Getting Experience

After becoming A+ certified, what should you do in order to find a job in the field? I haven't had any IT jobs in the past, but have been working on getting a dead PC up and running again. Right now, I'm considering work in a help desk or desktop support role and don't mind volunteering if that's what I need to do to get my foot in the door. So, what would you recommend I do?

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Comments

jamesleecoleman

Apply for helpdesk positions and volunteer. See which version of Windows is popular in your city from Job Search | one search. all jobs. Indeed.com and study up on that just in case. Which certification are you going for next?

l_Sirius_l

I might set my sights on Network+ as it seems to be the next logical step according to the majority of people entering the field. I'm just looking to get work experience beforehand, though. I've read that it can do more harm than good if you get numerous certificates without experience. As you've suggested, I'll look up some companies and try to get in touch with staff to figure out what my options are.

l_Sirius_l

I have some new questions:

1. If I'm looking to move out of my current home ASAP, would it be a bad idea to include small computer repair shops in my search for experience? Again, I have no problem with "paying my dues", but I don't want to unwittingly delay the time when I can finally have enough money coming in to get my own place.

2. When I'm asked about salary expectations for a help desk/desktop support position, how should I respond?

3. I'm beginning to realize that I'll probably have to bite the bullet and upgrade from a flip phone to a smartphone for the sake of troubleshooting. What would be the cheapest way of doing this? I'm currently on a Pay As You Go plan that's about $100 a year. Is there any way that I could get something similar for a smartphone or would I have to get a contract?

scaredoftests

Where are you located? Pay scales are different between areas.

l_Sirius_l

I'm in the northern New Jersey area.

scaredoftests

$15 - $20 an hour. Sometimes, the ad says what pay is like.