So Now That I'm Certified...

TXOgre

With 10+ years of technical experience, and my new certs, I figure I'm pretty employable now. I finished up my MCSE in mid September, after about 5 months of hard core studying and testing, and hit the job market again. It's been a lot more promising this time around.

I've been getting more interviews since certifying, and interviews for better jobs. Employers sure are being picky lately though. I've got the overqualified declination a few times already (I'm working on that overselling thing), and have even been told that I live too far away (45 minute commute, average in this town), they wanted someone who could be in within 15 minutes.

But with the increase in interview activity, I'm sure to land a job soon. It's been almost 2 months back on the market, but I remain optimistic. I'll be hearing back from 2 prospects this week, and have another 2 interviews in the scheduling phase. Some lucky company is going to snatch me up soon, I'm sure of it.

Anyone else cert up in this declining economy? What's your story?

Alif_Sadida_Ekin

Yep, I've had the same luck. I wasn't really moving anywhere in my last position (application support for a bank), so I decided to start getting certified so people would notice me. I spent the following year earning A+, Network+, and MCSA. As soon as I earned the MCSA I started applying everywhere. Two months and several interviews later I landed my current job as a
sys admin.

Hyper-Me

Ive gotten about 6 or 7 certs in the last 4ish months and ive only paused because im refinancing my house so moneys on lockdown.

There really isnt much in the way of windows sys admin jobs around here lately, so Its been hard going. I do have an interview monday for an IT consultant position, though.

Alif_Sadida_Ekin

That's a good point. I'm pretty sure each market is different. My luck may not be the norm.

Hyper-Me

Well I also already have a very good and stable job, I just feel grossly underpaid for what I am doing so I am tossing out resumes to see if i can get some bites.

If i were unemployed I would be driving door to door asking to speak to the CIO/CTO and try to find a job, haha.

dps

TXOgre wrote: »

But with the increase in interview activity, I'm sure to land a job soon. It's been almost 2 months back on the market, but I remain optimistic. I'll be hearing back from 2 prospects this week, and have another 2 interviews in the scheduling phase. Some lucky company is going to snatch me up soon, I'm sure of it.

Yes, that's the spirit. Just hang in there and keep sending out your resume. I'm sure that you'll eventually get a job soon.

Getting lots of calls is great to practice your interview skills. Just think of these "failed" interviews as stepping stones to having your dream job.

Good luck.

TXOgre

I just thought I'd update here. I got an offer today, decent money (about 5k less than my last job, but times are tough), and a good fit for me. I start on the 1st.

Keep your heads up out there, your time will come!

L0gicB0mb508

Congrats on the new position!

UnixGuy

Congratulations !! Hard work paid off


It's good to know that Certs are still well recognized by employers and actually help getting jobs, specially when backed up with the right experience and qualifications

veritas_libertas

TXOgre wrote: »

With 10+ years of technical experience, and my new certs, I figure I'm pretty employable now. I finished up my MCSE in mid September, after about 5 months of hard core studying and testing, and hit the job market again. It's been a lot more promising this time around.

I've been getting more interviews since certifying, and interviews for better jobs. Employers sure are being picky lately though. I've got the overqualified declination a few times already (I'm working on that overselling thing), and have even been told that I live too far away (45 minute commute, average in this town), they wanted someone who could be in within 15 minutes.

But with the increase in interview activity, I'm sure to land a job soon. It's been almost 2 months back on the market, but I remain optimistic. I'll be hearing back from 2 prospects this week, and have another 2 interviews in the scheduling phase. Some lucky company is going to snatch me up soon, I'm sure of it.

Anyone else cert up in this declining economy? What's your story?

Congratz!

Aldur

Congrats!

Always good to hear a success story in today's economy.

phoeneous

TXOgre wrote: »

With 10+ years of technical experience,

Is that paid experience? I used to put personal experience years on my resume and when employers asked about it they kinda shunned at those years. Ive been working on pc's and small networks since 1998 but I only have about 6 years of paid experience. Thats the stuff that really counts.

TXOgre

phoeneous wrote: »

Is that paid experience? I used to put personal experience years on my resume and when employers asked about it they kinda shunned at those years. Ive been working on pc's and small networks since 1998 but I only have about 6 years of paid experience. Thats the stuff that really counts.

Yes, it is professional experience.

I was contacted about this job through LinkedIn. If you don't have a profile there, it's not a bad idea to get one up there. I have a lot of recommendations on my profile, and that helped a lot.

benchod

TXOgre wrote: »

Yes, it is professional experience.

I was contacted about this job through LinkedIn. If you don't have a profile there, it's not a bad idea to get one up there. I have a lot of recommendations on my profile, and that helped a lot.

Is it worth pursuing MCSE 2003 or go straight for MCITP 2008 track ?

Currently working as tech support, kind of at a stall in career without a boost.

It seems like many of you have benefited from certifications.

I will be preparing to take Network + and Security + , is A+ still valuable ?

Thanks
Ben