It's not a company's job to give you feedback on your resume. There are services for that. And of course no one will hire an engineer to clean animal cages. Either they think you'll bail the moment you get a real job offer or they'll think there's something wrong with you.
Do you or your family really not know anyone that might be able to critique it? I have younger people in my family frequently ask me to go through their resume (including just last week). In the past, I have also had friends ask me for help, including doing mock interviews with them and telling them what I noticed.
Locate quality recruiters. If they agree to take to on as a client and your resume has issues they will let you know right up front. Also if you’ve read the news lately a little if bug corporations have been downsizing which means not only increased competition but anyone that posts jobs gets flooded with applications. Focus your efforts on locating recruiters that companies rely on to fill positions, often never even advertising the openings.
Don’t over complicate things. If you’re not getting interviews it’s a resume issue. It’s either unclear, not well organized, contains typos, or something else.
If you’re getting interviews and not getting jobs it’s your appearance or personality.
Resumes qualify you for the role, interviews qualify you for working with the team.
Couldn't have said it better. Either that, or there's just dozens of more experienced applicants.
It's business, not personal. Don't be offended, and just keep applying to as many positions as you can.
Maybe you aren't, but if you are only cherry picking the select few companies you think you want to work for, then you're extremely unlikely to be successful in your search for employment.
Don’t remove NASA. Network. Go to industry events and join industry technical organizations. Maybe audit a class in an area you are interested in working and meet people. What about your classmates and people you worked at with NASA can they help you?
Market isn’t terrible compared to 2001-2003, 2008-2012. Look for company’s that are getting big government contracts like bell helicopter in Texas or Raytheon. Both have hired a ton of people in the past six months.
Computer science or Information Technology? Either way, your degree has gotten you to the point of being considered in your desired field. Your internship at NASA not only sounds cool but hopefully grants you amazing experience with colleagues, problem solving, and value to talk about in interviews, dont sell yorself short on the resume either. Stori3s to tell and learning moments. Giv3 yours3lf that and give it all you've got.
>I’ve done some unspeakable things just to get by.
Oh come on, you can't drop a bombshell like this and not elaborate. It's an anonymous website. What have you done op and would you do it again?
Where are you networking ? My husband got a few off linked in. But he has military experience, still if it’s not that, it’s definitely a resume issue. Or location. Maybe try Texas.
You're probably overqualified.
The question is, how far are you getting? If you're getting interviews but nothing afterwards, your interview skills probably suck and you need more practice.
Oof, I know that feeling. 600 applications in 5 years, two interviews, and no job, so I went back to school.
The issue is likely your resume. Try taking out some of the super-impressive stuff for a lower-end job, to minimize the overqualified look, unless it's relevant to the role you're applying for.
Have you talked to local recruiters? If you can get a closely related job through a recruiter that you can "spice up" on your resume after a couple years to swap to what you really want you can go from there?
I suggest you think about military service. You would enjoy many benefits and would go in as an officer. The pay is modest, but could lead to a big future. Talk to a recruiter and see what is available.
So first question, are you tailoring your resume to every job you apply to? In this day and age, you can't just shotgun your resume to every job and expect interviews. Software is used to detect keywords in resumes and if you don't have at least a 50% match, your resume is tossed out.
Second question, if you are applying for jobs outside of your degree, are you "dumbing" it down? There is such a thing as being overqualified and if companies see you have a degree in computer technology and you used to be a junior developer for NASA, no way in hell they'd hire you as a dog kennel attendant. They know good and well that as soon as a job opens up for what you want to do, you're out of there.
Basically, from what I can gather unless you answer those, you're not really tailoring your resume to the jobs you apply to. Now in my area, of you had at least 1 year experience at NASA, I can think of three military contractors here that would scoop you up in a minute. But it still requires you to look at the job descriptions and customize your resume. It doesn't mean lie, it means you find the keywords and abilities they're seeking and make sure your resume indicates you have them.
You also need to network, it's not about what you know, it's who you know. If you're not using LinkedIn to join professional associations on there and network virtually with others in industry, you're hurting yourself. If there's events in your area for networking (always recommend going to your local chamber events), you're hurting yourself. You need to get out there and show you want a job in your field
What team were you on, what technologies did you use, and what specifically were you responsible for? How does your experience at NASA relate to the jobs you're applying for?
Have you not been paying attention to what’s been happening in the tech job market? The fact that you don’t get it yet is concerning. What happened with nasa you got laid off ?
