Having a hard time finding a job in IT.

I am having a hard time finding a job in the San Diego area in Help Desk/Desk Support.
I have nine years experience in application support, 2 years in field tech work. Plus been with the same company for over 11 years. I change careers from working in the airline industry to IT.

my goal is to eventually do something cyber security, but I may need to take a step back and learn linux and take a networking class. Most recruiters ask me if I have a security clearance or know active directory. Since I don't have an clearance or knowledge of active directory I am not sure if these are a show stopper or the salary I am asking is too high. I am asking for low $40K.

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TheFORCE

Just go on youtube and search for "active directory" and you will probably get familiar with AD for 70% of the Helpdesk tasks. That will get you some points with the recruiters.

Danielm7

It could be any number of things. For salary, aren't fast food workers pushing for just a few thousand under that? I can't imagine low 40s in California for anything IT related is too high. Maybe too long in lower level roles, although you're applying for the same level job now. Some companies are weird, they want to see job progression, but they hire you and want you to stay forever without being increases so who knows. Maybe post a scrubbed version of your resume here and people can help revise it?

kcos0320

DESKTOP SUPPORT

An experienced Desktop Support background in providing exceptional technical support regarding software, hardware, and network problems

ADDITIONAL KEY AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Windows 10 Windows 8 Windows 7 Microsoft Office 2013 Microsoft Office 365 Networking
Help Desk Ticketing Software Google Android Avaya Phones
Windows Server 2012 OS X 10.11 El Capitan Printers
VMware Remote Desktop Support

WORK EXPERIENCE

xxxxxxxx 07/14 - Present
Field Technician

Provide break-fix reactive support and installation for various printers to clients
Provide printer network troubleshooting
Interact with clients for the purpose of determining service needs on equipment and ensuring overall customer satisfaction are met with the service that was performed
Maintain and clear document of the procedures take place to resolve client’s printer issues

Help Desk Analyst 01/05 – 07/14

Conducted troubleshooting Level 1 Support (routine) network, server, PC/laptop, and computer peripheral device problem tickets (phone and in the field) and providing resolution or escalation to Level 2
Handled all incoming phone calls and provided first line of contact for clients’ software related issues
Created incident tickets and close as resolved
Documented procedures to restore normal service operation as quickly as possible and minimize the adverse impact on business operations to meet Service Level Agreement
Addressed all parties involved through conference call to resolve unplanned outages occurred
Responsible for building positive relationships with various types of clients over the phone and by email
Followed up with clients to ensure customer satisfaction resulting established procedures
Provided training to 30 plus users on how to use phone system includes; conference call, voice message, and call transferring

EDUCATION

Coastline Community College 8/09 - 2014
• Major: Computer Networking

CERTIFICATIONS

CompTIA A+ CE Obtained 05/13
CompTIA Network+ CE Obtained 09/13

techfiend

I'd suggest putting your key areas of expertise in your experience and summary. A skills section looks just as bad to me as objective. Where's your desktop experience?

Since you can't change your experience I'd get going on higher level certs (MCSA, CCNA, VCP) to show potential employers you're motivated.

BerkshireHerd

I'm a little confused, your working as a field tech but looking for Help Desk / Desktop Support jobs? Are you really wanting to level down or laterally?

If your serious about Security, you need to pick up S+ quickly, then take a long look at the security field and see what avenue you want to go down. Like most of other IT, security has its own different paths you can take. Engineering, Compliance, Incident Response, Analyst. Start learning the lingo of these paths so when speaking to recruiters you can at least begin to talk the talk.

Look for junior level analyst positions to get in the door.

Lexluethar

I'm with berk seems like you are looking to move down. If you are still employed but want to make a transition to security do yourself a favor and get a sec+ while still at your current job. Then start applying for security specific jobs (although starting out you may just find NOC jobs).

You may be having troubles bc people may find it odd after 10 years you want to step back to help desk. A lot of companies look at that as either you can't cut it in IT or you are desperate and will jump **** once you find a better opportunity.

Also on the resume put your education and certificationsee at the top.

JoJoCal19

I'd recommend starting to work on the MCSA. That will have the biggest impact as it will give you a credential to put on your resume (getting past HR filters) and also give you the knowledge and skillset to boost your career.

ypark

First, fix all grammatical error on your resume. Many bullet points do not make much sense. Simplify it if necessary.

Also, I am with the few other folks that have mentioned higher level cert. Since you are interested in security and your A+ and Net+ is about to expire, Security+ looks like the best option right now.

Are you at least getting called in for interviews?

kcos0320

In 2014 I had a choice either get laid off or take the field tech position so my previous manager recommended me to transfer to the position I am currently at. As far as the Security + aspect I have a hard time absorbing the material.

I am looking to go to Desktop/Help Desk, so it can help me more with Sec +

kcos0320

Yes, I am getting 2-3 interviews a week.

Danielm7

kcos0320 wrote: »

Yes, I am getting 2-3 interviews a week.

Well, that should tell you that your resume isn't that bad if they want to bring you in. What happens in the interviews that they don't continue? Specific questions where you see the interviewers not seem to approve? Maybe a personality mismatch?

kcos0320

Nothing happens I am usually not selected for the position. A Side Note: Out of all the jobs that I applied for and was not selected about 2-4 months later I see the exact same position re posted again on a job posting site, so is that a good or bad thing? Just wondering....

beads

First. Pay close attention to punctuation - especially periods. Spacing needs to be even an have and add an even flow to the document. Don't listen to pedantic critics on tech exams.

Second. Given the amount of time in the field, resume appears to seeking a more of the same but different environment feel. What would make the most sense in your career progression today? Junior network administration? Network analyst? Set some clear and relatable goals to obtain.

Third. Are you asking for the position at the end of an interview? How about feedback? A little constructive criticism without acting like your setting the interviewee up for a lawsuit can be very constructive.

Last. When you say "security" what does that mean? Security is a HUGE field requiring years of IT and business skill behind you to make much of a career out of it. Otherwise we can safely refer to you as something like network technician or support. Its more than just new vulnerabilities, security is aligning the technical with the business process to reduce organizational risk. Security itself is rapidly becoming less technical in nature and more business orientated. Not always the case right now but the logic is shifting to the business side and less technical in nature. Be prepared for the future not a decade ago.

How many times have we seen "I want to be in security..." on this board alone. Oh! Check my LinkedIn messages for a couple every day as well.

- b/eads