New Job Opportunities

[Wezas]

So I left my current company two weeks ago because of some issues that came up from the haxor who used a trojan virus (which I must have downloaded on my work laptop) to lock out a bunch of accounts in our Georgia office. I won't go much further into it - other than to say I felt it was time to move on.

So I put my resume out on most of the job sites and applied for maybe a dozen jobs that suited me. That was on the 11th. Today I started getting nailed with people calling me.

One company called - and the guy actually found my resume online and asked if I'd be interested in the position. I recognized the company name and told him I submitted my resume just yesterday for the position. He put me on hold, and sure enough his co-worker had my resume in their E-mail.

Had an Interview this afternoon and it went smashingly. I have another interview with the client I'll be actually working for tomorrow. And the job pays about $2k more then my last job. The actual job I know I can ace, it's a programming language that I know inside and out.

No sooner do I get home - I get a call from another company asking about another position they have available. The position is closer to my house, and for about $6k more per year (more then the above job). However, it looks a bit more complex, they're having a tech group person call me at 6pm (in 5 minutes) to check on my programming skills. I've also let them know that my java knowledge is non-existant.

Also a fact is I have a friend of my girl's that works at the second company. Not sure if that will help with any strings - but who knows. He'll probably just be pissed that he didn't get the referral $$.

Anyone have any advice for job selection when you get multiple offers? I mean I'd love to have an easy job, but if I'm passing up on extra $$$ and it being closer to home, I wonder if it's worth it.

[Latrinsorm]

Only you can know how much having an easy job or shorter commute is worth to you. If you're having trouble deciding, make like Harvey Dent and flip a coin.

[Soulpieced]

Shorter commute in NOVA is huge.

[Soulpieced]

And we need company names!

[Apotheosis]

I don't know where you live, but all I have to say is pick what you see as the best opportunity for you.

I would pick the place where I would learn the most. Honestly. If I can go to a new job, and learn new skillsets, or hone current ones, then that would be the smartest choice to make.

Look at the economy, look at the future, and know that all you have going for you is your knowledge and ability to execute what you know. Try to get ahead of the competition.

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Soulpieced
And we need company names!

1st one subcontracting for the TSA.

Second is a division of Northrop Grumman.

As for driving, 1st is in crystal city, 2nd in chantilly (I'm in Fairfax)

[Soulpieced]

Wow, I'm surprised you got schmoozed so quickly by such large companies.

[Latrinsorm]

Nothing beats having "PC Mod" on the ol' resume, apparently.

[SpunGirl]

I don't know you that well, but if it were me, I'd pick the harder one. I get bored easily at work if I'm not being challenged. It can be scary to leave (or in this case, pass up) a place you're comfortable and the money is decent for a place you know won't be a cake job. But a) money and b) learn more shit. The more you know, the more marketable you are in the future. Take as many chances to get higher up as you can.

-K

[Brattt8525]

Don't settle for the "easy" I can do it in my sleep job. If you can get in the other job do it, it is a job where you will learn more which means you will be worth even more money.

[Jolena]

:yeahthat: Having more skills and experience is always the best move IMHO. Keeps you marketable and less dispensable.

[Lookkin]

Not to step on anyones toes, but if there are any accountants / financial analysts in the North/Central NJ area looking for a job..

I dont know how to post a link, so I just cut/paste this link from Monster.com.

http://jobsearch.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=33108772&AVSDM=2005%2D08%2D15+15% 3A16%3A57&Logo=1&q=Analyst&cn=CIT&lid=534&sort=rv& vw=b&cy=US&brd=1,128,1862,1863

Position reports directly into me and as of today, is still available. Email or U2U if you have any questions.

[Jonty]

You should pick the second job.

1. More money
2. Closer to home.
3. More complex = more experience and new knowledge

[Anebriated]

Just wondering, while the other responses have had the right idea which job has the better chance of advancement? That could/should also play a role in which one you decide. Either way grats on the new job.

[Wezas]

Thanks for all the input guys.

Soulpie - I was surprised as well. Especially because the Northrop job had "Bachelor's Degree" as one of their essentials - but my resume states that I had a few semesters at NoVa and that's it.

After the interview/quizzing at 6pm - I'm kind of sketchy about if I impressed or not. I knew most of the things - though towards the end I was lost in some of the jargon that I was never told about by the programmers at my company.

