Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries - My resume so far-what can I improve?

Author

My resume so far-what can I improve?

Bernie

2001-04-27, 7:52 pm

Bernie G. LastName

xxxx Street Name. Residence

xxx)xxx-xxxx
Apt xxx myemailaddress@addre
ss
Raleigh, NC xxxxx

Information Technology / Network Specialist

I NEED A GOOD OBJECTIVE HERE

IT Certification and Training

Self Paced Study Program
Ø Cisco Certified Network Associate
Ø CompTIA Network+ Certified Technician
Ø Currently studying for Novell Engineer status
Ø Currently pursuing a Computer Engineering degree
Attended classes at ECPI Technical College
Ø Novell: CNA 4.11
Ø MS NT Workstation
Ø MS NT Server
Ø A+ Certification
Ø PC Maintenance & Upgrade
Training with Medic Computer Systems: Installing Network Equipment

Professional Experience

Alphanumeric Systems, Raleigh, NC
Contract Services for General Parts, Inc. 11/00 - present
· Created images, configure, install Compaq computers and Bay Networks equipment.
· Service, troubleshoot hardware, software and network connectivity issues for users both locally and at remote sites.
· Troubleshooting network connectivity issues for the NetWare Servers and Citrix Servers.
Tech Resource Group, Raleigh, NC
Tier II LAN Support for State Farm Insurance 7/99 – 11/00
· Troubleshoot RAS issues and workstation connectivity in a Token Ring environment.
· Assisted other support specialist in using Windows VB Script Hosting and Rclient and the basics of System Management Server(SMS).
· Troubleshoot hardware, software on Windows NT workstations and IBM Netfinity Servers.
Medic Computer Systems, Raleigh, NC
Field Engineer 3/99 - 6/99
· Traveled to remote offices throughout NC to service computers, terminal emulators, printers.
· Installed new computer systems, printers and ran the Cat5 cabling for clients.
· Responsible for the installed of UPS backup power supplies and printers.
· Troubleshoot computer problems using phone support.

Education

ECPI Technical College 2/98 – 2/99
Raleigh, NC

Caldwell Community College 1/97 – 12/98
Boone, NC

NCSU 8/93 – 5/94
Raleigh, NC

Kasor

2001-04-27, 9:28 pm

Used CERTIFICATION, do say self-study program.

Used RELEVANT COURSES

Do you have any club membership?

Do you have your A.S?

Need to rewrite your EDUCATION section.

I hope that help

Nicole

2001-04-27, 10:49 pm

Hmmm... "Currently pursuing a Computer Engineering Degree"? But I thought you said you weren't yet. First question in interview: "where?" Your reply: "well..." Result: credibility completely shot.

Since you have experience, I would place that at the top, below your objective. Experience almost always counts for more than anything else, so don't let 'em get bored and stop reading -- the good stuff goes up at the top.

Put your training down with your Education: Training *is* education. Something like:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
CompTIA Network+ Certified Technician
CompTIA A+ Certified Technician
Novell Engineer (in progress)

2/98 - 2/99 ECPI Technical College, Raleigh, NC
<list degree program or general idea of relevant classes here. Don't try to list them ALL -- just the broad picture. Like "Windows NT Administration" or some such)

1/97 - 12/98 Caldwell Community College, Boone, NC
etc, etc.

Your job descriptions are pretty good -- clear and concise. You overdo the word "troubleshoot" somewhat, and you could use some more action words like "responsible for," "managed," "etc. It sounds more important, and like you had more control over your environment. Some employers pre-screen resumes using programs that search for key words and phrases, and these kinds of action words are usually in the bucket with the actuall job skills. (Sneaky, I know, but true.)

Overall though, you could use a little more focus. Defining your objective -- which can take some soul-searching and honest evaluation of your current skills and talents -- can go a long way to helping define and focus your resume. It looks like you may be ready to tackle a job assisting the network admin or running a small network yourself. If this is what you want, keep those ideas clearly in mind when determining the way you want to present your skills and experience. Right now I'd hire you for a help desk job or similar based on your decription of your experience, but I'd bet you want more

It sounds like I'm tearing your resume apart, but you do have a good start.

-Nicole

darthw

2001-04-28, 8:39 am

You look like you've got some good base training and some good experience listed.

I have to wonder on the pursuing a CS degree item as well. In an earlier post you state that you wouldn't start until January, but your resume shows some college coursework. However, by the dates listed you haven't been in college for two years. I would list that you have attended some college, but I'd get rid of the "currently pursuing". If you had only been out of the college classroom for a semester, it might be perceived as "currently pursuing", but after two years (and next Jan. will make it nearly three) you've had more than a brief break. A lot can change between now and January, and based on the time that has passed, the interviewer may wonder "Is he/she really going to continue with the degree or just trying some generous embellishment to get this position?"

I have to agree with Nicole's other suggestions as well.

I don't want to seem harsh, but if I had a nickle for every time someone has told me "I'm gonna start working on that degree (or cert.) real soon.", then didn't follow through...well.. you know the rest.

Bernie

2001-04-28, 2:01 pm

I submitted my app to the tech college that I would be taking Computer Engineering classes, I may be able to sign up for 2nd semt summer school. I will if I can, then continue during Fall semt. I do have two weeks worth of training from Medic, as soon as I brush over the manual I will add that too. Thanks for the tips, I will revise it again soon.

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