Can't seem to seal the deal on system admin jobs..

jahaziel

Hey Techexams,
I got a small dilemma. I seem to get some phone calls for a system administrator job but when it comes to interview and they ask about my current job they seem to get turned off.. Basically, in my current job I'm more of a desktop support tech. I do maybe 10% server stuff. I have done upgrades from server 2008 to 2012 R2, migrated WSUS, designed and implemented Hyper-V Failover Cluster, deployed gpo for my printers, and some other small server tasks.

I do have a CCNA, BCNE, and only one test off both MCSA for Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1.

I feel like I have to lie about my day to day tasks to score a job. I do have a lab environment at home which they all say is great but nothing seems to lead me to getting the job. What should I do?

I'm currently designing a visio diagram of my lab setup at home to try and impress more in the interviews.

Thanks.

NetworkingStudent

Have you applied for junior admin jobs?
I have seen those jobs and they seem like half a step towards a full admin job.

jahaziel

I have a chance at one currently. They told me, they need to get more information from the client because the client seems to be changing their mind on the position.

So to answer your question, yes I have. Unfortunately, I don't see many in my area.

nster

Perhaps this is a marketability thing. Focus on what you DO know, emphasize the server experience at your job a little more, emphasize your skills related to that.

Getting an MCSA Server 2012 R2 may help quite a bit as well

jvrlopez

Don't be tempted to lie! It will come out eventually at the worst time.

binarysoul

I know where you're coming from. Sadly, more and more managers look for specific experience and they think because of cost, they can't afford for people to 'learn on the job'. I think good old days of employers hiring letting you learn some skills on the job are numbered! Good luck, it's a market thing!

Nemowolf

Instead of lying, try emphasizing the server side of your day and down play the support role? This may give them the illusion of a more admin like role despite the title.

ChooseLife

jahaziel wrote: »

I have done upgrades from server 2008 to 2012 R2, migrated WSUS, designed and implemented Hyper-V Failover Cluster, deployed gpo for my printers, and some other small server tasks.

Have you done all of these at your company (as opposed to the home lab)? If so, that should be quite sufficient to get your foot in the door for a junior sysadmin position.

Like other said, emphasize that part of your experience.

RHDS2K

I actually disagree with people saying not to lie... Well i kind of disagree.. I say EXAGGERATE your day. Make your role sound like more of an admin role as opposed to a support role. I'm not saying lie and say you've done tasks that you havent, but definitely market yourself to be more of a server side specialist. That is exactly what I did when i got my role as a Junior Systems Administrator. Have a "Key Results" section on your resume and list all of the major server projects you have worked on like you listed on this thread. When you have your phone interview/ in person interview, concentrate on those tasks. Everybody needs to move from tech support to systems admin at some point, so a normal company should understand that if your title is Support tech/ help desk, you're obviously going to be doing regular support work as well... It's all about how you market yourself.

anhtran35

Emphasize this: "Basically, in my current job I'm more of a desktop support tech. I do maybe 10% server stuff. I have done upgrades from server 2008 to 2012 R2, migrated WSUS, designed and implemented Hyper-V Failover Cluster, deployed gpo for my printers, and some other small server tasks." These are all SAs duties.

jahaziel

Thanks for the advice guys. I know not to lie. I was just saying that sometimes it feels like it. I will keep looking for jobs and keep studying till I land one though.

I'm just losing a bit of hope.

JoJoCal19

Definitely don't lie (make up things you've done), but definitely emphasize the server experience of your job and as others have said, de-emphasize the desktop aspect/duties. Also another thing that may help is if you've done certain tasks in your home lab, and you are well versed in them, list them on your resume under skills. Then and only then if an interviewer asks if you've specifically done those items in a work environment you can let them know they were done in a lab environment. The key is going to be selling yourself that you ARE capable of doing the job functions in a work environment.

networker050184

If you are getting someone on the phone to speak with you you have already won half the battle. Sometimes just getting a few minutes to sell yourself is the hardest part. Now you need to learn to sell yourself. Don't let them get off the phone without wanting to bring you in. Don't lie, but a good salesman knows how to put things to make them sound enticing to the customer.

jahaziel

That is completely true but what if they ask me what is my daily tasks.. Its not server administration so I would be lying if I say something else.

networker050184

Don't say server admin, don't say help desk, don't give percentages. Tell them your duties while emphasizing the important stuff. Highlight any projects you've worked on that side etc. Most importantly show passion and the want to do more. Put the jahaziel sales pitch on.

RHDS2K

jahaziel wrote: »

That is completely true but what if they ask me what is my daily tasks.. Its not server administration so I would be lying if I say something else.

I'd say "my typical day is handling all of our helpdesk tickets that may come in, But on a regular basis i am performing server maintenance, designing infrastructure upgrades, implementing new servers and new solutions. I have improved policies and procedures while maximizing ROI with our equipment.. yatta yatta".. Once again, it's how you sell it. Like someone else said, emphasize the server work and de-emphasize the helpdesk work. Sure, you will need to mention it. I'm a jr admin and even at sys admin interviews i explained i handle all tickets that come in for the company on top of my admin duties. But i didn't stick to that topic (unless they asked more about it) and i quickly moved onto different scenarios i have faced on the admin side of work.

yeah yeah

You're too honest for your own good. Learn to stretch.

jahaziel

Thanks guys. This honestly helps a ton. I guess I have been short selling myself. I will try to put all your advice in practice for my next job interview. Hopefully it be soon. I'm losing my mind in my current job.. I can't take other broken mice...

dannyky

Man, I am horrible at this. My parents told me to lie when I was younger. They said everyone does it, lol.