Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries

Author

Need advice!!!

Zarocks

2001-11-16, 11:37 pm

Oh...this is so frustrating. I've been job-hunting since April and so far my searches have come up empty. I've had about a dozen interviews with various companies, most of which went well enough that I was able to get to a second interview. Once that happens, I usually never hear from them again (stranger things have happened as well), unfortunately.

I am currently A+, Network+ and MCP certified...would go for my MCSE but I want to get Experience more than anything!!! I've worked a help desk for 6 months before getting laid off last year, and I've worked on computers (hardware/software/lan) for the last 3 years on my own time. I'm only 20, and I believe my age may be a hurdle.

Anyways, I would just like some advice that would help my in my job hunt. I definitely have the motivation to work, but so far it seems as though I've come up a little short on my interviews, etc. Is there anything that can possibly help me in this situation?

Thanks!

PotatoHead

2001-11-17, 1:01 am

I got the same problem - I just wish i could find a job or at least an internship - I'm only 19 but i need experience more than anything right now!!!!!

darthw

2001-11-17, 4:51 pm

Even if an employer doesn't say so, if you look 19 or 20, your age could be hurting you. Some other "young 'un" may have proved himself/herself irresponsible and tainted it for both of you (not that being an older worker guarantees a good employee either.)

I was in a similar boat when trying to find work when I was 18, too (so loooonnnng ago). Have you considered, or are you taking any college courses toward a two year, or four year, degree. If not, may I suggest that you consider it. 1) your young and have your careers ahead of you, so it could get you eons ahead in the future, and 2) for the now, when interviewing you can inform your employer that you're working on a degree, which may help you come across as the responsible, potential employee that the employer wants.

relder

2001-11-25, 7:45 pm

If you're getting called to a first interview, then your resume is opening doors. Something is happening during that first meeting that is turning off the employer.

Have you..
Overstated you abilities on your resume and are not able to back them up?
Dressed for the part?
Come in with a positive attitude?
Asked just as many questions as you have answered?

I would analyze the interview process and try to identify the areas where you need some work. Then work on them.

I'm a career changer. Spend 25 years in the food business and went back to school in 98 for my MCSE. I knew that ome of the jobs I interviewed for were over my head, but I went for the practice of interviewing. Once I honed that skill, I was set. Been working in IT since then---best place in the world to be.

exar07

2001-11-26, 1:11 am

Hey you guys are on the right track. Stick with it.

The transition is hard to move from helpdesk to network stuff, but you have to keep trying.

On interviews make sure you dont:

1. Blow questions by guessing! Just say you dont know if you dont know. Maybe add that you are a quick learner or want training!

2. Dont talk to much! Relax and conversate but do not talk to much you might say more than required and blow it!

3. And MOST IMPORTANTLY: Show good manners some people will hire you because they feel you will take care of the customers. Customers always right!

Also have you tried these web sites:

www.monster.com
www.usajobs.com
www.dice.com
www.headhunter.net
www.computerjobs.com
www.hotjobs.com
www.jobbank.com

Good Hunting!

Dont quit!

cassie

2001-11-26, 8:44 am

Zarocks, I feel for you, it must be very frustrating to keep getting so close and not quite make it.

I think you have been given some real good advice by our colleagues here on the forum. I just had a couple of suggestions to add:

1) You could try telephoning the person/people who interviewed you afterwards and ask them politely for some feedback on how you interviewed and what might have made a difference.

2) Study rapport-building techniques, in particular "mirroring" your interviewer. Jobs are often awarded based on how well you get on with the interviewer (assuming that your skill set is not a million miles from that required!). This link has some tips to start you off:
http://www.devco.demon.co.uk/rapport1.html

3) It may be worth your while starting to self-study for your MCSE - you can use this fact to impress upon your interviewers that you are a mature individual who is committed to his career.

Best of luck, and please keep us posted with how you get on.

Cassie

Zarocks

2001-11-26, 10:32 am

Thanks everyone for your advice so far it is very helpful. So far no luck yet, but maybe I could consider changing my interview style. I possibly see where I could be "overstating" myself in some ways, but during the interview I cannot seem to "capture" the interviewer into having him distinguish me above the rest.

It's sorta hard for me to say that, even though in general my interviews have gone very well for the most part.

I would like to continue my study for my MCSE, but right now I really don't have the $$$ for books and tests. During one interview it seemed as though he may have saw me as 'overqualified' for an entry-level posititon when I told him I was studying for my MCSE.

Also, on a side note I'm beginning to learn some programming in my spare time in case I should ever need it.

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