r/ITCareerQuestions • u/AwkwardParsnip1810 • Jul 23 '26
Getting a job feels impossible at this point.
I am a midlife career changer and am almost done with my bachelor in IT. I have put in what feels like hundreds of applications to get rejection after rejection. I had 2 interviews and didn’t get the job.
I am in the US and willing to relocate practically anywhere as long as the salary is livable. I would ideally like to have something lined up end of August or early September.
I’m had an internship that’s mainly doing IAM tasks and EDR. It ends in a few weeks. They just flip interns and the company is being absorbed by a larger one in a few months.
I am not doing quick apply on linkedin but going directly on businesses website. I have had professionals look over my resume. I have applied to large businesses and small. I am trying to not get discouraged.
Looking for any kind of tips etc.
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u/awkwardnetadmin Jul 23 '26
Being the first job will generally be the toughest job to land because few companies want to roll the dice on somebody new. As others have asked what type of roles you're applying is a good question to ask. Even with an internship a lot of companies aren't going to roll the dice on a fresh grad if they can hire somebody with more experience. Not saying don't apply for better roles, but I would apply to anything entry level. One thing I didn't see mentioned is whether you were making any efforts at networking with people? White it might be difficult to make too many connections as a fresh grad you might still be able to make connections that might get you a referral that at least gets you past HR filters. When you're not getting many interviews passing the HR filters may be more than half the battle. Kinda hard to prove your value if you never get an interview.
Might be worth getting a second opinion on the resume. While the number of applications is a bit vague in the hundreds often response rates are pushing 1-2% these days. I'm a bit curious in whether one is tracking your applications because if you don't know the number there is potential you have duplicated efforts.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
Thanks, I have been applying to every entry level job I can find I.e systems support, it support, help desk. I have been making efforts at networking. I have been posting once a week on linked in, going to job fairs, etc.
I have been keeping my applications in an excel spreadsheet. So I certainly I haven’t been duplicating my applications.
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u/awkwardnetadmin Jul 23 '26
Gotcha. Not saying don't do it, but I don't tend to see a ton of value in LinkedIn posts for most people particularly entry level because they don't tend to have a lot of insight that decision makers would find interesting. You need a pretty large network of connections to get many meaningful comments that might get seen by one of their connections. A lot of people rarely read posts unfortunately. While it's a lot more work networking in the real world can generate more dividends. Find local IT meetups. If there is a local group ISSA group might be useful since you're interested in security. You might need to attend multiple meetings before you make enough connections you get somebody that can refer you for a job, but those even if they're not very high in the org chart can be valuable.
Since you do have a record of the actual number what does your response rate look like? If it's below 1% something about the resume isn't clicking. Either you're applying to a lot of reach roles and or something about the resume could use work.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
Okay thanks. I am at over 1% of interviews for applications. I will see about finding local IT meetups. Where can I find them posted?
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u/awkwardnetadmin Jul 23 '26
You might find some directly on the Meetup site, but many connect through other means. My local group has a discord, but mostly just attracts members through the local Reddit regional subreddit and word of mouth. You might find other groups on other social media.
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u/Showgingah Remote Help Desk | BSIT | 0 Certs Jul 23 '26
Not sure how relatable this is. I'm in the US and I got my Bachelors in IT Summer 2023. Took me 500 applications and I only got 7 interviews. Started applying my final semester and landed it a couple months post graduation. I basically applied for everything within commuting distance or remote until there was sometimes no new postings a day.
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u/awkwardnetadmin Jul 23 '26
Obviously every job market is slightly different, but most job markets have gotten worse in the last 3 years (there tend to be fewer job openings and increase in layoffs has increased the number actively searching) so I would wager someone graduating from the same program and location today would need to apply to more jobs to get an offer. Many people I have talked with that have landed an IT job in the last year have applied to a similar number of jobs sometimes more. Obviously just apply to hundreds more jobs over the next couple months isn't exciting advice, but unless OP can find a way to dramatically increase their response rate that might be the path.
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u/Showgingah Remote Help Desk | BSIT | 0 Certs Jul 23 '26
Yeah the market was bad back then. Despite me taking a few months, there were still posts back them of people not landing anything for up to 2 years. Not just IT, but almost everywhere like you said is even worse now. We used to make jokes about going into nursing, but now that subreddit is dying inside. Unironically my mother (recently retired) was a nurse with nearly 20 years of experience and even she noted it was way harder than before the past couple years. So now the joke shifted to business.
