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First time back in the job seeker seat after 24 years in the IT industry, and wow — it’s definitely a different game now. What’s changed?

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First time back in the job seeker seat after 24 years in the IT industry, and wow — it’s definitely a different game now. What’s changed?

Beyond all the new job search engines and ATS systems, over the past 5 months I’ve felt like I’d have a better shot knocking on Heaven’s door than trying to get past the automated gates of online applications! Out of the 135 roles I’ve applied for so far, the only ones that actually led to interviews were because of referrals — so yes, that old saying “it pays to know someone inside” definitely still holds true. Looking back, I wish I’d spent more time building connections and networking instead of just burying my head in work 11–12 hours a day.

One thing I’ve also noticed: in all the interviews I’ve had recently, the hiring managers and teams I’ve met with have been of Indian descent. This isn’t a judgment or complaint — just an honest observation. It’s made me curious about how the IT landscape has evolved and diversified over the years.

For those of you working in or hiring for IT roles: have you noticed shifts or trends in the industry demographics? I’d love to hear your perspectives.

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  1. Anonymous

    Previous IT recruiter, be sure to connect with a staffing firm in your area that has a high focus on IT placements. Indian-based firms are common but I’ve worked with several who were a firm that went through me to the client only for hard to fill purple squirrel jobs. Look at Modis, Teksystems and Robert Half to start. Go to Glassdoor and look up reviews for each. Then connect with a recruiter to help you get through faster.

  2. Maureen Corbett

    Sounds like you need to get on site job - that is where most technical folks can excel who can work to facilitate resolutions with issues in the business.

  3. Anonymous

    Indians have slowly taken over many corporations during the past 20 years, and filled their HR and managerial positions so they can continue to hire their friends / family, while getting rid of most senior coders. This is how it works in India as well. Nepotism is everything

  4. Dr. Patty Gross

    I ran into the same problem when my company laid me off from IT in 2003. Then, the market was focusing on specialists, and I was more of a generalist. I had a non-compete agreement with a software company, with 22 years of experience, where the only place I could earn the kind of money I had been making was with another software company, so I had to pivot. I'm not sure what industry you were working in, but if you were client-facing, perhaps there is a former client or even a former coworker you could reach out to. Start looking some up on LinkedIn and connect. You could be surprised at how willing and helpful people who have been in your shoes can be.

    As far as IT demographics, I've been out of the business now for over 20 years, so I can't speak to that.

  5. Anonymous

    My spouse is having this same experience, and yes, it seems that most of the hiring managers are Indian.

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