Degree, Certs, no experience. Not sure where to turn...

So I just finished an associates in software engineering (CIS). I have A+/Net+/Sec+ and OffSec certs. I have experience running a business and projects up. But I have 0 work experience. None at all. I'm willing to work for minimum wage, using none of my specialized skills if that's what it takes. But I just have no idea how to get into an IT role. I'm in my early 20s if that helps as a reference point.

Should I finish my OSCP if I don't even have help desk experience? I almost passed last time I took the exam. Eventually I plan on completing my BS in CS but I'd rather work right now than anything else. So I've been applying for a lot of internship and job listings on indeed, and haven't gotten much response yet. I'm going to start attending networking events in my city.

Am I missing something here? Is my lack of work experience going to make it impossible to get an entry level position? I know plenty of people that somehow got help desk jobs with 0 credentials, hasn't happened to me yet. At a certain point I feel as if I'll have to start another business, even though I really would like to work for somebody else's company right now.

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ITSpectre

check out
Monster.com
Careerbuilder.com
Dice.com
Indeed.com

Apply for jobs there and also look on craigslist in your local area. Where are you located? and where are the majority of IT jobs in your area?

$bvb379

Craigslist. Also, write a cover letter stating you are passionate about IT and willing to learn.

botnick

I've already used all of those websites. I live in metro Detroit. I have a car and everything, pretty much open for anything as long as it's IT/dev and I can put it on a resume.

botnick

Tried all the suggestions stated. I suppose my main question is how can I get my face in front of somebody who's hiring? Because once I get to talking and negotiating I'm confident that I can set up a good deal. I'm willing to get more certification, willing to work for peanuts... I just don't really know how to get in front of the right people.

NetworkNewb

You have absolutely zero jobs previously? Doesn't have to be IT related

I would be interested to see what your sending to people as a resume. Could make a post on here with it and ask for advice on how to improve it. Removing personal information on it first.

Also, does your college help look for internships/jobs? I would reach out to them to see if they offer any program or assistance in this.

networker050184

What does your resume look like? That's the first step in getting a call.

botnick

0 jobs previously, correct. I know plenty of people that did IT related work as a first job, even if it wasn't a very glamorous position. College is a CC at the moment. Not much as far as career services. Professors try to be helpful. I'm sure when I transfer the school could help me get an internship of some sorts. But I really just want to start my career as I know exactly where I'm trying to go with it and it'd be years before I finish a Bachelors.

botnick

This is my resume. Te actual .docx is formatted to look neat, of course. But the text is an exact copy

Education:
******* Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering
University of *************
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Pending Completion)

Certifications:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) (Pending Completion)

Work Experience:
*******.com (***********)
Owner
Operated from June of 2012 to September of 2014
Performed IT services for residential customers. Services include virus removals, hardware upgrades and installations, consulting, and more. Managed customer relations, business functions and scheduling.

Skills:
Java
Android Studio
HTML, CSS
SQL
C++
Xcode (Swift/iOS Development)
PHP, JSP, C#, etc.

kohr-ah

Remove all personal info and post the docx. It will be easier to read.

ITSpectre

One of the questions you will be asked is "what software did you use to remove viruses" a better way to phrase that would be... "used Xxxx software to remove viruses from client machines"
Also for C++/Java what have you done with them? Do you know of them or used them on a regular basis? Try to take your skill list and incorporate it into what you have done... HTML, SQL, CSS, as well...

NetworkNewb

Alright, so you got some experience dealing with other people's computers. That will help out alot!

Since your looking for your first job, instead of "owner" as your previous position title. I would put something like "Service Technician", something that makes it sound more like experience employers are looking for. Also, could make what you did sound alot better... I agree with kohr-ah and would want to see the doc file and how it looks on there.

ITSpectre

Also what did you do Before school??? Did you work at all? I would put the dates you went to school on the resume since it is recent.

botnick

I used MalwareBytes and Avast... I have used Java to make Windows and Android applications. Even have links to them. My problem is I just haven't been interviewed yet. At all. And it's not like I can just walk into a business and get my face in front of the right person either. I'm still going to try to see if I can do that with smaller businesses. And maybe somebody will show up at a networking event.

I don't really know what to do. I could certify educate and apply till I drop but nothing is working right now for whatever reason.

Clm

How many Jobs have you applied for? Since I have got out of the military I have gotten two jobs. And from applying to offer letter both have taken a month or less. I use Indeed I search the field I want to be in (Information Security) and then I filter the least amount of money im willing to accept. Then I just scroll down and click on all the ads that have the little easily accept option where you pretty much apply for the job with usally two button clicks. I apply for hundreds of jobs and get alot of interveiws. Also there are hundreds of recruiters on Linkedin Beef up your account. With your degree and certs Im sure recruiters will come to you. Might be alot of contract / contract to hire but It will be valued experince and pay. Before I had my AA or CISSP and only A+ and Sec+ I was getting offers for contract work weekly. What area are you in?

Remedymp

Do an internship/Co-op.

ypark

botnick wrote: »

Work Experience:
*******.com (***********)
Owner
Operated from June of 2012 to September of 2014
Performed IT services for residential customers. Services include virus removals, hardware upgrades and installations, consulting, and more. Managed customer relations, business functions and scheduling.

