Having a REALLY tough time finding an entry level position

It's aggravating me. I am trying to find an entry level security position so that I can utilize my degree in the field I want to be at, but I can't find ANYTHING entry level.

I tried dice.com
simplyhired.com

I know monster.com is BS.

Can anyone suggest anything?

Maybe map out security related functions from the SSCP domains into my resume more?

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N2IT

Maybe Indeed, I've had good success off that site. I am a FTE right now which I found from Indeed. Decent pay as well! Take a look that would be my suggestion. Can you get a high level security certification without an insane amount of experience? Just a thought. Networking and Security both seem to be very certification heavy in their requirements.

NetworkVeteran

Did you earn a security-related degree, participate in any original security research, or take any security-related courses? (Your signature reads "WGU Progress", so I'm not sure what degree you're seeking to utilize. With more details we can probably do more to help you. Don't underestimate your professors and chair as a good resource!)

Do you have any security certification beyond the very basic Security+?

I know monster.com is BS.

I think that's the site I used to land my last job. I'm not too picky so long as I'm sent good job offers. In terms of the resume-posting functionality, all the big sites seemed rather similar to me.

Jasiono

N2IT wrote: »

Maybe Indeed, I've had good success off that site. I am a FTE right now which I found from Indeed. Decent pay as well! Take a look that would be my suggestion. Can you get a high level security certification without an insane amount of experience? Just a thought. Networking and Security both seem to be very certification heavy in their requirements.

I'll try indeed again. I just don't really know what to search for in terms of entry level. I have 7 years of IT support experience in a large corporation environment and a lot of computer repair experience through circuit city and staples.

Jasiono

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

Did you earn a security-related degree, participate in any original security research, or take any security-related courses? (Your signature reads "WGU Progress", so I'm not sure what degree you're seeking to utilize. With more details we can probably do more to help you. Don't underestimate your professors and chair as a good resource!)

Do you have any security certification beyond the very basic Security+?

I think that's the site I used to land my last job. I'm not too picky so long as I'm sent good job offers. In terms of the resume-posting functionality, all the big sites seemed rather similar to me.

I've never had luck with it. It seems as though it's a place to send out tons of copies of your resume. I think my problem there is that my resume isn't hitting the key words they want.

The only security cert I have is the security+. My wgu progress hasn't been updated but I will be done in 1 more semester which is starting next month. I still have my ccna and project+ certs left to do in the coursework.

I just need to stick to getting my degree. I took off for a month and I've been reading the sscp book. Seems pretty simple to get it and I have enough experience in the cbk domains to get endorsed, should I pass the exam.

Excuse any typing errors. I'm on my phone right now.

charlemagne

Jasiono wrote: »

I've never had luck with it. It seems as though it's a place to send out tons of copies of your resume. I think my problem there is that my resume isn't hitting the key words they want.

The only security cert I have is the security+. My wgu progress hasn't been updated but I will be done in 1 more semester which is starting next month. I still have my ccna and project+ certs left to do in the coursework.

I just need to stick to getting my degree. I took off for a month and I've been reading the sscp book. Seems pretty simple to get it and I have enough experience in the cbk domains to get endorsed, should I pass the exam.

Excuse any typing errors. I'm on my phone right now.

I would do a lot more than post resumes on job boards and study for another cert. Most people get jobs via networking amongst people in their target field. Do you belong to any professional organizations with local chapters? If not, find a relevant one and join. Get involved. Ask for informational interviews. Really, It's not who you know but rather how many influential people know you? Give a presentation. Write an article. It's time well spent and it's a shame WGU doesn't do more in the realm of career counseling. Go to the local bookstore and just peruse the section on careers. "People skills." You'll have the tech skills. Anyone can learn to network effectively with those in their field. Never too late. Nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Jasiono

charlemagne wrote: »

I would do a lot more than post resumes on job boards and study for another cert. Most people get jobs via networking amongst people in their target field. Do you belong to any professional organizations with local chapters? If not, find a relevant one and join. Get involved. Ask for informational interviews. Really, It's not who you know but rather how many influential people know you? Give a presentation. Write an article. It's time well spent and it's a shame WGU doesn't do more in the realm of career counseling. Go to the local bookstore and just peruse the section on careers. "People skills." You'll have the tech skills. Anyone can learn to network effectively with those in their field. Never too late. Nothing to lose and everything to gain.

