Not sure what to apply for

Chevel

I know this sounds quite dumb.

Long story short I left a desktop support job to work in what I thought was system administrations, started working with the new company.......and find out its more or less the same thing as desktop support. Stayed for a year thinking things would change.......other than a minor projects it didn't. So I picked up a cert during that time period. Then 2 weeks ago I was "promoted" to a help desk position within this organization. Unlocking passwords, creating accounts, the most mundane things you can think of.

So besides studying I've been applying for some jobs here and there. Problem is I don't know what to apply for. Like I mentioned before in a previous thread I want to keep my clearance. Either I don't qualify for most jobs or I over qualify. Cyber security seems interesting but without current certs, TS clearance, its a no go.

I feel so stuck

scaredoftests

Apply for anything and (clearance jobs-if you want to keep your clearance) see if you get called. What is the worst that can happen? They don't call?

Chevel

I just feel its a waste of (both) of our times. Yeah I'm on clearance jobs nothing really out there. I feel comfortable applying for.

scaredoftests

Apply for it, that is what I do. Not a waste of time. If you can do most of the things the job lists.

ITSpectre

Chevel wrote: »

I just feel its a waste of (both) of our times. Yeah I'm on clearance jobs nothing really out there. I feel comfortable applying for.

It is only a waste if you DONT apply. Disregard the whole "required experience" stuff. Most HR people have no clue what IT people do, other than what a job description says. Just tailor your resume to the job descriptions and make sure you know what your doing or talking about and you should be fine.
Look into federal contractors and look on Dice, clearancejobs, craigslist, and monster.com

Chevel

ITSpectre wrote: »

It is only a waste if you DONT apply. Disregard the whole "required experience" stuff. Most HR people have no clue what IT people do, other than what a job description says. Just tailor your resume to the job descriptions and make sure you know what your doing or talking about and you should be fine.
Look into federal contractors and look on Dice, clearancejobs, craigslist, and monster.com

It's discouraging to me it makes no sense to apply for job I don't qualify for when there are others suited toward what I'm familiar with. I've had contacts about possible job openings on clearance jobs just to never hear from again. Even after giving out my SSN to one recruiter, which I'm so upset about. Which makes me all the more discouraged.

I'm currently a federal contractor, I tried to get in the civil service but that's a no go. I check craigslist, clearance jobs, indeed.com daily....nothing. Monster.com there are too many recruiters like career builder.

TomkoTech

Have you tried USAJobs? Are you willing to relocate?

Chevel

TomkoTech wrote: »

Have you tried USAJobs? Are you willing to relocate?

Yes I've tried USAJobs but after 5 years of no calls let alone interviews I've pretty much given up on it. Yeap something I have mentioned to multiple potential employers. I live in VA and I don't mind driving 3/6 hours each way for a job. The only relocation I would not do is out of the country.

TechGuru80

Are you a contractor or civilian? Why not look at contractors in your area? Honestly if you are close or can talk to some stuff in the job postings I would apply. If they like you enough it won't matter they will find a way.

NetworkNewb

Chevel wrote: »

Yes I've tried USAJobs but after 5 years of no calls let alone interviews

If you haven't, I would recommend posting your resume on here to see if there is anywhere it can be improved. (editing out personal info on it first)

TomkoTech

Anything on USAJOBS if you don't answer E or whatever the most qualified answer is, chances are you won't get a call back. So if your concern is being overqualified, it's a lot easier to transfer/get promoted when already employed by a gov't agency than to get your foot in the door. So if you are wanting to make the switch to GS I would suggest looking at the positions you are overqualified for to start. Plan for 12-18 months at that position and then you will have the leverage to move to what you want to do.

Chevel

I'm contractor a green stripe of shame. I don't know of any contractors in the areas the only ones I hear of are by word of mouth.

scaredoftests

What is wrong with being a contractor? :

doctorlexus

scaredoftests wrote: »

What is wrong with being a contractor? :

No health insurance

doctorlexus

OP, have you considered doing the PWK course + OSCP? If security is your thing, I think that'll likely open some doors.

