Can't get a job in IT

PhilDawn

Hi Guys!

I'm really struggling to get a job in IT. Im a career changer with 9 years work experience. I've really emphasized my customer care experience in an effort to enhance my CV which has helped in getting invited to interviews.

I currently have the following certs : Comptia Network+, Comptia A+, MTA Networking Fundamentals and MTA Windows OS Fundamentals.

I'm also going to college at night time and am studying NFQ/QQI Level 8 Advanced Networking & Cloud Technologies. I'm Finished that in 6 weeks and then begin a H.Diploma in Science in Computing IT Infrastructure and Networking in September.

I've secured 3 interviews all of which were internships. I've applied for many paid positions, namely HelpDesk or Support Level 1but, have not heard anything back.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated !!

Thanks in advance!!

L1011

Where are you? Can't see location on mobile.

I would find that overqualified for L1. Aiming higher might work as might simply not mentioning some stuff. Remember L1 can pay miniscule figures in some places

PhilDawn

L1011 wrote: »

Where are you? Can't see location on mobile.

I would find that overqualified for L1. Aiming higher might work as might simply not mentioning some stuff. Remember L1 can pay miniscule figures in some places

Hi

Thanks for your response! Much appreciated. Hi I'm in Dublin ..

AlmightyCushion

You're nearly finished one degree in networking, why are you starting another especially one that markets itself as a conversion course? Is the new course you are starting full time or part time? Are you telling potential employers about it? It's possible they could see it as a negative. Working full time and doing an evening course isn't easy and can take its toll on you so they may prefer someone who isn't starting a part time course.

PhilDawn

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

You're nearly finished one degree in networking, why are you starting another especially one that markets itself as a conversion course? Is the new course you are starting full time or part time? Are you telling potential employers about it? It's possible they could see it as a negative. Working full time and doing an evening course isn't easy and can take its toll on you so they may prefer someone who isn't starting a part time course.

Hi

The course I'm finishing soon is not a full degree. It's a QQI/NFQ Level 8 Minor award.

The H.Diploma is only two evenings per week and I have not mentioned that on my CV or at interviews.

L1011

Don't mention the next course, maybe drop the a+ off the CV and drop your date of birth. The latter two are sometimes used as pile cutters - legal or not in the case of age discrimination people expect L1 to be young.

Have you registered with the more specialised IT recruiters?

enya kenny

PhilDawn wrote: »

Hi

Thanks for your response! Much appreciated. Hi I'm in Dublin ..

Finishing the course will make it a lot easier for you to land a job.

Make sure your C.V is technical and not full of childish nonesene which you can see when people are converting from other career paths. If you have a friend who works in I.T get them to check it. (Not saying you have, but have seen it a lot of times).

My only advice if going for a helpdesk role make sure its not one of these 22k a year places where your basically just customer service, answering phones, resetting passwords, uninstalling and reinstalling software and logging tickets. It's mind nummingly boring and sould destroying.

A lot of good companies service desks perform both Level 1 and Level 2 support and the salary rectifys this. 30K -35K starting salary. In the first job I took it was advertised as Service desk and were doing Linux scripting, VMWare/Hyper V support/ Windows Server support etc and was excellent for my C.V.

With regards certifications I would definitly consider the CCNA. Its really a step above those Comptia ones. Best of luck

PhilDawn

L1011 wrote: »

Don't mention the next course, maybe drop the a+ off the CV and drop your date of birth. The latter two are sometimes used as pile cutters - legal or not in the case of age discrimination people expect L1 to be young.

Have you registered with the more specialised IT recruiters?

Hi

I haven't put my DOB on my CV and am still relatively young (29) .... I'll drop the A+ to see if that helps. I'm also studying the MCTS : Windows 7 Pro Enterprise Desktop Support Technician.

I haven't registered with any agencies. Could you recommend any ?

PhilDawn

enya kenny wrote: »

Finishing the course will make it a lot easier for you to land a job.

Make sure your C.V is technical and not full of childish nonesene which you can see when people are converting from other career paths. If you have a friend who works in I.T get them to check it. (Not saying you have, but have seen it a lot of times).

My only advice if going for a helpdesk role make sure its not one of these 22k a year places where your basically just customer service, answering phones, resetting passwords, uninstalling and reinstalling software and logging tickets. It's mind nummingly boring and sould destroying.

A lot of good companies service desks perform both Level 1 and Level 2 support and the salary rectifys this. 30K -35K starting salary. In the first job I took it was advertised as Service desk and were doing Linux scripting, VMWare/Hyper V support/ Windows Server support etc and was excellent for my C.V.

