Thread regarding IBM layoffs

Still cannot find a job after 6 months.

So was RAed over 6 months ago. I brushed up, updated and revamped my resume many times over. I even BS quite a bit just to see if my resume gets any bites. Out of many 30 job applications submitted with the resume and a customized cover letter for each job, I may have gotten maybe 3 interviews? Even though I have an extensive knowledge of various areas of IT, I still was no good for all of them. In every single position I held with IBM or prior, I was always the top 3 employees in the teams who could not only do the work accurately and automate everything a human can do, I was still not good enough. It's like you tell people during your interview that you can automate the manual work equivalent to 5 FTEs (heads) and they don't believe you or something. I mean, I am sure I automated myself out of the job with IBM, since they managed to use my automation and are using a cheaper guy I trained to monitor the execution.

Anyhow, I know we are in a s pandemic and millions of people are in the same jobless situation, but come on now. What skills are employers looking for nowadays? They seem to be hiring nice people who they get along with initially only to then realize the person they hired was just a pretty face with no real value add to the company and they just want to move around as fast as they can. Telling employers I am loyal (17 years with IBM ) and can get the work done and more means nothing apparently.

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| 3527 views | | 14 replies (last March 11, 2021) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+19Njl2fF

14 replies (most recent on top)

probably older than you... but got a job in less than 2 weeks... get calls for more job openings every week... Government skills, particularly Fed and Cyber Security Skills are topline needs. Check out what the recruiters are looking for, scan the job postings for what skills and industries are hiring and prep your resume and Linked in to speak to that. Get a headhunter working for you. Work your network; that is far better than blanket resume applications,

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Post ID: @1cil+19Njl2fF

Mate, how old are yo? I know it’s bullocks but let’s be honest.. 55yr vs a 30 yr old is gonna get discriminated against.

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Post ID: @1luz+19Njl2fF

Ever thought of coming back to IBM as a contractor?
Probably make a heck of a lot more money if you did.

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Post ID: @wpl+19Njl2fF

30 applications in 6 months is roughly 1 application per week...you seriously need to step it up...a LOT.

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Post ID: @zqr+19Njl2fF

It is not "What you Know" but "Who you Know". I suggest that rather than asking people on this board that question, reach out to your acquaintances and former coworkers from IBM or other companies. Ask them where they are and how they got there...you might even get lucky and someone may know someone who is looking but doesn't want to read 10,000 resumes...

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Post ID: @yyx+19Njl2fF

Hang in there. The IT job market is tough right now. Pay for LinkedIn Premium. Take some classes and network more. Best of luck!

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Post ID: @ucn+19Njl2fF

Dude....I'm doing 30 submissions a day. Gotta try a little harder.

Also, if you expect having IBM on your resume carries any weight.. lmao. Good luck with that!

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Post ID: @btv+19Njl2fF

@srm+19Njl2fF is wrong about LinkedIn

Linkedin is THE platform. You can find all hiring managers and recruiters there. Intead of applying online, send your resume directly to them.

Buy the premium for a month and add all recruiters to your network for the companies you're interested in.

If you have proper title and your LI is updated recruiters will contact you upfront.

Good luck

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Post ID: @ihz+19Njl2fF

@hsj+19Njl2fF Have you ever applied to jobs while being unemployed? Or applied to jobs over the age of 45?

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Post ID: @yfs+19Njl2fF

Do you have current skills?
Only 30 jobs applied to in 6 months seems low. If you have current skills, you should have no problem landing interviews at other big tech companies if you're an engineer

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Post ID: @hsj+19Njl2fF

You're doing it wrong. Posting resume gets your info processed by machine and an automaton will reject it. Gotta get the network going, get in front of the hiring manager and talk shop. If ever in an interview they ask you what are your strength/weakness, cut the b—s—. You gotta show em that you can do the job yesterday. If you need help, just ask any millennial or zoomer, they know what the market is like. And oh LinkedIn, it's sh–.. just another job board.

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Post ID: @srm+19Njl2fF

I knew several extremely smart engineers at Lucent. After a few rounds of layoffs, the high-performers at Lucent were all eliminated. This is what happened to three high-performing engineers after layoffs at Lucent.

Engineer 1- Could not obtain another corporate job. Downgraded his house/lifestyle and became a high school science teacher.
Engineer 2- Could not obtain another corporate job. Quietly sold Toyota vehicles under a fake name.
Engineer 3- Was able to obtain a few 12 - 18 month corporate contract jobs. After three stressful contract jobs and numerous job searches, he inevitably had a heart attack and died.

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Post ID: @irl+19Njl2fF

Been there, done that. The reality is that not many employers value what you learn at IBM. Sometimes it's who you know, not what you know.

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Post ID: @lcb+19Njl2fF

Pretty vague post here.
What actual industry skills do you have that you got working at IBM? Post a link to your linked profile so we can tell you why.
No one wants to know how you automate working in spreadsheets. They need to be actually latest technology industry skills. Without posting your skills and LinkedIn profile, you won’t get much help.

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Post ID: @xwy+19Njl2fF

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