[Sigia-l] Frustrated Mid-Level IA job seeker

[Kathleen Tucker]

Fellow IA'ers,

I am a NYC metro emerging mid-level IA who has been looking for a mid-level 
IA position that will help develop my skills in the field and provide 
quality work for the rest of the company and client.

It seems every company and recruiter has the same story.  They are only 
looking for senior-level IA's and will not even consider someone with a 
strong background on a mid-level. I know I have the talent, skills and 
passion to work as an IA.  Yes, I'm sure there are things on my resume and 
portfolio I could improve upon, but I have to start somewhere.  I would just 
be nice if potential employers and recruiters would actually READ IT before 
calling me to grill me about my work experience just to tell me that I'm too 
junior for the position they are looking to fill.  What's the point of 
creating a portfolio to show off my work samples just to be told I'm too 
junior for the job.  UGGGHHHH!!!!!

Why is this IA discipline only looking for Senior level????   I know I've 
addressed this topic before, but it still seems I'm up against a wall 
regarding persuing a job as an IA or having to refocus my career toward 
another discipline.

Now I have read several suggestions on this board that said to look for a 
business analyst position in order to work up to a senior-level IA postion.  
I don't see how that would help me promote the IA work I already have.  
Another suggestion was to get into a company working as a technical writer 
(my previous career) and try to get yourself into the IA department.

These are suggestions that lead to nowhere, because once an employer hires 
you as a business analyst or technical writer, that's what they want you to 
do.  They do not want to hire someone in one position only to have them 
focus on getting into another position.  They are not concerned with growing 
your career.  They just want the work done in the position they hired you 
for.  I don't find this inspiring, as I want to be an IA, NOT a technical 
writer.

I am applying for Web Producer positions hoping that this may be another 
avenue into working as an IA in the futue.

Does anyone in the NYC area know the company, 141xm?  They are advertising a 
mid-level IA position opening for which I plan to apply.

Thanks for reading my vent.  Sometimes it's helpful to write out my 
frustrations to get refocused on the goal.

Kathleen
www.TuckerTalent.com