The good news is I found out the friend of my girl's is actually one of the department heads for the department I'm trying for. The slightly bad news is that the people who are quizzing me (searched for me) are an employment agency trying to place me in that job. So he won't get any referral money and his dept will likely pay out the ass for the commission on my job.

At this point I'm hoping I'm offered the second job. I'm also hoping that the employment agency says I didn't pass the quiz and tosses me to the side. That way I can directly apply to the company and forgo most of the bullshit commission and hopefully get the guy a referral.

But the first job is still a nice backup.

[Anebriated]

Experience is worth more than a degree to many companies, especially in computer fields.

[hectomaner]

get the hard job, learn more, get good skills, then get the women.

Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills

[Wezas]

Don't know there were some pretty hot chicks at the first job.

[Farquar]

I was gonna say take the job that offered more responsibility. Out of law school I had two major offers to consider. The first was from a firm that offered $140k starting, but as part of a large, typical corporate practice group where I would likely be lost in the shuffle. The second offered only $125k with a greater workload, but I would be part of a small, cutting edge commercial and transactional practice group that worked on e-commerce, among other things. I picked the second and I know I made the right decision.

But chicks totally change the equation.

[Wezas]

Jesus Christ - it's like a shitstorm of jobs.

20 minutes ago I got another call from another company in McLean. They work on a variety of gov't contracts (DoD, DHS, DoS, NSA, DoT, etc) and saw my resume on one of the job search sites and want me to interview tomorrow at 2pm. (we'll call this "3rd job")
With the President of the company. No pressure.

Update on 2nd job. I talked with my guy on the inside at the company. He sent my resume personally to the guy in charge of hiring. Evidently he's friends with him. I told him I want to make sure there's no issues with the fact that an employment agency already offered me the job and I think there's legal issues with bypassing them at this point. Just so that shit's documented.

Update on 1st job. The Fairfax office called to confirm my appointment. I let them know I have two other interviews pending. They told me that I may be offered the job on the spot if the interview goes well this afternoon. I told them that I would still need a few days to choose the best career for myself. They're really nice guys, but I can't let that stand in my way of picking the best career.

[Sean of the Thread]

Ah rock on. I want to see your resume minus the personal shit.

[Wezas]

Since you been buggin me in other threads, here it is:


Summary of Qualifications:

Seven years in the system development life-cycle specialization in developing using Visual Basic and MS Access along with documentation of requirements and testing.

Work Experience:

Company A (November 1998–July 2005)
2004–2005 Lead (Production Support)
2002–2004 Lead (Fraud Operations)
2000–2002 Senior Operations Analyst (Fraud Operations)
1998–2000 Operations Analyst (Fraud Operations)

• Developed and tested production applications using Visual Basic.NET, MS Access, and SQL including an application to query, encrypt, and send fraud information to our premier clients when unexpected security updates halted communication to all clients.

• Prepared business requirements, functional specification, quality assurance testing, and user guide documentation for production applications. Thoroughly tested and certified production applications.

• Additional tasks of tracking and resolving all daily production issues/problems. Designed Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) to improve efficiency in existing processes including an application to automatically save a client’s numerous web pages of data to a Microsoft Access Database for further research.

• Supported staff in the uploading, processing, and research of fraud data from various customers. Tracked analytical data in Access databases daily.

Company B (August 1997–June 1998)
1997–1998 Data Entry Clerk

• Maintained MS Access databases of client information by updating records daily and preparing daily, weekly, and monthly reports to Account Executives.

Company C (March 1996–July 1997)
Mar-July 1997 Network Assistant
Nov ’96-Mar ’97 Customer Service Representative
Mar-Nov 1996 Technical Orders Clerk

• Supported company’s information technology network by maintaining daily functionality, installation of software and hardware upgrades, and troubleshooting of staff IT issues. Developed relationship with IT vendors to purchase company software.

• Provided frontline communication to clients regarding technical services and company membership. Maintained custom "Magic”™ database by inputting technical orders and new memberships. Two week customer service training completed through GB Associates.


Computer Skills: Visual Basic 6/.NET, SQL, MS Access 97/2002, HTML, Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint

Education: Northern Virginia Community College Fall 1997 – Spring 1998

I left out the WoW and message boarding at work.

[Sean of the Thread]

hehe Thanks. I mainly wanted to see it since I remember us doing almost exactly the same thing.

