Was this dumb of me?

wrfortiscue

So I'm working helpdesk and I applied for a internal firewall position. They liked my resume but I have no experience just a ccna security along with other certs. Problem is I don't use these skills and forgot most things. I'm also terrified of interviews but I push myself like this because I'm getting depressed not moving forward. My anxiety is killing me because I'm going to look foolish lol.

PJ_Sneakers

I don't think so. What's the worst that can happen?

wrfortiscue

PJ_Sneakers wrote: »

I don't think so. What's the worst that can happen?

Higher ups no I'm not ready to move up, I get butthurt and my self esteem crashes? Lol better than giving up though...

PJ_Sneakers

Well, if you don't get it, it probably wouldn't be the first time someone said "no" to you, and it definitely won't be the last. Don't ever pass on an opportunity if there's a chance it will work out. I passed on one last month and I'm kicking myself for not trying for it.

UnixGuy

Refresh your CCNA security knowledge. Be up front and tell them that you don't use the skills hence you forgot a lot but you are very interested and want to move to this area ....they will understand

jacksonr

What would have been dumb, is to not apply and sit there in Helpdesk feeling down, deflated and thinking What If.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

anhtran35

Be honest. Tell them you don't have the experience; however, you are willing to do everything to catch up. Sell yourself and your ability to learn and adapt quickly.

gorebrush

How will you find out if you don't go for it?

I'm 3 weeks into a new role and I was slightly concerned before I started of a few elements. Now I'm here I'm pretty confident I can achieve big results.

E Double U

[h=1]“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” - Richard Branson[/h]
Just fake it until you make it.

wrfortiscue

Thanks for the replies. I'll update on Thursday

wrfortiscue

well interview is 21 hours away. I went from being scared/nervous and hoping to survive the interview, to nervous/anxious/confident and "I want this job bad so I'm going to get it" mentality.

Trucido

Convey confidence, let them know what tools you've been working with and functions you've been doing, and that some aspects of your knowledge are rusty but not completely lost...

volfkhat

wrfortiscue wrote: »

So I'm working helpdesk and I applied for a internal firewall position. They liked my resume but I have no experience just a ccna security along with other certs. Problem is I don't use these skills and forgot most things. I'm also terrified of interviews but I push myself like this because I'm getting depressed not moving forward. My anxiety is killing me because I'm going to look foolish lol.

i used to Hate "technical interviews". the thought of BOMBING them (and the embarrassment) was pretty disheartening.

But, i eventually learned that "technical interviews" are the BEST.
For some reason, all these employers always ask the Same type of questions (for that particular role).

So... Everytime i BOMB out... i just wrote down all the questions; and went and researched to learn the answers.
End result: i become (just a bit) more knowledgable.

Long story short:
Don't be afraid to BOMB; but DO write down ALL the questions you get asked.
Figure out the answers.
Then go apply for other roles at other employers.
you WILL eventually get there :]

Kreken

How did you do on the interview?
Did you do the exercises I suggested for the preparation?

jeremywatts2005

Get your butt in a lab before the iview. Brush up on the skills and cram for the iview. That is what I do when I have an interview regarding a technology I have not used in awhile. That way it is fresh and I can talk about the tech in the interview.

beads

Its an opportunity and up to you to either take full advantage of it or not. How much do you want to stay on the Help Desk. You think those atrophying skills are simply going to repopulate from the Ether? You studied for an exam for a reason. Plan to see if it was time well spent or settle in for a career of: "How may I help you...?"

- b/eads

wrfortiscue

I did good! Jr firewall position so I have a good chance. I knew 3/5 of the questions but they said I did well. I asked questions too. I hope I get it!

Remedymp

wrfortiscue wrote: »

I did good! Jr firewall position so I have a good chance. I knew 3/5 of the questions but they said I did well. I asked questions too. I hope I get it!

*crossing fingers for you*

PJ_Sneakers

Nice!!!!!

wrfortiscue

Man I really, REALLY, want this job. This is it, this is something I want to do as my career. I am here knocking on the door, just waiting for someone to let me in. I have had MANY struggles to get to where I am at, it's almost comical with how my luck goes. Inside my head, I feel I am really pressing for this job.

Will I get it? Who knows, tune in to see if the gods will stop toying with me and let me catch a big break, especially with my first kid due in 2 months

bettsy584

Decide if you really want to be "cornered" into only doing firewalls....

wrfortiscue

bettsy584 wrote: »

Decide if you really want to be "cornered" into only doing firewalls....

cornered? Nah it's more widespread than just that.

bettsy584

Fair enough, I would always avoid specifically titled job's (maybe incorrectly). I do not like the thought of only being the "firewall guy", or the "VMware guy". I've been a consultant in some of they places and it does not look appealing to me, personally. That's what I meant.

For example I don't think (unless you work for a multi-national) with 100-1000's of firewall devices that a "firewall" job would do you good, you have to see how all the components that make up an infrastructure work to appreciate how the thing hangs together.

Just my opinion of course.