I have 6 years Sales, Marketing, and Operations experience and I can't even garner a return phone call from any tech companies! My experience is mainly in retail but I do have an informal technical background. I built my first computer when I was just 12 years old. By the age of 14 I was self taught in Visual Basic and C++. Since the age of 18 I've successfully managed my own investment portfolio consisting of stocks and options - netting double digit yearly returns. I've always considered myself an A+ player. I’ve been searching for a new opportunity to flex my analytical horsepower, business acumen, and financial bent. I started my first business when I was just 15 years old and my unrelenting desire for success has led to my current role as the Operations Manager for the 13th largest Home Depot in the world ($100 million in annual sales). I am responsible for over $12 million in daily inventory, 350+ associates, and driving top line revenue to get us to $110 million in 2017. I am looking to make a transition into the tech field. I feel very strongly that my diverse skill set, entrepreneurial spirit, and proven track record of success will make me a valued asset to any team. I've put in about 50 applications at various size tech companies, and not landed a single interview yet. I know if I could just get my foot in the door, I could prove my worth. Anyone have any advice on how I can bridge the gap between retail and tech?
My first round (25 applications) I set some lofty goals and targeted manager level positions at the larger tech companies, as I figured it doesn't hurt to shoot for the moon, but I soon realized that was a waste of precious time. Then this last round (25 applications) I target some mid level associate roles in a business or operations function and still didn't get any interest. I don't want to start at entry level, as I feel I have progressed my career beyond that point, and I have a degree from a top university, but I'm getting desperate to leave retail at this point. I'm making just above 6 figures, but my heart isn't in the home improvement sector.
DM me and I can float your info to some folks here if interested
Dell will hire you. And Home Depot is a huge Dell customer. You won't get 6 figures though, not at first anyway.
Hmm, Dell is an interesting prospect. Haven't inquired with them yet. I will check out what openings they have and submit an application. Thanks for the tip, and I'll keep everyone updated on my job hunt!
My Resume - although I just moved to Downtown SF.
for your home depot info, it's cool you achieved x y or z but what were some of your responsibilites
Drop the GPA, your not a college hire son no one cares
Are you trying to get a sales job at a tech company? Or a dev job?
An analyst, operations, or marking position. My programming skills aren't strong enough to merit a dev job. But I do have a strong understanding of the concepts and applications.
You need referrals
referrals don't do much unless they are tight with the hiring manager.
Agreed if you're going to get into the tech sector you're going to need a referral. Also you won't be able to touch 100k I think unless you live in a very expensive area.
Judging by resume, anyways
Advice From someone trying to get into tech after 9 years of defense on my resume, take a contract role. I had an Engineering degree and masters from USC and still had a hard time. Contracting gets your foot in the door for something permanent. USD is not considered a "top" university in Tech. I also applied to well over 100 jobs. 50 is nothing. Get creative and more hungry. You are chasing a dream with your experience and have to work harder to get a foot in. I did it without referrals so it is possible, but having T-Mobile and Census on your resume along with USD may be tough for a recruiter to see past. A 2 month contract job with nothing guaranteed after was my stepping stone and that might help you get moving.
Interesting approach. I will remain open to that option.
It's not the easiest route going contract, but shows initiative. Your battle is clearing Home Depot from your resume along with T-mobile and Census. You need 3 months of contract to show you can handle pace of tech.
Mainly operations, I would like to avoid sales (unless I'm managing a team), and product management.