HN Explorer

How do I land my next gig? or Should I change Careers?

13 points by indio-jr ↗ HN
I have a BS in Computer Engineering and I have worked as a Consultant with one of the "Big 4" consulting firms for 5 years. I worked in various roles as a consultant from QA, DB Admin, Business Analysis, Project Management. I was laid off last year due to "low demand" (i.e. my cost rates had gotten too high from few good years of raises and promotions). Anyway, since then I have been trying to land a gig without any luck. Either the opportunities require solid experience in a domain (eg. X years experience using Y tools) or I end up being rejected for being overqualified for Jr. PM roles etc. I do get positive feedback on being personable and likable from the interviewers and recruiters - so that is not an issue. I have been keeping myself busy with a some entrepreneurs hoping to turn it into something but looks like the funding is not going to come through for them.

I feel pretty stuck, any advice on how to land a gig? Should I change careers? I do not know anymore...

Thanks, IJ

4 comments

[ 2.8 ms ] story [ 17.4 ms ] thread
wingerlang
If they think you are overqualified, can you omit items from your resume?

Is it bad to downplay ones experience?

indio-jr
It is not bad to downplay. However during the interview, the Program Director asked about my experience - which is when it becomes hard to omit pieces of the puzzle and keep the story coherent. Additionally, I did not anticipate being over qualified. It was a contract position for a Jr. Project Manager. Thought it was a good match. As most recent roles I've performed are surrounding Business Analysis and PM.
JSeymourATL
> I do get positive feedback on being personable and likable from the interviewers and recruiters -

You are talking to the wrong people.

There is a Senior Executive, or manager out there who needs your help. Zero-in on the profile, and start reaching out to them direct. Linkedin is a great place to sort for prospects. Mindset helps, think of it as consultative sales/prospecting game.

On this subject, Weinberg can help frame your approach > http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15863998-new-sales-simpli...

liquidcool
The short answer is that you want to structure your resume and cover letter to show authority and career progression. Clearly you're a generalist, which is not a good place to be early in your career. If you're personable with experience at a consulting firm, you might be a good candidate for a solutions engineer, which are notoriously hard to fill.

You also seem to be using the word "domain" referring to tech and not industry. But you may have experience in healthcare or something that the right company will value. You didn't include any links to your LinkedIn profile or resume, which you probably want to add ASAP since you're looking for a job :-) That also greatly limits the advice you will get.

My long answer is here: http://madeupname.com/careercourse/

Don't worry, it's free, no spam, unsubscribe, etc.