Original Networking Support thread for the unemployed

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: wje
It looks like things could be picking up for the state of Virginia:

01-29-2003 07:22 PM

(Richmond, VA) -- Unemployment figures in Virginia are at a 19-month low. The December rate was 3.6 percent compared to the national rate of 5.7 percent. It was the fourth straight monthly decline in the Old Dominion.

That's good News, any indication who is doing the hiring???

It looks like a lot of government contract work in the Northern Virginia area. For anyone who lives in this area, check out the Business section of the Monday Washington Post. There is a section devoted to companies who have been granted large contracts. The company names are listed for those who have received the contracts. This is also a good indication of which companies could be adding more staff positions.

 

[T2T III]

This is probably something that I can't stress enough: NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!!!!!

Research your respective areas on job search / job support work teams. Usually, these groups will meet at local churches in your area. Most of the stress confidentiality so you can search for work - or, get feedback on your resume while you are still employed. What is discussed in these groups is meant to stay in the room when you leave. I have found so many leads by attending 3-4 of these groups each week.

Some preparation ideas before you start networking in groups like these:

1) Prepare your elevator speech: In 15 - 20 seconds, what could you say about yourself and your career that would provide a perspective employer some good information about you.

2) Identify a few (3 - 4) target companies or industries that you would like to work in.

Usually when you attend these groups, you will be asked to give your elevator speech. It's a good idea to practice it frequently so the words roll off your tongue easily. Also, many groups will ask you about your target companies or industries that you are interested in. Once you have stated your preferences, usually, there is someone in the group that has contacts in the company you are interested in or the industry that you are targeting.

Finally, you can flood the market with resumes - if you wish. However, studies have proven that the success rate of achieving a position through this method is not that great. Finding a position through networking and then going through various contacts in your target company to find the hiring manager is the most effective method of finding employment. The studies that have been done on this indicate somewhere between 60 & 75% of the positions are achieved by networking and direct company contacts until you have reached the hiring manager. This only leaves 25 - 40% for positions where you could get hired by sending out multiple resumes or finding a position through another means other than networking.

When I attend the networking functions, I don't expect much. However, I am very pleased when I have left the mettings and have 2 - 3 pages of notes in my notebook that I can follow-through on in regards to positions or companies that are hiring.

Oh, one more thing about positions that are posted in a newspaper or the Internet: Most times a company might already have a qualified internal candidate in mind when they post the position. Companies then collect a certain number of resumes or applications for the position. They are then able to qualify their candidate for the position because their internal candidate might have significant qualifications over those who have sent in resumes and applications for the listed position.

Granted, what I have provided above is not gospel. However, they are some effective means for finding a desired position. Plus, I find that I'm an asset at most networking functions because I'm able to provide lots of great contacts for various people in various companies because I've built a lot of great relationships though these mettings. Please keep in mind that these groups are not only for those who are looking for a job in their career. Lots of people attend because they want to make the next step in their career. Some people are with companies where their careers are at a dead end and they are looking outside of their company for their next position.

I didn't mean to make such a big posting. However, I had a lot to say - hopefully, someone will be able to put my advice to good use to land their "dream" position.

 

[Dubious]

NOC Support Analyst Opportunity in Pittsburgh, PA - Stargate.net (the ISP that hosted Anandtech until last month)

http://www.stargate.net/html/support_analyst_noc__sgi_.html

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following areas:

- Intermediate Unix Administration
- Apache
- qmail/sendmail/procmail/other
- bind

- Intermediate NT/2000 Administration
- MS IIS
- FrontPage
- Users/Permissions/quotas

- Cisco router/switch experience
- CCNA preferred
- command-line (CLI) experience
- Excellent TCP/IP knowledge
- NAT/DHCP
- OSPF/BGP
- Firewalls and access lists
- Subnetting

- Excellent customer service skills

- Vendor management

- Customer phone skills

- Helpful, pleasant attitude

Position is available immediately.

** Basically, we are looking for TRUE GEEKS. The NOC directly supports every single prodict that the ISP offers, including dialup, DSL, cable modem, ISDN, T1, DS3, OC3, webhosting, email, colocation, managed hosting, 802.11b, VPN, and so much more. **

Please email careers@stargate.net with your cover letter, resume, and salary requirements.

 

[FoBoT]

Detroit

Sr. Network Engineer

Experience: Minimum three years of professional experience working with LAN/WAN networks. One year in the Cisco environment.

Experience in Cisco router and Switch Configuration.

Comprehensive knowledge of Local and Wide Area Networks in a large and multi-user environment. TCP/IP administration.

Prior experience in Network Management tools. HP Openview, Ciscoworks.

pm/email me for details

 

[SunnyD]

Howdy...

I'm Dan Siwko, struggling out of work programmer 15 months as of this posting. (Thanks to 9/11)

I've a BS in CS and an AS in Comp. Info. Systems. I'm looking for some programming work particularly in the C/C++ sector, and I'd really love to get into military/gov't contract work, as it's great job security even in tight times - but I don't have any clearances (if anyone can tell me how to obtain one without joining the military, I'd appreciate it). I've got about 5 years of experience under my belt that I can claim, even though I just graduated last year.

