Entry into IT world advice

CallMePasta · February 2014

Hello everyone!I'm starting up in the IT world and I've been having trouble finding a job. I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice on how to proactively find a job - I apply to any Desktop Support/ Jr. Sys admin jobs I find but I'm wondering if there are other things I could do to help me find my first IT job.I'm in the Navy Reserves as an IT so I'm already A+ certified with a TS clearance but that has yet to even warrant a reply from any of the companies I've applied to/ e-mailed.Any comment would be lovely, Thanks

markulous · February 2014

I'd try to find any kind of low level help desk openings. Get some feedback on your resume as that could be something that's preventing you from getting any callbacks.

Tyb · February 2014

There are also IT staffing firms that you can do contract work for. These jobs are short term and can help give some additional experience.

pevangel · February 2014

If you are open to moving, then I would suggest moving to MD/DC/VA area. You'll get a lot of hits with the TS clearance.

CallMePasta · February 2014

I'll post my resume up to see if I could get some critique on it. The IT staffing firm sounds interesting, I think i'll look into that. As for relocating, I just got settled in CA and I'd rather not move around again.

CallMePasta · February 2014

Summary

Self-motivated Navy Reserves IT seeking to gain work experience and a professional career

Clearance

Top Secret - SCI

Certifications

A+ certified
Currently working towards N+ and Sec+ certifications

Technical Skills

Installing and configuring Windows XP and Windows 7
Basic working knowledge of Active Directory forests and VMWare
Experience using Microsoft Office Word and Excel, OpenOffice Writer
Experience building, troubleshooting and repairing computer systems
Understand the OSI Model as well as training in CCENT
Built and trained with virtual labs via CISCO Packet Tracer
Using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

Professional Experience

Have spent the last 6 months being trained by the U.S. Navy to be an Information Systems Technician
Have spent 3+ years working directly with customers as a Server/Line Cook

Employment Experience

Information Systems Technician - United States Navy June 2013 - Present

Server/Line Cook - Red Lobster Sept 2009 - June 2013

Education

AA in Art 2013
Working towards AA in Computer Science

CallMePasta · February 2014

Excluding my contact info that I normally have at the top of my Resume, this is what I have, any suggestions?

docrice · February 2014

Here's a thread that I started some months back; consider item number 8:

http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/94762-reading-resumes-eyes-employer.html

Tremie24 · February 2014

If that's your actual resume then yeah, it does need some work. Keep working to getting your certs and your AAS. But I would definitely go see someone, maybe at your local workforce center or your school, and see if they could help you with your resume. In my opinion your resume is key in get you in for interviews.

--chris-- · February 2014

Try try try try and try again...

Thats the best advice for getting your foot in the door.

markulous · February 2014

CallMePasta wrote: »

Excluding my contact info that I normally have at the top of my Resume, this is what I have, any suggestions?

I'd personally take away the summary. I'd also put your certification at the top since that's probably what you want HR to see first. Are you in school for CS now? If so, I'd put that right up there too. Are those technical skills from your current job now? I'd be more specific at what your job duties entail by putting those skills in bullets underneath the job and put that right below your certs/education information.

I'm curious here what others think about just removing that AA in art altogether? It's not going to pertain to anything, it's only an AA, and it may stereotype you into having other interests.

Mrkali · February 2014

Where in California are you located?

robt_1 · February 2014

Until six months ago I was in a very similar situation. Like you, I’m a reservist (Army) and was looking to get into the IT field. It took me two years of searching and praying for the right opportunity to surface.
Finally, I was able to obtain my current position as a Help Desk Specialist in AFGHANISTAN. It’s been a bit of a sacrifice to say the least, dealing with being separated from family and friends. However, this opportunity has allow me to transition into the IT world without enduring the low entry level salary that I probably would have been subjected to in states. Furthermore, I have achieved an A+, Sec+ and I’m currently studying for Net +. My plan is to work this job for a year than apply for IT position in the states.
I have two pieces of advice I would like to share with you:
Stay persistent and Stay flexible
Also make sure you use that Top Secret clearance, that’s golden in the IT contracting world.
Best of luck
Rob,

Tyb · February 2014

robt, are you working over there as a deployment or in a civilian role? (Assuming deployment but wasn't sure)

robt_1 · February 2014

Deployment.

DonM34 · February 2014

You might want to head towards a Functional Resume Style: Below are some tips

Functional Résumé

A functional résumé is organized by skills or functions, rather than by dates. It lets you highlight your skills while providing a brief work history.
Use a functional résumé if you want to make a career change, or if you have gaps in your work history. It enables you to focus on those skills that relate to the job, and drop or minimize those items that don’t.

First steps in writing a functional resume:

Before you start, identify your main skill areas (functional areas). The list at the end of this article has examples. Write down all your major skills, even though you won't use them all on every résumé. This includes skills gained in non-work settings, such as volunteering, hobbies, or caregiving.
For each job you apply for, choose skill areas that are the best match. List your most relevant skills first.
Include transferable skills that apply from one field to another. This is important if you are switching jobs or industries. For example, if you were a teacher and now want to be a professional storyteller, you might choose “Facilitating,” “Public Speaking,” or “Special Events Planning” as skill areas.

CallMePasta · February 2014

I am located in Sonoma County (about an hour north of San Francisco)

I was considering removing the AA in arts, however I felt that it at least shows that I accomplish goals.

I know that deployment is always an option and I've decided to let that be my fallback while I try to find something in the civilian world.

I can see what everyone has been saying about my resume needing to show more of what I actually do and have been working on it and will post soon see if I haven't made it a bit better

CallMePasta · February 2014