Help me break into IT

Discussion in 'Employment & Jobs' started by richie3334444, Mar 8, 2011.

  1. richie3334444

    richie3334444 Bit Poster

    17
    9
    13
    I am a recent univeristy graduate attempting to break into the world of IT. Can someone please give me some CV advice as i am yet to be called up for an interview.

    Some personall details are removed for security reasons.

    Cheers guys
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Mar 8, 2011
  2. coolc

    coolc Nibble Poster

    84
    0
    4
    since ur a uni grad u have education so its easy to find work, dont worry u will find.
     
  3. richie3334444

    richie3334444 Bit Poster

    17
    9
    13
    I wouldn't agree with that point at the moment. I have some IT experience with the little bit of freelance work i have done however most jobs in Glasgow at the moment even for 1st line and entry level position require on average 2-3 years experience in the role plus a list of certs.
     
  4. steve_p1981

    steve_p1981 Byte Poster

    236
    5
    30
    just keep applying for jobs. I've applied for over 100 and not really had anything other than rejections and i've been working with computers for a couple of years.
    some of the guys in here took over a year to get in but if you want to get in to IT then don't give up. If you need the money you can always get another job but still apply for IT jobs while getting a income.
     
    Certifications: A+ 220-701 and 220-702
    WIP: none at current but poss 70-680 soon
  5. Fergal1982

    Fergal1982 Petabyte Poster

    4,196
    172
    211
    First off. Drop the references. For a start you have exposed those people to harassment from recruiters from displaying their details on the web. Secondly, you shouldn't supply the references until you have been offered the job. Dont include it on your CV.

    It's going to be difficult, since you have no real work experience (even non-IT really). Ideally you should have been working part time during your Uni career - even if it's not IT related. If you do have it, include it.

    Given your lack of experience, the CV seems ok. Good clean layout.

    What roles are you applying for?
     
    Certifications: ITIL Foundation; MCTS: Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010, Administration
    WIP: None at present
  6. Fergal1982

    Fergal1982 Petabyte Poster

    4,196
    172
    211
    This. Get another job. The longer you spend out of work, the more difficult it can get - avoid large gaps in your employment history where possible.

    If nothing else it will give you an income, and will help you in the long run.
     
    Certifications: ITIL Foundation; MCTS: Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010, Administration
    WIP: None at present
  7. richie3334444

    richie3334444 Bit Poster

    17
    9
    13
    I am looking to get into 1st line suport type role. At the mean time i am currently learning Server 2008 administration using the trainsignal materials and will be learning up on Windows 7 administrations after that in order to update my skills set.
     
  8. Darkfunnyguy

    Darkfunnyguy Byte Poster

    195
    3
    22
    Yes carry on using videos like Trainsignals and download VMWare Workstation and build your own domain virtual network and learn host of thing like logon scripts, folder direction, how to do this and that. Use can put these skills list it in your CV to show you have good practical experience with servers list things you have done in your own domain virtual network. This is how I got into IT demonstrating to the interviewers what I know. I have very good feedback from my interviewers before landing the got.

    Also you have to be prepared for technical questions or assessment tests as I have experience them so it another reason to build your domain virtual network to refresh your memory. :)
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCP, MCDST, MCSA 2003
    WIP: Server+, Vista,
  9. kevicho

    kevicho Gigabyte Poster

    1,219
    58
    116
    Id be mortified if someone did something like this with my details.

    Luckily Gillian had a good sense of humour about it, but she will be having words!

    (Just kidding, i didnt ring her, but some numpty reading this could do)

    Interests, ditch that section, putting "going clubbing and socialising" could be interpreted as meaning you are quite frequently drunk/up late/maybe doing drugs!

    Other than that the employment history is a bit thin, this bit "Has gained experience by working for himself by becoming the official IT technician for friends and family, which due to word of mouth has resulted in more job offers being received. ", id get rid of as everyman and his dog who works in IT, does this, maybe reword to something along the lines of Providing IT support to friends and family and practicing diagnostic techniques", something a bit more formal.

    Otherwise i dont think its a bad starter CV, although its missing some entry level certs, which should probably be your number one priority.
     
