Entry Level Employment...how!!

So I graduated from UMD in December with a BS in IT. I quickly picked up the network+ and security+ certs. I am now in month 3 of the job search and my question is how the heck do I get an entry level job in a helpdesk or related position, when all of these "entry level" jobs want 2+ years experience, numerous certs, and experience/knowledge of SO many different technologies?
I understand the need for experienced individuals but even experienced IT people had to start somewhere I'm assuming. What am I missing here? Can anyone offer some advice on how to break into this field?
I understand the need for experienced individuals but even experienced IT people had to start somewhere I'm assuming. What am I missing here? Can anyone offer some advice on how to break into this field?
:study: Certified: CompTIA Network+, Security+
Up Next: CCNA, MCITP: SA(70-640,70-642,70-646)
Up Next: CCNA, MCITP: SA(70-640,70-642,70-646)
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Up Next: CCNA, MCITP: SA(70-640,70-642,70-646)
Don’t let the job requirements stop you from applying! Now, obviously if they list 10 years of X and you don’t even know what X is don’t waste your time, or theirs! However, if they give a laundry list of skills and you have several of them apply!
Often a job description is a wish list of what they would like to have not necessarily what they will hire. Also they are frequently cut and paste jobs by head hunters and or HR people so they might not actually reflect the actual job. They key is the position, if you can sit in an interview and sell them on your ability to do the job then apply!
You apply for those jobs anyway and move on to the next job until someone calls you back.
Im finding/applying for jobs through sites such as careerbuilder, monster, usajobs.gov, and also researching private companies and applying directly through their sites.
Networking is ultimately where I'd like to be, but I notice alot of these jobs are looking for some knowledge in Microsoft, some form of SQL, and also networking. Would it be advantageous to pick up a simple SQL cert like Oracle 11g SQL Fundamentals 1 and Administration 1, just to show I have a basic understanding of SQL, and then proceed to more difficult Networking (CCNA) and MS certs?
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Entry Level Network Engineer Job in Twinsburg 44087, Ohio US
The job was essentially only as a password ninja job but I have used it to leap frog to a proper IT job after just over a year working there - partly through luck but also through acquiring skills and qualifications to make myself more marketable. So I have gotten into IT in a roundabout way basically. So in the UK, at least, this route is possible. Good luck with your search.
For an entry level type job you have what you need to do that job. Just apply for anything and everything you might even in some way shape or form be remotely qualified for. The worst that happens is you don't get a call back. Heck the job i'm at now I don't think i'm quite qualified for, however during the interview I wowed the guy a lot, what i'm lacking I can learn. I would also include dice.com as an option, lot of decent jobs on there.
WGU MS:ISA Completed October 30th 2013.
A+, Network+, CCNA
Up Next: CCNA, MCITP: SA(70-640,70-642,70-646)
CUCM SRND 9x/10, UCCX SRND 10x, QOS SRND, SIP Trunking Guide, anything contact center related
Drive around your neighborhood, find companies you think you might like to work for, and research them. Sometimes you will find openings posted on their sites that are not listed with the major employment sites. See if there is a networking group in your area you can join and learn about other businesses and perhaps rub shoulders with someone who might take a chance on a fresh grad.
Up Next: CCNA, MCITP: SA(70-640,70-642,70-646)
CUCM SRND 9x/10, UCCX SRND 10x, QOS SRND, SIP Trunking Guide, anything contact center related
SSC1, SST1, AXV1, TTV1, ABV1, TNV1, AHV1, BAC1, BBC1, LAE1, LUT1, GAC1, IWC1, INC1, HHT1, LAT1, QLT1, CLC1, IWT1 TPV1, INT1, TSV1, LET1, BOV1, AJV1, ORC1, MGC1, BRV1, AIV1, WFV1, TWA1, CPW2
Incompleted Courses:
nothing
Pick up the local paper and look at job fairs. Large cities might have an advantage (I'm from Houston) but anything should help. While you might have to muscle your way past the teenagers and other job seekers, this gives you a chance to put a face to your resume and a little exposure. At worst your out gas money and a couple of hours. The latest one had a mailing list so if you couldn't go, you at least get an email from what companies were there.
Make the most of when you meet people (like at the fair). The recruiter may be looking for some other position, but if a help desk position opens up and he at least has your email, it may be the difference between getting a chance and none at all.
Good luck to ya
Also, try to call staffing companies around where you live. Don't just pick any random one, go for the ones that usually have help desk or IT openings. The most important part is to call them on a daily basis. This shows them that you're serious about looking for a job.
My old co-op advisor used to call the job requirements a "Dream list". So, don't let it discourage you.
Just kept applying for jobs,and landed myself a Service Desk Analyst role for a very large outsourcing firm in the UK,it's 110mile's a day,but you can't beat the experience of working on a multi client desk covering all aspects of service desk,and some 1st line support
Just keep applying,even if you think you can't get the job,that's what I did,no harm in applying for alot of jobs,worst case scenerio is that it takes up some of your time,though you can end up with a job so it makes it worthwhile then!
So you have a BS and two certs and cant get an 'entry level' position!? I really hope its because your just not applying to these said postings. If your not, I need to choose another career path because I wont stand a f'n chance...
After being around 4 help desk/desktop jobs you have no need to know any SQL. The average person on a help desk has very poor knowledge in IT related things IMO (this is no insult as I'm still working in one...just being honest)
Get a few buzzwords in your resume, a related certification or two and be a good interviewer. You'll get a job soon enough.
If you want a list of common interview questions, you could start here:
Interview Questions: Job Interview Questions and Answers
Anyway, you keep your head up man eventually that Degree and those certs will open a door.
Up Next: CCNA, MCITP: SA(70-640,70-642,70-646)