Attaining an entry level job?

I've been trying to get my foot in the door with any entry level job I can get my hands on, with no success. I currently have A+, Network+, and CCENT. I've spoken to some people I know in IT that have helped pass my resume around, and I get conflicting information from them. I know what I need is relative to the position I'm applying for, but I'm hoping I can get a little clarification.

I'm looking to pick up certs that make me more marketable to an entry level position of any kind so I can get some experience on my resume. I've been considering picking up the 70-680 and/or 70-685 MS certs, since I've been told by one person that those will make it easier to land an entry level help desk spot. Would this be accurate?

I studied for a bit for my ICND2, but had to put that on hold a while back due to personal obligations and my current work schedule. I'll be looking to start back up on my studies, but I'd like to pursue something to make myself more marketable, as opposed to a CCNA which I feel will be highly unlikely to land me an entry level position (correct me if I'm wrong here). I've been told entry level positions requiring MS certs are far more in demand than Cisco, so that would be the best path in terms of getting my foot in the door to start working my way towards putting myself in position where I can pursue finishing my CCNA and working in that type of an environment.

I have all studying materials required for both of the MS certs I mentioned above, including books, videos, VMware, and a decent computer with a substantial amount of RAM to lab. I also have a very nice lab rack for CCNA studies and all material for pursuing that. So investment either way is not an issue. It's just a matter of which way to devote myself to help beef up my resume.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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Comments

NetworkVeteran

SdotLow wrote: »

I currently have A+, Network+, and CCENT.

I studied for a bit for my ICND2, but had to put that on hold a while back due to personal obligations and my current work schedule. I'll be looking to start back up on my studies, but I'd like to pursue something to make myself more marketable, as opposed to a CCNA which I feel will be highly unlikely to land me an entry level position (correct me if I'm wrong here).

It's just a matter of which way to devote myself to help beef up my resume.

Cisco certifications will make you more marketable for networking jobs--your CCENT is a step in that direction. Microsoft certifications will make you more marketable for desktop/server jobs. Your A+ and Network+ are steps in that direction. Either path is fine and doable. Commiting to one is the fastest path to employment. Devote yourself to the one you find the most exciting.

m3zilla

It depends on what you're looking for in an entry level position. IMO, entry level usually means help desk, and MS certs will carry more weight than Cisco's. If you're looking for an entry level networking job, then it's the NOC...but even then, I find it hard to get into a NOC without experience.

When I started out, I got my MCITP along with my CCNA so that I could land a job for a small/medium size business as these companies usually want one guy for everything. That's how I built up my work history/experience, and landed my job now, which is purely networking.

crashdump

You need some Linux know-how. I recommend you Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certs.

jbimler

I'm in the same boat minus the Cisco cert. just passed my Net+ exam on Friday. Not sure where to go fom here. Leanings towards the 70-680.

Akaricloud

Honestly you should be able to get an entry level position quite easily as it sits now. 70-680 and 685 would help but I'd focus more on your resume and interviewing skills.

You should post up your resume and let us take a look. You can have all the certifications in the world but without a good resume you won't get even an entry level position.

rensational

I kind of thought the same thing as Akaricloud. I almost want to say the certs you have now make you look overqualified for help desk, particularly the Cisco one (A+ is fine, but Network+ depends on the help desk job). I work help desk and don't have any certs, just some other entry-level experience.

over9000

Honestly, with A+ and Net+ you should already have the qualifications for an entry level job, (most likely help desk as others have stated). You probably aren't highlighting the right skills on your resume or being descriptive enough with prior responsibilities.

If you're still having some issues with breaking into the industry I'd get certs in this order:

Sec+, this would help you get into some basic help desk government jobs (since I saw you're also in the DC area). (If you use the right books, you can do this exam quickly (maybe 3-4 weeks max).

70-680 or 70-685: I took the 70-680 and am studying for the 685 after I do the 70-640. Be warned, these are some TOUGH exams and you'll need to do a lot of studying and labbing to pass them. I'd recommended the Poulton's book and Professor Messer's videos for the 70-680 if you want to take that one. Not sure what to recommend for the 70-685 since I haven't started studying for that yet.

Once you've listed MCP and have Sec+ you shouldn't have any more issues getting a job. I've noticed that a lot of employers like A+,Net+, and Sec+, but really want people to have Microsoft certs too. (I've gotten a lot more calls from employers after I passed a Microsoft exam)

dead_p00l

What particular aspect of the IT world are you trying to break into. Most of the time pay is the problem with entry level positions. If that's not really an issue there should be plenty of opportunities to be found. I actually got started in the industry as a PC tech for a small company just building and repairing PC's. When they decided they wanted to expand into networking i started studying and became their network guy. From there i worked for numerous companies either moving laterally or to higher position within and between companies. Granted this was over 15 years ago and the dynamics of the industry have changed some and that was the ground floor up approach but it's always a possibility.

SdotLow

Sorry for the delayed reply, work for me in May is extra brutal.

I've invested in getting a solid resume together (paid a reputable person with recommendations to conjure one up for me). This could potentially be the problem though, so when I get home and have access to my resume I'll post it up. I'm not very good with resumes, but I'm great dealing with people 1 on 1 so interviewing I don't feel would be an issue (I have yet to get an interview).

