Hello everyone i am glad to be here

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Hello all,

I have just joined this forum as I am endeavouring to gain professional IT qualification. I currently have 2 yrs experience in a help desk environment, however progress within the company is practically non existant. I have been to several interviews, however even though they say personality shines, my experience is not quite there compared to other candidates.

I am hoping, with aid of fellow forum members, I can get an idea what i should be pursuing in terms of qualification so that i gain an edge over my competition.

Thank you

 

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With two years of experience, you should be well suited to sit for the A+ and MCDST exams. Having these on your CV may help you stand out among your peers. What kind of experience do other candidates have that you don't?

 

from the feedback that I have received from my most recent interview, the employer stated that the other candidate had experience dealing with server support. I mean the role was a for a helpdesk role, however with other responsibilities, including server checks, backups. The role was varied, which was exactly what i was looking for and i got on with intervier extremely well, however they took the safe bet and went with the other candidate. My personality was excellent apparently but my experience wasnt quite there. So my personality could not win them over alone.

These are the general responses i am receiving since i have started to look for new positions. In a way i dont really blame employers due to the recent times, and safe bets are well safe bets, but they just need to give me chance.

I am hoping a bit of certification will give them a little re-assurance!

 

With two years experience you should be able to gain the CompTIA A+ fairly easily, depending on your studying habits and ability to absorb information. From there, you could go on to the CompTIA Network+. These two certifications should give you the qualifications you are looking for with your interviews and lead you to better things.

HS.

 

Yes i agree, my hardware knowledge is pretty sound, i mean i build my own rigs with no problems, so hopefully I should be able to do it within a fairly short period of time.

In terms of study materials, i can see on the forum that Mike Meyers books is a good place to start. I also have been looking at some cbt type stuff.

What would you recommend, the book, the cbt or both together. I want to do the a+ and n+, so what would recommend for both in terms of materials?

thank you

 

Also taking the A+ next week and have used the Mike Meyers book.
Some Professor Messer videos too, but the 1200 pages of Mike Meyers should cover more than enough ground, I believe.

 

There are several resources available. The CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide and CompTIA Network+ All-in-One Exam Guide by Mike Meyers are a great resource, along with Professor Messer videos.

HS.

 

sweet, im going to purchase those 2 books and take a look at the vids.

im going to to do about 3 hours daily and then 3hrs+ on the weekend. How long do you reckong it will take me to go through the materials well. I would like think I have a good grasp of most concepts, but I want to complete before the change the regulations.

any ideas anyone?

 

I also recommend that you purchase at least one practice exam before you sit for the real exam. They will give you a feel for how the exam goes. The first time you take a good practice exam can be a real eye opener! Many vendors have these. I personally use multiple practice exams for the learning! Some vendors that will give you good materials are: Preplogic, UCertify, Transcender, Boson, ExamCram (which is usually MeasureUp I believe) and even CompTIA has a practice exam in your chosen area. Some of these vendors regularly have sales on their materials too. Good luck and welcome!

 

Ye, you cant beat practice exams.

Once I feel confident enough, i shall book and start doing some practice exams.

well, thanks for you help guys and already feel very much welcome here.

It shouldnt be long before i am back here ask for some assistance. Fingers crossed and thanks a million.

 

I had about 2-3 hours a day, myself. No weekends though
Went through the A+ book for the first time in two weeks.
Now I'm repeating mainly on the hardware and laptop topics, since the rest were mostly repetition.
Taking the exam next thursday btw.

How much time you'll need depends though, how much of it you already know.
There's tons of practice questions online; there's even some that come with the book.
Take them until you feel comfortable with the results

 

Awesome info, thanks simonvm. You are right i wont know until i start studying the materials. I want to aim to get in within the next 2 months, thats the target i am setting myself.

Once again thank you for your response!

 

Welcome and good luck!!!!