what do I have to do to get in?

ATP / Mgmt Nab
Jul 16, 2017 9 Comments

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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  • Microsoft minutia
    If you've never been a lead in a big company, don't expect to come in directly as one.
    Jul 16, 2017 1
    • ATP / Mgmt Nab
      OP
      but I've been a lead in a big company....... for 5 years.
      Jul 16, 2017
  • Microsoft rainier1
    find someone to refer you. if you don't get a call, it means you're probably overestimating yourself. you're one in millions.
    Jul 16, 2017 4
    • ATP / Mgmt Nab
      OP
      I believe that I'm one in a million in SV. that's why I picked some positions I know I'm over qualified just to see what happens. I been in IT for over 15 years. 5 yr at a big company over 10k employees. been a Sr manager for last 3+ and now I just want a company that gives at least half a damn about employees. I'm willing to step down but seems like 20-25 year olds are getting all the calls.
      Jul 16, 2017
    • Cisco / Mgmt flareon
      Being over qualified doesn't make you a good fit either.
      Jul 16, 2017
    • ATP / Mgmt Nab
      OP
      exactly..... so I applied in all levels. see what bites.... now I'm wondering what it takes. cuz nothing works.
      Jul 16, 2017
    • Microsoft rainier1
      that's not a qualification, there's millions like that. do you have Stanford or berkeley on your resume? if not, the Microsofts of the world will likely pass on you.
      Jul 16, 2017
  • Apple mariani
    Making it into the big 5 without even being in the tech industry will be extremely difficult.

    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.
    Jul 16, 2017 1
    • MobileIron / Eng
      m-001-au

      MobileIron Eng

      PRE
      Apple
       m-001-aumore
      This was my experience in my time there. I would find myself training previous project or department leads from smaller companies. On the other hand, some of my superiors came from outside, albeit from companies of comparable scale to the project I was on.
      Jul 17, 2017