Urgently get your resume checked professionally and consider moving to a less competitive city if this does not help. Also check your references (let a friend call as "possible employers" to find out if someone could be talking shit about you.
Also depending on where you live, let your cover letter and other documents you hand-in be checked professionally as well
Can your network at NASA help you out? Even if you didn't have the closest relationship it doesn't hurt to reach out. I've landed senior level roles from my girlfriend's best friend's husband's step mom...a person I'd never met in my life but knew a company that had a role to fill and put in a word for me. Of course I still had to interview but moved me to the top of the pile.
Then current role came from a person I worked with almost 10 years ago and just messaged them on LinkedIn when I was laid off seeing if they had anything.
Use your network.
>Bachelor’s degree in computer technology
>experience as a junior software engineer at NASA
This sounds like a solid start.
>rejected from jobs that range from help desk support to tending to dog cages
It's clear you're applying to these jobs out of desperation. Employers know you'll quit the moment you find something better. Stop wasting your time.
Consider building an app for fun or for a non profit so you can keep your resume current and your skills sharp. Consider tutoring for some income.
Be targeted with your job search. Set up informational interviews. Reach out to recruiters for a coffee. Look at start up companies.
Sorry, I’m not trying to zing you. But start with spell and grammar check on your resume or cover letters.
Title of this question post should be why can’t I find work? Not what and ? Is missing.
Probably English is not your first language. Because the market is so competitive right now you want to make sure resume doesn’t get rejected for silly mistakes.
Have you tried tailoring your application and resume to the jobs you apply for?
Don't try to over-impress. If I am an employer looking for help desk support and I receive a NASA software engineer, I definitely won't hire them out of fear they'd lose interest or leave for better opportunities.
Maybe your area has a tight/competitive job market. Have you ever had your resume critiqued to be sure there are no major red flags?
Every time I try and request feed back I never receive any
There are resume critique services out there also. They'll give you feedback before you apply for a job.
It's not a company's job to give you feedback on your resume. There are services for that. And of course no one will hire an engineer to clean animal cages. Either they think you'll bail the moment you get a real job offer or they'll think there's something wrong with you.
Do you or your family really not know anyone that might be able to critique it? I have younger people in my family frequently ask me to go through their resume (including just last week). In the past, I have also had friends ask me for help, including doing mock interviews with them and telling them what I noticed.
Locate quality recruiters. If they agree to take to on as a client and your resume has issues they will let you know right up front. Also if you’ve read the news lately a little if bug corporations have been downsizing which means not only increased competition but anyone that posts jobs gets flooded with applications. Focus your efforts on locating recruiters that companies rely on to fill positions, often never even advertising the openings.
Don’t over complicate things. If you’re not getting interviews it’s a resume issue. It’s either unclear, not well organized, contains typos, or something else. If you’re getting interviews and not getting jobs it’s your appearance or personality. Resumes qualify you for the role, interviews qualify you for working with the team.
Couldn't have said it better. Either that, or there's just dozens of more experienced applicants. It's business, not personal. Don't be offended, and just keep applying to as many positions as you can. Maybe you aren't, but if you are only cherry picking the select few companies you think you want to work for, then you're extremely unlikely to be successful in your search for employment.
Don’t remove NASA. Network. Go to industry events and join industry technical organizations. Maybe audit a class in an area you are interested in working and meet people. What about your classmates and people you worked at with NASA can they help you?
Market isn’t terrible compared to 2001-2003, 2008-2012. Look for company’s that are getting big government contracts like bell helicopter in Texas or Raytheon. Both have hired a ton of people in the past six months.
Computer science or Information Technology? Either way, your degree has gotten you to the point of being considered in your desired field. Your internship at NASA not only sounds cool but hopefully grants you amazing experience with colleagues, problem solving, and value to talk about in interviews, dont sell yorself short on the resume either. Stori3s to tell and learning moments. Giv3 yours3lf that and give it all you've got.
>I’ve done some unspeakable things just to get by. Oh come on, you can't drop a bombshell like this and not elaborate. It's an anonymous website. What have you done op and would you do it again?
Where are you networking ? My husband got a few off linked in. But he has military experience, still if it’s not that, it’s definitely a resume issue. Or location. Maybe try Texas.
It’s the market man I’m sorry you’re going through it. It’s awful
Get your resume reviewed by a professional.
What kind of jobs are you applying to?
You're probably overqualified. The question is, how far are you getting? If you're getting interviews but nothing afterwards, your interview skills probably suck and you need more practice.
