Tech IndustryOct 25, 2019

Help! Trying to switch industries

Hi guys. I am on the east coast currently working in the defense industry. I’ve worked in the industry for about 12 years (since my undergrad). The industry is very slow and the progression upwards is even slower. I have decided to leave the industry and move to the west coast and pursue a position in FAANG. My background is EE but have been working as an Engineering Manager. I have applied everywhere but mostly got rejections. I did get a call for an in person interview at apple. I interviewed last week and received some feedback yesterday which was mostly mixed. They havent given me a yes or no and have asked me to wait. I’m looking for advice on how to look for jobs. Should I continue to apply to the FAANG websites? Which other companies should I consider? It is also possible that my resume is not going past ATS. Tips on updating the resume? Tips for interviews? Anything you think can be beneficial. I appreciate your help!

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HashiCorp Karla2018 Oct 25, 2019

It’s hard to get in at FAANG as a career changer. I would say, start with smaller tech companies first. Also, Consider moving to the Bay Area now. Some companies don’t look at non-local candidates.

BAE Systems kJYj02 OP Oct 25, 2019

Thank you for the advice!

Hulu MkPd7352 Oct 25, 2019

Agree. Also you can move to the LA area and look at Booz Hamilton, Northrop, Raytheon, Teledyne, etc companies which are in the same industry. They pay is of course not FAANG but once you're settled in there you can move around and by that time you're a "west coast local"

Northrop Grumman sad-panda Oct 25, 2019

Yeah you are going to have a large up hill battle. I'm doing the switch now and I've only started to crack it after 2 years of prep.

Cisco oldmoney Oct 25, 2019

Preach bro

Panasonic Avionics Soma1979 Oct 25, 2019

I’m doing the reverse. Went from startups to defense/space. I’m at a point in my life to slow down, even if it means taking less $$

Panasonic Avionics Soma1979 Oct 25, 2019

Btw- what kinda EE are you? Look into air taxi or drone startups.. they’re trying to get more aero/defense skills

BAE Systems kJYj02 OP Oct 27, 2019

Air taxi/drone is a great idea. Didn’t think of it. Thank you!

Cisco zzzaam Nov 5, 2019

Hello! You should check out Jobalytics (link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/jobalytics-resume-keyword/fkiljfkkceaopbpfgfmjdnkiejaifkgd?utm_source=blind&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR1OWWhbqbYPPQjze_2Du2qUCZ2UtcIjz4OXOIjaUzJJarBDqOD6uNXgFUY) -- a chrome extension that can identify missing keywords from your resume based on the job description page. Most companies use application tracking systems to filter out resumes -- if you have the adequate keywords that reflect your skills and also match the job descriptions of the roles you're applying for, it could help you tremendously in the resume-screening part of job searching. Good luck!

BAE Systems kJYj02 OP Nov 11, 2019

Thank you