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Career Talk Job Search Queries 2 years ago
Posted on 16 Aug 2022, this text provides information on Job Search Queries related to Career Talk. Please note that while accuracy is prioritized, the data presented might not be entirely correct or up-to-date. This information is offered for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice.
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For the last 7 years, I have been the IT Director at a marketing company. Pretty much since I started, I have been looking for another job, but I’m having trouble even getting interviews.
About me:
About my current company:
I’m looking for $90k+ as full-stack web developer (Python/Django, PostgreSQL, etc) in the Dallas area or remote. The 50th percentile StackOverflow career calculator returns $99,000/year.
Why can’t I find another job? Below are all the possible reasons I can think of:
None of these seem like they’re dealbreakers, yet I remain unable to get interviews or find a new job. Why?
I don’t have a degree in computer science.
&
I didn’t finish my master’s degree.
This is unlikely to be making much of a difference IMO - by now your degree is nearly a decade in the past, it's just not that relevant compared with work history.
It appears that I have a senior-level position and am applying for junior- to mid-level positions. Or, I can’t qualify for a senior-level position because I’m competing against people who are full-time developers, while I can only devote part of my day to development.
This is probably the biggest factor - if I got an application for a developer role from someone who's title was "IT Director" I'd wonder why. It's not impossible to move from management (back) to hands-on development roles - I did this myself at a couple of points in my career but I think both my circumstances I had something to "help" me make the move. The first time I was head-hunted directly by someone who had worked with me previously and the second the role I was moving from was a "Head of Development" and it was very hands-on. IT Directors are rarely perceived as being hands-on with the actual development and the longer you are in that role the more that impression will form.
Additionally someone who is used to filling a Director role is used to a greater level of authority and autonomy than a typical junior/mid-level developer role and many employers would feel that the risk of such a candidate being a nightmare to manage would be significantly higher.
I currently work in a disreputable industry.
It won't be helping but it's unlikely to be hindering you much either. As much as everyone hates spam it's not something that would affect hiring decisions much.
My company’s website is awful and this reflects poorly on me.
If a hiring manager got as far as checking that out then it won't be helping. As the most senior IT person in your current organisation many will assume you had at the very least significant responsibility for it. I wouldn't say it would be a deal breaker though.
I need to develop a better portfolio.
I need more certifications.
For developers who don't have the hands-on work history to back up their claimed skills this is one way you could show that you have the necessary ability and experience. It's not as good as actual work experience but it definitely wouldn't hurt.
I need to get professional help for my resume and cover letters. (I think it's fine, but you never know.)
Without seeing these I can't say how good or not they are - I'd be wary of "professional" services though. Most of the ones I've seen are a waste of money, getting someone you know (and can trust to be honest) in the industry - ideally someone with experience in hiring for the sort of roles you are looking for to give it a look and give you some pointers is going to be far more effective.
I’m not doing anything wrong; I just need to keep applying for more jobs.
It's not that you're doing anything wrong exactly.. it's just that you're going to have an uphill battle to break out of the "Director" label.
I think for many the "Director" tag is the deal breaker. Once you "break your duck" I think you'll find any subsequent job hunts far more successful!
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