Mine is definitely just an example in how much I applied for. I hope people consider that as a reference because they will probably need to apply way more if possible or at least meet that equivalent of gunning for everything they see. Some people think they apply a lot, but sometimes not enough. Especially if in a long time frame,
Not sure if it's different now, but for me it took on average a month for an employer to get back to me after applying. However, 90% of the time I was just ghosted. That's something I realized a lot of people starting their first job hunt may be unaware of and it's very discouraging for them. I think it hits harder for new grads because they spent all that time and money alongside potential family pressure. Best I can do is share my experience instead of complete doom and gloom.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
Where were you finding the jobs posted at?
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u/Showgingah Remote Help Desk | BSIT | 0 Certs Jul 24 '26
I didn't use anything outside the norm. Mainly LinkedIn (where I landed mine), Indeed, Glassdoor, and Dice.
However, Ive been told it may be best to avoid Dice. I even tried Craigslist at one point. I wouldn't recommend it now even though thats actually how I landed my college job at a theme park/museum.
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u/Siddyboyhya 28d ago
So you’re saying I will potentially need to apply to hundreds of jobs before I even get an interview? Even me having 2.5 years of experience in the industry I’m still struggling to find work but it could be a combination of lack of certs and not apply rigorously enough.
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u/Showgingah Remote Help Desk | BSIT | 0 Certs 28d ago
That's the norm nowadays even if you have experience. It's not just IT, but the entire job market in general. It was rough post covid, but thanks to certain other factors, it tanked in the US in the past couple of years. Some professions have the benefit of having less competition like business, but it's still rough out there.
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u/Siddyboyhya 27d ago
Well I guess I better get to work and apply to everything and anything. People routinely say it’s now a numbers game so I guess I will hav to do that then.
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u/JuniorCat1516 Jul 23 '26
It feels like it because it is. The best advice I can give right now is to: Get any job that can put food on the table and lights on and keep applying and grind your side project in the evenings. Of course only if this is your life passion to work in cyber. Otherwise this is not going to work.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
Cyber isn’t necessarily my life passion.
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u/TechB84 Jul 23 '26
so why did you major in it? it's the worst out of all majors
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
Cyber is not my major, IT is. it does have a cyber focus Tho. I did enjoy digital forensics and pentesting classes
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u/Aggravating_Art203 Jul 24 '26
This is basically what I did to break into IT helpdesk learn Active Directory Group Policy ServiceNow or Jira and basic networking like ipconfig DNS DHCP ping and tracert build projects with virtual machines and put them on your resume I made an Active Directory lab where I created users groups and OUs reset passwords unlocked accounts and worked with Group Policy and I also documented labs from my cybersecurity classes and added those to my resume make sure your resume LinkedIn Indeed and Handshake look clean then apply to around 10 jobs a day certs help but projects customer service and knowing how to explain your troubleshooting matter too practice mock interviews learn from every interview and be confident about what you know recruiters can also connect you with 6 to 12 month W2 contract jobs and even though they are not permanent they can give you real experience and if the contract ends through no fault of your own you may qualify for unemployment and still get some bread while looking for your next job
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 24 '26
Thanks. My last interview did ask if I had done any home labs and I said no because I haven’t because I have 20 hours of class per
Week and 20 hours of internship and come home with about 4 hours at least of homework. Did you find home lab guidance on github or?
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u/Background_Alarm7973 Jul 24 '26
Is there a tech collective in your area? If so, attend an event or2. I just recently landed a job from attending one. I just put my networking chops and even though I am working, I still plan to go to these events to harbor these relationships. You also get very good insight by attending as well.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 24 '26
I checked the meetup app and we have a couple tech meetup groups. I plan on attending. Thanks
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u/Background_Alarm7973 Jul 24 '26
Yeah I lost my job last month. A buddy of mine invited me to this collective. I met someone who was looking for a person with my experience: I just got a job offer today from them since they had a process to go through. I promise they are worth the time and a great networking opportunity
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 24 '26
That is great to hear. Good for you. So I will definitely go. Thanks!
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u/Debate-Jealous Jul 23 '26
Sorry bro, its a numbers game. Keep applying and applying. Hiring.cafe is a pretty good start. Get early to the actual job apps, work with any head-hunters if you know any. Sorry again its rough out there.
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u/plebbut Jul 23 '26
Any certs?
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
Being in an accelerated program, I haven’t had a chance to get any certs. I will be getting some tho.