[Lookkin]

Wezas...

Where do you live? We might have a systems position available within our group. Trying to determine needs / requirements right now. Responsibilities would includes developing system interface functionality that would cross mulitple lease systems, extract data feeds (coming and going) and develop reports based on business rules (and variations to those rules), QA and various quality / auditing functions. Those are just off the top of my head.

Just a thought..

Lookkin

[Wezas]

Company 1
So company #1 evidently had some communications problems and the place I went to interview (Crystal City) yesterday told me (when I got there) that the interview had been cancelled - because the rep from the DoT was not there.

The guy told me that he "contacted" the employment agency (Fairfax) that sent me that morning and cancelled it. So, after driving almost 45 minutes to get there, I'm pretty pissed off when I leave with no interview. I call the agency. The guy is nice as hell, appologizes profusely, and puts me on hold to find out what happened. Evidently the guy from Crystal City sent an *E-mail at 11:30 AM* to cancel my 2pm interview. He only sent it to the manager of the Fairfax office. The manager was in meetings until 2pm.

More appologizing and a rescheduled appointment for Monday at (guess when?) 2pm. These companies love 2pm.

Company 3:


So today I had an interview with the 3rd job. Evidently the president was busy, so I met with the tech manager.

Let me preface this by saying because of my previous experience with Asian tech people who don't speak english well - I'm a bit bias against them. The guy was just plain difficult to understand. He said they had 3 positions, one of which I would be good for - but they had many more interviews. He didn't *necessarily* rag on my lack of C++ & Java experience, but he did bring it up a few times.

I'm sorry, someone from YOUR company contacted ME about what was in MY RESUME. My resume (as you can see above) says nothing about C+, Java, or having a Bachelors. I'm not keeping my hopes up for this one - though it is closer to my house then Job 1, for more money, and the place seems to be pretty nice.

Company 2:

Job 2 - I officially submitted a resume yesterday morning and they said they're anxious to see me - but it needs to go through the application department before they can schedule an interview. The lady told me that they wouldn't likely get back to me today - but more likely early next week. Still hoping to get this job. Closest to my house, doing programming (unlike ghetto programming from Job 1), and working for people who know my skills and want me for them.

And because of my lack of interest in Job 1 and my most likely not getting Job 3 - I'm gonna keep checking monster/careerbuilder/dice.com/washingtonpost.com.

I'm just tired of visiting the damn dry cleaner every other day. :lolwave:

[Wezas]

I'm in Fairfax, VA. Northern Virginia.

And I'm looking for something in the area. Not willing to work in DC or MD.

[Anebriated]

While Lookkin's job might be great man would it suck if your boss read PC... So much for posting on the job...

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Elrodin
While Lookkin's job might be great man would it suck if your boss read PC... So much for posting on the job...

rofl. At least if I was on a gov't contract I'd probably cut out the WoW playing at work.

Plus he has no idea what other boards I spend my time on. :saint:

[Wezas]

Had my second interview with Job #1. Still kinda blah about the job. Found out the dress code is business (no khakis, tie, slacks, etc), they don't have any kind of discount for the local garages (parking is a beyotch), and they don't have any kind of metro-card plan. But is sounds like they probably want me. If the other two positions fall through and I can't find something better - I'll take it just to pay the bills.

But Jesus, between the metro costs and dry cleaners I'm going to be a broke bama.

Interview at Job #2 is tomorrow. I hope I don't have my hopes too high - but I really want this job. I mapquested it and it's literally 10 minutes from my house. With NOVA traffic it shouldn't be more then a 30 minute commute. Full benefits, pretty sure it's business casual dress, and a decent chunk more $$ than Job #1.

[Anebriated]

good luck with the interview tomorrow.

[Wezas]

Thx. The application they sent me through E-mail is rediculous. All the places I've worked at in the past 10 years, my starting & ending salaries, my supervisor, etc.

I had to think hard to remember my hourly rates at some of the places when I started working.

That and I had to answer a question if I'd had a traffic violation that had a fine of greater then $200. I said "no", but now that I think about it - it's possible.

[Wezas]

Jesus Christ I want job #2 so bad.

Had the interview today and pretty sure I aced it. The position is a mish-mash of jobs including programming, product support, installations, testing, etc. Basically the same thing I was doing at my last job (though making a decent amount more). The drive there took about 10 minutes and it's dress casual.