With regards certifications I would definitly consider the CCNA. Its really a step above those Comptia ones. Best of luck

Thanks so much for your in-depth reply! My best friend works in IT and I did get him to check my CV as I wasn't getting any responses with my original CV so I completely redid it based on a book I read and since then I've hand three interviews.

I actually plan to sit the CCENT before the current exams are retired. That gives me till August 20th to sit the exam. ICND 2 retires September 24th. Not sure if Ill have enough time but I'll try..

I honestly don't really want to work in a helpdesk but I've heard that's where most people start. I also heard internal help desk is far more enjoyable than external so I wouldn't mind doing that for a while

Musicman2000

Some good advice being offered . Your qualifications are fine , I wouldn't worry if its not a full level 8 degree . The big problem is getting experience there is a lot of competition out there at the moment . I am surprised you are finding it hard to get work in Dublin.

You will need to get into a level 1 position and work your way up even if its 6 months it will stand by you . Someone mentioned its mind numbing , yes it can be but you would be doing very well walking straight into a level 2 position with no experience and getting 30k.

A level 1 position you are looking anywhere between 20 and 30k a year . Have a look into contracting as well . I wouldn't worry about the CCNA certs for the time being , you are better off getting experience and going from there .
As i was told enough times ,no point in having a million and one certs without any experience .

Keep applying for entry level positions something will come up especially living in Dublin . Plenty of us have been in the same position as yourself . Best of luck. Oh by the way don't drop the A+ especially for an entry level position .

L1011

PhilDawn wrote: »

I haven't registered with any agencies. Could you recommend any ?

Eolas/Stelfox/RecruitIT come to mind.

PhilDawn

L1011 wrote: »

Eolas/Stelfox/RecruitIT come to mind.

Cheers! Thanks for that !

Eire Go Brach

enya kenny wrote: »

My only advice if going for a helpdesk role make sure its not one of these 22k a year places where your basically just customer service, answering phones, resetting passwords, uninstalling and reinstalling software and logging tickets. It's mind nummingly boring and sould destroying.

A lot of good companies service desks perform both Level 1 and Level 2 support and the salary rectifys this. 30K -35K starting salary. In the first job I took it was advertised as Service desk and were doing Linux scripting, VMWare/Hyper V support/ Windows Server support etc and was excellent for my C.V.

I personally think this is bad advice.
Bare in mind it is an employers market at the moment, plus college has finished. There will be a lot looking for jobs.
Expecting 30k with no experience no matter how educated you are is ridiculous. I have heard this a lot over the years about people after getting there degree. HR will just dismiss you.
What you need is experience\ your foot in the door. I personally think that is how you should be thinking.

Right now your job is to get a job. Your getting interviews which is good. Use LinkedIn, recruiters and jobs boards. I'd keep the Comptia A on your CV. Recruiters love it for 1st lvl jobs. I don't have it, yet I have and MCSA and a CCNA. But they know that the best, always asked for it. It is a bit frustrating. Even do contracting to get your experience. Aim for 22k to 25k. Do voluntary work in Camara, it will stand to you.

My story is, I am 39, 18 years spent in printing. I got made redundant nearly 2 years ago now. Decided to change my career. I studied and done voluntary work. I was 8 weeks looking for a job. I took the 22k job to get experience. I earned double that 10 years ago. I'm realistic, sure I am starting at the bottom again. I am there 2 months now. It will be only for 9 Months. I kept changing my CV. In the end I think what worked for me was dumbing down my CV plus my interview I could relate with the IT manager. My age and experience was a plus for him in this case.

I have a Fetac lv 5, 3 MTA's, MCSA Server 2012 and a CCNA. I am doing the Comptia A now. Mainly out of stubbornness. I have been trying to do it for years but was lucky to keep getting full time courses.

PM me if you want to add me on LinkedIn.

PhilDawn

Eire Go Brach wrote: »

I personally think this is bad advice.
Bare in mind it is an employers market at the moment, plus college has finished. There will be a lot looking for jobs.
Expecting 30k with no experience no matter how educated you are is ridiculous. I have heard this a lot over the years about people after getting there degree. HR will just dismiss you.
What you need is experience\ your foot in the door. I personally think that is how you should be thinking.

Right now your job is to get a job. Your getting interviews which is good. Use LinkedIn, recruiters and jobs boards. I'd keep the Comptia A on your CV. Recruiters love it for 1st lvl jobs. I don't have it, yet I have and MCSA and a CCNA. But they know that the best, always asked for it. It is a bit frustrating. Even do contracting to get your experience. Aim for 22k to 25k. Do voluntary work in Camara, it will stand to you.

