Applying for an IT Specialist Job w/ No Experience

Spider-Max

I currently work for a large hospital/medical system in California. I've been with the company for 5.5 years, but have been in the same position this entire time (mainly for job security and flexibility). Essentially I'm in medical billing. I've been wanting to make the switch to IT for quite some time, and after some hardships finally feel I am confident enough to begin a career in the field. For what it's worth, I'm the go-to computer guy in my office since I can solve issues, or troubleshoot anyways, a lot faster than our outsourced help desk can do. The ticketing system here is atrocious and sometimes it can take days to get simple desktop support issues resolved.

At this time, I have no certs. I am studying for the A+ certification, with intention of eventually getting a CCNA (I have a knack for networking and enjoy it quite a bit). Not that it matters, but I also have multiple A.A. degrees in the liberal arts field (studied for Social Science, but wound up getting two others without realizing it).

There are two identical positions posted on my company's job site. It sounds like a good fit with what my current goals are, but am not sure of how to go about applying. The position is in another part of the state, but in order to get experience I'm willing to relocate as I have nothing currently tying me to my current area. Ideally, I want my resume to stick out but am not sure how to really go about this with no experience or certifications. I'm not sure if I'm setting my standards too high, but this sounds like something I could do.

The post posting reads like this:

Position Summary:
[FONT=&amp]Incumbent performs a variety of IT infrastructure-related projects and assures all IT operations within their area of responsibility are effectively managed. Incumbent will work with department leaders to facilitate any functional requests related to network connectivity. Incumbent will be required to assist other IT staff to assure equipment in their area of responsibility meet functional expectations throughout the service region.[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]Minimum Qualifications:[/FONT]

• Previous experience supporting IT infrastructure and connectivity
• AA degree in a related field required (experience may be accepted in lieu of degree)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Understands best practice for working with data/fiber cabling

[FONT=&amp]Preferred Qualifications:[/FONT]

• Understands best practice for working with data/fiber cabling
• BS degree in a related field
• Able to generate construction drawing using Microsoft Visio
• Experience running data/fiber cabling at an acute care hospital overseen by TJC standards
• Certified fibert installer with knowledge of fibert optic codes, standards & installation practices

I'm aware of the minimum qualifications, but I know plenty of people who have applied for various positions without experience and have managed to land them based off of selling themselves. I'm just not sure at this point how difficult it would be for me given I don't reside in the current area and have nothing (as of yet) to show for it.

Thanks for your help!

networker050184

Since it's with your current company your best bet is to reach out to the manager directly and open some dialogue. Who you know is more important than what you know (or what you've done in this instance) sometimes.

stryder144

networker050184 wrote: »

Since it's with your current company your best bet is to reach out to the manager directly and open some dialogue. Who you know is more important than what you know (or what you've done in this instance) sometimes.

Exactly what I was going to suggest. You have the inside track, so use it to your advantage. What you wrote above should be what you convey to the manager.

NetworkNewb

This job kinda looks more like an electrician position and will be setting up the cabling in the building.

networker050184

Indeed it does NetworkNewb. Probably won't get much real IT experience in the role, but I guess it'd be better than billing!

NetworkNewb

networker050184 wrote: »

I guess it'd be better than billing!

lol, definitely!

Spider-Max

NetworkNewb wrote: »

This job kinda looks more like an electrician position and will be setting up the cabling in the building.

networker050184 wrote: »

Indeed it does NetworkNewb. Probably won't get much real IT experience in the role, but I guess it'd be better than billing!

I appreciate both of your responses. I'm not sure I would want to relocate for what would be essentially cabling without getting much real IT experience (sort of defeats the purpose of my goals). Definitely wouldn't have come to that conclusion, so I'm glad I asked.

NetworkNewb

It might not be a terrible idea to still open up communications with the IT manager at your company like Networker mentioned though. Let them know what IT tasks you already do there, how you're pursuing certifications, and ask if there anything else he recommends you can work on that would help your chances into moving into their IT department. Any specific skills they might be looking for. They might be thinking they could use someone right now, but haven't got around to posting a job ad. Never know.

networker050184

Agreed. I'd definitely still reach out and get some conversations going. Even if there's nothing open now they can keep you in mind or reach out for unofficial tasks in the mean time.

ITSec14

Agreed with the past few comments. Reach out to the manager and get some conversations going. I've worked with Network Engineers who started off doing cabling. It's grunt work, but if you show you are determined and want to grow, then you can achieve anything!

I worked in retail banking before I got my first IT job with no experience and hadn't even finished my degree yet and didn't have any certs.

Anything is possible!

scaredoftests

I started into networking when I was a data management assistant. I became a network admin for my lab. Right place at the right time. It shows intiative that you care to move up, not to be stagnant.