The resume and personal experience... Do they mix?

CodeBlox

I've been helping people with computer problems for a few years now. Should this type of personal experience ever hit the resume? If it is acceptable, how would one list this type of experience? I'm afraid of doing it because I don't want my resume to instantly hit the trash can.

EDIT: Also, as to not make another thread, should I apply for jobs that require more experience than what I have anyway? Say a job asks for 2 years experience and I have NONE. Should I apply anyway?

LoMo

I would say apply if you meet the criteria other than the number of years experience. Worst they can do is not call you.

nimrod.sixty9

I would have to say no to helping friends and family. Yes to helping out orginizations such as librarys or schools.

I would still apply as log as your somewhat close to the requirements. They cant see your resume if you dont submit it. Worst that can happen is it goes to the trash bin. I see a lot of job postings asking for much more than they would really need. And whose to say that those that could meet the requirements would actualy work there. Ive seen postings that ask for a masters and a CCIE for something a helpdesk person could do... I dont see that person with those creds bothering... All you have to do is be the best candidate. Remember, you dont have to out run the bear, you just have to out run someone else.

CodeBlox

That sounds like good advice. Many of the help desk postings have requirements that seem to suit me but they want 5 years previous experience and a bachelors. I'm working towards the bachelors and just have an A.S in CS. Man, I'm tired of making $7.35/hour and I could really use more money. I'm also VERY tired of the job I do. I HATE it now. I work at the customer service desk for a grocery store. It's the only job I've ever had and I've been there for 5 years now!!! Got it my Sr. year in high school.

mikedisd2

CodeBlox wrote: »

I've been helping people with computer problems for a few years now. Should this type of personal experience ever hit the resume? If it is acceptable, how would one list this type of experience? I'm afraid of doing it because I don't want my resume to instantly hit the trash can.

EDIT: Also, as to not make another thread, should I apply for jobs that require more experience than what I have anyway? Say a job asks for 2 years experience and I have NONE. Should I apply anyway?

I'd only put personal experience if I had zero work experience. Otherwise no.

I actually ignore half of what a job vacancy says. Alot of the credibility is lost in these fictional pieces as you'll find a good portion of the requirements is utter pants.

N2IT

CodeBlox wrote: »

That sounds like good advice. Many of the help desk postings have requirements that seem to suit me but they want 5 years previous experience and a bachelors. I'm working towards the bachelors and just have an A.S in CS. Man, I'm tired of making $7.35/hour and I could really use more money. I'm also VERY tired of the job I do. I HATE it now. I work at the customer service desk for a grocery store. It's the only job I've ever had and I've been there for 5 years now!!! Got it my Sr. year in high school.

Time to ascend Code.

First of all you have customer service skills, 5 years is a lot. There are a ton of employers who will view that as a major +. Infact that alone could leverage you into a IT helpdesk position. Which will buy you 2-3 years before you get bored. (I only lay claim to this because I was in the help desk for a few years and it seemed to me that the burnt out for most people is around 2-3 years).
You also have some nice certifications. I would highlight those certifications near the top. Maybe after your job experience.

nimrod.sixty9

CodeBlox wrote: »

That sounds like good advice. Many of the help desk postings have requirements that seem to suit me but they want 5 years previous experience and a bachelors. I'm working towards the bachelors and just have an A.S in CS. Man, I'm tired of making $7.35/hour and I could really use more money. I'm also VERY tired of the job I do. I HATE it now. I work at the customer service desk for a grocery store. It's the only job I've ever had and I've been there for 5 years now!!! Got it my Sr. year in high school.

Thats 5 years customer service! That combined with your certs and education, Id say you easily qualify for just about any helpdesk. Have you posted up your resume on here? When I finally update mine I am most certainly posting it here to let the pros have a stab at it. You should do the same if you havent already.

EDIT: I swear some employers are morons... Maybe its just HR. I just compared a Systems Admin III to a Destkop Support position. Both had the same requirements! Maybe a little low for a Sys Admin but way too high for Desktop Support. Im a helpdesk person who couldnt qualify for a Desktop support position! No way anyone meeting the requirements would work there for $10/h. They could easily make much more... And thats where you only have to be the best candidate, not the perfect one they are asking for.

Just saying that dont let the rquirements stop you (within reason). Keep trying and move on!

CodeBlox

Well I'm glad I have SOMETHING I could use to my advantage. I hadn't thought employers would consider my 5 years of customer service. I've been looking at postings, and I think I may give the temp contract positions a try. Who knows, they experience could add up and lead to full time employment. I'm just ready for a change and am willing to work hard. I'd be willing to work 65 hours a week if given the opportunity.