Resume Help - Avoiding specifying systems on your resume yet needing the experience..

slave2010

OK

I was let go in Sept from a school district that I was at for 9 years.

We were a Novell shop. I have a Novell CNA for Netware 6.5 and 4.11

Obviously Novell is like not around anywhere. I was really good with novell products, especially edirectory (similar to activedirectory) and zenworks (similar sccm). I was also the cisco guy as well as the server guy. We did start throwing in some Windows 2k3 and 2k8 servers, but no Active Directory.

For a year on the side I did a consulting job at a place that was a Win2K3 SBS/Exchange/AD environment. Had no hands on experience with Exchange or AD walking in, but after a month I had them migrated to a new server (including exchange and ad). Replaced their workstations with Vista boxes from XP ones. It was a lot of work (for me anyways, never having touched active directory). But I'm really good at figuring things out and troubleshooting. I believe highly in concepts transferring between systems, which is why I can "get" active directory and like sccm even if it looks different.

Over the last 4 months I've been doing podcasts and digging in my technet subscriptions, and eventually got a MCTS for Windows 2008, Active Directory Configuration, and MCTS for Windows 7 and Office 2010 Deployment. Been running VM's and stuff too.

So, I'm getting passed over by anybody that's had more practical experience with Microsoft products. That being said, I need a job. And I'm good (we all are, aren't we = ) ? I can get people to agree that concepts can transfer, and its helped me being able to say I'm MCTS.

Basically I want to delete Novell from my resume. If I do that, then there's vacant spots where my last employer is listed. Can I reword my resume or do some format that I'd be able to express years of experience in administration of servers and networks, without having to specifically list netware right next to it?

I don't want to lie... and I'm not a paper MCTS, granted I need to know a lot more, but I just need an opportunity to get in somewhere with what I do know about Microsoft stuff, and I'll fill in the gaps. That's not what employers want though, they want somebody that's been doing it.

I have a similar issue with the Cisco stuff. We had UCM that I worked with, replaced configured installed switches, modules, replaced WIC cards in routers, occasional configuration of routers but not really much protocol configuring. I'm working towards getting my ccna, but even with a sound knowledge of eigrp etc if I get a "how long have you been setting up routers?" even if I "know" what I'm talking about, I'll get passed up.

I can imagine some people reading this are thinking I'm screwed... sure hope not = )

Thanks for any input!

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Comments

Kasor

I have Novell on my belts. My work have AD and eDir. Just rephased your resume that you are experience in cross level integration and Novell/MS product is one of your expertise area. Also you might want to look into VM products and other Open source software. You don't drop the experience, you integrate and evolve your skill set to different systems.

Psoasman

First off, Welcome to the forum!

I would leave the Novell on the resume. It shows valid work experience, even if the technology is not used much anymore.
With 9 years work experience and some certs, plus working on Cisco equipment, you sound pretty well-rounded.
You could also use the cover letter to explain further if you chose to take of the Novell.

blargoe

Do not take off the experience with Novell. This is a significant chunk of your IT story, and though the specific flavor of directory services is not as relevant today as it once was, you have a good track record of quality work to show for it. A lot of times I'm holding one of the more pessimistic views when it comes to these advice threads, and I'll tell you know I think your overall body of work is pretty marketable since you're working to convert your skills to Microsoft and have started gaining experience on production networks with Microsoft.

I don't see it as that big of a deal that you spent a bunch of time with Novell. No matter what vendor's implementation is being used, the basics are all the same... you either excel at technical troubleshooting, or you don't; IP networking is pretty much the same (routing, DNS, subnetting, etc isn't going to be different), e-mail is e-mail is e-mail, packaging software for distribution is going to be the same, even if the delivery vehicle (sccm vs zenworks) is different. It's not like you have never touched the Microsoft implementation before. I think you are OK.

So, maybe you need to reword and/or re-emphasize the areas that translate into skills that an employer would be looking for.

The holy grail would be landing a some contract gigs in the niche of migrating companies and/or government agencies off of Novell. Maybe set up a Monster or LinkedIn profile outlining your experience and see what hit you get.

Good Luck!

slave2010

Wow you guys are quick.

I understand what both of you are saying. I'm fine with keeping Netware/eDir/Zenworks on there, but here's the thing.

Though it would be a learning curve, I think I'd be a good in a Windows environment. But if you look at my resume, see my last nine years have mostly been with Netware, I'm out of luck. I feel like I need to modify my resume to highlight more Windows administration, and the only way I can do that is to not highlight the Novell products right?

