Question:
I've passed Workstation last Thursday and passed Net Ess a few months ago. I
don't have any experience, and haven't really messed around with my home
network much. It took me a long time studying on my own, but I had to get my
reading comprehension skills up to par. The more I understand, the more I
like this. I was afraid I wouldn't complete an MCSE Cert before certain
tests retire, so I've been focusing on passing the tests. I'm trying to
enter into an IT career at 38, and I haven't studied squat since high
school. My question is, can I get entry level work now? I know I desperately
need hands on skills, or should I complete the MCSE trek I started and then
look for work? Also, what the hell can I put on my resume?
Answer:
-I'm 43. Went back to school when I was 41. I have zero IT experience.
I've gotten several offers. I just started looking so I'm getting a feel
for what I'm worth and what I can get. In most cases your entry level
positions are going to be help desk jobs. I don't mind doing that
because I'm willing to do what it takes to get some experience. I think
a lot of employers respect someone that's been in the work force for a
while and can show that they are dedicated and stable. If you have a
good work history, good references, and a good presentation, you will
have no problem getting a job. As for your resume, search for anything
that could be somehow IT related. In my previous life I was a district
sales manager for a chain of retail stores. I played up the fact that I
helped implement (IT people like that word), support and train people to
use a new Windows POS system that our company was using. My primary
function was to increase sales in my area, so of course the IT aspect of
my job was maybe 1% of my total job. Even so, I was known for my
knowledge and I played that up on my resume. Anything similar to this
that you can come up with can help.
-you should bullshit a little on your resume say you have 2 years
experince........it will help and dont worry if you dont know it just go
with the flow.......