As far as what I'm looking for, at this stage I'm not in the position to be picky. My current employment is a road to nowhere and is not IT related. NOC positions around here are pretty slim pickings, and as mentioned earlier, are big on experience from what I've seen. I just need to get out of where I am and into IT so I can start investing in my future, and any way I can do that would in my best interests I think. Ideally I'd like to end up doing Network stuff with Cisco / Juniper gear, I really enjoy working with the equipment and it just..."clicks" with me.

Oh and, money to a degree would be an issue. I'm on my own financially so I would need to make something reasonable. 30k-40k would be as low as I can go pay wise. I'm fairly sure help desk positions in my area pay in that range which is fine with me.

networker050184

When I see people asking 'what certification should I do' the first thing I think is none. You need to concentrate on getting a job first and foremost. For an entry level job that comes from your resume writing and interviewing skills. For an entry level job it's going to be much more about your attitude and aptitude than being certified on a bunch of stuff you have never even worked with. Once you get into your career and have a good idea of whats out there then your certification path should be pretty clear.

SdotLow

Help Desk Support Technician

IT Support Professional with exceptional interpersonal and communications skills seeks an opportunity using A+, Network +, and CCENT certifications. Demonstrate flexibility and learn quickly. Known for taking initiative and a strong work ethic. Experience communicating with both expert and novice clients includingconveying complex issues to novice clients. Track record of troubleshooting technical problems within the workplace and assisting other employees with their computer needs.

Technical Skills

Operating Systems: Windows 9x / Windows NT / Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7 /Cisco IOS / DOS

Software: Microsoft Office Suite

Protocols: Internet Protocol Suite
Hardware: General PC hardware, Cisco switches and routers

Tools: Cable Crimper / Wire Stripper

Work History

<Location Removed> 9/2006- Present

Residential swimming pool business providing pool equipment installation, service, and pool maintenance. 35 employees.
Service Dispatch Manager
Manage the routing of 11service trucks throughout <location removed>.Answer service support phone calls and troubleshoot customer issues. Schedule service appointmentsand oversee computerized schedule for >10 technicians. Oversee 15-20 people.

· Generate invoices for each technician, manage drivers in the field via GPS, reroute and dispatch service appointments.
· Complete up to 100+ client requests and issues daily during busy season over the phone. · Resolved hardware issues, including troubleshooting / fixing printers and replacing PC parts. Acted as a liaison to remote network maintenance company.· Troubleshoot switch and router issues and desktop computer problems.

Other experience includes dispatch manager for a towing company, scheduling coordinator for a retail pet store, and fulfillment specialist for Ather Systems, an early provider of PDAs and RIM products including Blackberry. Loaded all software that provided traders to instant/live to the second financial market quotes (stocks/bonds/futures etc.).

Education│Certifications

A+ Certified, 10/2001
Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT), 8/2011Network+ Certified, 6/2011

So the above is my resume which is a bit dated in terms of changes I've made. I was told it should be one page, and because my previous work history wasn't close to related I shouldn't include it and a summary was put in.

Any help/suggestions welcome! Thanks!

SdotLow

networker050184 wrote: »

When I see people asking 'what certification should I do' the first thing I think is none. You need to concentrate on getting a job first and foremost. For an entry level job that comes from your resume writing and interviewing skills. For an entry level job it's going to be much more about your attitude and aptitude than being certified on a bunch of stuff you have never even worked with. Once you get into your career and have a good idea of whats out there then your certification path should be pretty clear.

I get that Networker, I really do. I'm not a naive kid (coming scarily close to 30

). I'm also not a college graduate, and I have very little experience. I'm looking for that edge to get my resume viewed and an interview scheduled. If an MCTS/MCP or MCITS will help land me an interview, then I'll do that. I'm more concerned with what other people applying have that I don't, I guess you could say, and that could very well be a far better resume. Hence why I'm here!

Akaricloud

That definitely needs some work and would likely be your problem. You do realize that one small mistake anywhere in your resume will get it thrown in the trash right? -It's supposed to be an example of your best work and anything less than perfect demonstrates either the person lacks the ability or the motivation to see something through to complete.

At first glance I wonder why some things are listed(Windows 9x, DOS, Cable Crimper / Wire Stripper,
Internet Protocol Suite, ect.).

I see spelling mistakes(includingconveying, 11service, ect.), gramatical mistakes("Demonstrate flexibility and learn quickly", "Known for taking initiative and a strong work ethic", constantly changing from past to present tense, ect) and formatting issues such as two certificates listed on one line, two formats used for work history, inconsistent spacing, ect.

I'd suggest you start over with a new template and perfect this.

SdotLow

Akari - Thank you for the feedback.

I think a lot of what you commented on are issues from copy/paste, but what is not related to that I get. I'll go over it some more when I get home.

Also, should I possibly alter my position title to something that is non-management. Curious if this would be a turn off for entry level positions.

Legacy User

You need to redo your resume. I know you have a few things listed but in reality it doesnt really say what you can do.