I hate to do this, but could you give me some suggestions in this respect on my resume? (I figure you guys get enough of this, but if you wouldn't mind).

adama
battlestar galactica, BSG75 - 555.555.5555 - adama@12COLONIES.com

Network Administrator
MCTS Windows Server 2008, MCTS Windows 7

Highly resourceful and dedicated professional with 10 years of excellence administering network and server systems. Leverages analytical problem solving with keen attention to detail, delivering creative and well thought out solutions. Versatile, with a track record of learning new or different systems, demonstrated by a diverse skill set. By delivering an exceptional quality of work and communicating clearly with technical and non-technical individuals, ensures satisfied customers.

Relevant Work Experience
Network Support Specialist
Pyramid School District, Tauron (2001 – 2010)

Ensured smooth operations of a VoIP LAN/WAN, consisting of eight sites with over 1,500 computers.

Selected Highlights:
· Efficiently troubleshot and resolved software and hardware issues, updates and upgrades on mission critical server systems.
· Prepared, organized and ran the deployment, migrations and upgrades of Netware, Windows and Linux servers.
· Rapidly responded to LAN/WAN link issues, performed in-house troubleshooting, coordinated with link service provider if necessary and remained on site until situation resolved.
· Configured and installed Cisco network equipment.
· Administration of Cisco Communications Manager and UCM VoIP phone system.
· Maintained a clean and organized appearance to wiring facilities and racks, along with implementing cable color coding.
· Effectively maintained a high level of customer satisfaction by quick response and resolution to Help Desk tickets, creation of documentation and training for staff.
· Managed user eDirectory and email accounts, provisioned server storage and shares, group memberships and security rights.
· Created and maintained a detailed inventory of network equipment, servers and computers.
· Assisted in the planning and execution of annual computer replacement cycle, including selection of computer model and imaging.
Day to Day Activities:
Routine management of email and user accounts, group memberships, security rights and provisioned server storage. Administered and supported Novell GroupWise and Novell Data Synchronization servers. Repackaged applications for deployment and assigned to users, groups or computer objects. Made adjustments to Windows Group Policies as needed, managed application object associations and imaged computers. Troubleshoot computer and printer break-fix issues, diagnosed and replaced bad hardware, installed printers and scanners. Configured SmartPhones for Administrative staff; orientating them on use when delivered. Programmed and troubleshot IP phones and ATA devices. Created and updated an approved technology list, standardizing district purchases.
Computer Technician
Tauron Public Schools, Tauron (2000 – 2001)

Maintained and supported over 200 computers within the school.

Selected Highlights:

§ Deployed Novell Zenworks for Desktops, facilitated software installation and updates onto computers, allowing the Technology Coordinator to have more time for other tasks.
§ Following a discussion with a staff member frustrated with student tampering, devised a method of locking computers down using Windows Policy Editor.
§ Reworked the method of computer imaging, eliminated the need to have a boot disk for each computer model. Wrote batch files and built a bootable CD for use on all computers, dramatically decreasing the time needed to mass image computers.

Day to Day Activities:

Administered NDS user accounts, associated applications objects, modified login scripts, built NDPS printer objects and queues. Wired and ran Ethernet cabling and installed mini-switches. Received phone calls and emails with computer issues or questions, and addressed as quickly as possible. Troubleshot and replaced computer hardware, installed scanners and printers.

Technical Skill Set

Acronis Backup and Recovery
Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client
Cisco Switches, Routers and IP Phones
Cisco Communications Manager 7 and Unity (UCM)
HP LaserJet Printers
HP ProLiant Servers
Linux SquidGuard Proxy Server
McAfee AntiVirus
Novell Data Synchronizer
Novell GroupWise 8
Novell NetWare 6.5
Novell Zenworks Application Virtualization
Novell Zenworks Asset Management
Novell Zenworks for Desktops and Servers 7
Novell Zenworks Patch Management
Microsoft Active Directory
Microsoft Exchange and Outlook 2003
Microsoft Office 2000, 2007, 2010
Microsoft Visio 2003, 2007, 2010
Microsoft Windows Remote Desktop
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 2008
Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7
VMware Server
VMware Workstation 7
Watchguard Firebox Firewall

Ethernet (PoE/iSCSI), Fiber, Wireless, WAN
Storage technologies (Tape, D2D, NAS, SAN)
Racking equipment (CPI, Hubbell, Panduit)

LDAP, NAT, SLP, TCP/IP, VLAN, VoIP
Desktops and Laptops (Dell, HP, IBM/Lenovo, Toshiba)

Certifications and Education

Cisco Certified Network Associate (Currently Pursuing)

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist – Windows 7 and Office 2010 Deployment (2011)

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist - Windows Server 2008 (2010)

Certified Novell Administrator - Netware 6.5 (2007)

MATC (1998– 2001)
Focus: Cisco Networking Program, Semesters 3 and 4

Vincent High School (1996 – 2000)
Focus: Cisco Networking Program, Semesters 1 and 2