WTF, Tuesdays are rediculous:

Got two other companies calling me up today.

One for a job at the state department (Job #4) where they would get me secret clearance to do VB back-end development. Downside = It's in D.C. Plus it's a 4.5 month contract with the tech agency - after that I'd renegotiate my salary. So I got another F'n interview tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 (ha, fuckers, it's not 2pm).

*update* The other job (Job #5) I just called on. It's with a major corporation and the salary range is about 50% higher then all the other jobs I've seen so far. It's in DC - requires me getting a decent security clearance. It's only a 5 month contract - with the likeliness of an extension. Keeping this option open - haven't scheduled an interview yet.

Also, the agency from Job #1 gave me a call while I was in the interview for Job #2 (phone on silent). Pretty sure it's going to be an offer. I feel bad stringing them along - but I'm really hoping for Job #2 to come through. Job #2 said they should know by Friday, so I think I'm gonna tell the guy I'd let him know by early next week.

Also, my girl's buddy at Job #2 told me that if that job didn't work out, he has another similar position working directly for him. So there's always that. :P

I'm fucking tired of interviewing.


[Edited on 8-23-2005 by Wezas]

[Sean of the Thread]

Fucker.. the market is shit here in Tampa bay.

[Warriorbird]

Someday I hope to have your bargaining power. That's awesome.

[Wezas]

Had my interview with the State Dept.

Ups:
*Gaining a "Secret" clearance
*$4k more then any of my other offers (except for company 5 which I think is BS)
*Working for the State Dept
*I know how to do everything at the job (MS Access & SQL)

Downs:
*CONTRACT. Contract is up in Feb, with an option to renew. It's been renewed 3 years in a row in the past. But still scary.
*DC - 10 minute drive to metro, 30 minute metro drive, 5-10 minute walk to State building.
*Ability to gain a secret clearance. I don't know why, but it frightens me the extent they'll go.
*Only MS Access developing. They'd like to move towards VB, but they're not there yet. And any move would be up to me.
*Working for Condi

Still waiting to hear from Company #2 - it's still my ideal position. Company #1 has offered me the position. I told them I'm weighing my options and waiting to hear back from other offers from interviews. It's a job I don't want in an area I don't want to work for money that's less then all the others. But it's a backup for now. Company #5 hasn't called for an interview, but it's only been one day. Company #3 is still MIA - pretty sure they passed me over.

[Janarth]

If you have the skills of someone with a Bacherlors due to real life work experience, but no degree, companies must see that as good. They can pay you less, but you do the work better heh.


TSA = Transportation Security Administration, right? Thats certainly a growing field...seems like they need people who make computers more secure.

[Edited on 8-25-2005 by Janarth]

[Wezas]

That's what I've heard. They can only bill clients a certain amount because of the fact that I don't have a degree - but they are interested in my 5-7 years experience in programming.

No interviews today. I'm enjoying it.

[AnticorRifling]

FYI secret clearance isn't that great. It means you have the clearance to see secret material not that you'll be granted access to it.

I used to hold Secret, Nato Secret, and an ITS. Still hold the Secret and Nato Secret I'd just have to get some renewal paperwork I'm guessing.

FYI when you go for the clearance and have to do the SF-86 or EPSQ you'll need names and address for the last 7-10 yrs, and 3 people that knew you at each location and you can't list the same person for 2 locations. If you do fill out the SF-86 when it's finished before you turn it in MAKE A COPY. It will get lost and you will have to start over and having a copy is golden. Not to mention if you have to do a renewal you'll have that copy to build on so you won't have to do as much research.

Good luck on the new jobs bro.

[Wezas]

Yeah, my girl had to fill out that crap to get regular clearance. I've been brainstorming for a while.

Also rumors of the department needing top secret clearance soon.

*edited to update*

Job #4 just offered me the position - but I'm still waiting to hear back from Job #2 (they said to call them on Friday if they haven't called). I went ahead and called the hiring manager at Job #2 and left a message saying that I have 2 other offers but I'm really excited about the job she has to offer so I'm holding the other companies off as long as I can.

Job #4 and Job #1 are both pressuring me into giving them an answer and I let them know that hopefully I'd know by tomorrow or Monday latest. I just really hope #2 calls back.

[Edited on 8-25-2005 by Wezas]

[Wezas]

Friday's here and I've been running around all day for a reference.

