Boss is leaving- Move to another job? Resume-

nimrod.sixty9

Boss is leaving very soon and I dont exactly know whats going to happen. Other than I know that they are going to throw everything on me. Then months after busting my ass theyll finally hire someone from the outside. 2 1/2 years still not one cent of a raise, Im sure this trend will continue...

So Im not exactly good at getting jobs. Im horrible at interviews. I consider myself really lucky getting the one I have now. But Im still thinking about trying to move on.

My current duties (or experience) are;
-WSUS
-ePO (only using it to update, no admin side)
-Installed VMware ESXi 4.0 running my WSUS VCS and an app server (file) all by my lonesome LOL
-Ghosting/imaging
-Basic helpdesk stuff, password ninja, app troubleshooting, awesome Google searcher
-Audio/video
-Office equipment/printers etc...
-Cable routing and patching (Cat5e/6)
-Intertel phone system, installing and changing lines as well as remotely configuring options
-No GPO experience, but I will be doing this in my home lab
-Networking only as far as configuring port security on 2950's and 60's
-Lots of propriatary apps that really couldnt be listed as experience
-Footprints ticketing system
All I can think of right now...

I have a great work ethic and all the employees love me. I can be professional when I need to be but I pretty much know everyone like they were distant family.

Could I, should I try moving on? Considering my small bit of experince in this job market...

lunchbox67

First off, update that resume ... what you show here tells me you ain't had no workz in over 5 years.

Second, if you suck (as I do) at interviews start applying for jobs you think are a bit more then you can handle. Some will call you in. Use the interview for practice. If you are pretty damn sure you won't get hired you can relax ... and MAYBE get the job anyway.

But even if you do not like that idea you should ALWAYS keep you resume up to date and you should ALWAYS be applying for jobs ... just to keep your interview skills up. And MAYBE land a better job.

I am looking at the end of a 20+ year career because the company (founded in 1944) is closing, killed by the wonderful economy. 650+ people losing their jobs.

Never thought I would be here ... should have been getting my Certs all along but never thought I'd need them.

Anyway, I am applying from help-desk to Director of IT. Have had call backs from top to bottom and will start with interviews next week.

What I am trying to say is ... the water is warm, come on in!!

nimrod.sixty9

Sorry to hear about the company man. Now I feel like a *****

Yes I know I need to update the res, that why I posted it I just have no idea where to start! No clue what to put based on my experience. I dont even think I could get an interview, even looking at my updated resume. This is what Im worried about. But worth a shot I suppose, if I can get in that door without wasting someones time. You have that 20 years experience, I dont...

I wish you luck in your job hunt!

Everyone

Looks like you're a master of the costodial arts.

As others have pointed out, fill in that 6 year gap, hopefully with something other than cleaning polishing and waxing tiles.

ehnde

Try leaving out the months, like this:

Job #1 2003 - 2004
Job #2 2004 - 2005

and so on.

lunchbox67

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

I just have no idea where to start! No clue what to put based on my experience.

I call BS!!! You did that in your list of current duties.

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

I dint even think I could get an interview, even looking at my updated resume. This is what I'm worried about. But worth a shot I suppose, if I can get in that door without wasting someones time.

Grow up a bit, they called YOU!!! You are not wasting their time if they CALLED YOU!!!

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

You have that 20 years experience, I dont...

@0+ at the company, ... a little over 12 in IT. Running the department for a bit over 6 years. But no formal education in IT and not a damn Cert (Stupid, Stupid, Stupid)!!!

Update the resume and put it back up here. And remember anything you lab and are familiar with you can also list as experience. Experience is not always tied to a paycheck.

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

I wish you luck in your job hunt!

You too!

Forsaken_GA

^

I like him.

Essendon

^

Me too. Good points!

nimrod.sixty9

Ok that came out wrong. I mean I dont know how to word it. There is no way in hell I can list it like that.

As for 'growing up'; you dont know me. If its over my head, and it most likely will be; how could I practice if Im saying 'I dont know'... 'I dont know'..? Sorry guys Im a freaking choke artist when it comes to interviews. Im sure the only thing I think Id get a call for would be helpdesk anyway. And Im fine with that as thats all I qualify for. That said should I bother trying to move on?

And as for calling yourself stupid... Too harsh. Not getting certs may have been a bad move, but you were obviously doing something right!

