Not sure what to apply for
Chevel
Posts: 198Member ■■■□□□□□□□
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
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
Comments
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
“The measure of an individual can be difficult to discern by actions alone.” – Thane Krios
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.
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.
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)
Goals in progress: MSc in Computer Science (specializing in Cyber Ops) , CISSP
No health insurance
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.
I can do that and see what happens.
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.
I didn't even know about that, thank you for sharing!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“The measure of an individual can be difficult to discern by actions alone.” – Thane Krios
I attached my (general) resume. Critiques highly inquired. Thanks
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.
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
Ive been there... for 6 months I had to do consulting and cutting grass to make ends meet. It was a long 6 months.
“The measure of an individual can be difficult to discern by actions alone.” – Thane Krios
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?
Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/myerscraig
Yeap.
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.
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.
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?