov 27, 2012 14:02:10 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Nov 27, 2012 13:57:39 GMT -5 justme said:

If you have been out of IT for 3 years and refuse to take classes or do new certs, you're probably pretty much screwed. As you, yourself said

Being gone for 3 years means not keeping up with technologies unless you have proof (classes and certs) that you have.

Thats for the rest of the world.
I do not do re-certification. If I can get an interview - I'll get a job!
I just want to see willingness of companies to GIVE me that opportunity of having an interview.
I want to know how companies are looking at us, those who were 'out of it'?

Pretty badly. I work in IT and I hire people under me. You have been out of workforce for 3 years? Ok.....get back in line for either an entry level or a mid level job. I don't mind giving you a job. But don't expect to pick up where you left. You might have been a Director before you left. But as of now I don't know what your skill set is. So prove yourself again and we'll talk.

[Opti]

Nov 27, 2012 13:51:21 GMT -5 tloonya said:

I don't do this...reading, classes...I have store to run, remember?
All I wanted to know IF any of you had DONE this? Not have talked about his...DONE this?


So the questions were:
1....I want to ask if any of you went back to IT and how did it go?
2..So if you were out of work for 3 years you are screwed?
3...And should I maybe ask for someone else to represent me?

Just those. No answers to other questions please. Thanks

#3, won't help unless it is a friend. The recruiting market has changed.

#1, Haven't gone back since last time but it requires far more selling skills
than it did say in the mid 1990s. Specific advice really depends on what you actually do and your resume.

[tloonya]

anne,
how long was your husband IT before he lost it?

swasat!
I am perfectly fine with taking an entry level position.
I want to get back slowly and painlessly. I want cheap work so I can get my feet wet.
So will you hire me?

[swasat]

Nov 27, 2012 14:23:40 GMT -5 @sroo4 said:

Nov 27, 2012 14:22:03 GMT -5 tloonya said:

anne,
how long was your husband IT before he lost it?

swasat!
I am perfectly fine with taking an entry level position.
I want to get back slowly and painlessly. I want cheap work so I can get my feet wet.
So will you hire me?

Oh please do swasat! It would give us a replacement for the Jimmy threads!

Hey now!! I don't want to end up in tloony bin!!!! ;D

tloonya....can you write a program in Java about mellons and their seller Latisha ? If you can then I will consider it.

[NancysSummerSip]

It would give us a replacement for the Jimmy threads!

Oh, I dunno. I mean, Jimmy was a nice looking, well-meaning dude. Not the brightest guppy in the fish tank, but he knew how to scrape by. And his tall tales were just HUGE!

What kind of similar stories would TLoony have on a Monday morning, when she dragged in, looking like the bread truck had backed over her with its snow chains on?

[movingforward]

What will happen to the store?

[tloonya]

Nov 27, 2012 14:20:29 GMT -5 Opti said:

Nov 27, 2012 13:51:21 GMT -5 tloonya said:

I don't do this...reading, classes...I have store to run, remember?
All I wanted to know IF any of you had DONE this? Not have talked about his...DONE this?


So the questions were:
1....I want to ask if any of you went back to IT and how did it go?
2..So if you were out of work for 3 years you are screwed?
3...And should I maybe ask for someone else to represent me?

Just those. No answers to other questions please. Thanks

#3, won't help unless it is a friend. The recruiting market has changed.

#1, Haven't gone back since last time but it requires far more selling skills
than it did say in the mid 1990s. Specific advice really depends on what you actually do and your resume.

Opt, how has recruiting market has changed?

What selling skills? For IT peeps? I have produce selling skills. Will that help? ;D

I am sure it is also depends on luck! Right? I know after I got my first job (after 40 interviews)...I was getting jobs each time after one interview. I had just learned to be me! It paid.
So now I need an interview.
Also it helps A LOT when you are not desperate and you can look them right in the eye and ask 'why do you think I want to work for your company' nd that's a killer. They always thought (it was written on their faces): 'whattaheck?' but hey would hire me before I got home from interview.

