31 May 2024
The question that inspired this post:
"Hi everyone,
My husband had been looking for a job for 6 months now, with no luck. He is looking mainly in France, but has also set up an enterprise so he can work on project basis abroad if I’m correct. He works in IT and has been looking on LinkedIn and a ton of recruiters call him but it never leads to anything.
In the 20 something years we have been together he has never not had a job and this situation is stressing us out.
Currently we live off our savings but we are running out slowly but surely.
He used to work in the City of London, has worked all over the world and great qualifications and experience and highly paid jobs, but here no luck so far.
We have young children and are very worried. I’ve been looking after our youngest, but have also started looking for jobs, but nothing yet.
We have applied for chômage, we have EU passports, but no idea how long that might take. Can anyone advise on different strategies for finding a job in IT as a network architect even on a project basis if not ft or whatever we could do? We moved to be closer to family and to be fair friends and family here and abroad have offered help but the main thing is finding a job cause this situation is not sustainable.
He is willing to travel, we just need money to come in now before all our savings are depleted. It’s 5 in the morning, I’ve been up from 3.30am, cannot sleep.
Thanks in advance!"
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Hi everyone,
I understand how stressful this situation must be for you and your family. Finding a job, especially in a specialized field like IT, can be challenging, but several strategies can help your husband secure a position or project work. Here are some actionable steps to consider:
1. Expand Job Search Platforms
While LinkedIn is a powerful tool, it's important to diversify the platforms used for job hunting:
Indeed: General job board with many IT job listings.
Monster: Another major job board that lists IT positions.
Glassdoor: Offers job listings and company reviews.
Technojobs: Specializes in IT jobs.
CWJobs: Focuses on IT and tech roles.
Dice: Another platform for tech job listings.
Upwork: Platform for freelance work.
Freelancer: Another site for finding freelance projects.
Toptal: Connects freelancers with top companies.
2. Leverage Professional Networks
Meetup: Find and attend industry events and meetups.
Eventbrite: Lists various networking events and conferences.
AFUP: Association Française des Utilisateurs de PHP, good for networking within the IT community.
Syntec Numérique: A major professional association in the IT sector in France.
3. Enhance Online Presence
LinkedIn Profile: Ensure his LinkedIn profile is optimized with keywords related to his skills and experiences. Regularly post updates or articles to stay visible.
GitHub and Stack Overflow: Actively participates in these communities to showcase his expertise and connect with potential employers.
Personal Website/Portfolio: Create a personal website or online portfolio to highlight his projects, skills, and experiences.
4. Engage with Recruiters
IT-Specialized Recruiters: Focus on recruiters who specialize in IT roles. Examples include Hays IT and Michael Page Technology.
Follow Up: After speaking with recruiters, follow up with thank-you emails and keep them updated on his job search status.
5. Consider Contract and Freelance Work
6. Explore Remote Work
With his extensive experience, remote work can be a viable option:
Remote Job Boards: Websites like Remote.co, We Work Remotely, and Remote OK lists remote IT jobs.
Company Websites: Many companies have remote work opportunities listed directly on their career pages.
7. Tailored Job Applications
Customize Applications: Tailor each job application to the specific role, highlighting relevant experience and skills.
Cover Letters: Write personalized cover letters that demonstrate an understanding of the company’s needs and how he can address them.
8. Upskilling and Certifications
Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) to enhance his qualifications.
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight offer courses that can keep his skills updated.
9. Government and Public Sector Jobs
Public Sector: Look for IT jobs in the public sector through websites like Emploi Public.
Government Initiatives: Explore government programs and initiatives that support employment in IT.
10. Apply for Chômage
Since you have already applied for chômage, make sure to:
Follow-up: Regularly check the status of your application and follow up with Pôle Emploi.
Workshops and Support: Utilize Pôle Emploi’s workshops and support services for job seekers.
Emotional and Financial Support
Family and Friends: Accept help from family and friends to alleviate some of the financial pressure.
Stress Management: Focus on stress management techniques such as meditation, exercise, and maintaining a healthy routine.
Additional Strategies
I'm so sorry to hear about the difficult situation you and your family are facing. Being unemployed for an extended period, especially with young children, can be extremely stressful and take a toll financially and emotionally. However, there are some strategies your husband could try to increase his chances of finding work in the IT field in France or even on a project basis abroad:
Leverage Your Networks: Reach out to any professional contacts, former colleagues, alumni associations, etc., and let them know you're actively seeking opportunities. Personal referrals can go a long way.
Attend Industry Events: Look for IT conferences, meetups, job fairs where he could network face-to-face with potential employers and learn about openings.
Consult Recruitment Agencies: In addition to applying directly, register with IT/tech recruitment firms that specialize in contract/project roles.
Explore Remote Work: With his experience, he could look at remote IT contractor roles with companies abroad that don't require relocation.
Update Profiles/Resumes: Ensure his LinkedIn, online portfolios highlight his most relevant skills and experiences for roles he's targeting.
Consider Interim Jobs: While continuing the IT job search, he could take on interim/temporary roles to bring in some income.
Learn In-Demand Skills: Identify any technical skills gaps and upskill through online courses to make his profile more competitive.
Be Open to Relocation: Widening the geographic scope could increase opportunities, even if it means being away for contract stints.
Additionally, I'd recommend connecting with local support groups and resources for job seekers. The added moral support can be invaluable during this time. Don't hesitate to seek help from friends and family as well.
Conclusion
Finding a job can be a challenging process, but by diversifying job search strategies, leveraging networks, and staying proactive, your husband can increase his chances of securing a position.
Remember to utilize all available resources and maintain a positive outlook.
Best of luck to you and your family. If you need further assistance or specific advice, feel free to reach out.
Best regards,
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