My story is, I am 39, 18 years spent in printing. I got made redundant nearly 2 years ago now. Decided to change my career. I studied and done voluntary work. I was 8 weeks looking for a job. I took the 22k job to get experience. I earned double that 10 years ago. I'm realistic, sure I am starting at the bottom again. I am there 2 months now. It will be only for 9 Months. I kept changing my CV. In the end I think what worked for me was dumbing down my CV plus my interview I could relate with the IT manager. My age and experience was a plus for him in this case.

I have a Fetac lv 5, 3 MTA's, MCSA Server 2012 and a CCNA. I am doing the Comptia A now. Mainly out of stubbornness. I have been trying to do it for years but was lucky to keep getting full time courses.

PM me if you want to add me on LinkedIn.

What do you mean by "contracting work" ?

line console zero

Hi OP. My advice is grab a tech support/level 1 job and stick it out. Be brilliant at it and move up to level 2. Keep getting those certs, but specialize in something in demand. Look at jobs boards and check what the IT recruiters are looking for VMWare/Cisco etc. Pick one that's popular in an area you like and aim for it. When you have it and a year or 2 under your belt, make the jump for a level 2 tech job like racking and stacking in a data center. A year or two in that and you can happily move into the more cushy 3rd line roles for a decent professional salary.

You should be moving up the cert tracks not across them. A cert track shows progression and coupled with some support experience is more desirable than someone with a Hodge podge of basic certs and no idea where they are going with it.

You can branch off later in your career once you've gotten your foot in the door but you've gotta start at the bottom first, and in IT that's usually user level phone support.

L1011

Eire Go Brach wrote: »

I am doing the Comptia A now. Mainly out of stubbornness. I have been trying to do it for years but was lucky to keep getting full time courses.

Rather expensive (and time wasting) stubbornness. Its practically useless even to begin with and you already have far superior certification.

Eire Go Brach

L1011 wrote: »

Rather expensive (and time wasting) stubbornness. Its practically useless even to begin with and you already have far superior certification.

Your probably right. Its free to study though and I am taking my time. I enjoy it and I will learn something from it. Just the exams will cost me.
I don't think its useless though, in general. Learning is always good.

L1011

Eire Go Brach wrote: »

Your probably right. Its free to study though and I am taking my time. I enjoy it and I will learn something from it. Just the exams will cost me.
I don't think its useless though, in general. Learning is always good.

Paying to be told you know obsolete technologies is never worthwhile.

My views on the A+ are pretty obvious from my posts here, but someone who has an MCSA or CCNA thinking there is any value in doing it actually astounds me.

The A+ is an absolute entry level, well below L1 support role, qualification. If I get a CV that pushes it as a valuable qualification (not that I'm expecting you to do this) when they clearly have higher I assume every single one of them is 'dumped rather than actual learning. The few people I've been made interview by superiors have only confirmed that suspicion so far. Is worthless when you have better qualifications and I'm sure you can find something more useful to spend the money on.

Back in the old days the A+ was acceptable as 1/5th of an MCSA / 1/7th of an MCSE and the idea was if you had either you did not need to do it. Microsoft doesn't even consider it worth that now!

PhilDawn

line console zero wrote: »

Hi OP. My advice is grab a tech support/level 1 job and stick it out. Be brilliant at it and move up to level 2. Keep getting those certs, but specialize in something in demand. Look at jobs boards and check what the IT recruiters are looking for VMWare/Cisco etc. Pick one that's popular in an area you like and aim for it. When you have it and a year or 2 under your belt, make the jump for a level 2 tech job like racking and stacking in a data center. A year or two in that and you can happily move into the more cushy 3rd line roles for a decent professional salary.

You should be moving up the cert tracks not across them. A cert track shows progression and coupled with some support experience is more desirable than someone with a Hodge podge of basic certs and no idea where they are going with it.

You can branch off later in your career once you've gotten your foot in the door but you've gotta start at the bottom first, and in IT that's usually user level phone support.

Hi

When you say up the cert track rather than across do you mean for example Ccna, ccnp, ccie or MTA,mcsa, mcse etc ?

One of the reasons I was was getting several certs in different area because when you look at any job listing for a Helpdesk the want you to know a bit about everything. Software, harware, networking , server admin, virtualization.... makes no sense why they would expect that

DopeTech

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