Now that you guys see how silly that resume is, could I possibly leave out that previous work experience? Could I just list my current and relevant position then furnish past employment on request? Or would that be a bad move? Like Everyone pointed out; I dont want the HR ppl thinking, 'Hey this guy can clean the **** out of some floors'.

I always thought if it wasnt on the job or in class, it doesnt count. How would a potential employer feel if I responded with, 'well I do have a lot of experience doing this at home, in my production lab'?

Essendon

Put in the latest jobs, if you post out the current resume the HR baboon is going to be like - is this dude on meth or something. Would you hire someone to service a radar if all that your resume was about panel beating?

List your current employment and past employments, try IT only ones. Now let's see the new resume.

nimrod.sixty9

This is the only IT job Ive ever had
Please dont think I plan in any way to hand this resume to anyone. I just wanted to post it as an example of how far off I was of creating a decent res.

Ill give it my best shot tomorrow evening. Got a lot of stuff to do at work so itll be late. Ill post up in pdf this time...

lunchbox67

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

I always thought if it wasnt on the job or in class, it doesnt count. How would a potential employer feel if I responded with, 'well I do have a lot of experience doing this at home, in my production lab'?

That right there is one of the best ways to get hired over people with experience and/or Certs!!! I guara-fn-ty it buddy!!!

What you do is just that, say "I do have a lot of experience doing this at home, in my production lab" ... and the kicker is you follow it up with ... "Would you like to see my lab? If we can access the Internet I can show you my lab through LogMeIn"

You want to see an IT hiring manager get all doe eyed, just try that.

Try it, i dare you, I double dog dare you!!!

nimrod.sixty9

LOL bustin my balls man. Getting what I deserve. Ill RDP, VPN, show them the forum, AD/GPO etc...

Been reading the hell out of Kenons sticky, Ill be using a lot of stuff from there. Ill get a real res up and let you guys burn it down.

lunchbox67

Hey buddy, we are more alike then I let on or you could possibly know. And THAT is what's **** me off. See, I don't know you ... you have nothing to do with keeping a roof over my children's heads or food on their plates.

I am just projecting the inner rage I have at myself for not being as prepared as I should be.

But you my friend can use this as a heads up not to get into my position ... ever.

Forsaken_GA

lunchbox67 wrote: »

What you do is just that, say "I do have a lot of experience doing this at home, in my production lab" ... and the kicker is you follow it up with ... "Would you like to see my lab? If we can access the Internet I can show you my lab through LogMeIn"

I've actually done just that, but I've also taken it one step further. I bring full diagrams of my server topology, as well as my network topology, and I offer them free reign to review it, and explain that I would be more than happy to setup a VPN connection for them to take a look around. That demonstrates that I do indeed have some practical hands on experience, and it shows that I can actually document my work pretty well (Visio skills are handy for an IT guy to have!)

Small details like that can set you aside from other candidates, as it shows you're ready to back up your talk, and more importantly, that you came prepared! Artists and musicians are expected to have some kind of portfolio showing their work, and I see absolutely no reason why an IT guy can't do something similar.

lunchbox67

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

I've actually done just that, but I've also taken it one step further. I bring full diagrams of my server topology, as well as my network topology, and I offer them free reign to review it, and explain that I would be more than happy to setup a VPN connection for them to take a look around. That demonstrates that I do indeed have some practical hands on experience, and it shows that I can actually document my work pretty well (Visio skills are handy for an IT guy to have!)

Small details like that can set you aside from other candidates, as it shows you're ready to back up your talk, and more importantly, that you came prepared! Artists and musicians are expected to have some kind of portfolio showing their work, and I see absolutely no reason why an IT guy can't do something similar.

Zartanasaurus

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

I've actually done just that, but I've also taken it one step further. I bring full diagrams of my server topology, as well as my network topology, and I offer them free reign to review it, and explain that I would be more than happy to setup a VPN connection for them to take a look around. That demonstrates that I do indeed have some practical hands on experience, and it shows that I can actually document my work pretty well (Visio skills are handy for an IT guy to have!)

Small details like that can set you aside from other candidates, as it shows you're ready to back up your talk, and more importantly, that you came prepared! Artists and musicians are expected to have some kind of portfolio showing their work, and I see absolutely no reason why an IT guy can't do something similar.

+1 for a portfolio of tech work. It will impress a lot of people. Bring copies for everyone.

colemic

If we could rate threads, this one would be a 10.

Devilsbane

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

Well do you guys think I stand a chance elsewhere? Should I stay?

