Finding your first job in SAP can be quite difficult because there is so much competition out there that you really have to put in the work to make sure that you stand out from the crowd.
I received an email the other day from somebody looking to get their first job as an ABAP developer. They seemed quite frustrated because they have been searching for a job in this field for a couple of years without much success. Here’s my reply…
.... On the job front, I fully understand how difficult it can be to break into an ABAP role as there are many people looking to do the same making competition quite fierce.
One thing I see over and over again with job applicants is that their resume's are boring boring boring. Your resume has to stand out. This is your sales letter and should make sure that the people reading it see your key strengths and that you will be able to fill their needs.
You have banking experience and you have development experience. Play on these strengths.
When looking for ABAP roles, search out roles that are banking related because having industry knowledge is a massive benefit for employers. Quite often new opportunities do not get advertised. Companies get referrals from existing employees and managers look to their own business network. This means it is really important to make connections. Social media is becoming more important than ever. People are connecting on sites like LinkedIn and discussing new opportunities and I would advise everyone should get involved in the conversation.
But you can't just join the sites and make friend requests. You have to give! You have to give something useful to your contacts so that they appreciate your views and get to know what you are about. How do you do this? You can start by joining in group discussions. Start a blog and write about work related subjects you are knowledgeable on. Help out in forums by answering questions. If you have a different viewpoint on a subject, put it across.
Making connections is very important.
There is lots more that can be done but giving yourself a head start with a good resume and online social profile is good start. Do you know that nearly everyone I speak with regarding new projects have already searched for my profile on LinkedIn? I do the same with them too.
Have you been looking for your start in SAP? Are you struggling to find that first fresher job? Have you finally made the big leap and got your first job? Write a comment below and let's see if we can share our knowledge to help each other out.
I was in a similar position last year. It seemed like the job would never come but it did in the end and not through normal recruitment channels. I new a colleague from the scn forums that I had helped out. We kept in touch through LinkedIn and when he had a PI job available he let me know and the rest is history.
Social connections work!
as usual one more inspiring writing pete thumbs up!!! recently i’ve joined as SAP BW/BI consultant in one of world reputed MNC(this is my 1st job) but as you said things are very hard it’s really quite difficult to get job in the current job market we need to we need to over come so many hurdles but we should not lose our enthusiasm towards the technology we have chosen all we need to update your skills in that matter your champ started career as ABAP consultant and now BW what next!!!!
Mr. Peter, I thank you for this piece. It is the plain truth. And that is why I am making efforts to join such professional groups. I have just finished designing my website. I have not yet hosted. I quoted my training skills in ABAP develpment and Information Security (which is the core of my Masters degree). I have learnt a big lesson from this article. Pat and Harish are people today. Mine will surely come. Thank you.
Excellent Maurice!!