I started sending resumes out the day after I was let go, on April 25th. I was at Intel for 18 years with 25 years in software. I'm finding that software jobs available are more than any other job, but I have not received a single call for interview. How are things going with your job search?
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On the contrary, I have not sent out any resumes yet, I am not even updating my resume. I am just not interested in doing a 9-5 job or being an engineer anymore, soon or later I will get myself into the same situation again, until it is too late. I love engineering but unfortunately Intel ruins it. 15 years at the hell hole, that probably ended my engineering career that I love it so much. Currently, I work for myself (and investigate several business ideas), I barely make enough money to pay bills and to buy food for my family. But somehow, I feel so happy and free. I have no stress and full of ideas everyday. Maybe I should thank Intel for it.
Yes I did...and just in time to take erp
This is OP. Thanks for all the great posts. I am in AZ and only looking for jobs here because of personal situation. Most my background has been in embedded systems, but have worked at all levels of software stack from BIOS, drivers, to applications. Most job openings require Java, C#, .Net, mobile dev, etc., which I do not have any experience in, but at the same time I see many senior level software positions that require 15+ years of all levels of software dev life cycle/project management/leading which I have done all. I understand my Intel salary could scare some employers away, but no job I have applied for has asked for salary information.
I don't think whatever we do at Intel matters as much. Many companies would ask details on what you have done based on what you have on your resume, but will go back and ask the basics: data structures, algorithms, bit manipulations, etc. It helps to brush up on these particularly if you haven't touched these in a while.
OP hasn't answered the question on what his current software skillset is.
If he spent most of his time writing QA automation test software, it's hardly going to be a good fit, for example, "Android or iOS IOT end user application". Nor will it be a good fit for "linux device driver for IOT device"...Nor would it necessarily be a good fit for "large scale video streaming encoder in cloud environment", nor "peer to peer chat applications"...
I am on L1 visa and can't even compete for the new job in USA. I am trying to find a job in my home country which is a bit difficult being here. I am talking to my friends in India, so far just had one telephonic interview and nothing much after that. God help us all.
As another said work with LHH coach, they have good input on resume, and how to position you even if you are older
I have had a lot of experience, but in every interview had an early and open discussion about why I was let go, why I was at Intel 20+ years, I easily turned the negative into a positive.
The salary versus experience versus job will be whole separate thing. Sometime senior positions are rare but entry dime a dozen, so patience or willingness to adapt for many will be key.
But don't let the threat of experience be a deter you. It is Intel that was stupid to let experienced and successfully talent go for RCG who don't know $hit, LOL
OP, for those experienced like yourself having trouble finding a job, one option is to consider jobs in the education field. They may not pay as well, but have other benefits.
I am sorry for the age discrimination that is unfortunately taking its toll 😐. I was at Google campus the other day for interview. I was shocked as i felt it was like a university garden full of youngsters.
To those saying 18 years at Intel doesn't matter...
This guy has decades of software experience, yet no nothing kids graduating from 3 week coding boot camps are getting hired and this guy has zero calls.
Wake up to the real world.
Good luck. Cheaper H1B more current and rich skillset. Try Walmart loser
Make sure to enroll in the LHH services to sharper your resume and interviewing skills.
The market in Portland is going to be brutal, given the glut of Intel people dropped into the market.
Keep your head up and get out and network.
I disagree. No one gives a F***K how long you have been at Intel. Hiring managers only care if you can do the job and accept the compensation offer. Do not listen to negative voices.
The bigger question is what kind of software have you've done. It's different doing software for test or tools versus end user applications or embedded. And hiw current are you with the latest software technologies? Being at 18years at Intel isn't aproblrm if you are current with your skills. and if you a, sometimes in order to get back to being current, you need to relocate.
Personally , if relocation is the only thing preventing you from working, I wouldn't shut that idea out, especially of your skills are a little outdated. You either can manage without working (retiring) or you haven't starved enough yet and are not desperate enough yet. If I was unemployed I'd at least consider relocating because there's no point in throwing away possible good opportunities unless you just don't care.
I got a few emails and calls, but those were mostly from the bay area and I didn't want to relocate. At this point though, seems it doesn't matter. I'd try creating profiles on linkedin, dice etc. Dice is a good source for a lot of contract type work.
Could be your salary history is scaring them away? It may be way higher than what they think they can compete with. Have you thought about trying a contracting firm? Maybe you can get a contract for hire deal.
@OP: Where are you located? If you are in AZ or OR it might take longer to find a good fit.
I have sent many resumes and received many responses. I have had several first interviews, some with success to a second others to realize it was not a good fit. I have had two on site panel interviews and have another scheduled next week. I have a solid chance of an offer from a couple positions. I am told that unemployment in the IT field is 2%. I have also been told that the 18 years of my employment at Intel shows loyalty. My resume also shows many high-end tech projects through my career. Thanks Intel. There is hope after Intel. Keep your head up.
I agree with the last reply totally! For OP, don't be bothered by the nonsense of long time intel employee! Intel could not earmark an employee as long as you refuse to!
I agree with -qwx. Keep your head up and keep sending resume. You will get one soon. Have you sharpend your resume with the help from consultant? Try it, it helps. It takes months to get one that you really like to work. Wish you best of luck. I m also in the line waiting for good news, never give up.
It's going to take a few months. Use the services offered by Intel to sharpen your resume and interview skills, and the use of social media to market yourself. You have transferrable skills and it just takes keeping your head up with confidence -- there will be thousands more from Intel looking for jobs in the coming years and you're much better off now being ahead of the curve. Also, did you apply for unemployment? Relax, and know there's so much better out there for you. And may God continue to bless us both. I am confident we'll look back on this and be so thankful for the change...like so many others I've seen who've posted how great life is outside of Intel! :D
Yes, software skills are highly marketable and easy to land on new job. But I believe with your 18yrs of experience at Intel there will be very very few companies who would be interested in your resume. They can simply hire grads or ppl with few years of experience.
Being at Intel for 18 years is a major red flag for employers. Agree with -fng
Loads of resumes sent. One headhunter phone call/assessment but nothing heard back from the end employer. One offer from another but would require immediate relocation. One interview scheduled in two weeks for a .gov entity.
They are out there, just hard to hook them.
After so many years spent at Intel you are less likely to get any interviews or job. Simply because, Intel does not match industry high standards and all Intel employees are known for is being inefficient with late deliverables, playing politics and being word/powerpoint warriors. Even ex-Intel out there in companies are less likely to hire you.