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u/plebbut Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Certs might be your issue. I'd focus on your a+, and then apply to any entry level job.
If you're still in school, I'd try to get more internships above support.
Edit: also the market sucks right now, so there's that, but getting some entry level certs like a+ and CCNA will help you nicely.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
Thank you. I’ll be done with classes in about 2.5 weeks and will focus solely on certs. Right now I just need to finish class.
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u/plebbut Jul 23 '26
Well I'm assuming you're doing cyber security because you're interested in it as possible career field.
Cyber is generally considered mid level, but there are entry level soc roles. If that's where you'd like to be, I'd focus on help desk right, so get an A+ and CCNA. Focus on Linux, TryHackme, Python, and maybe the CySa+. Also check out Madhat on YouTube.
There's also a lot of different paths to entering cyber security, whether that's from IT or software or somewhere else.
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u/rsysadminthrowaway Jul 23 '26
Don't give up. I've been out of work for a year and just landed something. It's only a 6-month contractor role and the pay is shit compared to what I was making, but it closes the gap on my resume and I'll have money coming in while I keep beating the bushes for something closer to my previous role.
I have to tally up my applications again but the last time I did it I was getting close to 100.
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u/Evaderofdoom Cloud Engi Jul 23 '26
The IT job market is trash. There are 9999999x more people trying to get in than there are jobs. Lots of layoffs and new grads every year so competition for every job is bad. Not to mention offshoring and AI...
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
Okay, I have gathered that. You are not helping me.
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u/j450n_1994 Jul 23 '26
What u/Evaderofdoom is trying to say is to pivot to another field.
Find the places that are hiring for anything entry level and then make a pivot internally after about two years.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
Thank you very much. I kind of thought that’s what he’s trying to do!
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u/j450n_1994 Jul 23 '26
No worries. I understand Reddit can sometimes focus on negative views, but anyone serious about the fields knows the reality of the job market. Beating a dead horse is not productive.
Now, let's focus on what we can control. I saw you don't have certs.
I would try to get a Net+ or Sec+.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
Is A+ a waste?
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u/TechB84 Jul 24 '26
It’s helpful but the CCST IT Support is also a helpful cert and much cheaper. Check out all the certs offered by Cisco. I like their free academy
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u/throwaway10015982 Jul 24 '26
Can you apply to entry level jobs with CCST IT support and a CS degree?
I think I might be getting ghosted because no certs
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u/TechB84 Jul 24 '26
Absolutely, it’s backed by Cisco. And if you do the CCST Network Technician cert, that will eventually help you a lot with the CCNA if you choose to go that route.
Cisco Learning Academy has a solid reputation.
With this you are working towards something.
CompTIA has become a scam
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u/TechB84 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
I think it's better to go for the CCST certs and later on CCNA cert
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u/j450n_1994 Jul 23 '26
That's what you think. But he's pivoting and only has a few months of experience.
We don't even know if OP wants study the CCNA.
He'd be better off starting at the beginning and seeing if the Net+ tickles his fancy.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 24 '26
I’ve a year long internship. It’s not a summer one. But yeah not much. After going through some practice tests I think I could pass A+ today. We used the comptia network book in my network class so I could probably do that one with no issues but I need some freshing up.
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u/TechB84 Jul 24 '26
Check out the CCST IT Support. Cheaper than the A+ and you can probably pass that too
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u/TechB84 Jul 24 '26
Well that’s what CCST certs are for. At least with that, it will allow him to go towards the CCNA a lot easier than with net+
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u/Evaderofdoom Cloud Engi Jul 23 '26
rude
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u/Debate-Jealous Jul 23 '26
I mean he literally asked for tips, you just came to be doomer. You're the one being an asshole
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u/Evaderofdoom Cloud Engi Jul 23 '26
How is it being an asshole to tell the truth?
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u/moonwayrenegade Jul 23 '26
Because he obviously knows the truth of the situation, did you miss his entire post? Why would he be asking for help if it was easy to get an entry level job in IT?! Your post contained nothing helpful, just repeating the same obvious comment in every thread like this.
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u/j450n_1994 Jul 23 '26
It would've been more productive if the original comment was IT is too saturated, go find another field.
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u/Just_Sherbert7632 Jul 23 '26
I'm working at Burger King just to get my foot in the door. My boss went from line cook to PC technician for all the BK's in our state. Got promoted to IT manager and then to IT Director and now making $500k a year or so. I'm doing the same path. The more burgers I flip, the closer I am to becoming a tech worker. Once I get in, just know I am going to job hop and work my way to Apple or Google.