Evidently (unlike what is said in their application) they need 3 personal work-related *managerial* references. So my co-worker who was a supervisor for another department does not count. Also a pain in the ass is the my ex-manager (who agreed to be a reference) asked my ex-director if it would be alright. He told her that no references were to be given and to send any inquiries to Human Resources.

Fucker. Seriously. It is a personal work reference - not someone who's representing the company.

So I track down an employment agency that actually placed me at my previous job and was able to use them as a managerial reference.

Still one reference short (Company #2 was saying that if I don't have 3, my resume has to go through a time consuming approval process) - I take a stab in the dark at an old manager who left the company a while ago. Googled his name and number and left him a message. He pulled through for me and I have all my references now. Left a message for the hiring manager at Company #2 that I was set.

The problem - Company #1 and Company #4 are hounding me. Literally. On Wednesday (when I interviewed with Company #4) I told them I had one more interview I was waiting to hear back from. I told them that hopefully I'd know by Friday, but it might be early next week. Today I told them that Company #2 said they would give me an answer one way or another by Tuesday(Hiring manager from Company #2 is out Monday) and they said that they may have to start interviewing other candidates this Monday.

So I told them they had to do what they had to do - I was waiting to see what the best job offer was going to be for me and then I would make a decision. Lets hope I get job #2 or job #4 is still available.

[GSTamral]

As nice as lead programming jobs sound, in most company structures, it's a dead end job in the sense that there is no clear path up from that type of position. It's like being a tech specialist.

When positions open up, at least in the division I work in, that type of resume would usually be considered for a programmer analyst or senior programmer analyst position, between 70-85k a year, although they may request that you take classes in Java and/or Cobol in your first year.

While you're at it, might as well take a shot in the dark and send in an application to Booz. One of the 5 or 6 most prestigious companies in the U.S to work for. Granted, without a degree its just a shot in the dark, but you can't beat the opportunies or pay.

[Edited on 8-27-2005 by GSTamral]

[Soulpieced]

I'm a big fan of Booz Allen. Being on the other side of a few hundred million dollar contract, they seem have their shit together more than any of the other contractors I've dealt with.

[Edited on 8-27-2005 by Soulpieced]

[Apotheosis]

Yes, Booz Allen is a company that hires the people most companies don't. :D

[Edited on 8-27-2005 by Yswithe]

[GSTamral]

Never said he had anything other than a shot in the dark with Booz, but if you're playing the game, might as well take a chance while you can. A friend of mine who graduated with me 5 years ago works there now, and while he didn't make as much money with Booz as I did in my current position (Booz is stingy at times with younger consultants, because many of them leave after 3-5 years to do private sector work), he was fielding offers in the 250 and up range a few months back when he left due to the types of challenges he faced, the contacts he has, and the fact that good references from one of the best companies in the world.

Nowhere else in the world can you build a list of contacts in the CDC, NSA, CIA, FBI, CNAS, NCS, DHS, FAA and other high profile organizations within such a short period of time.

[Wezas]

Originally posted by GSTamral
Never said he had anything other than a shot in the dark with Booz

Probably better shot then a hacker with a coffee shop felony and a broken laptop. :saint:

[Sean of the Thread]

Originally posted by Wezas

Originally posted by GSTamral
Never said he had anything other than a shot in the dark with Booz

Probably better shot then a hacker with a coffee shop felony and a broken laptop. :saint:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[Wezas]

Got an offer and took a drug test for Job #2. I start on Wednesday of next week (I told them I have vacation Thurs, Fri, and Tuesday surrounding labor day - they were cool with it).

Lets hope there's not so much of a gas shortage that I can't make it back into town.

[HarmNone]

Wow! Congratulations, Wezas! It's always great to see somebody get what they're shooting for. :)

[Wezas]

Started yesterday (mostly paperwork and setting up my PC).

Today I finally get to dig in. Pretty cool so far.

[Wezas]

Into my second week. Still filling out paperwork, but actually learning about the software I'll be helping develop a bit.

19" flat panel 2nd monitor = :cool:
http://www.myflavia.com/Jupiter/images/en-US/brewers/us_2_2_2_feature_pic.jpg = hot chocolate on demand :whistle:
Flex hours = no more 9 hour days, no matter if you take a lunch or not :yes:
15 min drive to work = :bouncy:

[Sean of the Thread]

Fuck you I still can't find a job.