I like to keep my professional and blogging life separate, but I’m in a bit of a pickle. I don’t want to go into the details, but let’s just say I had personal reasons for moving to Boise immediately (other than that SarahK and I really wanted to live here) and am quite happy to be here. The problem is I have been unable to get employment yet. That combined with still having a house to sell in Florida is becoming a bit of a problem (and the water heater recently exploded there… but let’s not even go into that). Though I’ve gotten a few interviews and thought I did quite well, I think my problem has been I’m a bit too specialized (if someone had a job for implementing a cryptographic algorithm on an FPGA, I would so get that). Still, I have a degree from an actual accredited college (Carnegie Mellon) and six years experience in digital design and programming so I think I should be able to find some sort of tech job here. I have a lot of knowledge of C and C++, and can easily pick up any other programming language (actually, I usually find I can debug without even knowing the language). Ideally, I’d like to get a full time job in Boise, but I’d be happy for about anything involving design/debug and money. Like, if you don’t know any jobs in Idaho but know how to make money programming from home, that would be helpful too. Or maybe even some help on how to get some certified skill in C# or whatever shiny new programming languages people like these days.
I know what you’re thinking: “Bah! Why should I care of your fate? How does it affect me?” Well, for one, if I end up homeless in a box, blogging will be light. Something to keep in mind if you enjoy IMAO. But, more importantly, if you help me get a job, you will win a free t-shirt. That’s right: Absolutely free. And it doesn’t even have to be an IMAO t-shirt. You can just find some t-shirt anywhere on the internet, send me the link, and say, “I got you a job. Get me this t-shirt.” Just don’t make it some weird hundred dollar custom t-shirt — let’s keep this in reason. And think of the stories you can tell. People will see you brand new t-shirt and ask, “Where did you get that?” To which you’ll answer, “From getting Frank J. a job.” To which they’ll exclaim, “The Frank J.?! Can I touch it?” And you can answer accordingly on how comfortable you are with being touched.
See, if you help Frank J., everyone wins.
So, anyone out there of any help? You know you want a t-shirt.
So our glorious leader needs a job??
I have an open position here in the People’s Democratic Republic of Hermany with in my team. I am looking for someone who knows scrpiting as well as installation packaging.
But I think Germany is bad for an Amrican conservative’s health. I am immune since I was born here.
Ialso know of a programmers/tester position in Tacoma WA.
I wish I could help more than a prayer.
Steffen
[Prayer is better than nothing. I definitely need it to be in Boise. SarahK has already gotten a job here, luckily. -Ed.]
Are you telling us that SarahK is too lazy to embezzle money so that you can stay home and blog?
[Far too lazy. And my blog readers won’t just give me money for no reason, so a job I must seek. -Ed.]
I know a guy who needs web programmers, database people, and probably lots of other computer-ey folks. And he doesn’t really care where you live.
[Hook me up! Remember my e-mail is on the sidebar. -Ed.]
“my blog readers won’t just give me money for no reason”
I don’t know about that…send me your mailing info. I hate PayPal.
I don’t know of any jobs in Idaho, but I did give this post 5 stars. Does this mean I get a free shirt?
[No. In fact, shirts now cost double for you. -Ed.]
I’m a programmer in boise. I have some contacts, and I know a IT headhunter here also if you don’t mind contract work.
Grab my email address and drop me a line.
HP does a lot of work on their LaserJet printers at their Boise campus, but you probably already thought of that…
[Applying for them on their online site is like sending my resume down the memory hole. -Ed.]
If larger sizes than small come back for the Kill Protect and Punch Fred shirts, I am in.
My younger brother makes $14.15 an hour in the Deli at Wal Mart.
Get out there an be somebody!
[Always an option, but I want to see if I can first get a job that uses the degree I’m still paying for. -Ed.]
I hear McDonalds is hiring. From what I’ve seen, you’d think it takes something along the lines of a PhD in computers or astrophysics to operate the drive-through cash register. It’s amazing how confused you can make an 18 year old by giving him a five and a quarter.
Seriously though, good luck. That’s about all I can offer!
You can always go to work for Harvey.
I’d like to help, but I’m in Dearbornistan, and fearless leader Granmole would not approve of your ungood unthink.
#7 The reason that it’s immpossible to get HP to call you back for their printer testing division is they partialy contract that out to another firm. the rest is private contractors. (From what I understand. I use to bowl with them on the other firms league.)
Check out the local government sites. And if they don’t have any geek work, you could be a cop or a social worker. If you get to be a cop, they GIVE you ammo. Then you could send some to us, your loyal readers.
As to living in a box, you can still blog from the free computers in the library.
Now how bout them shirts. Oh, and 10% of your 1st year earnings.
ceweekly.com
I’ll paypal you $5.
I tried to click on that ad you have on the site (no, not that one, the other one) so that Google would give you some money but the browser didn’t do anything. Perhaps your Programming Kung Fu is weak.
I wish I could help. I used to do desktop and network support, but it was too scary and dangerous, so I enlisted in the National Guard. Except for a single month doing contract work, I’ve been in uniform full time since January of 2004. I wouldn’t even know where to start looking for civilian work now…
Sig
I don’t know your field, but as someone who’s looked over the resumes, trying to figure out who to hire, I’ll mention this, FWIW. You’ve probably already thought of it already, however.
And that is, if you have time to spare (ha ha, I know, but seriously) you might keep your hand in doing some open-source programming, e.g. with mozilla or something on SourceForge. You might meet someone useful, and if you make a serious contribution it’s something you can mention.