[formerroomate99]

Nov 27, 2012 14:22:03 GMT -5 tloonya said:

anne,
how long was your husband IT before he lost it?

swasat!
I am perfectly fine with taking an entry level position.
I want to get back slowly and painlessly. I want cheap work so I can get my feet wet.
So will you hire me?

There's a lot of free or nearly free training available on the internet. If it is a case where there just aren't enough people trained in a specific software, then they might be willing to train you or let you learn on the job. But if there are qualified people running around, my guess is that your chances are slim. I've also had absolutely no luck getting part time work. They either want you full time or not at all.

[Opti]

Not sure how much it has changed in three years but recruiters are just looking to fulfill specific opportunities and they do it by pattern matching with what is on your resume. They only care about you if you are likely to be easy for them to place you. Well, they might care, but they won't spend much effort on finding you a job.

Luck does play a huge part. I used to get job offers after almost every interview. That too has changed for some of us, myself included. Really depends on you, your niche, etc.

[tloonya]

Nov 27, 2012 14:43:40 GMT -5 movingforward said:

What will happen to the store?

DH will watch it.
See, I am not sure I will be able to get back to the IT and work or the boss. So store will be waiting.
We have people who are interested in leasing it from us.
It'll be allright.
I just want to try again. I used to think that office work is worse life everrrr...now I have something to compare it to ;D

[tloonya]

Nov 27, 2012 14:56:51 GMT -5 formerroomate99 said:

There's a lot of free or nearly free training available on the internet. If it is a case where there just aren't enough people trained in a specific software, then they might be willing to train you or let you learn on the job. But if there are qualified people running around, my guess is that your chances are slim. I've also had absolutely no luck getting part time work. They either want you full time or not at all.

Exactly!
Why would I waste my time on learning 'I dunno what' when all I need to do is get a foot in the door and be smart?
And then learn fast and furiously!
Also I do not want part-time. I will consider contract.

[Sum Dum Gai]

Thats for the rest of the world.
I do not do re-certification. If I can get an interview - I'll get a job!

Good luck with that.

This is a copy of the latest job posting that matched the criteria I set up on clearancejobs.com.

IBM Initiate Systems Programmer - Electronic Health Records - Secret clearance may be required
CACI International Inc
Date: Nov 18, 2012
Location: Seaside, CA, US
Job Requisition Number: 69056
Category: Information Systems - Programming
Primary Location: Seaside, CA, US
Security Clearance: Secret
Clearance Status: Must be Obtainable
Schedule: Full Time
Type of Travel: Continental US
Percent of Travel Required: Up to 10%


Description:

Duties and Responsibilities:
As this Initiate Developer, you will support the Defense Manpower Data Center Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) program by serving as a professional authority in one or more applications in the Business Systems/Information System area. You will collaborate in the requirements definition, trade studies, analysis, plan, and implementation of business system applications; analyze and resolve failures in test and service, and assure continuity of requirements and IS philosophy are satisfied. You could expect to serve as a high level independent contributor, or as a senior team lead to design/programming teams.

Typical responsibilities for this position would include:
Act as a professional development authority to analyze, design, supervise and coordinate the development of software systems and hardware in one or more Business Systems / Information Systems areas
Design and develop complex programming systems making specific determinations about system performance; and define functional specifications of the system for the appropriate hardware
Analyze total system specifications and translate system requirements to task specifications for computer programmers
Develop training programs to promote staff development within departments affected by utilization or revision of computer systems
Participate in development of long range planning for new projects
Prepare reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends and appropriate recommendations or conclusions
Perform the technical functions of systems programming and analysis for operating software products
Test and install new operating software releases and update existing software; and also be responsible for installing proprietary releases and updates
Perform diagnostic problem solving of systems software and act as liaison with vendors on problem resolution
Review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations to determine if requested changes to operating system are possible
Review and write complex description of steps taken to modify system and procedures required to implement new software

Some intermittent travel may be necessary

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor degree or equivalent in appropriate discipline, and 10-12 years of related (systems analysis and complex business systems support) experience

Significant background designing and developing IBM Initiate applications, also using JAVA and other advanced Internet development code

