Is I.T some type of Secret society or something? why is it so hard to break into it?

It seems more difficult than any other fields, I have a A+ and a 2 year and I don't expect much but it seems like pulling teeth to get a full time job in it. What's the deal with this field and the constant headaches associated with breaking into it? It doesn't seem normal at all.

Find more posts tagged with

Save $250 on 2025 certification boot camps from Infosec!

Book now with code EOY2025

Button

Comments

the_Grinch

I don't feel it is any different then any other field I have been in. I was in law enforcement and you want to talk about a long process, give it a try. Took me a year to get hired on with ICE and then had to do all the training there after. We've all come out and had to work to get a job, comes with the territory. When I finished my BS, I had three years of part time experience and it still took eight months to find a job. Don't worry, it will happen, best you can do is to keep pushing and keep expanding your certs/skills.

MiikeB

I think IT is one of the easiest fields to break in to once you know your stuff and no offense but A+ and 2 years experience doesn't really show that. Get an MCSA or CCNA and I am sure you will find it is not that difficult to get something entry level.

IT is different than fields like sales, marketing or human resources where people expect to train entry level and then promote from within. IT uses very standardized technologies just with different implementations at different companies so companies expect you to know how those technologies work before hiring you.

dave330i

Most likely because you only have A+.

glenn_33

You should be able to get a helpdesk job with your A+. It might not pay much but you'll gain experience which is a huge plus.

bermovick

HA! Sometimes I wonder that too, as the 2 network engineers where I currently work are awfully protective of their work, even though they complain constantly about being swamped by it all.

Concerned Water

Bad economy is biggest reason. IT requires experience for entry positions, wait WHAT? Many managers are jerks, for example, many managers will not read your resume until you get there in person (This is a sign that I don't care about you). Other managers are just confused, they don't know how to conduct a proper interview to gain a good IT, so, what do they do? Simple, call a hundred people in for an interview and make it worse. Many companies will do interviews when internal employees are trying to get the job or they might have a sister, brother, cousin, nephew, boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, or husband that need the job.

What I've learned about interviews.
Managers tell everyone they did a good interview.
Never wait on a response from a company, keep applying.
Don't leave your current job until you signed papers.
Florida has low demand for IT (small businesses and government).

Whatever you do, don't give up. Work on building your connections. Their are good managers out there, just few. Gain a few more certs and go for B.S. degree.

YFZblu

I agree, you should be able to get a helpdesk gig with your A+. If you don't yet know what you want to do in IT for the rest of your life, run through the CompTIA's and you'll know if you like networking, security, or if you want to go in another direction like Microsoft or Linux. Once you figure out what you really want to do, strive for a deep understanding and the money will come.

Good luck

Iristheangel

IT is one of the fields that is fairly easy to break into and has one of the lowest unemployment rates out there. If you're having difficulty finding a job, it could one or several of the following:
1) Location
2) Education level
3) Spelling and grammar - Never underestimate the power of a well-written resume/cover letter... or the power a poorly written one has to ruin you.
4) Certification level
5) Technical competency - Yes, this is different than certification
6) Presentation - What are you wearing to the job interviews or job fairs? Is it REALLY the best thing you could be wearing?
7) Soft skills

Hygiene - Not only are you showering, are you putting too much aftershave on? Are you smothering the interviewer with your reeking deodorant? Does your hair look combed? Seems superficial but it's important
9) Resume - Does it make sense? Does it look sharp? Are you keeping it to one page? Are you exaggerating your abilities?
10) Cover letter - Is it clear, concise and convey your desire for the job or does it sound like a robot wrote it?
11) Interview skills - Do you sell yourself well? Are you a nervous mess? Are you saying "ummm" a lot?

I would recommend evaluating all of the above and have your peers evaluate you as well.

networker050184

Companies want to hire people that can come in and do the job. If they don't think you have the necessary qualifications you aren't going to be hired. This is in no way unique to IT though.