I'd realllllly like a job that lets me learn and grow, alot of R&D stuff that will allow me to learn and use various tools and languages.

Any help would be appreciated... I'm desperate at this point.

[edit] Oh, yeah - I want to relocate/live in the Northern VA / DC / NC / MD areas preferably - TX and CA too if I can find the right job. [/edit]

-SunnyD

 

[tontod]

Originally posted by: SunnyD
Howdy...

I'm Dan Siwko, struggling out of work programmer 15 months as of this posting. (Thanks to 9/11)

I've a BS in CS and an AS in Comp. Info. Systems. I'm looking for some programming work particularly in the C/C++ sector, and I'd really love to get into military/gov't contract work, as it's great job security even in tight times - but I don't have any clearances (if anyone can tell me how to obtain one without joining the military, I'd appreciate it). I've got about 5 years of experience under my belt that I can claim, even though I just graduated last year.

I'd realllllly like a job that lets me learn and grow, alot of R&D stuff that will allow me to learn and use various tools and languages.

Any help would be appreciated... I'm desperate at this point.

[edit] Oh, yeah - I want to relocate/live in the Northern VA / DC / NC / MD areas preferably - TX and CA too if I can find the right job. [/edit]

-SunnyD

You dont have to join the military to obtain a clearance. If you get hired by a company that works on classified government contracts, then you can apply for a clearance.

 

[JOSEPHLB]

like previously stated... You DON'T have to join the military to get a security clearance..

But you can't just fill out the SF-86 form, and expect to get a clearance out of the blue..
You have to be within an organization that has positions that require a security clearance.... for example....
...

You've been working for ABCXYZ Inc. for 4 years. Upon arrival to work one morning, you get word that ABCXYZ won a contract to support the ZYXCBA government organization. Some of the positions require secret and top secret security clearances. You get this word, and decide you want to work under this contract, and move within the company. Since you are an employee of ABCXYZ, you can pursue an opportunity requiring a security clearance. ABCXYZ can sponser you, and proceed to request a security clearance investigation. You will then, begin to fill out this looong form.. the SF-86.. This involves coming up from your long term memory, 7-10 years of information.. stuff from employers.. to everywhere you've lived in the past 7-10 years............................... this is part of the SSBI procedures..
**********************************************************************************************************

Here is a little information about the process of the Single-Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)

Single-Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)

 

[EagleKeeper]

No income tax here in NV. Work at Nellis AFB. No winter unless you wish to go looking for it.
Cheap food available, great looking cocktail waitresses.

See my post above, we are looking for an RF engineer and S/W engineer.

 

[T2T III]

Some interesting numbers that I recently heard which were based on a survey that was taken:

During 2002, 28% of the companies reduced staff.

During 2003, 11% plan on brining more personnel on board.

Things will hopefully start looking up, soon.

 

[Dracos]

Well lucky me...the company i was contracted to had a split between partners 2 days before my contract ended...so it was extended at least another 2 weeks. Not much but its better than nothing. I've been pounding the net looking for a perm job since October its rough but as others have said its getting better...

 

[bluemax]

My contract has just ended and I'm unemployed again. Darn....

 

[Electric Amish]

Executive Assistant opening in SLC.

amish

 

[pillage2001]

I'll be graduating with a Degree in Computer Engineering in April. Going to Western Michigan University for now. I'll also have CS minor to go with it. Looking for an engineering job or any tech related job. Preferbly a job where I can get into a networking environment. Got to start somewhere.

I'm over at Michigan. If anybody can hook me up. Please PM me. I'll be looking for it myself too. I've done hardware support for computers since 15 and am very comfortable around computers.

 

[Placer14]

Hey guys,

I've been lurking in thread for a bit. A little update on waht I've been doing since I last posted on page 2...I'm still with the same company doing helpdesk type work. I've made several attempts to make my abilities known and that I could offer them so much more than the ability to assist with my tech prowess over the phone. They have an Intranet Web Dev that doesn't know the first thing about what he's doing and I know I could do better. Over the past month, i've been offering a lot of helpful advice and contructive critisim in hopes that they will see my potential.

They've shown me that there is absolutely no opportunity for growth with this company and i'm still search for other jobs. I've got a few contacts, but I haven't explored the possiblity of networking groups and that might be a direction I have to get into. Does anyone have any suggestions that I could use as far as possible getting the Head Cheese to see where I'm at? Please PM me suggestions if you have them instead of filling up this thread anymore than necessary.

Thanks for the help, guys.

 

[EagleKeeper]

New Job Posting - Las Vegas

Description
· Meets with customers to define document management requirements for integration to LiveLink; assist establishing LiveLink groups and adding/deleting users.
· Assists customers with LiveLink problems and questions.
· Assists customers after LiveLink software upgrades.
· Assist in testing new versions of LiveLink and other applications.
· Assists customers with installation of new database applications, if installation is required.
· Customer support for new database applications.

