A+, Network+, Security+...then

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Hi Guys,

Been on the Forum for a while now and have always received excellent advice..so I'm back for more

I am currently working towards my A+, I then plan on gaining the Network+, then Security+. From there I would like to move onto an MCP/MCDST.

However, I am currently unemployed after being made redundant and have "Work Experience" as it were. My question really would be this:

Am I trying to do too much too soon? I have just completed the ECDL and ECDL Advanced (which I flew through), and am now working towards the CompTIA+ certs. However, would a potential employer feel I am doing too much too soon and not have the hands on experience?

Would really appreciate comments.

Cheers guys (and gals)

Ron

 

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I would recommend getting the A+, Network+, and MCDST, then stopping until you have a little server admin experience. At that point, I would consider starting on the MCSA. Security+ is best done after you're starting to help secure systems and networks.

 

Many thanks Michael. I have been applying for lots of jobs and keep getting rejections (which I expected). At what point am I realistically looking at least of getting an Interview? I'm assuming the A+, Network+ would be the minimum?

Regards,

Ron

 

Not at all. In fact, many entry-level jobs don't require certifications at all. Certifications simply make you look more attractive to employers. As such, there is no "minimum"... every employer is different.

What kind of jobs are you applying for? And how much real-world IT work experience do you have?

 

Well since January 2010 I have been doing freelance IT Support. There are a couple of small companies in Harlow that I have been working for. Originally I was working in QA for numerous video games firms for about 15 years so all the IT skills I have, are self taught, hence working towards certifications.

I have been applying for 1st Line Helpdesk roles mainly, but also Desktop Support, Junior Desktop, along those lines.

Would these roles be applicable?

 

Yes they would, they give you the exposure to the technologies you want and get you the experience you need to move upwards. Once you have your foot in the door you want to ensure that you get exposure to the next level of technologies and progress that way. The idea is that certifications prove your experience, they are not there to get you in the door for your first real IT job.

 

Many Thanks.

Just feel like I have applied for hundreds of Jobs and yet don't seem to be getting anywhere. Very frustrating at times I'm afraid.

 

I know, 3 months worked in the last 9

 

Well, a lot of that is just the economy... jobs do pop up, but competition for them is very intense, what with everyone applying for them.

If you know people in the IT field, ask around to see if anything's opening up. Often, they'll know about positions before they are listed. You might be able to get noticed before a position is made public... thereby cutting down on possible competition.