Systems Administrator job search question

debian0001

Senior member
Jun 8, 2012
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I'm currently employed but looking for a new job. I've started my search but I'm getting pretty impatient... From the time you submit an application, how often did you get a response? What was the length of time between applying and getting a call? I have Exchange 2010, AD, PowerShell (AD, Exchange, PowerCLI), VMware and backups experience.
 

RelaxTheMind

Platinum Member
Oct 15, 2002
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depending on where you applied, they arent high turnover like lower rung IT positions. even if they have a listing its usually just to fudge human resource numbers. id say 2 weeks to a year. gives them time to fork through internal applications and do minor research on hopefuls.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
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www.anyf.ca
Really depends on the company. Typically this is a job that goes internally within the company before it goes externally. It only goes externally if they can't find anyone qualified internally. At least, that is how my company works, but I'd imagine lot of companies do this too as it kind of makes sense, you want to give existing employees a chance to move up, and since you already know them you can get a better idea if they're going to be competent.

That said it happens often enough that it goes external so if you find one by all means apply and you may get lucky.

Failing that, best bet is try to get in at helpdesk and move up from there. It's fairly easy to get hired off the street for that job especially if you have a half decent resume and attitude.
 

debian0001

Senior member
Jun 8, 2012
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Thanks guys. I don't think it'd be a good career move to go from Sys Admin to Help Desk. That's a big paycheck cut and downgrade. I'd rather stay at my current job then.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,592
13,806
126
www.anyf.ca
Oh you're already sysadmin? Then yeah don't move down to help desk unless you need to switch companies because it's a sinking ship or something.
 
Feb 25, 2011
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Do you have a contact within the company? Because somebody who does probably already has the job.
 

MrCassdin

Senior member
Aug 7, 2014
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Some companies are fast, others move so slow you wonder how they are still in business. I've been in IT since 1996. I've gone from being hired on the spot as an admin (called for an interview, hired over the phone, faxed offer letter, signed it, faxed back and was in the office working 2 hours later) to waiting 90 days for a hiring process to be complete with so many hoops and hurdles it almost didn't seem worth it.

As has been said, it largely depends on the company.