Need Advice.

I recently acquired my Masters in Information Systems. I also have Comptia's security +. I am having trouble getting interviews due to having no experience. What are some ways I can sharpen my skills or some certifications that will make me "job ready"?

I was suggested Sans courses but the M.S took all my funds.

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Comments

daviddws

First off congrats on getting the Masters. You can have your life back now

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I personally would not pursue any certs at the moment and concentrate on the job search. In my case I had finished my MBA in 2011, and after extensive searching for an executive position, I ended up taking a job working in IT for a military base. I was then able to leverage the tuition reimbursement plan and aquire all of my current certifications. Three years later I am hoping to jump into a better IT position or possible management. It will take time but you will get there.

iBrokeIT

What types of positions are you applying for? What does your resume look like?

DonDeal

I was in a similar boat but I was able to eloquently state my self-employment experience on a resume. My interview to app ratio is quite low but I'm still getting plenty of interviews (I'm in the final stage for some positions and waiting on offers for others). You're going to need a well crafted resume. Include a "Related Courses" section on the resume to highlight the graduate level courses that you have taken. Create a cover letter that you can easily edit to tailor it to any job that requires one.

You should be targeting "new graduate" or "college recruit" positions which are entry level. Search Google for ("information systems" "entry level") and limit the results to the past 30 days. Do the same on Indeed, Linkedin, and Twitter Search.

Figure out all the job titles that are related to your degree and search all the above sources that I mentioned for ("INSERT JOB TITLE" "entry level"). Also, look out for positions that will substitute experience for education for entry level roles.

You have to be willing to relocate to gain experience or it will take you forever to find the ideal position due to your lack of experience.

Once you start getting callbacks and interviews, study the job description and the organization, know your stuff, and wait for the job offers.:)