Meeting tomorrow

Well I am meeting with a VP tomorrow and should have finalized a position tomorrow, so for the first time in almost 6 years, I am going to wear a suit (anyone want to tie my tie for me lol). This is for a weekend job as a Network Support Tech (basically NOC work). Later on today I should find out about 2 other positions (1 in my city, 1 about 90 miles away). The first is a Network Engineer position and the Second is a backup admin. The later said they were willing to train someone up (which would be cool) but they both pay about the same amount of money. I would rather have the one in my city just because I don't think it would be good for me to move right now. Hopefully by the end of the week I will pick them both up and starting working like crazy to get the bills back in order. Stay tuned!

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Bl8ckr0uter

Turgon wrote: »

It sounds like an all round support gig to me which actually isn't a bad thing at all. No linux there but you know very few people get to work with everything they would like to in the field.

If you give up on the IT thing I think you could become a career coach. Or maybe like a Dr Phil only actually give usable advice....

Well I guess I will have to wait and see. If I do get it, I Might get an MCP/MCSA. They are still using Server 2003 and windows XP but they will be upgrading to 7 soon so it might be in my best interest to do a MCTS on Windows 7. We will see....

earweed

Hope you get it as it sounds interesting and as the others say once you're in they may welcome you bringing in some Linux (free=profit) into the mix.
Good luck!

mikej412

Turgon wrote: »

This is why the addage that you should only take cert tracks in things you work with is a nonsense.

Yeah -- I've always wondered when some people say only get certification in things you have experience with or already work with ....

While it's good to do the certifications that help with your CURRENT JOB and can help you advance there, at some point you have to look beyond and consider the certification(s) that will help you find your NEXT JOB.

L0gicB0mb508

There is nothing wrong with getting a well rounded job. It doesn't hurt to know a little bit about stuff, but don't try to be a master at everything. *nix admin work is very hard to get into sometimes. A lot of companies are an MS only shop. I dont think you have to certify in MS just because you work on it.
Do you know if their mainframe is running *nix?

Bl8ckr0uter

Well one of the jobs that I interviewed for made me an offer. They are a small outsourced IT and I would be THEE network guy. They also want someone who can help build out there linux servers. Sounds awesome right? Well here is the catch: The job is only 3 days a week and they aren't paying enough

FML. If I was living alone/with my parents I would be all on it. If I could afford it I would be right there but I have a wife/cat/fish to feed. Sigh.... Anyone ever been in this situation 'cause this is a first for me.

Bl8ckr0uter

L0gicB0mb508 wrote: »

There is nothing wrong with getting a well rounded job. It doesn't hurt to know a little bit about stuff, but don't try to be a master at everything. *nix admin work is very hard to get into sometimes. A lot of companies are an MS only shop. I dont think you have to certify in MS just because you work on it.
Do you know if their mainframe is running *nix?

I believe it is AIX based.

howiehandles

knwminus wrote: »

Well interesting developments:

Robert Half has found a position for me. It is a local gig, very part time, but also very flexible. It is a step back career wise but may be good for extra cash. Interview on Monday @ 12pm

There is also a helpdesk position at a company about 30 miles from my me. This is a full time position but again also a step backwards career wise. Interview on Monday @ 8:30am.

Also I am waiting for an Info Security Analyst position. I spoke with the recruiter who told me that they will know something tomorrow. It is in Cincy (where I want to be) and the pay is good. No benefits though and it is a contract (1 year plus). It is more in line with what I want to do so I would like this or the position I am interviewing next week over anything else.

good luck

Devilsbane

mikej412 wrote: »

Yeah -- I've always wondered when some people say only get certification in things you have experience with or already work with ....

While it's good to do the certifications that help with your CURRENT JOB and can help you advance there, at some point you have to look beyond and consider the certification(s) that will help you find your NEXT JOB.

I feel get what you need for your current job first, and after that do what you want to do. That leaves it open to study something because it interests you, or maybe because you think it would be useful to know.

Bl8ckr0uter

earweed wrote: »

You still don't sound happy with it. Maybe getting the MS experience will help you later. Doesn't mean you need the MS certs (unless they require it). You've been building a well rounded skill set which obviously employers are wanting to see.
When are you planning your Sec+? I saw you have it marked as May goal.
Best of luck.

Its not that I am not happy, its just that there is always a trade off with these things you know?

I moved the S+ up to June but yes I still want to do it. I need to finish classes first. Its not that I don't want to work with MS at all but I want to build a different skillset. I might just get a MCSA just to "validate" my knowledge/experience.

earweed

knwminus wrote: »

If I could afford it I would be right there but I have a wife/cat/fish to feed. Sigh.... Anyone ever been in this situation 'cause this is a first for me.

One solution: feed fish to the cat..lol

Devilsbane

earweed wrote: »

One solution: feed fish to the cat..lol

Then feed cat to wife??? No no, lets not go down that road.

Bl8ckr0uter

Well I just got contacted about a Internet/Firewall specialist position. The initial recruiter has passed my info out to the hiring manager. It seems like a cool position (linux/windows security cisco/juniper/checkpoint firewall support) so we will see. No word back from the positions from last week but it is only Monday so I am not worried. I start my network support role tomorrow, training during the week before I go to the weekends.

Bl8ckr0uter

knwminus wrote: »

Interview today for the Network Security Job. I honestly don't think I am going to get this one but if I did, I would be extremely happy. The interview is at 1pm.