Further, it cuts down on the gap in time between employment that you might need to explain, and it gives the impression that you’re in this profession at least partly for love, not just the dough. It’s not that employers give a damn about your motivation per se, but they do know that what people do for love they tend to do to perfection, not just to some minimal level sufficient to avoid being canned. That’s very valuable to an employer.
[Thanks. That’s good advice. -Ed.]
No help but lots of sympathy about the house issue. After having to leave Montana (sniff!) for greener pastures , I know what a drain it is having an unsold property hanging around your neck like a dang albatross. Stupid rotten real estate market.
We have tons of family in Boise, including one that works at Micron. He’s an interesting conservative guy who flies his own radio controlled jets south of Boise at speeds that may or may not exceed legal requirements.
We will forward it on to them.
Come on Frank…this is so easy after seeing you in that swimsuit: male prostitute for other computer nerds! It keeps your hours light and your pay reasonable based on your “skill-set”. And don’t listen to Neocon Cowgirl (my wife), paying for two mortgages is fun and builds character.
Is sarahk making fun of me? I was going to spring for at least a ten-spot, sheesh.
Any contract/consulting opportunities? Are you OK with some travel? I’ve got a guy who may need some assistance, I’ll be back with you if it works out…
Serious suggestion:
Do some some research on “Behavioral Interviewing.” It’s a question technique buzzword used by Human Resource types. If you aren’t prepared to answer the way they want, the interview stumbles and you won’t get past the HR department to the hiring manager.
Best of Luck!
Wow! A fellow Tartan! Unfortunately, I don’t know of any jobs here or in Boise.
I hope someone comes along that the Kill,Protect,Punch can be used for.
Fred would be nice, but Ed or even Tommy maybe… I don’t think they are related. Killing probably not for the latter two, Protecting probably, and punching definatly, but Ed had this thing for letting hippies have their fuel of choice, hemp like stuff.
I second what was written above about “behavioral interviewing.” Not that Frank fits this mold, but an observation … it’s saddening that kids today come out of top tier colleges paper in hand and 6 figures in the hole, but they have no idea how to interview for a job. They are then stumped at the first question asked of them by a 2.0 GPA Psych major. Speaking as a hiring manager in a finance field, colleges really need to do a better job at preparing students for the process of actually obtaining employment once they’ve graduated.
That said, doesn’t Carnegie Mellon have some career resource center or an alumni network you can hit up? I’d imagine the alumni network for that school is strong, and a little alumni nepotism never hurts.
IBM has a Boise office, and the following link shows IT jobs with the location listed as “flexible” that means you could potentially work them from there, or from a home office.
link
Hey Frank J., I emailed a friend of mine in your area, and this was his reply. I hope it helps.
The IT/programming situation in Boise is a difficult business because Micron and HP keep laying people off, which means there are too many qualified people available to work these jobs. To make things worse you have all these Californicators, who after ruining their own state by electing liberals, are deserting their state like rats from a sinking ship and they apply for any tech job in Boise. Getting a good tech/programming job is a waiting game. You just have to keep applying until you finally win.
However, until you get that dream job you still have to make a living. If I were new to Boise and needed an IT job I would apply to Volt and ManPower. They supply contract workers for HP, Micron and EDS. I would aim at getting a job at EDS or HP through these temp agencies. EDS supplies tech support to the Navy so the people who call in are courteous and respectfull. Once at EDS for 4 months you will be switched over to be an EDS employee. The pay is higher than average and the benefits are great. Otherwise he should apply for jobs via thoses agencies at HP or Micron. At HP you can get yourself known and keep an eye out for any HP jobs that open up. This gives a person an inside track. This approach will pay the bills until he finds the optimal job he wants.
For freelance work from home type stuff you might want to check out guru.com
#30 mentioned Volt. For some reason MS didn’t really seem impressed by my degree in CS or my past experience and my resume went down the memory hole every time I applied for full-time work. So I worked for Volt for two years at Microsoft as a contractor. Now suddenly MS is emailing me for different positions frequently. I’m interviewing there next week for a full-time SDET position. If that one doesn’t work out I’ve got more lined up. For what it’s worth, employment through Volt has been good for me.
I found the tech market in Boise to be extremely soft, that’s one of the primary reasons I left in 2002 (although I’m a software guy). Have you checked out Cypress Semiconductor in Meridian or ECCO in Boise? Good friend of mine has very similar expertise as you and was able to find good work at both. He doesn’t live in the area any longer, but he may still be connected at one or both of those companies. E-mail me and I’ll send you his contact info and a sample CV so you know what kind of work those companies do.
http://www.indeed.com
search for any term and a location.
Dave
Why don’t you be a man and join the world’s finest Navy?
What are your thoughts on Clients 1 through 8? Get yourself a MySpace page and you’ll have yourself a lucrative business with them.
I got a line on a graphic design job here in our glorious police state of New York, and working for SUNY, no less.
‘course, it’s way out here in BFE, but, hey, a gig’s a gig.
Just a thought, as an American expat that works over seas; you ever thought about trying out the international sector until something hits in Idaho? I’ve been doing QA internationally for 6+ years, and the money is fantastic. Try CACI or Dyncorp; they are always looking. Also might want to try militaryhire.com for some leads (you don’t have to be prior service to use the site). If you are interested hit me up @ my addy.
Have you tried Monster.com or that one ladders site for 100K plus professionals, that they advertise on TV?
Just wondering…
Pat in Mi.
Just emailed you–plus I’m in Boise, too. Not Germany. That’s already a bonus!
Have you tried getting a job with the Idaho state government? (I don’t mean getting them to help you find a job, I mean working for them.)