Graduate IT/IS getting my foot in the door

skinny90

Hi guys
I'm posting here as I feel I need some guidance/advice when applying for interviews for jobs related to my degree. I've recently qualified in business information systems. I loved the course, finished with a 2.1 and plenty of experience. Im now struggling on the next step, seeking professional employment. Due to the broadness of the degree I'm finding it challenging what to include and what not to include in my resume and cover letter. I've changed my approach a number of times and still nothing. It's starting to get a bit stressful now. If anyone would have any suggestions that would be great
Thanks

jimmycrackcorm

I've no idea what your course actually qualifies you to be able to do. I'm guessing that it might be some sort of business analysis perhaps?

I got my first job in IT by badgering an employer to give me some unpaid experience. They then hired me because I was good at it.

skinny90

Thanks for your reply
I'm living in Galway week by week so free labour isn't an option.

malkmoose

I have worked as a data/statistical analyst, BI engineer and I started with a data entry role. I took on extra work on my own initiative (basic sql reporting stuff) and it went from there.

I don't think there is a magic formula to get into a good job, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances.
First, get to the interview:
I would not have a general cover letter, I would have a specific cover letters that is tailored for the job I am applying for. It is a lot of effort applying for jobs and there is a lot of rejection and no replies, the challenge is to keep applying and something will materialise.

Second, study for the interview like an exam:
Get to know the company, product
try learn as much possible from the website
when answering an interview question, give examples of how you have solved a similar problem or what your approach would be
Prepare an answer that shows you overcame some difficult situation to get a result (in uni or a previous job)

These are all pretty cliche things to do but I think it gives you an extra chance to get a job

Cuddlesworth

http://h30631.www3.hpe.com/ie/dublin/information-technology/jobid8830679-it-graduate-programme-ireland-jobs

HP are hiring, loads of positions open.

skinny90

Sorry for not responding to the above the posts, My mobile app never indicated any responses.
As for tailoring my cover letter, I completely agree with what your saying.
I do however struggle to tailor them as grad roles are becoming more vague. The best example is the HP Grad roles, I have applied for them numerous times when they are posted.

Stheno

skinny90 wrote: »

Sorry for not responding to the above the posts, My mobile app never indicated any responses.
As for tailoring my cover letter, I completely agree with what your saying.
I do however struggle to tailor them as grad roles are becoming more vague. The best example is the HP Grad roles, I have applied for them numerous times when they are posted.

HP probably use an automated recruitment system.

You need to make sure your application uses as many of the same words as they have in the description as possible that will flag you up for attention

skinny90

Hi all

I posted on this a while back.

I now work for a very well known global tech company in Galway and are very interested in hiring recent graduates in my team. I remember the difficulties of getting the foot in the door when a graduate.(just a year ago)

Because of this I would like to help those in similar situations

Role is permanent

Pm me if you are interested

Cuddlesworth

Stheno wrote: »

HP probably use an automated recruitment system.

You need to make sure your application uses as many of the same words as they have in the description as possible that will flag you up for attention

About a week after I posted that, most of those jobs were moved abroad due to a org shift. The joys of a multinational. In the meantime a fair number of teams in Galway have been butchered.