What now?

[SPetty1979]

Evening,

Looking for a few useful pointers out there. I just recently picked up my A+ cert, and I am looking to wedge my way into the IT field somehow. I've always had the experience with the systems (building, troubleshooting, hardware, software, networking), but have not to this point tried to pursue anything in the field.

Beyond IT I have many management, customer service skills on my resume, coupled with the fact that i've been "the computer guy" at a couple of the jobs I've had, along with my self experience.

When trying to get in, for a helpdesk position or something along those lines (troubleshooting of somekind), what exactly are the employers trying to look for in entry level positions such as these.

I appreciate any input from those who do it and hire people like me. My next step will be to hit the Net+ cert, as I am pretty comfortable already with that skillset as well.

Thanks!
Shawn

 

[schase]

I would recommend Net+ for sure.

Are there any local hosting providers or ISP's that may be looking for help in your area? Or perhaps a small company with small network that you can really roll up your sleeves and dig in.

I like Glister recommend getting as far away from help desk as you can. But it may be your best opportunity to gain the experience to fortify your certs, enabling you to move away from Help Desk.

For requirements Hard to say, some ISP's want you to be fluent in English as a requirement. All some of them want is for you to go through flip charts, and pass the call up the chain when your flip chart doesn't resolve the problem.

If it were me, I'd scrounge for a small company to get my hands dirty.

"Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?"

Stuart
A+, Net+, Security+

 

[SPetty1979]

The only "working" experience I have with networking is that I was the guy to upgrade and maintain our old systems to a WIN2000 Server and Workstation environment. Even though my actual position and title were much different.

I also have non-work related experience setting up an entire small office with WIN2000 server and XP workstations for a local association.

The part I'm finding difficult is relaying this kind of information onto a resume to even get an opportunity to show my skills. Any good suggestions on how to do so?

Just need to find a way to get a foot in that darn door.

 

[schase]

best bet, get the certs, and while your doing that try to get hired doing that same thing. Support for a small company (say under 50 workstations). Company like that may want the A+, Net+ to begin with, but it doesn't hurt to look around. The company I work for, we started at 9 station peer-to-peer environment. My job was really selling, taking care of the internet department, websites, etc. But we quickly found it would be better to have our own server running our own websites. 3 years later we're at about 42 stations.

You can always put the upgrading and maintain work on the forefront of your resume. Placing more emphasis on that than other non-tech responsibilities.

"Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?"

Stuart
A+, Net+, Security+