Chevel

TomkoTech wrote: »

Anything on USAJOBS if you don't answer E or whatever the most qualified answer is, chances are you won't get a call back. So if your concern is being overqualified, it's a lot easier to transfer/get promoted when already employed by a gov't agency than to get your foot in the door. So if you are wanting to make the switch to GS I would suggest looking at the positions you are overqualified for to start. Plan for 12-18 months at that position and then you will have the leverage to move to what you want to do.

Yeah that's what I was told but I still don't like doing it, I'm way too honest. I haven't checked USA jobs in a bit I'm not even sure what grade I should apply for.

NetworkNewb wrote: »

If you haven't, I would recommend posting your resume on here to see if there is anywhere it can be improved. (editing out personal info on it first)

I can do that and see what happens.

scaredoftests wrote: »

What is wrong with being a contractor? :

I honestly don't like going through the 3 month, 6 month, or 1 year contract renewal. I want to do so many things ie like buying a house but can't because I don't see contracting as a job, to me its temp. Plus pay, as mentioned above benefits, etc. If I want to take advantage of some new learning opportunities I can't because I'm a contractor.

Chevel

doctorlexus wrote: »

OP, have you considered doing the PWK course + OSCP? If security is your thing, I think that'll likely open some doors.

I didn't even know about that, thank you for sharing! I tried to open the page on my work computer but its blocked....( that figures.) I guess I could try to work from my phone.

TomkoTech

Chevel wrote: »

Yeah that's what I was told but I still don't like doing it, I'm way too honest. I haven't checked USA jobs in a bit I'm not even sure what grade I should apply for.

What grade you should apply for depends on your years of experience/education and KSAs. When you post your resume for review it would give a better idea. However if you have a 4 year degree and 5 years of experience there is no reason you shouldn't qualify for GS11-13 positions.

There are currently 40 IT Specialist posting in Virginia. I'm sure with your certs and at least a few years of experience you should qualify for at least some of them.

doctorlexus

Chevel wrote: »

I didn't even know about that, thank you for sharing! I tried to open the page on my work computer but its blocked....( that figures.) I guess I could try to work from my phone.

While I'm not aiming at working in security, PWK+OSCP is something I really want to do for my own personal interests. And from what I've read, OSCP is a very well-respected cert.

scaredoftests

I understand your feelings about contracting. I have had my share of horror stories regarding that. Now I am in a job where the contract is 5 years. Fine with me.

Chevel

TomkoTech wrote: »

What grade you should apply for depends on your years of experience/education and KSAs. When you post your resume for review it would give a better idea. However if you have a 4 year degree and 5 years of experience there is no reason you shouldn't qualify for GS11-13 positions.

There are currently 40 IT Specialist posting in Virginia. I'm sure with your certs and at least a few years of experience you should qualify for at least some of them.

All I have an Associates...most jobs want a Bachelors or higher. I'm currently paying down student loans and can't really afford to rack up anymore debt. I found a little over 10 jobs of IT specialists in VA, the rest were nursing, contracting and recent graduates.

doctorlexus wrote: »

While I'm not aiming at working in security, PWK+OSCP is something I really want to do for my own personal interests. And from what I've read, OSCP is a very well-respected cert.

Oh okay I see, I wish it was something I can look on at the job, the down time here is a killer. At least that would keep my mind focused.

scaredoftests wrote: »

I understand your feelings about contracting. I have had my share of horror stories regarding that. Now I am in a job where the contract is 5 years. Fine with me.

Yeap....The job I left for my current one had a 5 year contract initially....BUT...they were outbid since apparently contracts still have to go up for yearly bids.

doctorlexus

Chevel wrote: »

Oh okay I see, I wish it was something I can look on at the job, the down time here is a killer. At least that would keep my mind focused.

There's a lot of reading material you could probably look at while at work, and then do the pen testing on the VPN at home.

