Networking Job Hunt - please guide me, Jedi Masters

chronos42

Alright. After many months of hard work, I finally secured my CCNA earlier this month, so now it is my determined time to put it to good use and look for a new job. I'm going to bullet-point my situation, for ease of reading:

Current situation:

• Have been working internal desktop support for two years
• Bachelors degree in business, minor in information systems
• Have acquired A+ and CCNA over the past year
• Current job has zero opportunities for upward advancement, pay is okay but low

Desires:

• Find a job in the networking field to build experience
• Hopefully work for a company where I can move up
• Make at least 10k more

Recent experience:

• Have applied for 25+ jobs in Atlanta area over two weeks, with titles such as Network Specialist, Network Engineer, NOC Technician I/II, NOC Engineer I/II, NOC Support Analyst
• Some I think I'm well qualified for, some slightly, and some are definitely a stretch
• Have received two responses, both "no"; otherwise, silence

I am planning to tell my manager about my hunt, but he has been out of the country this week, and was busy preparing for his trip for the preceding week, so I decided to wait til he gets back. I assume he will take it okay; hopefully then, I'll be able to start selecting "Yes, you may contact my current employer", in addition to using him and my other supervisor as references.

Also, I've created a cover letter to use for most of my applications. Yes, I know I should make one special for each app, but that's way, way too much work when you're sending them out left and right.

So, all that laid out, the crux of my inquiry is this:

• As a noob to networking with only a CCNA and a tiny bit of networking experience in my current job, and I searching for the correct kinds of positions?
• Has the fact that I've been keeping current employer contact as a "no" to date been hurting me?
• Are there any fundamental issues with my resume or cover letter that I should be aware of (attaching both)?

Cover Letter redacted.doc - Cover Letter

Resume redacted.doc - Resume

Any help or advice you guys could give would be most appreciated. Cheers.

ccnpninja

Don't give up. Do your homework and don't stop searching for a better opportunity. The wind goes against us soimetimes.

beads

Don't discount support desk work as well. Why? Because nothing makes one more employable than someone who is poachable but under-worked in their present position. It just makes you more desirable to employers as everyone likes to feel as though they "stole" you from somewhere else.

You could also do some volunteer work for a reference or two. Nothing huge. A network upgrade here or a monthly patch there combined with a kind word may help in a fairly tight work environment like Atlanta.

Last but not least look outside of your minor market for opportunities. Other cities are experiencing hiring gaps and shortages. Occasionally with relocation but that's been a rarity of late.

- b/eads

chronos42

Wise thoughts, I appreciate it. I don't know how "minor" Atlanta is, but relocation is possibly an option.

Are you meaning support work like what I'm doing now? I'm not sure how I feel about a purely lateral move...

boostlag90

Something I learned in my job hunt is to tailor your resume to the job your applying for.

LeBroke

I'd probably remove "Provided Tier 1 support" from your resume. It really stands out and makes you seem less capable than you really are - many places tier 1 is literally "log the issue and pass it on to someone". I'd remove that part entirely.

E Double U

LeBroke wrote: »

I'd probably remove "Provided Tier 1" from your resume.

I agree!

chronos42

LeBroke wrote: »

I'd probably remove "Provided Tier 1 support" from your resume. It really stands out and makes you seem less capable than you really are - many places tier 1 is literally "log the issue and pass it on to someone". I'd remove that part entirely.

Excellent point. I simply removed "Tier 1" from that sentence. Thanks!

chronos42

boostlag90 wrote: »

Something I learned in my job hunt is to tailor your resume to the job your applying for.

That's definitely something that I can do in the executive summary, even though it already describes looking for a "networking" job. I can probably be more specific. Thanks.

beads

chronos42 wrote: »

Wise thoughts, I appreciate it. I don't know how "minor" Atlanta is, but relocation is possibly an option.

Are you meaning support work like what I'm doing now? I'm not sure how I feel about a purely lateral move...

I consider Detroit to be a minor market these days. Atlanta is a nice place to visit and was stationed at Benning (Columbus) and up "North" at Campbell. All to familiar with the state. Green peanuts and all.

Yeah the minor was a bit of a crack. Meant to change that to small.

-b/eads

beads

chronos42 wrote: »

Wise thoughts, I appreciate it. I don't know how "minor" Atlanta is, but relocation is possibly an option.

Are you meaning support work like what I'm doing now? I'm not sure how I feel about a purely lateral move...

