Software Engineer Grad.. can't find a job

[asot24]

np.

[masterhapposai]

IBM's a great place to work, they just finished offshoring yet another department.

[coolspot]

where do I start exactly?
I've checked all over the web from IBM's website to others looking for a job.
I graduated from UWO and have a high 85%+ average...
Most of the jobs I've seen are in Kitchener or places far outside of Toronto..

Where should I look for job advertisments for Software Engineers in Toronto?


Do you have any experience? The toughest thing with software engineering is that if you don't have any experience no one wants to give you a chance.

My suggestion is that you start developing demo applications on the side to pad your resume. Or consider contract/freelance work. Lastly perhaps a couple certifications will help your resume too.

[asot24]

yeah that's also what I've noticed.. a lot of companies require years of experience, a lot of senior positions only out there...

[Jaytee]

Getting the first job is the hardest.

I would upload your resume to monster.ca and workopolis.ca and search for job postings on there.

There are other jobs sites, but those two are the best for Toronto IT jobs. (Its hard because the majority of those companies are looking for experience)

Talk to classmates and friends to make as many contacts as you can.

Good luck.

[gnunn]

I would suggest looking at smaller companies as well, there a lot of smaller software companies in Toronto that can give you an opportunity to get your foot in the door. Unfortunately the only way to locate these companies is to surf, surf, surf. Also, some software companies list openings specifically for new graduates, for example Workbrain used to have openings for new graduates prior to their acquisition by InfoR.

Also, if you are interested in working in software development start spending your free time in acquiring skills by actually doing development at home on a hobby project of some sort or contribute to an open source project that is of interest to you.

[matkun]

Job experience is king in IT.

It's why I'm going to graduate in April 2008 even though I started school in 2002, but I am getting job offers already. Waterloo Co-Op FTW!

[rdtx2002]

use an agency for a year.. then find a 'real' job

places like CNC Global.

that is the thing with engineering, lot of technical background, no practical background

[ricenice]

Ajilon Consulting IT placement/staffing agency.

[fenrus]

placement places are generally useless. companies generally use them to hire for contract, meaning you need to be experienced.

to out west. tonnes of development jobs everywhere. .NET jobs especially.

[RSX-S]

Lots of software job in markham too. Check out the posting of Datamirror. If you like something there, let me know.

[buy.A.gift]

send lots and lots of resumes everyday (at least 50 a day)
call their HR, book for an informational interview, expand your networking.

[asot24]

thanks for replies, anymore?

[shawn99]

why aren't u networking with your friends? It is the number one method of getting jobs.

[ynchu]

Are you one of those who went through four years of university and expect firms will beg you to work for them after graduation? If so, good luck!

Otherwise, I hope you had some working experience before. In the worst case, apply to Accenture. They will likely take anyone who performs well in interviews.

[chicadam]

Try to approach more entry positions, below your expectations. Its probably not to your liking considering you graduated with a sw eng degree but you can make your mark onces you are in. The key is also to enter in the field where you want to progress, then, as you excel you are along you career path.

I would also suggest working on those interviews with confidence. Luck favours the prepared.

Honestly, I feel for you, but I was in a much worse situation than you... back in 2002. 2007 is the lowest unemployment in like 30 years and IT ain't bad either. I think lack of experience is your achilles heal so I not sure if you'll find any opportunities to get into a staffing agency, thats the first thing they look for. Just be patient, you'll be fine.

[joo]

Would it be practical for you to get a job in K-W for 18-24 months? You could then have some experience and be able to find a decent job in town.

I can only echo what others have said about networking and applying to smaller companies. I don't think headhunters are suitable for getting entry level positions. Those positions pay too little, meaning the commission is too small and they usually don't bother -- not worth the effort.

Be sure to stay away from infrastructure jobs (e.g. server admin, network admin) or you'll get typecast. Go only for application development or helpdesk roles.