TomkoTech

Chevel wrote: »

All I have an Associates...most jobs want a Bachelors or higher. I'm currently paying down student loans and can't really afford to rack up anymore debt. I found a little over 10 jobs of IT specialists in VA, the rest were nursing, contracting and recent graduates.

Type in quotes "IT Specialist" and then Virginia not in quotes for location. There are more than 10. At least 10 that are broad GS5-13 openings.

ITSpectre

Since you are in VA you can look at other contractors. Contracting is ok but since you need insurance (we all do) then you can be selective about which contracts to accept. Also I got a lot of calls from jobs I applied to on craigslist and careerbuilder. You just have to keep at it.

Chevel

ITSpecialist_dummy.pdf

I attached my (general) resume. Critiques highly inquired. Thanks

Chevel

ITSpectre wrote: »

Since you are in VA you can look at other contractors. Contracting is ok but since you need insurance (we all do) then you can be selective about which contracts to accept. Also I got a lot of calls from jobs I applied to on craigslist and careerbuilder. You just have to keep at it.

That's true, luckily the company I have does have full benefits and pays "decent" compared to other contractors in my area. Years ago there were plenty of jobs on CL this year though a lot has changed. It surprised me. Careerbuilder I get the calls but I've had too many bad experience with recruiters from there. I don't know why but Careerbuilder seemed to be a breeding ground for them.

TomkoTech wrote: »

Type in quotes "IT Specialist" and then Virginia not in quotes for location. There are more than 10. At least 10 that are broad GS5-13 openings.

Yes I understood the only different thing I did was type in zip code it still pulled up the same results more or less. Lots of supervisor positions lol.


Off topic I just wanted to say I apologize if I sound negative after so many no calls, fails, and other things piling on. I've become quite the negative nancy, I tried to be positive and change things around but it just doesn't seem to be making any difference.

ITSpectre

Careerbuilder is infested LOL. But you just have to apply. I used the "quick apply" and just applied for everything that was related to what I wanted to do, and just sifted through the recruiters.

Ive been there... for 6 months I had to do consulting and cutting grass to make ends meet. It was a long 6 months.

TomkoTech

Chevel wrote: »

ITSpecialist_dummy.pdf

I attached my (general) resume. Critiques highly inquired. Thanks

I would create a new thread asking for review of the resume.

Are those the only jobs you have ever had? No other experience that could be translated into a leadership role?

Clm

Most of the time the requirements is wishfull thinking. Apply apply and apply some more I just found out my IT SEC analyst II postion requires a bachelors degree but prefers a masters well I have neither. And they paid at the top of the pay pand for this postion.

Chevel

TomkoTech wrote: »

I would create a new thread asking for review of the resume.

Are those the only jobs you have ever had? No other experience that could be translated into a leadership role?

Yeap. That's why I say I don't qualify.

ITSpectre wrote: »

Careerbuilder is infested LOL. But you just have to apply. I used the "quick apply" and just applied for everything that was related to what I wanted to do, and just sifted through the recruiters.

Ive been there... for 6 months I had to do consulting and cutting grass to make ends meet. It was a long 6 months.

I do like the "quick apply" feature probably one of the only few things I do like from them lol.

I cleaned poop at 5AM in the morning when I got laid off, I know the feeling. I'm very thankful to have a job now compared to before....I'm just wanting a change. I would prefer to do another job but it doesn't pay well lol! Hence the job in IT.

Clm wrote: »

Most of the time the requirements is wishfull thinking. Apply apply and apply some more I just found out my IT SEC analyst II postion requires a bachelors degree but prefers a masters well I have neither. And they paid at the top of the pay pand for this postion.

I know quite a few people in my current organization in the same situation. No degree but have a "top" position its changing now or I guess it just depends on the right time and right place. I would like to get back and get my degree but I don't want to add any more debt at the moment.

Chevel

So got a few call backs at least even though none were job offers. This is really frustrating.

No advice on the resume I posted just as requested? Are there any books I should be looking at?

Is linked in a good place to search jobs?