That potential lateral move may be worth while if you could start to expand your profile to more networking tasks as well. Setting up a print queue or unboxing a rack's worth of equipment. Anything to add to the resume is what I am getting at. Work it into your next gig even if its a minor role. Do well and "make" people depend on you as the go to resource. Ever see an administrator with too much time on his/her hands? Doesn't happen or they don't look very hard for other things to do.

Versatility wins the IT war in this case. And yes, its often been difficult to get a start in IT - just like this.

-b/eads

LeBroke

Now that I've actually had more than 30 seconds to look at your resume, I'd suggest a few of the following things:

Get rid of all the jobs before your intern jobs. They aren't directly relevant to IT, and you're no longer looking for an entry-level helpdesk role. Customer service is largely irrelevant, and you come off as more "customer service/admin working stereotypically female jobs" than you do "I'm a computer nerd." Customer service is great, and shows employers you have people skills, but since you aren't having much luck with callbacks, it obviously isn't working, and that's because networking is an area where you're good to go if you have OK people skills, but you damn better have the required technical skills. You do very little customer service in a NOC beyond basic communication.

Add a "highlights" or something section, and tailor it to each job. Literally just a list of skills, such as (direct copy from mine):

Ø CentOS system administration, including Apache, DNS and DHCP server management
Ø Significant experience designing, configuring and managing OSI layer 2 networks via Cisco hardware
Ø Enterprise scale automated Linux OS PXE deployment via Cobbler
Ø Server/cloud virtualization via VMware ESXi/vSphere platform; working knowledge of Citrix Xenserver
Ø CCNA-level knowledge and experience in networking in a production data centre environment
Ø Bash scripting
Ø Assembly, troubleshooting, and repair of desktop PC and server hardware
Ø Network vulnerability scanning and penetration testing with Metasploit, Nessus and specialized tools via Backtrack and Kali Linux, high level of infosec knowledge

Is it overkill? Probably. But you can drag around and reorder bullet points so the most relevant ones are near the top.

Too much detail? Probably. But it also shows exactly what you can do instead of having to decipher it from your job history. Again, you can modify this at will in regards to the job. The job is more Cisco? Great, put down more Cisco/OSI stuff. The job is more Windows admin but they want someone who can do networking as well? Great, focus on your AD stuff.

Led, or even pushed through, a project? Great, make a projects section to show HR you can take initiative, work independently, or learn without someone holding your hand.

Can't say I'm philz1982 or IrisTheAngel, but I like to think I've at least got the job search part nailed down (even if I don't have anywhere near the tech skills/experience to match). Went through 2 rounds of job searching recently (first job I took was a cat in the sack), and I have something like a 60% callback rate.

Robertf969

Your cover letter almost feels like you are whining about the lack of opportunity with your current employer. Try something like "After careful consideration I have decided it is in my best interest to move on from "Blah Blah Blah".

Your resume bullets have about half an impact statement in each bullet, which is better than most resumes I read but try using the STAR method to show the impact that your accomplishments have on the organization.

A well written resume will get your more calls, the rest is up to you.

STAR method: https://warrington.ufl.edu/graduate/gbcs/docs/STARmethod.pdf

TheFORCE

Why do you feel it is necessary to tell your manager you are looking to leave? You should never mention that to your employer, not until you have secured another position.
What you can do is ask your manager about new responsibilities and new things to do. Let them know that you want to do more. Don't tell them you want to leave. That will give them a reason to look for someone else and then let you go.

Also, there is no reason to check "yes" you can contact my current employer. I have never checked yes and have had no issues getting calls, interviews or jobs. And truly I don't think anyone else checks yes either. Why would you want a new company to call the company you are still working for?

chronos42

beads wrote: »

That potential lateral move may be worth while if you could start to expand your profile to more networking tasks as well. Setting up a print queue or unboxing a rack's worth of equipment. Anything to add to the resume is what I am getting at. Work it into your next gig even if its a minor role. Do well and "make" people depend on you as the go to resource. Ever see an administrator with too much time on his/her hands? Doesn't happen or they don't look very hard for other things to do.

Versatility wins the IT war in this case. And yes, its often been difficult to get a start in IT - just like this.

-b/eads

Good thoughts, beads, that makes a lot of sense. I am definitely happy with moving to another entry-level support position if it involves more networking and working with networking equipment, since that's the experience I need to get to the nicer jobs that I eventually want.

Thanks for the help!

chronos42

LeBroke wrote: »

Now that I've actually had more than 30 seconds to look at your resume, I'd suggest a few of the following things:

Get rid of all the jobs before your intern jobs. They aren't directly relevant to IT, and you're no longer looking for an entry-level helpdesk role. Customer service is largely irrelevant, and you come off as more "customer service/admin working stereotypically female jobs" than you do "I'm a computer nerd." Customer service is great, and shows employers you have people skills, but since you aren't having much luck with callbacks, it obviously isn't working, and that's because networking is an area where you're good to go if you have OK people skills, but you damn better have the required technical skills. You do very little customer service in a NOC beyond basic communication.