Unfortunately colleges out there aren't teaching the skills needed because technology changes so fast. By the time a curriculum for a new technology could be developed to the point where it can be taught the industry has moved on to something bigger and better. You learn by doing in this field, and that seems like a catch 22 at times, but no one wants to trust their company's communication channels to someone that has never done it before. That's just smart business.

jibbajabba

Do you know the secret handshake ?

networker050184

Don't you dare reveal the secret jibbajabba!!!

swild

Listen to Iris, her words are wise.

If you are able to check off every one of those items, you should be hired at the first interview you are qualified for.

In my experience, there are a couple of more things in the job application process to consider as well. First, look through the job openings in your area in Dice and fiqure out the job you want. Now, read through the job description a sentance at a time. Don't just skim through it and apply if it mostly sounds good. If there are any sentances that you feel don't describe you, work on those items.

Now to totaly contradict that statement, apply to positions that you may only be partially qualified for. The unfortunate truth is that job descriptions are written by HR and in large companies are totally canned. Just because the description says to have "Linux and/or Windows Server admin" experience, doesn't mean what it says. I applied for a job that said just that, with me having Windows Server admin experience, only to get to the interview and find out they are a pure Linux shop, but it was just as likely to go the other way.

These two things combined work to 1) get you a job and to 2)improve your profile to get you in the direction you want to go.

ptilsen

Iris hits the nail on the head. There are many factors, and none of them is unimportant. For the record, I think an A+ and a two-year degree is way more than enough to get started. I started with an A+ and no high school diploma. While the economy was different and I'm in a better region, I highly doubt it's your paper qualifications stopping you.

Swild is also giving good advice here. Apply for anything you think you can do and most jobs you think you might be able to do. Just because a job requires experience doesn't mean it does. My first job ever was for a helpdesk experience that preferred a college degree and required a year of experience, and I've been underqualified (compared to the job ad, that is) for every job ad I've ever had and most I've even interviewed for.

tpatt100

Like others have said I think IT is easier to break into because opportunities are more varied. IT is a field where as you move up or sideways your past experience is still useful "from my experience". If I wanted to switch careers to be honest I would have no idea what to do. IT sort of just fell in my lap back when I started. The opportunities to gain experience was all over the place. Now I said "experience", getting a job that pays enough to live on in IT is something different. You can learn and gain experience in other ways than just your job.

galed

South Florida is a big problem as well. I moved up to MD and I get tons of calls and ended up having to turn a few down. In Florida I could not even get an interview.

erpadmin

It takes a lot to join Iota Tau [IT].

First you must be able to pass a "rush" process set up by HR.

Then assuming HR likes you and you like the organization, they can extend you a bid [offer letter] and you can either accept the bid or reject it. No hard feelings from either side.

Assuming you accept the bid, then you start the pledging process [probationary period]. The first week or so is usually easy for new pledges, but all the bullcrap you got at rush is over...it has gotten serious now and will only get harder. Iota Tau is not for the week minded and you will be tested at each and every turn. The pledging period usually lasts 90 days or so, but some periods are shorter and some are a bit longer.

After the process is over, you are now officially a member of Iota Tau. It is at this point when you receive your secret handshake, and learn the other "secrets."

Roguetadhg

Need more Fight club in this thread.

Be open to relocation. If you want a job bad enough, you gotta be open to move. Experience in IT is the real deal, and don't you dare be unemployed for 5 years, because you'll be back at Entry-level!

Sometimes I wish there wasn't such a increase in technology. But who am I foolin', I got in the field because it changes!

DB Cooper

With an A+ you shouldn't have trouble finding a helpdesk job. I would look at other factors, how is your dress code for interviews. How do you come across in interviews? If you are not having any luck, then take a honest look at yourself and find what needs to change. No reason to keep trying the same thing if results are always negative.

Roguetadhg

Why not sit with someone over Skype and do a fake interview?