We all have our different opinions, but I wouldn't go running from a job just because my boss is leaving if I was perfectly happy with it. Maybe you will get some extra work tossed on you. And maybe you will rise to the occasion and they will promote you. Or maybe someone new will come in for the manager spot and it will go back to how it was.

It never hurts to keep your resume updated and to send it out every once in awhile. I know some highly professional people who are quite happy with their jobs who go interview each year just to see what their options are and to get an idea of what they are worth. No crime in that.

nimrod.sixty9

lunchbox67 wrote: »

Hey buddy, we are more alike then I let on or you could possibly know. And THAT is what's **** me off. See, I don't know you ... you have nothing to do with keeping a roof over my children's heads or food on their plates.

I am just projecting the inner rage I have at myself for not being as prepared as I should be.

But you my friend can use this as a heads up not to get into my position ... ever.

I have been trying. Ive been read Meyers N+ book till my eyes blur. Watching Messer videos like they were my favorite show. Got all my stuff lined up at IRSC about 3 weeks ago. Its not like Im really ******* off.

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

I've actually done just that, but I've also taken it one step further. I bring full diagrams of my server topology, as well as my network topology, and I offer them free reign to review it, and explain that I would be more than happy to setup a VPN connection for them to take a look around. That demonstrates that I do indeed have some practical hands on experience, and it shows that I can actually document my work pretty well (Visio skills are handy for an IT guy to have!)

Small details like that can set you aside from other candidates, as it shows you're ready to back up your talk, and more importantly, that you came prepared! Artists and musicians are expected to have some kind of portfolio showing their work, and I see absolutely no reason why an IT guy can't do something similar.

I really had no idea they would consider this an answer. I really thought Id get laughed at if I said anything about my 'lab'.

Speaking of Visio, I could show them one hellava diagram, only if it didnt show the layout of the property. Still havent done rack layout though.

Ill try the portfilio as soon as I can get my res squared away.

colemic wrote: »

If we could rate threads, this one would be a 10.

Yes, I know I look like a fool. I hate me too...

Devilsbane wrote: »

We all have our different opinions, but I wouldn't go running from a job just because my boss is leaving if I was perfectly happy with it. Maybe you will get some extra work tossed on you. And maybe you will rise to the occasion and they will promote you. Or maybe someone new will come in for the manager spot and it will go back to how it was.

It never hurts to keep your resume updated and to send it out every once in awhile. I know some highly professional people who are quite happy with their jobs who go interview each year just to see what their options are and to get an idea of what they are worth. No crime in that.

I am not happy with it (was). And they are already tossing a lot of extra work on me. They will eventually bring someone in, and Ill have to train them. But hey thats months away

Im already going to the 'all managers' meeting to discuss next fiscal years budget. That will go well, not. Ill also have two big projects coming my way, very very soon. One over $720K and the other over $200K. Huge migration.

Im not wanting to leave because my boss is. I want to because of what my boss is leaving behind...

Im not against trying out interviews just to keep sharp. I just felt like it may be a waste as I have **** to show for. But apparently I do. And that is what I was asking...

veritas_libertas

colemic wrote: »

If we could rate threads, this one would be a 10.

You most certainly can!

lunchbox67

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

I am not happy with it (was). And they are already tossing a lot of extra work on me. They will eventually bring someone in, and Ill have to train them. But hey thats months away

Looks like you will have a few months of experience ... won't you.

lunchbox67

Oh, and by the way, where is it you work?
I think I will send them my resume ....

ipSpace

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

Could I, should I try moving on? Considering my small bit of experince in this job market...

Nice topic. Of course if you would like to move, there is no reason on not moving. You can always say to the HR people, when they asked you, why you moved the following:
1. I was feeling that i wasn't learning anything. I could learn a lot more here
2. I wanted to do more routing(there i was doing only switching/pinging).
3. I feel that here i have a lot to learn, and i get a lot of opportunities etc..

Never leave the "small experience" keep you for doing what you like.(i had like 5 months of experience, when i moved into a NOC)

I got a NOC job, and i only had the CCNA, because i was learning constantly, and when i got in the interview, i got a lot of CCNP questions(but since i was learning, i had everything fresh in my mind, and i aced it).

It doesn't really matter what experience you have, i was told that they had a 8 year guy, with experience that could not make a decent Network, he didn't even know what HSRP was ..


Learn a lot and you will succeed, dispite the small experience you have(probably you know more then a guy with 5+ years of experience, that only did what he was told).


