What to do?!?!

Good morning everyone,

My names Mike and I've just joint these forums after browsing through them on many occasions and seeing lots of useful advice.

Well i find myself in a bit of a sticky situation (well and a dead end job!) to be honest, I'm currently in a job working as Sun/Solaris engineer (basically just testing hardware no more than that!!) however i was put in this job after doing a Microsoft apprenticeship..... Yeah that's right a "Microsoft" apprentice does a UNIX job role, yeah that confused me a little as well!

I'm trying to find a job working as some sort of support role in a Microsoft environment, something like a system admin or desktop support. I have been applying for multiple jobs had 2 interviews however my lack of experience lets me down every time!

I studied a national BTEC diploma at college for two years which i passed (completely pointless course!!!)
Then went onto do and complete my apprenticeship where i passed these exams:

> Comptia A+
> Comptia N+
> Microsoft 70-680 (installing and configuring windows 7)

I am now stuck where i am in a UNIX hardware based role with completely appalling pay and no experience to back up my qualifications.

I've been looking into taking some exams recently so that i can boost my CV appeal and knowledge but am not sure what to take really? I would love to learn all of them and keep learning but with my current job role so far away from home I'm not left with a major amount of time!

I've been thinking between doing:

> Microsoft office specialist exams
> Cisco CCENT then Cisco CCNA
> Microsoft 70-685
> Comptia exams Server+ or/and Security+
> ITIL

Sorry for the long message

but i just don't know what to do anymore lol, any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks for ya time!

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ehnde

Mikey12184 wrote: »

I'm trying to find a job working as some sort of support role in a Microsoft environment, something like a system admin or desktop support.

You've come to the right place, and don't despair! Things are going to get better, but not by chance. You are going to take action that causes your pay to increase and your job role to become more aligned with what you want to do.

Now that that's out of the way, I'd advise you do the Microsoft 70-685. Then you can put Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on your resume.

Now the next step would be to work on your MCITP:SA if you want to become a Microsoft server admin (this is really hard, you will need alot of discipline and hard work to do this). I myself have failed the Active Directory exam 3 times. If you enjoy Microsoft technologies maybe it will be easier for you

You need to do labs!

Professionally, just keep looking. You might have some luck talking to a recruiting firm (NOT the same as a temp agency). Every day that passes is another day of experience that you have in IT. Could you post your resume for us to see? We can offer suggestions there too.

Mikey12184

Ah thank you very much for the advice, 70-685 it is then! I have been trying to figure out what to do for ages and i think that helps a lot

I used the MCTS Self-Paced Training kit + past exams to pass my 70-680 do you think the equivalent book for 70-680 would be a good choice?

Yeah was also looking at the server qualifications but was thinking would may be best to start studying these whilst i am working with Microsoft systems so that it sticks in my head more and i realize what the real world use is above the level of just doing labs

Yeah i enjoy Microsoft technologies a lot more than the UNIX stuff i work with! I only work on a basic level but still its too much haha!!! Id rather stick to my DOS prompt than all these different shells lol!

I have a job interview on Wednesday for a company as internal IT support would you have any advice for this, ( the job role is a massive jump from what i do at the moment so not expecting a lot, but the interview experience will be good) or just emphasize my customer facing skills are good and that my experience may be slacking but i am willing to put in extra time to get my knowledge up to the standards of their current team.

Do you just want me to post my CV in this thread?

Cheers for your time!

ehnde

Why don't you start a new thread specifically for your CV in the IT Jobs/Degrees subforum just to make sure it gets the attention it deserves...I mean I'd see it if you posted it here, but you will get better results if more of us review your resume. I got help here several years ago and it resulted in a MUCH better resume and probably higher pay after I landed a job.

I never took the 70-685 so cannot advise you on that. We're opposites in this regard: I am a *nix admin

Currently working on Linux+.

In your job interview, ask your interviewer questions & research the company before you go in for the interview. Wear a suit.

"If you hire me, what are some of the challenges you'd be looking for me to address?"

The Interview Question That's Always Asked (and How to Nail It)