Not that I've ever done skype. So it's not me :P

Akaricloud

I'm not sure why you say IT is hard to break into. It has a very low unemployment rate compared to other sectors and is one of the few industries that you can succeed in without formal education.

Take a look at all the people with 4-year college degrees in other fields that can't find jobs. In IT you can take control, gain certifications and make yourself marketable a lot easier. Yes this makes it competitive but not necessarily difficult.

If you're having trouble finding an entry level position then the problem most likely lies within you. Your resume, interview techniques, how you dress, where you're applying, ect. Blaming the industry for your personal shortcomings will keep you unemployed.

NetworkVeteran

Main Event wrote: »

It seems more difficult than any other fields, I have a A+ and a 2 year and I don't expect much but it seems like pulling teeth to get a full time job in it.

If you've wanted to break into IT for two years, and all you've accomplished in that time is an A+, that might explain why you're having such a hard time. As in most fields that earn more than waiting tables at budget restaurants, you need to show a bit of initiative to break-in and move up.

[Edit: Oh, did you mean a 2-year degree? I would then go with Iris' advice. When screening many resumes and interviewing many candidates, employers don't have time to guess what you mean. They will expect proper grammar in communications with them and on-the-job. If this is just a special way you write when you log into TechExams.net, then no need to worry.]

Krones

Your biggest hindrance could be location. I live in a fairly small town of about 40 thousand. Most of the IT jobs are either for the school district, community college, county, or one of the very few casinos in town. I would say a real IT job opens up maybe once a year, if that, and I know half the people in these jobs that do not plan on leaving until they retire. No joke. I would do some research past and present if possible and compare the IT jobs to a nearby market or location you would not mind moving too.

Claymoore

Iristheangel wrote: »

9) Resume - Does it make sense? Does it look sharp? Are you keeping it to one page? Are you exaggerating your abilities?

No way am I submitting a one page resume. My Microsoft Learning transcript is 5 pages. Do not cut out relevant information in some quixotic attempt to squeeze your resume down to one page. But since you only have an A+ and 2 years experience, I doubt that too much information is your problem. Are you emphasizing the skills that will be the most important for your target job?

I was interviewing a helpdesk candidate a few years back and he was talking about how he has built his own computers as well as those of family and friends. I told him that was great, but you will never be doing that here. Our systems were on 3 year leases with 3 year support packs attached. When a hard drive or motherboard goes bad, we called the vendor. In this case, your technical skills aren't valuable as your ability to stay organized and on top of the service ticket paperwork.

At your level you will be working front line support. This may mean phone support, so your most important skills will be your ability to communicate with the end user in a helpful and pleasant manner while gathering enough correct information in the ticket that the upper level folks can solve the problem. You may also be in the field replacing or installing new equipment. You are the face of IT when you are in the field - are you someone IT wants representing their department? Your soft skills will matter more in your first couple of jobs than your hard technical skills, because what you will be doing is not technically hard.

How long have you had your A+? Did it help you get your first gig 2 years ago, or did you just earn it? I had my first MCP about a year after I started my first real IT job and my first MCSE by 18 months in. You should have at least an MS client exam or a CCENT - preferably both - to show you know something about a client/server/network corporate environment. This also demonstrates your willingness to keep learning new things, which is the most critical ability of all in this field.

NetworkVeteran

Claymoore wrote: »

But since you only have an A+ and 2 years experience

OP, do you see how nobody knows quite what you're trying to say?

We've had interpretations all over the place of "a 2 year" from looking for a job for two years, to a 2-year degree, to two years of experience. Proper grammar helps you form statements that others readily understand. It's just as welcome on an online forum as in an interview.

RouteMyPacket

Like so many today, the problem is most likely attitude and complete distorted view of reality.

There are two types of people looking at making IT their career, which one are you?