Ideal Qualifications
· High School Diploma or High School Equivalency.
· At least one year of LiveLink experience.
· At least three years of related work experience designing/developing and administering databases in MS Access, FoxPro, Sybase, Oracle, FileMaker Pro or a similar software program.
· At least two years experience migrating old databases to different database programs.
· Ability to effectively present technical information to various audiences, ranging from the customer to the RF&ESS senior management team.
· Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance.

 

[Martin]

I'm gonna finish first year comp eng this april, looking for any kind of computer related job in Toronto.

I doubt this will do anything...but worth a try...

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: MartyTheManiak
I'm gonna finish first year comp eng this april, looking for any kind of computer related job in Toronto.

I doubt this will do anything...but worth a try...

same here!!

Hey Marty did u goto the Micrsoft one-on-one thing they had today (Thursday) at Skule? I went, the dude asked some hard questions! Grilled me for about an hour!

I know I won't get the job, but it was a great experience.

anyway, goodluck on the dynamics quiz tomorrow.

 

[LH]

Lockheed Martin is hiring, you'd have to relocate to Fort Worth, TX. Not sure if anyone here would qualify, but they have over 100 jobs open. Most require, mechanical, electrical or aerospace engineering, though they also have manufacturing, technical writing, and other jobes besides engineering, they've been hiring for several months, all the jobs are long term, as they are in relation to the JSF.

Heres a sample of one of the jobs

Task Description:
Systems Engineer for JSF Flight Controls Systems (FCS) Engineering and Integration Team (SEIT). Tasks include:

Support development of test plans, test descriptions and test procedures (written in C++) to integrate and verify/validate the JSF flight control system software to the defined requirements.

Participation in peer reviews for each test products,

Integrate and test the FCS system in the flight simulation lab

Support of FCS Requirements Development and Interface Definition
Specific tasks include the development of test descriptions and procedures to conduct an integrative, disciplined and comprehensive approach to testing flight critical software. Develops, implements and executes software testing and test plans/activities which includes analyzing test requirements for Flight Control System and comparing test results against requirements, assess operational test limitations, recommends new innovating approaches for test procedures development and recording of inputs and outputs during test execution and test reporting.
Task/Posting Title:
JSF Flight Control Systems Test Engineer

Skills required:
A BSEE, or related degree and 2 - 5 years of related experience is preferred. Critical skills required are C/C++ and Object Oriented Programming. Complex organizational and documentation skills along with experience with MS Office Suite are a must. Must balance a strong drive for results with good interpersonal skills and the ability to delegate to and motivate others in a team environment. A strong customer focus, reinforced with excellent communication skills, is a necessity.


Edit: A page to late, someone already mentioned Lockheed. They are looking to hire quite a few people, if you meet the requirements. Bell Helicopter is also hiring a bunch, some require alot of real world experiance though(7-12 years), some require 2-4. Most are Engineering.

 

[novon]

If you need design services, or want to complement your development skills with design services for giving clients complete packages, I'm happy to work on projects with fellow AnandTechers :

Adobia.com

 

[SunnyD]

My Resume - Programmer looking for work...



-D

 

[EagleKeeper]

CUSTOMER ADVOCATE - HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Responsible for the day-to-day support of NASA Video Bridging Services in the MSFC Video Teleconferencing Center;
Will provide user support and training in relation to video and voice conferencing systems and bridging service;
Coordinate trouble tickets and new service requests ;
Will monitor real-time video conferences to assure ViTS services are provided in a consistent manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Degree or equivalency of education and experience
Minimum of 2 years related work experience in teleconferencing
Outstanding communication and customer service skills a must

 

[Hooobi]

Patent Engineers - HOUSTON, TX

I just noticed this thread. I happen to be the recruiting coordinator at a medium sized Intellectual Property Law Firm in Houston, TX. I'm always interested in exceptional people with EE or ME backgrounds (degree required), who are interested in becoming patent engineers/agents/attorneys.

Also, because we have an office in France, if you have the technical background AND are fluent in French, that would definitely be a plus.

PM me if you would like to discuss.

H

 

[EagleKeeper]

Web Master - Las Vegas

AirForce is tasking us with building up/expanding our web work to support them.

Position has not been officially announced, but was mentioned in a monthly briefing.

 

[Dracos]

Well my day just went from bad to worst....just found out today that my contract ends as of tommorow...this blows...and what a nice heads up they gave me. At first I was extended to the end of Feb. now its tommorow.......rage building....:disgust:

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Dracos
Well my day just went from bad to worst....just found out today that my contract ends as of tommorow...this blows...and what a nice heads up they gave me. At first I was extended to the end of Feb. now its tommorow.......rage building....:disgust:

Sorry to hear Dracos. Looks like they are just cutting off mid-month at a billing cycle.

Edit: Anyone of News of being able to find a job directly or indirectly because of the Networking thread? It's been up over a month now and inquiring minds would like to know.

I would like to thank everyone that has been posting job leads as they run into them as well. Keep up the great work everybody