I have people that know me that are quite impressive in their career. For instance, the CIO of the company I currently work for has been named the best CIO in our region. His profile on linkedin is in the top 3% viewed in the past couple years. He knows me by name and I always keep him updated on my education. I'm afraid to ask him for some recommendations and all since he is the CIO of this company. Maybe ask him to be involved more in this company? I did ask him before and he stuck me on a developing application project but it went to the backburner.

I don't know what a local chapter is, but doing research on it, it seems like a group of people who get together and talk about a common topic. I have a language barrier at times.

Informational interviews? I assume those are mock interviews?

Do you recommend any books for reaching out to people?

Also, what is meant by writing an article? Getting something published perhaps?

Jasiono

About ISSA - Information Systems Security Association

Here's an organization I found.

ptilsen

I've landed two jobs, four contracts, and probably a dozen interviews from Monster over the last nine years. I like Indeed and Dice better overall, but it's foolish to ignore Monster altogether if you're having a hard time finding jobs.

What's your existing experience? That will come into play. There are relatively few true IT security positions that are open to people without any IT experience.

Ultimately, finishing your degree and CCNA will be a big deal. Worst case, the CCNA may open doors to networking positions that at least involve enough security to get you started.

If it is time to move on and there's nothing in your current organization, you might seriously consider asking the CIO, if you feel you have that relationship with him. That's up to you, though, and it is definitely wise to tread lightly; telling the wrong person you're looking can be a way to get fired, at many companies.

Networking can be valuable, but at the end of the day it generally won't and shouldn't get you a position for which you aren't (or don't appear) qualified. I like the material on the Security+ a lot, even though it's largely theoretical and entry-level, but it doesn't on its own qualify anyone for many, if any jobs. Depending on your experience, the bottom line right now is that you may be or at least look under-qualified. On that note, it wouldn't be a bad idea to post your resume, if you haven't already. Merciless-but-constructive criticism from your colleagues will only make it better.

N2IT

Here are some titles you may want to search. Associate analyst, analyst, associate security analyst, security analyst, security, (specific security certifications you may have or want to obtain in the near future). I would also consider looking for positions that snap into security. Access control positions may not be a bad way to go. Setting up user account, revokes etc. So maybe Access control, access management, IDM, etc.

networker050184

Are you not getting calls at all? Perhaps it's something with your resume.

Jasiono

Only calls I get are for contract jobs with 6 months and no benefits. I need health benefits for my 9 month old daughter, there is absolutely no way around that.

I have one person working with someone to get me an interview at JP Morgan Chase as a Liason (spelling?) for security. They need someone who can adapt quickly. She looked at my resume and told HR to hold off on posting the position so she can bring me in for an interview.

Jasiono

Here is a copy of my resume.
I also might need to beefen up my Monster.com account. I haven't logged into it in a long time and it's not up to date.

Attachment not found.

techexams.doc

ptilsen

I don't have time to go over content right now, but right away I'll say you want to get it to one page. There's just no reason to go slightly over one page, and you're definitely not to the point of needing two. I would probably just take off your high school and course work. You have a college degree already, so high school doesn't matter. Employers won't evaluate your course work based on your resume in this field, generally speaking.

There are plenty of other improvements to make, and the group will chime in with them shortly. The main thing though is not formatting, content, style, length, or anything I've mentioned, but that absolutely nothing about it strikes me as being for an aspiring IT security professional. If you want to get into security, specifically, you need to cater your resume towards that. I have different resumes for security, generalist systems engineering, scripting/automation/devops focus, and I'll customize them even further for the position. You don't need to go overboard, but you need to consider your resume with regards to your specific goals, rather than as a collection of facts that might help qualify you for work.

Jasiono

Do you think I should take out the Staples portion of the resume considering I've been with Reed for over 5 years?

NetworkVeteran

ptilsen wrote: »

I don't have time to go over content right now, but right away I'll say you want to get it to one page.