Type 1 (and all too common)

1. I have a fancy degree in Computer Science, Networking etc.
2. I deserve to be a Network Engineer straight out of school making $60,000+
3. No experience whatsoever
4. Resume looks like a 3rd grader constructed it (most likely comes from #3)
5. Help Desk is beneath me, I have a degree from "bla bla bla school"

Type 2

1. Has a fancy degree in Computer Science, Networking etc.
2. Looking to get foot in the door and will accept a Help Desk or Desktop position
3. Will gain valuable experience in doing so and will be able to show potential value and technical skills once in the door
4. Starts building practical IT experience that will be reflected on their resume
5. Immediately begins moving up, certifications along the way (not always a big deal), salary goes up over time
6. And he lives happy ever after in the wonderful world of 1's and 0's

The End!

So which one are you? I certainly hope not #1 because that one will get you nowhere. Get your foot in the door, you have no experience to be handed a mid level IT position.

With A+ and a 2yr degree? Look for a Help Desk position (foot in the door). What have you been shooting for? Network Admin or Network Engineer? Not going to happen but you will get there, it takes determination and time.

I was #2 back in early 2000's and I stayed on that Help Desk for maybe 2 months tops and I was sent to a client site to do Desktop/Server and within 5yrs of that I had taken over an entire IT organization. You have to CONSTANTLY push yourself into situations (I call them opportunities) that light a fire under your ass and through that your career can take you places you never imagined.

techster79

A+ is equivalent to 6 months of general computer hardware/software experience. The IT jobs that just use these skills are few and far between. I would recommend figuring out what direction you want to take in IT. Is it network support (CCNA), MS server support (MCSA/MCSE), MS desktop support (MCTS), etc? If you are willing to take on work after hours, sign up on onforce.com. You may not get alot of work with just the A+ but it would help build your skillset and get you comfortable tackling new challenges. IT is constantly changing, so you really have to enjoy the field to rise to the top and set yourself apart.

Camargoville

jibbajabba wrote: »

Do you know the secret handshake ?

hahaha.

Roguetadhg

RouteMyPacket wrote: »

Like so many today, the problem is most likely attitude and complete distorted view of reality.

There are two types of people looking at making IT their career, which one are you?

Type 1 (and all too common)

1. I have a fancy degree in Computer Science, Networking etc.
2. I deserve to be a Network Engineer straight out of school making $60,000+
3. No experience whatsoever
4. Resume looks like a 3rd grader constructed it (most likely comes from #3)
5. Help Desk is beneath me, I have a degree from "bla bla bla school"

Type 2

1. Has a fancy degree in Computer Science, Networking etc.
2. Looking to get foot in the door and will accept a Help Desk or Desktop position
3. Will gain valuable experience in doing so and will be able to show potential value and technical skills once in the door
4. Starts building practical IT experience that will be reflected on their resume
5. Immediately begins moving up, certifications along the way (not always a big deal), salary goes up over time
6. And he lives happy ever after in the wonderful world of 1's and 0's

The End!

So which one are you?

This is a trick question, RouteMyPacket.

Type 1 has better grammar.

Jackace

Personally I found getting started in IT much easier than Finance. I graduated, had an entry level cert and found a job making 40K plus overtime and shift differential. Moving up in IT however is where it can get tough. As you move up there are fewer opportunities and the competition becomes tougher. If you are in an area that has good growth in IT then it shouldn't be too hard, but if you are in an area with no growth and maybe a little decline like myself then moving up will most likely require relocation.

MiikeB

Jackace wrote: »

Personally I found getting started in IT much easier than Finance. I graduated, had an entry level cert and found a job making 40K plus overtime and shift differential. Moving up in IT however is where it can get tough. As you move up there are fewer opportunities and the competition becomes tougher. If you are in an area that has good growth in IT then it shouldn't be too hard, but if you are in an area with no growth and maybe a little decline like myself then moving up will most likely require relocation.

I agree the competition can be tougher moving up but IT also allows rapid progression if you know your stuff and are good at what you do.

In IT you can go from 40k to 80k in 2 years if you keep studying, learning, work hard and are willing to change jobs. That kind of upward mobility is not nearly as rapid in fields like marketing, human resources, biology etc.