Where to go 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

 

[aquias]

This will differ from each person.

Personally, for an entry level position like the Helpdesk. I look at a person's experience, but I mainly look at their personality.

I look for drive, fit, and customer service skills at this level. A bit more on what I mean...

Drive - Helpdesk is an entry spot. I want someone that doesn't want to sit on the desk for the next ten years. I'm looking for people who want to (and can) grow.

Fit - How well will you fit with the existing team.

Customer Service speaks for itself.

Now, having experience DOES help and you'll need to sell that to your employer. But, my opinion at least, an entry position is more about who you are, rather than what you know.

 

[SPetty1979]

I do have some experience, and it's what I would think would be pretty good experience to get me in the door at an entry level helpdesk or net administrator type position, however my job titles have never revolved around computers. Is there a good way to demonstrate this on a resume to give myself a good chance at getting an interview?

Here is what put in response in another post:

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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.

 

[blutekhnd]

Your situation is almost identical to what mine was. I had plenty of restaurant management experience and retail experience, but no real computer experience besides the little I did at my other jobs. I was the guy who fixed everything on site. If I couldn't, then they called the repair man. I also had an A+. I'm not going to lie to you. I sent a lot of resumes without getting a sniff of an interview. I think you should mention your computer experience in your coverletter if it wasn't part of your job responsibilities.

I got hired on the only interview I received. I got the interview by knowing someone in the company already, and since it was an entry level position, they were more interested in how I would fit in and how well I could learn than they were on what my current skill level was.