Lol man this drama is getting worse and worse

LAST TIME ON AS KNWMINUS TURNS

*soap opera music*

I posted last about how I was offered a job (part time) on Friday. I took the weekend to think about it. Today I was contacted by 4 people. The first was for the job in my previous post. The second was about a Network Engineering position coming to my city. The third was about the position I have on hold. The fourth was about the Network Security Admin that I interviewed for on the 19th. To be honest, I really want that position. Linux support, cisco routers/switches/firewalls/voip, etc. It would be really cool and would be an excellent learning experience (no one there supports open systems anymore and they need someone to pick up the slack fast). I am worried about the responsibility but I guess it would be sink or swim....

I have never (in my 22 years) turned down a job or put an employer on hold but the reality is I want to advance my career AND put food on the table (and money in the bank). It seems that most of my other job prospects only want 1 out of the 2. I asked the recruiting company to ask the employer to wait to the end of the week. TBO I think that RHT is pretty pissed at me right now and I may have burned that bridge (the recruiter literally said she didn't want to burn the bridge with me) but I have to take a shot and go all in. Lets hope that I don't lose this one.

Bl8ckr0uter

Just did the phone interview for the firewall job. It went from a firewall support/network engineering position to a glorified helpdesk that may have to reboot an ASA everyone in a while*. I was pissed. The post for the job was SO misleading. Meh..

Here is the posting, Tell me if this sounds like a helpdesk to you:

Diagnose and correct Distributed Network Security/ Firewall Routing and other complex technical issues
* Interact with IT and Network Security Managers at our client companies
* Level-3 Escalations In Our Customer Support Group
* Provide leadership and training for our Customer Support Team
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of business processes/standards/testing requirements
Qualifications:
* Proficient in both Linux-based and MS Wide-Area Network Security and Firewalls
* Experience with the OSI model and network topology
* Familiarity with VPN options including ssl and IPSec
* Understanding of Corporate Network Security practices and common data encryption standards
* Experience in applying various methods of routing traffic through firewalls, including DMZs and Routing Rules
* Strong customer service *heart" and the confidence and professionalism to interface with our industrial client base at many organizational levels
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, backed up by strong organizational and time
management capabilities.
* Ability to earn the client*s trust and confidence during training and support calls.
We are searching for an energetic, up-beat individual with the motivation to provide technical leadership and grow in our fast-paced world of technology innovation.

I have the second interview for the Network Security Admin job. TBH I really want this position. They asked me about squid proxy and I figured out how to do what they wanted so I hope thats a plus. If I get it, I plan to go for the LPIC-1 and Security+ within 90 days to show I am learning and progressing towards being their opensource and security expert. I would probably try to pick up the LPIC-2 this year as well but that might be a bit much. Who knows though. I want to make a move towards Cincy and I just found out that the school I am going to not only has a building in Cincy, it offers all of both me and my wife's classes. She is willing and wanting to move as well. Hopefully I can pick up this job and make a move within 1-3 months. Stay tuned!

* I am not against the helpdesk workers here or anyone else. I have worked on several different helpdesks. I do take issue with people who lie on job postings. If I have to, I would go work on a Helpdesk but at this point in my short but colorful career I want to do more.

RobertKaucher

I really hope you get this! and that was not a posting that should have been for helpdesk. Wasting people's time....

Bl8ckr0uter

RobertKaucher wrote: »

I really hope you get this! and that was not a posting that should have been for helpdesk. Wasting people's time....

Thanks!

The position would put me closer towards your neck of the woods. I need someone to tell me which parts of Cincy to avoid and which parts never to go in*. I really hope to find out something by the end of the week. Working 7 days a week and going to school part time is going to be tough but if my commute is less than 30 minutes, it should be doable.

*True Story: At my old job someone stole the door off the datacenter (while they were building it).

RobertKaucher

If you are more down this way I would say we could do some labbing. I'll build my SQL and SharePoint systems and you break into them. Could be fun!

I thought you lived in Norwood for some reason....

Bl8ckr0uter

No I am Dayton. It sucks. But yea that would be cool. . .

Bl8ckr0uter

Did the interview. I feel petty good about it. I should know something by early next week.

earweed

Hope you get this one.

Bl8ckr0uter

earweed wrote: »

Hope you get this one.

Thanks! Me too. To be honest, I am really excited about it. The company has 60 people and they have a pretty deep IT enviroment but there still is work to be done. They are looking to set up an open source monitoring

tool and look at ways to reduce cost. It would be very dynamic place to work.

Bl8ckr0uter

Well I got a voicemail from the hiring manager. They are asking for a few references. This is a good sign. *Crossing fingers*

MeanDrunkR2D2

That's always a good sign! Good luck! With the position I just landed they called the next day for references and within a few days I had my offer! I wish you the best and hope they come back with an offer soon.

tomahawkeer

Yup, calling references is a very good sign. Good luck!

earweed

Sounds good so far, good luck.
I just noticed this thread's over 1,500 views so far. You're pretty popular around here.

erpadmin

Unless your references torpedo you.....

YOU-GOT-OFFER! (in faux-AOL dude voice....)

Best of luck and you got my prayers!

Bl8ckr0uter

erpadmin wrote: »

Unless you're references torpedo you.....

YOU-GOT-OFFER! (in faux-AOL dude voice....)

Best of luck and you got my prayers!

Lol I hopeso. I think there was one other canadate that they had to interview but that was today. Hopefully asking for my references means that the other person blew it.

impelse

jajajajaajaa. I liked it.

Selfmade

knwminus wrote: »

Lol I hopeso. I think there was one other canadate that they had to interview but that was today. Hopefully asking for my references means that the other person blew it.

I predict you will have the new job

impelse

I predict the same