RE: getting a job in the US

Cisco Mania,

First and foremost, stay positive. As "spycharlies" mentioned "while you
hunt for work, upgrade yourself academically". I for the most part did
self-study.

I put aside my pride and did any technically available job most of which
were contracts (yes you guessed right Desktop etc). I even worked as a
security guard (Day and night jobs). I was single though but was always
worrying about mounting bills and how the system slowed me down. In a
nutshell for now you just need some form of income coming in.

Work towards that but keep your mind set where you want to be so you
eventually get there. Post your resume on every job site you are aware of
(use your cell and omit your detailed address. City and State is ok).
Return the emails and calls (even though it might be a dead end). I
personally believe there are still jobs out there even though the economy
isn't encouraging. The question is are they willing to pay what you want or
are worth?

Now I came in with a B.sc, relevant certifications and working knowledge as
a practicing "Network engineer" and I still went through the same route
(consider this to be a sacrifice for moving far from your comfort zone).

My experience dates back just 7 years and I am not doing bad at all today
($5k from 6 digits annually). My accent still gets in the way sometimes but
when am opportune to a board, console session or one on one I "wah!" them.
I don't have my CCIE yet (working towards it though) and haven't made the
attempt like you so I want to believe you know your stuffs.

Stay positive and things will fall in place soon.

All the best.

-----Original Message-----
From: nobody_at_groupstudy.com [mailto:nobody_at_groupstudy.com] On Behalf Of
Cisco Mania
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 2:34 PM
To: ccielab_at_groupstudy.com
Subject: OT: getting a job in the US

Hi people,

Sorry this is Out of Topic but i need help. I've been in this group for more
than three years but changed my address for anonymity.

I moved to the US from Africa and have been searching for a job for 6months
now without success. CCNP since 2005 I've attempted the Lab once and intend
to do so again in the near future. Have about 8 years networking experience.

I don't know why but for some reason whenever i talk to a recruiter or a
potential employer they never call me back. Most of them acknowledge though
that what i have on my resume is good. Almost all the time they'd ask me to
recount my previous experience and then halfway through they'll ask "so you
don't have any US experience?". that about wraps it up for the interview. I
usually get a "we'll call you" and never hear from them again.

Are US employers very particular about where you got your experience? or do
you think it's something else. I'm almost going out of my mind here and my
family is beginning to starve. Please PM me if you have some advise for me.

Thanks.
Received on Sat Jul 17 2010 - 14:35:31 ART