A+ and Network+

I just wanted to get an idea if anyone with just these two certs was able to land an entry level job. I'm in the midst of a career change, and recently got my A+ and have been applying to help desk and desktop support jobs like crazy... 16 Jobs this past week. I haven't had any luck yet as I have no related experience. In about a week or so I'll be taking my Net+ exam.

I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck landing an entry level job with these two certs and no related experience.

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gadav478

REMOVED UNNECESSARY QUOTED REPLY FROM PREVIOUS POST

I've got both (A+ and N+) and no PROFESSIONAL experience. I do have some computer science courses under my belt (entry, i.e. prog in C, prog in C++, assembly language, intro to comp sci etc). I have recently been offered a position and got it on the strength of my A+ (didn't have the Net+ until this past week) and my phone and in-person interviews. I'm currently waiting for my clearance to come through which is necessary to start work.

The way you tailor your resume is crucial. Use all experience as leverage, no matter how small. Anything is better than nothing, IMHO. Also make sure you build a solid connection with the recruiters you're dealing with. If they remember you, they'll call you first.

I would suggest Dice.com as well as CareerBuilder and Monster. I posted my resume 4 months ago and still get calls for A+ related work. Persistence is key, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Good luck if finding a job is your goal.

Essendon

Just like geoffrey said, it's your resume that gets you that initial phone call from a recruiter/employer. Maybe post it up here and we can critique it for you. I'd also recommend to keep pounding away on the certs, perhaps start working on the CCENT/CCNA. Whether you list it on your resume is one thing, but the knowledge you'd gain from studying for a higher-level cert can be invaluable in a face-to-face interview.

Good luck!

gdeusthewhizkid

I haven't gotten any calls for my net+. not sure what to do ....

N2IT

A few points to make (IMO)

If it's your first job it can take a little bit longer. Try going through a recruiting agency and see if they call place you. From there who knows you may get hired on and ascend. Worse case you get a job and gain experience.

Binge applying is good as long as you meet the job requirements at least some of them. I personal believe applying for 1-2 jobs a day is a more manageable way of going about it. That way you don't burn out. Whatever you do don't get discouraged we have all gone through this, or at least most of us have.

@Gdeus I am assuming you are applying for networking jobs? If my assumption is correct, I would recommend getting the CCNA. It's almost like the rite of passage for a network professional. I have seen it replace a year or two of experience in networking. In fact we had a technician finally pass his CCNA 6th time and a couple of weeks later he had a networking job at a hospital. Obviously there are no guarntees but the CCNA can open some doors.

j.petrov

Thanks for all the replies guys! I'm definitely thinking of going after the CCNA after I am done with the Net+, I'm hoping that I will be able to more easily navigate the CCENT test after the net+. Although I don't have "IT" experience, I have been working in recording studios as an Audio Engineer for the last 8 years, so I do have a great amount of technical experience. I'm gonna post my resume up here a little later today.

Thanks again everyone for the replies. I definitely am highly motivated so I'll keep hitting the books and work on more certs.

j.petrov

Here it is guys, I obviously copied and pasted it in... I tried to fix any formatting issues that happened from the copy/paste. Let me know how this looks to you. I also put in the Net+ even though I don't have it yet, I'm taking the test at the end of next week. Thanks for any replies in advance.

Jan Petrov
xxx N. Spaulding Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036•x.xxxxxx@mac.com•(xxx) xxx-xxxx

Summary of Qualifications:
•Outstanding communication skills; 8 years experience providing support for high end clientele on a daily basis
•Adept at solving computer related issues, both software and hardware
•Willingness to learn and grow personally and professionally
•Resourceful, sharp, able to improvise and devise creative and professional solutions

Technical Skills:
Operating Systems: Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X 10.6/10.7
Hardware: PCs, Apple Computers, Laptops, Printers, Scanners, Mobile Devices, Wireless Routers, and Audio/Video peripherals

Technical Certifications:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+

Professional Experience:
Soundtrack NY New York, NY Nov.2004-Apr. 2011
ADR Recordist/Music Engineer
•Recorded weekly ADR for TV shows including: Law & Order (All Versions), Gossip Girl, White Collar, Royal Pains, and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire & Bored to Death. Film credits include: The Dark Knight, Robin Hood, Fair Game, and Miracle at St Anna.
•House Music Engineer and Assistant Engineer to legendary music mixer/producer Andy Wallace. Worked on numerous major label releases such as Coldplay: Viva La Vida and Guns n Roses: Chinese Democracy.
•Extensive troubleshooting during recordings including: signal flow, audio/video equip, and computer issues.

AnEFX Inc. Burbank, CA Aug. 2011-Current
Freelance ADR Mixer
•Recorded principal ADR and Loop Group for Suits and Warehouse 13

Oracle Post Burbank, CA Mar. 2012-Current
Freelance ADR/VO Mixer
•ADR and Voice Over recording

Education:
•AS Degree in Audio Production, 2004
Art Institute of New England, Brookline, MA

Devilry

As N2 said. I would suggest going to staffing agencies/temp agencies/recruiters. They will get you into a temporary solution so you can get some experience. The longer the experience, the easier it seems to get.

j.petrov

I'd love some resume feedback if anyone wants to give me some. I know with no IT experience this is a very key aspect.

Thanks

HLRS

put down freelance IT exp maybe

baseball1988

Finding an entry level job is about luck.

A+ certificate will probably help you land a job in some IT call center or basic IT help desk.