What is your rate?

I'm currently applying for jobs. I'm looking for help desk support or some type of technician job. I have my degree in IT with a concentration on networking. I am certified in the MTA - Windows OS Fundamentals. At present I'm working on my A+. I don't have any work experience at all. I couldn't work because I was a dependent on my parent's Visa. My only experience was helping out in my father's drywall business. My question since I'm just starting out. What should be my rate for my salary?

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DeyCole

I'd research job postings in my area, to get an idea of what the pay-rates are for help desk support/technician positions. Then, I'd compare that with a few average-salary metrics for that position...I usually find them on the internet. That should give you an idea of what to expect.

At this point, college grad with no experience, I'd work to learn, not work to earn. I'd focus on what skills I wanted to learn in order to gradually progress in the field.

ypark

DeyCole wrote: »

At this point, college grad with no experience, I'd work to learn, not work to earn. I'd focus on what skills I wanted to learn in order to gradually progress in the field.

DeyCole is gonna be right on point here. I am in Northern Virginia area as well and while there are tons of entry level IT jobs, you will pretty much get exploited until you get out of entry level. I had A+ and Computer Tech experience (made $12/hour) and started IT Support (Helpdesk) at $12/hour. After close to 2 years at Helpdesk, I start as a Datacenter Tech at $16. I also picked up couple MTAs and Security+ during that time.
Your best bet is to get your foot in the door. Learn and keep studying for certs as well. Keep moving up the ladder since there are many jobs in the area.

636-555-3226

In my area your best bet would be an entry-level help desk role. Given your experience and probable age I'd say maybe 25-35k, depending on the size and type of company.

MeanDrunkR2D2

Honestly in your area and with no experience you'll be seeing mostly jobs in between 12 to 15 an hour. Most will be closer to the lower end of that scale, but some will be better than that range, but will be more competitive, or those jobs are for masochists because they are treated badly and turnover is likely high. Right now it's all about getting your foot in the door, take your punches for a year or so, and find the next level position.

echoesofeleven

Thank you for all the advice. It's been four days into my job hunt and I applied to as many entry jobs as I could. So far only one has replied back. Unfortunately I wasn't considered because the job requires you to get a security clearance. I can't get one since I'm not a US Citizen. I'm on F-1 Visa doing my Post OPT. I'm quite optimistic that I'll be able to get a job soon.

ypark

echoesofeleven wrote: »

Thank you for all the advice. It's been four days into my job hunt and I applied to as many entry jobs as I could. So far only one has replied back. Unfortunately I wasn't considered because the job requires you to get a security clearance. I can't get one since I'm not a US Citizen. I'm on F-1 Visa doing my Post OPT. I'm quite optimistic that I'll be able to get a job soon.

Almost all government jobs will require security clearance, so no point applying to those. Also, post your resume here so others can critique it and give you some ideas to improve it (if you do post your resume, remember to replace your personal information with dummy data). Also try Craigslist as small companies often put up their ads on there.

guy9

echoesofeleven wrote: »

Thank you for all the advice. It's been four days into my job hunt and I applied to as many entry jobs as I could. So far only one has replied back. Unfortunately I wasn't considered because the job requires you to get a security clearance. I can't get one since I'm not a US Citizen. I'm on F-1 Visa doing my Post OPT. I'm quite optimistic that I'll be able to get a job soon.

I was going to write something about the clearance aspect. I see you already beat me to it. I am in the DMV area. At the bare minimal 85% of the IT jobs in the area directly or indirectly support the govt. which will require a clearance. Try Best Buy or some of the other stores who offer computer repair. Eventually I hope you get a break. I think that IT is booming in this area, once you get your foot in the door. I think at the minimal you'll need a green card to obtain a Public Trust Clearance.. then the world is yours.

https://senecaresources.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrderID=5862902&ref=indeed

I know a lady that is not a US citizen who stays in DC off of Connecticut Ave who makes wayyy more than me who isn't a US citizen. You just need the right paperwork thats all. Remember its very competitive in this area. Its people with certs and clearances who are looking for similar jobs. I know people working (part time) Help Desk jobs as a second job for the extra $ who are guaranteed to land any help desk job they apply for.

Stevecb06

I was in your shoes a little over a year ago. Just finished my 2 year networking degree and looking for my first job. No certs and no experience. I landed a job as PC Support Technician starting at $16.50/hr. Just recently had my first annual review and got bumped up to $17.90/hr. Not sure if these rates are the norm or not, just sharing my experience.

Polymorphic28

echoesofeleven wrote: »

I'm currently applying for jobs. I'm looking for help desk support or some type of technician job. I have my degree in IT with a concentration on networking. I am certified in the MTA - Windows OS Fundamentals. At present I'm working on my A+. I don't have any work experience at all. I couldn't work because I was a dependent on my parent's Visa. My only experience was helping out in my father's drywall business. My question since I'm just starting out. What should be my rate for my salary?

My last job as a PC Support technician was starting off at $24 and hour. The current position I'm working at now as a tier 2 technician is $29 an hour. I have the same credentials as you with some experience.

echoesofeleven

That's a good point. This is my current resume. I hope someone could help me improve it and offer some tips.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B89XpIi9WYR3NEpVZDZXODVyamM/view?usp=sharing

ypark

First thing I noticed right off the bat is your skills section is eating up your resume space. You probably want to condense those bullet points into maybe three sentences (bulleted) and try to highlight the skills entry-level tech/IT position will need.
It is probably safe to remove your high school from education section.
Elaborate more on your volunteer experience. Since you do not have any work experience, this volunteer gig is going to help you the most here. Highlight key technologies or IT related tasks you've had and also highlight customer service/soft skills.
Try to use specific technologies and platforms rather than generalizing.

Others will have more suggestions and take all of them into consideration. Your current resume is not very good. Good luck!

v1ral

Polymorphic28 wrote: »

My last job as a PC Support technician was starting off at $24 and hour. The current position I'm working at now as a tier 2 technician is $29 an hour. I have the same credentials as you with some experience.

Where do you live? I'm curious since im also in a tier 2 position and wondering what the average pay is for this position.