Agreed. Shorter (1 page)! Put your core strengths (education, experience, certifications) near the top--you have to pass the 'scan" test before someone reads your resume in more detail. Work on your grammar--you're advertising "some college" and I see several mistakes such as with hyphenation. Highlight what you've done before that could benefit a future employer, rather than tasks specific to your previous employer's environment unlikely to be leveraged elsewhere.

Education: Associate's degree in 2011.
Certifications: Security+, MCTS.
Experience: PC tech (6mos), Help Desk (6yrs)

Given the smorgasboard of random "skills" you list, such as speaking German and Certified Internet Webmaster, a one-line objective stating what roles you're actively seeking out might help.

NetworkVeteran

Jasiono wrote: »

Do you think I should take out the Staples portion of the resume considering I've been with Reed for over 5 years?

I wouldn't, unless working at the help desk call center, you've forgotten how to repair PCs. The ability is one more tool in your belt you have to offer, one that from your resume you don't use at your current job.

Jasiono

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

Agreed. Shorter! Make your core strengths (education, experience, certifications) easier to spot. Work on your grammar--you're advertising "some college". Highlight what you could do for a potential employer.

Education: Associate's degree in 2011.
Certifications: Security+, MCTS.
Experience: PC tech (6mos), Help Desk (6yrs)

Given the smorgasboard of random "skills" you list, such as speaking German and Certified Internet Webmaster, a one-line objective stating what roles you're actually open to might help.

Only reason I put my German in there is because I applied to Siemens, and apparently they love people who speak both languages.

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

I wouldn't, unless working at the help desk call center, you've forgotten how to repair PCs.

Ya never forget

All those countless hours doing research lol

LarryDaMan

Jasiono wrote: »

About ISSA - Information Systems Security Association

Here's an organization I found.

Good organization. I have friends who are very involved.

LarryDaMan

Jasiono wrote: »

Do you think I should take out the Staples portion of the resume considering I've been with Reed for over 5 years?

Maybe, but definitely take your high school diploma off. That'll save you some space and it is implied since you have a degree.

MSSoftie

definitely drop your high school diploma from the resume - you have an AAS so the diploma doesn't even matter. Could drop Staples too as it runs concurrent with the IT job. The big recommendation is to network. Meeting people is the best way to get in the door. I was lucky enough to have my computer instructor approach me for a job with a friend of his. Do you have any computer clubs in your area? I am attending a meeting tonight at one and will go to another later this month. I have personally brought people in for interviews from this club. You could also possibly find volunteer opportunities to have your skills become known to others. It works!

Jasiono

LarryDaMan wrote: »

Good organization. I have friends who are very involved.

Nice. I emailed the president of the local chapter and he answered some of my questions. I will go to their next meeting and see how it goes.

Apparently in their last meeting they had someone from the FBI give a presentation. I think that's awesome.

ptilsen

Okay, getting into content, I would definitely say take out skills entirely and add a 1-3 sentence summary. Summaries are better than objectives IMO, but either way, I would want to see that over a smorgasbord of skills. It can still reflect your skills, and you can always customize for something specific. Your core skills and the skills you want to be using and be noticed for should be called out in your experience and your summary or objective. Superlatives are good if you done right (provided superior customer services; deep knowledge of TCP/IP networking, etc.), but underselling on weak areas with terms like "familiar with" should be avoided. If you're not comfortable with Oracle or SQL, don't call them out.
German is fine to list, just not in your summary or objective. NetworkVeteran's point was that you generally shouldn't have a skills section, and it shouldn't be the top of the resume.

For security in particular, your analytical skills; understanding of networking concepts, security concepts, and operating systems; and your education should be the focus. Other than that, your support experience should be used to call out specific technologies you have decent knowledge of and comfort with, and so far you're doing a fairly decent job on that, but I bet you could do more.

I would add an anticipated graduation date for WGU. Being almost done is worth advertising.

I wouldn't include MCP, CIW, or CompTIA IDs. Employers will request verification if they need it. You might not want to list the CIWs at all as they're not particularly valuable and only tangentially relate to security. I might include them if it's a web-targeted security position, but that's about it.