Add a "highlights" or something section, and tailor it to each job. Literally just a list of skills, such as (direct copy from mine):

Ø CentOS system administration, including Apache, DNS and DHCP server management
Ø Significant experience designing, configuring and managing OSI layer 2 networks via Cisco hardware
Ø Enterprise scale automated Linux OS PXE deployment via Cobbler
Ø Server/cloud virtualization via VMware ESXi/vSphere platform; working knowledge of Citrix Xenserver
Ø CCNA-level knowledge and experience in networking in a production data centre environment
Ø Bash scripting
Ø Assembly, troubleshooting, and repair of desktop PC and server hardware
Ø Network vulnerability scanning and penetration testing with Metasploit, Nessus and specialized tools via Backtrack and Kali Linux, high level of infosec knowledge

Is it overkill? Probably. But you can drag around and reorder bullet points so the most relevant ones are near the top.

Too much detail? Probably. But it also shows exactly what you can do instead of having to decipher it from your job history. Again, you can modify this at will in regards to the job. The job is more Cisco? Great, put down more Cisco/OSI stuff. The job is more Windows admin but they want someone who can do networking as well? Great, focus on your AD stuff.

Led, or even pushed through, a project? Great, make a projects section to show HR you can take initiative, work independently, or learn without someone holding your hand.

Can't say I'm philz1982 or IrisTheAngel, but I like to think I've at least got the job search part nailed down (even if I don't have anywhere near the tech skills/experience to match). Went through 2 rounds of job searching recently (first job I took was a cat in the sack), and I have something like a 60% callback rate.

Solid advice. I'll start chipping away at the resume tonight. Cheers, my friend.

chronos42

Robertf969 wrote: »

Your cover letter almost feels like you are whining about the lack of opportunity with your current employer. Try something like "After careful consideration I have decided it is in my best interest to move on from "Blah Blah Blah".

Your resume bullets have about half an impact statement in each bullet, which is better than most resumes I read but try using the STAR method to show the impact that your accomplishments have on the organization.

A well written resume will get your more calls, the rest is up to you.

STAR method: https://warrington.ufl.edu/graduate/gbcs/docs/STARmethod.pdf

Interesting method, I'll see if I can draw my resume more in that direction. Thanks for the tip.

Also...yeah, I think you're right about the cover letter. I'll work on it. Cheers.

chronos42

TheFORCE wrote: »

Why do you feel it is necessary to tell your manager you are looking to leave? You should never mention that to your employer, not until you have secured another position.
What you can do is ask your manager about new responsibilities and new things to do. Let them know that you want to do more. Don't tell them you want to leave. That will give them a reason to look for someone else and then let you go.

Also, there is no reason to check "yes" you can contact my current employer. I have never checked yes and have had no issues getting calls, interviews or jobs. And truly I don't think anyone else checks yes either. Why would you want a new company to call the company you are still working for?

This is something that I've been going back and forth on, but here are my primary reasons:

- It makes it difficult for new employers to verify my skills (references, contacting current employer, etc.) if they are unable to talk to the employer for my first and only IT job to date.
- I was hoping that my manager would even consider writing a letter of recommendation for my application process.
- They've always been good to me, and while I can't know for sure, I believe they would take it well, and would appreciate the time given to hire someone new for my position (me suddenly leaving would put them in a tough spot, as I'm the resident expert on many systems and processes).

Thoughts on those points? Anyone? Am I crazy?

kurosaki00

I do think that's crazy. I'm kind of a newb-mid level (around 4 IT jobs?) and Ive never, ever had any issues with an employer when I tell them do not contact my current employer.
My ex-senior colleague became a good friend of mine and he has no issues with me providing his contact details if asked but the thing is, I'm never asked.

DO NOT tell your current employer you want to leave your job.

Are you getting calls? If not, the issue is the resume. I really like the format the mod ( networker050184) posted a while ago... Is more like position + paragraph describing duties over highlights and skills.
I wish I had a link @ hand for it... it's somewhere in the forums.

NetworkNewb

Yep, crazy As much as they maybe friends with you, their focus would be finding a replacement for you since they know you don't want to be there. And when they do, why would they continue on paying for you to be there? It wouldn't be anything personal, just business.

chronos42

Alright, I'll let level minds prevail. Won't tell my employer until I have a new position. Thanks for the advice everyone!