Experience developing or maintaining database management systems, knowledge of computer equipment and ability to develop complex applications to satisfy design objectives

Experience also with some of the following technologies:
COGNOS
J2EE, including: EJB, Java Servlets, Java Server Pages (JSP), Struts
HL-7 constructs
RDBMS and SQL
WebLogic
XML Schemas & DTDs

Ability to travel, if needed

Normal demands associated with an office environment: Ability to work on computer for long periods, and communicate with individuals by telephone, email, and face to face

Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information
The clearance level required is dependent on the type of clearance supported by our client: Selected applicants must complete a SF85P request, be granted a position of public trust by the U.S. Government, and approved by the VA

Desired Qualifications:

Familiarity with VLER initiatives

Familiarity with Identity and Access Management and IT solutions and technologies

Experience with software testing, verification and validation against system and functional requirements

Experience with Rational ReqPro, HTML and Cascading Style Sheets, Hibernate, Spring, and JUnit, VA VHIM messaging model and HITPS C32 data templates

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

This position is in support of future opportunities. As we get closer to filling this position, we will be contacting qualified candidates. If you are selected to interview, you will be contacted directly by a recruiter.

Nearest Major Market: Salinas
Job Segments: Records, Medical, Developer, Defense, Programmer, Healthcare, Technology, Government

Granted I have a security clearance so look for openings in that niche, which won't necessarily apply to you. However, in my experience, at least in this area, when they ask for experience with such and such what they actually mean is a certification in that thing if one exists and direct hands on experience dealing with it.

Presumably you have previous experience which will help if you can find a position looking for what you know. Look at the ad pretty closely, and try to work as many key words from it into your resume as you can. That shoud help you get past HR and on to a technical phone interview. If you can renew a couple past certs, or get a new one or two, that will help show that you were trying to keep your skills up to date while you were out of the market.

[Deleted]

how long was your husband IT before he lost it?

You usually have to have some crazy before you even begin in IT.

[Sum Dum Gai]

LOL!

[tloonya]

Nov 27, 2012 15:41:40 GMT -5 @anne81 said:

how long was your husband IT before he lost it?

You usually have to have some crazy before you even begin in IT.

I m pretty sure I ad started at IT as a normal average person

[Sum Dum Gai]

I m pretty sure I ad started at IT as a normal average person

So, what happened?

[tloonya]

Nov 27, 2012 17:06:08 GMT -5 Sum Dum Gai said:

I m pretty sure I ad started at IT as a normal average person

So, what happened?

I went to programming school... and signed up for MSN Your Money forum...

[Deleted]

I'm not sure Windows 95 techs are in high demand anymore.

[Deleted]

Do you have a resume? Have you applied for any jobs recently?

Yes, get a different recruiter if you don't like the one you have. But you need a resume with the skills employers are looking for regardless of who is applying.

Is this really for you, or is this for your DH?

[michelyn8]

Nov 27, 2012 14:03:40 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

Nov 27, 2012 14:02:10 GMT -5 tloonya said:

Thats for the rest of the world.
I do not do re-certification. If I can get an interview - I'll get a job!

Did Doxie hack into tloonya's account?

[tloonya]

Nov 28, 2012 7:42:53 GMT -5 @rockit said:

Do you have a resume? Have you applied for any jobs recently?

Yes, get a different recruiter if you don't like the one you have. But you need a resume with the skills employers are looking for regardless of who is applying.

Is this really for you, or is this for your DH?

I have killer resume!
I had not applied for jobs yet.
I had sent my fantastic resume to a recruiter and placed it on Monster.
And it is really for me, why?
DH is not IT, thought he used to be but he was Cobol.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Nov 28, 2012 11:39:23 GMT -5 tloonya said:

I have killer resume!
I had not applied for jobs yet.
I had sent my fantastic resume to a recruiter and placed it on Monster.

And yet you have not been given a job yet? Or interviews? Or been contacted by the recruiter? With your 'killer resume'? Hmmm, that's odd. It couldn't indicate that your resume isn't as killer as you think, could it?