So a little backstory-
I'm 26 years old and over the past 3-4 years, I've spent a lot of time learning different programming skills. Languages like HTML, CSS, JS and Lua. They're all self taught, mainly by developing mods for games, one of which garnering over 6000 active users at its peak and websites for fun, some which I created for a video game by a popular indie studio thats set to release sometime in the next year or so. I also spent a few months studying for my A+ to get a certification but that kinda fell through.
A little over 6 months ago, I worked in a Amazon warehouse and had to quit my job. Long story short, I got injured and it was either get fired for not being able to work or quit. I chose to quit as it just sounded like the best option at the time.
I had saved up a good bit during the time I was employeed so I figured I'd take a leap in careers and try to get into something more tech related as thats something I am way more interested in. Ever since, I have applied to hundreds of jobs. Help desk and IT, Game QA, Web Development, the list goes on.. Every single one has said no or just never responded.
Im not picky- I'm not searching for a job that gets me rich, not searching for crazy benefits. I will HAPPILY take a 9-5 that pays a paycheck at this point. Ive applied for jobs I feel overqualified for, underqualified for, perfectly qualified for. Ive applied to jobs that dont require experience, jobs that do. Big companies, small companies. Accompanied with everything in between. I feel like I've literally done it all.
I'm completely stuck on what to do. I've spent what feels like an eternity filling out applications, rewriting my cover letter and resume and waiting for responses. Yet not even a single opportunity for even an interview has found its way to me.
I realize I should've done XYZ while I was out of work, but I cant focus on that and I dont have much time to go spending another however many months teaching myself new skills. Before I abadon this idea and go back to slaving away for Amazon.. does anyone have any advice or guidance? What am I doing wrong? What jobs should I look for?
JobAdvisor:
Analyzing Your Situation and Potential Next Steps
Understanding the Challenges:
- Lack of formal education or certifications: While your self-taught skills are impressive, employers often prioritize candidates with formal qualifications.
- Limited work experience in the tech field: Your experience in game development and web creation, while valuable, might not directly align with traditional IT roles.
- Geographic location: Your location might limit your job opportunities, especially if you're targeting specific tech hubs.
Potential Strategies:
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Consider Online Courses or Bootcamps:
- Certification: Aim for certifications like CompTIA A+ (if you haven't already), Network+, or Security+.
- Skills Enhancement: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX offer courses in web development, programming languages, and database management.
- Bootcamps: These intensive programs can provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
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Network Actively:
- LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in your desired field, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions.
- Industry Events: Attend meetups, conferences, or hackathons to expand your network and learn about job opportunities.
- Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in your target roles for advice and insights.
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Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter:
- Keyword Optimization: Use keywords relevant to the job description to increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Highlight Achievements: Quantify your accomplishments, such as the number of users your mods had or the specific technologies you used in your projects.
- Showcase Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, which are applicable to various IT roles.
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Explore Entry-Level Roles:
- Help Desk or Technical Support: These roles can provide a foot in the door and allow you to gain experience in a tech environment.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Your experience with game development could make you a good fit for QA positions.
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Consider Freelancing or Contract Work:
- Build a Portfolio: Showcase your projects on platforms like GitHub or Dribbble.
- Find Clients: Use freelancing marketplaces or network with potential clients.
Additional Tips:
- Be Persistent: Keep applying to jobs, even if you receive rejections.
- Leverage Your Network: Ask friends, family, and former colleagues for referrals.
- Practice Technical Interviews: Prepare for common technical questions and practice coding challenges.
By implementing these strategies and remaining persistent, you can increase your chances of securing a tech-related job. Remember, the journey may be challenging, but with the right approach and dedication, you can achieve your career goals.