    Certifications: A+, Net+, MCSA Server 2003, 2008, Windows XP & 7 , ITIL V3 Foundation
    WIP: CCNA Renewal
  10. kevicho

    kevicho Gigabyte Poster

    1,219
    58
    116
    Entry Level roles and Certs are more client-side based such as A+, Network+, MCDST (which is retiring soon), or there are various client exams, either the XP exam 70-270, Windows Vista 70-620 and 70-622 and 70-623 or Windows 7 70-680 and 70-685 and 70-686 exams will get you more noticed.

    Not saying the server side wont come in handy, but your time would be better spent getting that certs which will aid your jobsearch.
     
    Certifications: A+, Net+, MCSA Server 2003, 2008, Windows XP & 7 , ITIL V3 Foundation
    WIP: CCNA Renewal
  11. richie3334444

    richie3334444 Bit Poster

    17
    9
    13
    thanks for all the advice so far
     
  12. westernkings

    westernkings Gigabyte Poster

    1,432
    60
    107
    God, I do hope no one listens to you when you give them career advice like that.

    On another note, I'd like to ask who helped you out with your CV Richie? was it a Uni Careers advisor? or have you done it all your self?

    Ditch the Hobbies, rearrange it so your key skills are after your personal profile, get rid of notable responsibilities as these should be either in relevant skills or in work experience.

    Get rid of the GCSE grades.

    Neaten up your work experience. It's a bit of a mess with no flow. All an employer is interested in (for that section) is who you worked for, what you did and for how long, currently, it isn't easy to differentiate between being the "Official IT guy" for your mates (take that out) and your stage production experience (which you REALLY need to emphasise on to even stand a chance.
     
    Certifications: MCITP:VA, MCITP:EA, MCDST, MCTS, MCITP:EST7, MCITP:SA, PRINCE2, ITILv3
  13. richie3334444

    richie3334444 Bit Poster

    17
    9
    13
    i used a generic CV template from one of the job sites to create it
     
  14. richie3334444

    richie3334444 Bit Poster

    17
    9
    13
    Any ideas on how i could improve this bit. Perhaps maybe give it some sort of title for that part, like "Technical support project"
     
    Last edited: Mar 8, 2011
  15. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

    14,292
    265
    329
    As said above do not over certify yourself i.e server certs. Over certifying yourself for your experience level will not help you.

    Apart from that your cv looks good. IT is very competative and it can take a long time to get into IT so be prepared for lots of applications and yes ignor the advice from coolc.
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  16. richie3334444

    richie3334444 Bit Poster

    17
    9
    13
    i think the best plan of action is to get a part time job,self study at home and sit some microsoft exams by the end of the summer.

    I saw a few data entry jobs that are nearby that would involve telephone work which to my understandining would give me proven customer service skills.

    What you guys reckon?
     
  17. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

    19,183
    500
    414
    Depends on which Microsoft exams you're talking about. If you mean client administration exams, that'd be a great plan. If you mean server administration exams, I'd recommend waiting until you've got a little server admin experience under your belt.

    All that said, I'd recommend getting the A+ and Network+ certs before anything else.
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  18. spammeh

    spammeh Bit Poster

    17
    0
    16
    Hey Rich I think there's not enough specifics on the IT skills and the generic stuff is taking up the majority of the space. You should go into more detail with what you did at the stage company and make that the focus.

    By the way have you looked at doing some voluntary work in the meanwhile?
     
    Certifications: A+
    WIP: N+
  19. richie3334444

    richie3334444 Bit Poster

    17
    9
    13
    thanks for the feedback guys, i will take everything on boarda and post a new updated CV to see what you all think.

    cheers guys
     
  20. Megan

    Megan New Member

    7
    0
    1
    I think it could look more professional to be honest. You may want to consider having a skills section that clearly lays out your best attributes; I think this should be on the first page. Generally employers need to be “wowed” as soon as they look at a CV otherwise they will lose interest and move on. I think you should get someone to look over your CV, maybe a career advisor or a company like www.cv-shop.com, who are specialists in CV writing. They will be able to give you the best advice.
     

Share This Page

Loading...
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.