I'm am IT manager for a smaller company. I manage all infrastructure and service desk with a staff of two. I've applied to so many companies like Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, etc for jobs I fit to ones I'm extremely over qualified just to see if I get a call. so far..... zero. only small business have given me offers. I can't even get interviewed at places like Facebook for a lead or Sr position. even with a friend referral. what do I need to do?
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At Apple (and Google/Facebook) a manager with two directs at a small company would equate to a standard experienced employee. Probably L4.
Generally, at Apple and companies of similar size, if you're hired from a smaller company you'll be leveled down two positions.
Unless you have a tangible way to demonstrate extremely unique and extraordinary talent, (which I imagine is difficult in a non-technical role, as you don't have a portfolio, code samples, etc.) it is very unlikely that you will get a lead or senior role at a top tier company, let alone a manager role, even with the amount of experience you have at small-medium sized companies.
I'd suggest applying for a non-senior role and see how it goes. Remember that you're not alone in not hearing back—these companies receive millions of applications a year and something like 1% of applicants make it in. Not sure how many are interviewed.
Last word of advice—work at a reputable small-medium sized tech company first, and apply after a year or so. Since you're not in a technical role, it's going to be hard to get into top tier companies without experience at a tech company. It's a little easier to demonstrate talent for designers and engineers as we can provide work samples which are used to measure our capabilities and worth to the company
As non-technical candidate, it's all about your resume. Get in a reputable startup.
Good luck.