There is no such cert as Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist. MCTS is a certification level, and there are many certifications at this level. I assume you have MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration. It should be listed as such. Also, it's superfluous, but I believe they went back to granting "Microsoft Certified Professional" for passing any MS exam at the TS level and above. Check your MCP transcript, then add it if it's listed there. Even though it's meaningless, it's sadly a search term and may get you picked up. Anyway, in general, be sure to get the certification names right. In this case, not having it identified properly is probably preventing you from getting callbacks. MCTS Win 7 gets noticed, especially at the entry level, even if for the wrong reasons.

In your experience section, you use tense inconsistently: Field, prioritize, provide, manipulate, changing, troubleshooting, resetting, unlocking. Be sure to stick to the same tense. Generally, for your current position, should be first-person present tense with you as the implied subject. The first four verbs in that list are exactly what you should do. For past positions, it should be first-person past tense with you as the implied subject. Troubleshot, removed viruses, educated, installed. This isn't a big deal since you only have one past job and it overlapped your current, but it's something to keep in mind for the future.

Last and far from least, your experience section should show what you accomplished and what was noteworthy, not just enumerate job responsibilities. Process improvements, cost reductions, project completions, and accomplishments of this nature should be the bulk, if not the entirety of your experience section. Every single line should either show an accomplishment or highlight a particular skill of importance, and preferably both.

Jasiono

^
NetworkVeteran suggested what seems to be a summary of everything, condensed for easy reading. Is this something that would look good in place of my smorgasbord of skills?

I would also, space permitting, want to put in an objective. I'm not sure about that though as some people like to have one and some don't.

Thanks for pointing out the past vs present tense. That's something I haven't considered at all.

ptilsen

You wouldn't want both, in my opinion. Objective and summary are either mutually exclusive or synonymous, depending on who you ask or how you look at it. They serve the same purpose, more or less, which is to communicate who you are, professionally, and what you're looking for in your career. I prefer to look at this top-line item as a summary, because objectives are generally lame and obvious. Most of them turn into something like this:

Objective: To achieve full-time employment in an information security role.

I can only respond with this.

Of course, the right objective with the right scope can be just fine, but at that point the difference between an objective and summary is pretty much just tense.

Jasiono

ptilsen wrote: »

You wouldn't want both, in my opinion. Objective and summary are either mutually exclusive or synonymous, depending on who you ask or how you look at it. They serve the same purpose, more or less, which is to communicate who you are, professionally, and what you're looking for in your career. I prefer to look at this top-line item as a summary, because objectives are generally lame and obvious. Most of them turn into something like this:

Objective: To achieve full-time employment in an information security role.

I can only respond with this.

Of course, the right objective with the right scope can be just fine, but at that point the difference between an objective and summary is pretty much just tense.

I let out a loud chuckle at the link. Good point. Now that I look it over it seems to me as a joke to have it up there. I will summarize my experience, education and certs and keep them all relevant to the job(s) I apply to.

NetworkVeteran

Objective: To achieve full-time employment in an information security role.

Jaskiono wrote:

Now that I look it over it seems to me as a joke to have it up there.

From your resume, I would have no idea you were seeking an information security role. However you decide to emphasize it--objective or summary--if that's your goal, you want to let employers know that right away on your resume.

Re-structuring your education / certifications / experience well enough and trimming and/or de-emphasizing unrelated items such as your German skills can also make your objective rather obvious. Two approaches, same idea.

Jasiono

I haven't always been in the helpdesk role here at work. I was an editor, moved to a senior editor and then became a help desk technician. I just kept only relevant information in my resume.

I'm currently revamping my resume now. I will post up my current progress with more added information as to what I did here before I became a helpdesk technician. It shows how quick of a learner I am and how well I retain information.

Jasiono

Only thing now is the fact that I think I am giving way too much information, so it's going back to 2 pages. I need to learn to paraphrase and not be as descriptive.

Attachment not found.

Revamp.doc

XSkatepunk586

My problem is that I've had interviews, but I'm not done yet with my degree and I don't have experience. I've had 3 interviews in probably the past 4 months.

NetworkVeteran

Only thing now is the fact that I think I am giving way too much information, so it's going back to 2 pages. I need to learn to paraphrase and not be as descriptive.

To give you an idea of what I see when I read your resume--

This is why "Less is more." If you'd summarized your last three roles as briefly as your older role, I would have read more, and gotten a better idea of any particular strengths/achievements you have.

reading-your-resume.jpg