This experience section should be re-written to include the responsibilities for the jobs you are applying for. If you are targeting helpdesk positions, try something like "Assisted customers through verbal and written communications to troubleshoot and resolve software/hardware issues on Windows and Linux systems." Also, highlight soft skills and customer service aspect as helpdesk roles are customer facing.

You may also want to try leaving out OSWP and OSCP from your certs list since it may make it seem like you are over qualified. Again, tailor this to the positions you are applying for.

thomas_

I agree with changing "owner" on your resume to something else. Another suggestion could be "manager" or "field tech" if you went to people's residences to perform the services that you did. If you're in your early 20s(younger than 25) I would probably even avoid putting manager.

Antonov

Imagine selling your self for a billion dollars, what would u say in 5 lines. That will hit anyone reading your cv

botnick

Thanks for all the advice guys. I have been (somewhat slowly) getting emails and the occasional phone call but it seems like maybe I'm being ineffective? I'm not sure what the average ratio of responses to applications is for applicants that are well-suited for a position. I did start this process about a week ago, not sure if it usually takes a few weeks to get a good sampling of who'd like to interview you.

TheFORCE

You would have more luck applying for junior developer positions

anhtran35

Detroit? There lies the problem. 20 years ago I resided in Baltimore. I relocated to DC/VA area where there are an abundance of IT jobs. You probably need to relocate to a city that has similar opportunities.

NetworkingStudent

Just my observation
As others have had said I would like to see a .doc version of your resume.
Based on your post "this is my resume" it appears that their is no summary or objective listed.
You need a Summary or objective, because this helps grab the reader's attention.
If you're applying and not getting any replies at all, then there is probably something wrong with your resume.

I would suggest the following:
1) Work with you career counseling department at your school and make sure your resume si presentable to employers. I will be brutally honest and say based on what I see it isn't 100% there yet. Your resume should look something like this:
http://mikenation.net/files/resume_sample.pdf
if your resume doesn't grab the reader's attention, getting a 4 year degree will not help you get a job any faster,

2) Once your resume is presentable, then see if your school has any job openings.

3) Get a job ..any job. In fact, if you can find a job that involves customer then grab it!! Customer Service is vital in IT. Also, try grabbing some volunteer IT jobs. You can check volunteer match for IT volunteer jobs.

3) Once you get an interview, read this:
http://mikenation.net/files/Preparing_for_the_Job_Interview.pdf
4) Apply for internships:
http://www.internships.com/
Apply for temp jobs:
Think:
Dice
Zip Recruiter
5) Practice your soft skills and learn how to communicate with people properly.

Learn How to Exceed Customer Expectations from The Compassionate Geek - Don R. Crawley

Good Luck!

doctorlexus

I agree with the others in that you should change the "owner" tag. Make it "Self-employed" or make up a company name, e.g. Acme Large Rockets for Coyotes in Pursuit, Inc. and put yourself down as a technician or the like.

I'd remove the OSCP. It's too much cert power for entry level, even if it's just in progress. Talk about it in an interview if it seems like you're really clicking with the interviewer.

You might want to add some extra job history, too, e.g. Chief Water Slide Attendant at Water Loo, Summer 2015. Just something to show some history that no one will really care about or check.

Elaborate on your skills section. Something like Strong grasp of blah blah, working knowledge of bleh bleh, familiar with blahhhhh.

As for objective, for every person I see say add one, I see another say leave it off. So go whichever way you want with that. I no longer put an objective on my resume.

Otherwise, I think you look solid. Just keep plugging away. Something will open up eventually.

Remedymp

Just as FYI: You should not put down a cert on your resume or linkedin if you do NOT have that cert. That is fraudulent.

doctorlexus

Remedymp wrote: »

Just as FYI: You should not put down a cert on your resume or linkedin if you do NOT have that cert. That is fraudulent.

OP never claimed to have any certs he doesn't have. What kind of random FYI is that? FYI: you shouldn't catch squirrels and lick their testicles. They don't like that.

mdhisapro

doctorlexus wrote: »

OP never claimed to have any certs he doesn't have. What kind of random FYI is that? FYI: you shouldn't catch squirrels and lick their testicles. They don't like that.

I believe remedymp was referring to OSCP being on his resume. Since he hasn't been certified to remove it.

doctorlexus

mdhisapro wrote: »

I believe remedymp was referring to OSCP being on his resume. Since he hasn't been certified to remove it.

For which it says "in progress". I believe we're all literate here.

Remedymp

doctorlexus wrote: »

For which it says "in progress". I believe we're all literate here.

It is unethical to list that certification (or any) on your resume if you do NOT have it. It does not matter If it is "in progress".

$bvb379

botnick wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice guys. I have been (somewhat slowly) getting emails and the occasional phone call but it seems like maybe I'm being ineffective? I'm not sure what the average ratio of responses to applications is for applicants that are well-suited for a position. I did start this process about a week ago, not sure if it usually takes a few weeks to get a good sampling of who'd like to interview you.

Lulz @ looking for a week. Looked for 3.5 months and probably applied for 150+ jobs. I know a lot of people on here have done more than that and waited longer. I had 15+ interviews as well.

networker050184

Remedymp wrote: »

It is unethical to list that certification (or any) on your resume if you do NOT have it. It does not matter If it is "in progress".

According to who?