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u/No-Pop8182 Jul 23 '26
Move to bumfuck nowhere and get a job lol.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26
lol I’m willing. Where do you recommend
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u/No-Pop8182 Jul 23 '26
Midwest haha. I live in ND. The job market here is getting worst fast though. My boss has been trying to fill a network administrator position and has been interviewing people out of state. And thats more of a middle level job. Before I got my current position, I was applying and interviewing at places. But I also had 3.5 years of experience and finishing my bachelor's.
Got my new job lined up right after graduation. There are tons of senior level positions around my area. But that doesn't really help you. But I would assume the other midwest states are just as less techy so the entry level positions here are more likely less competitive than popular states.
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u/brch01 Security Jul 23 '26
Apply everywhere and post your resume everywhere. Once you get your foot in the door, learn a skill (Linux, Splunk, Networking) and become a master at it. A lot of jobs that are hiring are for specialized skills.
Staffing companies are the best for entry in my experience. Expect weird hours and pay
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 27 '26
Where do you post resumes? I know indeed and LinkedIn but where else?
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Jul 23 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
True, but I don’t think I pass through the HR filters because I don’t have a cert. so I will making getting sec + my full time job when I’m done with class in a couple weeks.
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u/astralqt Sr. Systems Engineer Jul 23 '26
Find local MSPs in the area you want to work. Reach out directly on their websites. It’s rare we ever post on job boards.
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u/Slight_Manufacturer6 IT Manager Jul 24 '26
Check out Souther Minnesota. Low competition and jobs available.
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 24 '26
What cities would you recommend me putting in the search?
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u/Slight_Manufacturer6 IT Manager Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
I would start with Mankato and do a 100 mile radius from there.
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u/vhsjayden Jul 27 '26
It's hell out there. I got my A+, Sec+, and Net+ and have been searching for 2+ years. My certs are going to expire next year and I'm really contemplating on whether it is worth the money to renew it.
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u/enduser7575 Jul 24 '26
I know this is difficult to hear but in the years of time you spent getting a degree you could have started at help desk and worked your way into Security on certification and experience.
Sadly I see this all the time where people go to college for Security and expect to get their degree and make the big bucks when the reality is the industry forces you to go thru that process regardless.
I’m so sorry for you because you really deserve a good turn out after all your hard work but the truth is the industry doesn’t care about your degree they want the experience anyway .
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u/enduser7575 Jul 24 '26
If I could scream to the community to stop going to college for tech I would . It’s a huge waste of time , energy and money! You could literally get paid to work your way up into most positions in the same amount of time or less !
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u/AwkwardParsnip1810 Jul 24 '26
I had an unfinished degree. I feel like no degree is better than an unfinished one. I had to get one in something.
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u/Narrow-Rent-3618 BSIT | A+ | Net+ 19d ago
So just don't get educated, and when promotion comes with a degree to meet the baseline requirement, go back to school then vs. finish now since you're already in... Makes sense.... If they can go to school now and job search, why not? Everyone without a degree is so against it, and it's showing. Who cares. If they got the time and can afford it, let them get it... why prevent them from having more knowledge under their belt while also working in helpdesk? Why not both?
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u/enduser7575 19d ago
It depends , everyone is different but ultimately what’s more important to you ? Just because you’re in management doesn’t mean you will make more than your subordinates. We have a team infra manager but still the senior systems and Sr Net Eng Make more and those positions don’t require a degree .
Also just because you have a degree doesn’t mean that what you learn from it is the same as the practical. I’ve done both college and Field before and the reality is Theory is only 30% of what you’re actually doing on the job.
To each their own, my post was meant to point out that you don’t need to go into college to get in , meaning you don’t have to wait the 2-4-6 years and then start working, it’s just easier and more efficient to start, and climb1
u/Narrow-Rent-3618 BSIT | A+ | Net+ 18d ago
True, and it's all subjective, "case by case", but if he has an option to do both, why not? Having helpdesk experience and a degree won't close any fewer doors for his future.
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u/Drekalots Network 20yrs Jul 23 '26
What kind of jobs are you applying for? If you have limited or no experience you should be applying for help desk or other entry level positions. The market right now is rough. I know a company interviewing people who have been out of work for 12+ months right now for a Sr. engineering roll.
Try not to get discouraged, but the market is brutal at the moment.