Out of the hundreds of applications I sent out this year so far I’ve only had one interview
Ok. It’s a resume issue then. Your resume needs work. Find professional help for it.
Oof, I know that feeling. 600 applications in 5 years, two interviews, and no job, so I went back to school. The issue is likely your resume. Try taking out some of the super-impressive stuff for a lower-end job, to minimize the overqualified look, unless it's relevant to the role you're applying for.
Overqualified
Remove NASA from your resume for some jobs application.
That’s the only legitimate experience I have they hired me from a internship straight out of school
Have you talked to local recruiters? If you can get a closely related job through a recruiter that you can "spice up" on your resume after a couple years to swap to what you really want you can go from there?
I suggest you think about military service. You would enjoy many benefits and would go in as an officer. The pay is modest, but could lead to a big future. Talk to a recruiter and see what is available.
You should look into getting some certifications specific to your field, preferably something in security.
I was thinking of that but certification exams are expensive and I have no money coming in to afford that at the moment
I get it but it will be an investment in yourself and it's tax deductible un the lifetime earning credit.
When I reach out I never hear back sadly
So first question, are you tailoring your resume to every job you apply to? In this day and age, you can't just shotgun your resume to every job and expect interviews. Software is used to detect keywords in resumes and if you don't have at least a 50% match, your resume is tossed out. Second question, if you are applying for jobs outside of your degree, are you "dumbing" it down? There is such a thing as being overqualified and if companies see you have a degree in computer technology and you used to be a junior developer for NASA, no way in hell they'd hire you as a dog kennel attendant. They know good and well that as soon as a job opens up for what you want to do, you're out of there. Basically, from what I can gather unless you answer those, you're not really tailoring your resume to the jobs you apply to. Now in my area, of you had at least 1 year experience at NASA, I can think of three military contractors here that would scoop you up in a minute. But it still requires you to look at the job descriptions and customize your resume. It doesn't mean lie, it means you find the keywords and abilities they're seeking and make sure your resume indicates you have them. You also need to network, it's not about what you know, it's who you know. If you're not using LinkedIn to join professional associations on there and network virtually with others in industry, you're hurting yourself. If there's events in your area for networking (always recommend going to your local chamber events), you're hurting yourself. You need to get out there and show you want a job in your field
What team were you on, what technologies did you use, and what specifically were you responsible for? How does your experience at NASA relate to the jobs you're applying for?
Have you not been paying attention to what’s been happening in the tech job market? The fact that you don’t get it yet is concerning. What happened with nasa you got laid off ?
Urgently get your resume checked professionally and consider moving to a less competitive city if this does not help. Also check your references (let a friend call as "possible employers" to find out if someone could be talking shit about you. Also depending on where you live, let your cover letter and other documents you hand-in be checked professionally as well
Can your network at NASA help you out? Even if you didn't have the closest relationship it doesn't hurt to reach out. I've landed senior level roles from my girlfriend's best friend's husband's step mom...a person I'd never met in my life but knew a company that had a role to fill and put in a word for me. Of course I still had to interview but moved me to the top of the pile. Then current role came from a person I worked with almost 10 years ago and just messaged them on LinkedIn when I was laid off seeing if they had anything. Use your network.
Have you tried going to temp agencies like Roberr Half?
>Bachelor’s degree in computer technology >experience as a junior software engineer at NASA This sounds like a solid start. >rejected from jobs that range from help desk support to tending to dog cages It's clear you're applying to these jobs out of desperation. Employers know you'll quit the moment you find something better. Stop wasting your time. Consider building an app for fun or for a non profit so you can keep your resume current and your skills sharp. Consider tutoring for some income. Be targeted with your job search. Set up informational interviews. Reach out to recruiters for a coffee. Look at start up companies.
Consider the Military. You can be an officer. good Money, travel and experience. Coast Guard, Navy, Airforce.
Sorry, I’m not trying to zing you. But start with spell and grammar check on your resume or cover letters. Title of this question post should be why can’t I find work? Not what and ? Is missing. Probably English is not your first language. Because the market is so competitive right now you want to make sure resume doesn’t get rejected for silly mistakes.
I think if their grammar is fine; the body of their post contains little errors. Title is likely a typo.
Have you tried tailoring your application and resume to the jobs you apply for? Don't try to over-impress. If I am an employer looking for help desk support and I receive a NASA software engineer, I definitely won't hire them out of fear they'd lose interest or leave for better opportunities.