Always keep learning, this is how you become more VALUABLE to the MARKET PLACE!!!

colemic

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

Yes, I know I look like a fool. I hate me too...

Aplogies if you took the wrong inmpression - I was in no way mocking you or making fun of you, or anything of the sort. I said I liked the thread, mainly because Lunchbox67 has been really encouraging you. It's good to see these kinds of threads, and I for one need to be more active in encouraging others here.

Again, sincerest apologies if you mistook my meaning.

colemic

veritas_libertas wrote: »

You most certainly can!

Cool, did not know that. Learn something every day around here!

Devilsbane

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

Im already going to the 'all managers' meeting to discuss next fiscal years budget. That will go well, not. Ill also have two big projects coming my way, very very soon. One over $720K and the other over $200K. Huge migration.

Im not wanting to leave because my boss is. I want to because of what my boss is leaving behind...

I guess we all have different likes and dislikes, but migrations sound like fun. Where I work we are talking about echange, windows 7, and office 2010 migrations in the coming future. Yes, it will be a large pain in the rear, but I'm also looking forward to the "excitement" and the potential knowledge gains.

nimrod.sixty9

lunchbox67 wrote: »

Looks like you will have a few months of experience ... won't you.

***** slap of a good point. Ill now be looking at this as an advantage (even if they are running me over).

lunchbox67 wrote: »

Oh, and by the way, where is it you work?
I think I will send them my resume ....

Not yet.

inSecure.ro wrote: »

Nice topic. Of course if you would like to move, there is no reason on not moving. You can always say to the HR people, when they asked you, why you moved the following:
1. I was feeling that i wasn't learning anything. I could learn a lot more here
2. I wanted to do more routing(there i was doing only switching/pinging).
3. I feel that here i have a lot to learn, and i get a lot of opportunities etc..

Never leave the "small experience" keep you for doing what you like.(i had like 5 months of experience, when i moved into a NOC)

I got a NOC job, and i only had the CCNA, because i was learning constantly, and when i got in the interview, i got a lot of CCNP questions(but since i was learning, i had everything fresh in my mind, and i aced it).

It doesn't really matter what experience you have, i was told that they had a 8 year guy, with experience that could not make a decent Network, he didn't even know what HSRP was ..


Learn a lot and you will succeed, dispite the small experience you have(probably you know more then a guy with 5+ years of experience, that only did what he was told).


Always keep learning, this is how you become more VALUABLE to the MARKET PLACE!!!

Thank you! This is really good stuff. Ill keep at the certs as I have time for them. Still reading and studying when I can.

colemic wrote: »

Aplogies if you took the wrong inmpression - I was in no way mocking you or making fun of you, or anything of the sort. I said I liked the thread, mainly because Lunchbox67 has been really encouraging you. It's good to see these kinds of threads, and I for one need to be more active in encouraging others here.

Again, sincerest apologies if you mistook my meaning.

No need to apologize when I’m the one who had misinterpreted. Very sorry about that.

Devilsbane wrote: »

I guess we all have different likes and dislikes, but migrations sound like fun. Where I work we are talking about echange, windows 7, and office 2010 migrations in the coming future. Yes, it will be a large pain in the rear, but I'm also looking forward to the "excitement" and the potential knowledge gains.

Ive already done Office 2003 to 2007 migration as well as currently finishing up Windows 7 migration. Indeed this bit was/is fun. The project Im refering to... think, Proprietary Skynet. Its taking over everything and the knowledge I can take nowhere else. Granted Im starting to think it will be quite fun. Six DL380 G7's running VMware woo!


Off to work on my resume... Thanks everyone.

MickQ

That'll be fun. Remember, if you need network or any kind of help, we're here.

Forsaken_GA

nimrod.sixty9 wrote: »

The project Im refering to... think, Proprietary Skynet. Its taking over everything and the knowledge I can take nowhere else.
.

Oh, someone else is having LanDesk deployed on their network too!

nimrod.sixty9

Thanks Mick and everyone else!

I have now added a rough resume. It actually took me awhile to get this far because I lack creativity and just all around suck at writing anything. Lots of empty places, lots of copy paste (w/ rewording) and pretty much just an all around mess.

Could really use help in wording, changing of repitition, and relocation of text. Also key skills area.

Couldnt figure out where to put or how to put adhering to policies (as they are very strict here) that are not neccesarily IT related. Other than PCI compliance...