How do I get my first job in IT?

[Els]

 

I have lots of retail experience but there is very little skills that cross over between retail and corporate IT.

 

Work a full-time retail job while continuing to apply for IT jobs and internships.

[pink_sugar]

My focus in IT is network administration, PC troubleshooting, Windows installation, PC hardware etc. Pretty much all of it is low level stuff and things that I'm able to play with on my own time. The skills I have left to learn can only really be learned on the job. And the companies all want somebody to already have those skills. Nobody is willing to train.

 

I have lots of retail experience but there is very little skills that cross over between retail and corporate IT.

 

As somebody else mentioned, virtually every company has an IT department. So should I just be sending resumes to everybody that has an office around me?

 

If I can't get a full-time job I'll have to move in with my mom how lives about an hour away. So right now I'm reluctant in trying to find a basic part-time job because I'm not going to have an hour commute to be a bagger at Vons. Though if/when I do move with her, I can look for part-time work in that area. Odds are I'll do it just to get out of the house.

 

The recruiting industry really puzzles me. I see that they post post jobs on indeed.com and on their own websites. And when I apply to those jobs and send them a resume, I hear absolutely nothing back. This has happened with Kelly, Robert Half and Addecco. That's why I'm not that motivated to make the drive to an office and hope they can find me a job.

 

If you have retail experience, odds are those retailers you have worked for have an IT department. You will have a leg up if you look into working in IT at those places if you have worked there before. Assuming you left on good terms. Might be something to look into.

[GemmaUK]

Right now being unemployed you should be going for every and any job and applying for at least 20 jobs per day minimum.

As others have said it's a full time job in itself - start at 9am, finish at 5pm.

 

 

Not being motivated to visit recruitment agencies made my jaw drop!

It shows you are more serious, they get to know you and put a name to a face, they will remember you.

You go there, treat it pretty much as an interview (so a smart suit is required) then discuss your CV, what you are looking for and what kind of jobs you will go for until you find something to get you in the IT door.

You can be temping through an agency whilst they search for something more in tune with what you are after.

Agencies also give you feedback on interviews and interview advice too.

 

 

Many companies these days count much more on agencies who have met the applicant. Companies get so many applications that an agency having met that applicant is in itself a 'network'

Plus an agency who does a good job will also know the people, the team and will have a far greater idea of the type of personality that would fit the company.

 

 

You are shooting yourself in the foot by ruling meeting recruitment agents out before even trying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How much experience and success have you had in mending broken pcs? All of that counts towards experience too don't forget.

[Rejected Rosebud]

I think you should apply at Best Buy and if you start in retail you can probably get on their geek squad and do the mobile PC fixing thing, don't you think that might be a likely thing for you to do for now??

[Teknoe]

What experience do you have other than "finishing classes for a degree" ? Because everyone has that as a basic foundation.

 

You need experience, period, and that's ANY experience.

 

Anything you can get, grab onto it and build some momentum. Competition is fierce and unfortunately you have a few things working against you, namely age and lack of experience at your age in your chosen profession. What is going to make you stand out compared to other prospects and why would a company invest in you over anyone else?

 

Experience is the key, as well as a well written resume, some letters of rec (do you even have these?), a sharp suit, an engaging smile/personality and the confidence to show them hiring you would be a home run.

[pink_sugar]

I think you should apply at Best Buy and if you start in retail you can probably get on their geek squad and do the mobile PC fixing thing, don't you think that might be a likely thing for you to do for now??

 

I know people who have done this. With these you are often salaried and working long hours, but it's something to get you started.

[somedude81]

I think you should apply at Best Buy and if you start in retail you can probably get on their geek squad and do the mobile PC fixing thing, don't you think that might be a likely thing for you to do for now??

 

I used to work at Staples as an Easy Tech, which is their version of Geek Squad. Though for some reason I got placed into the sales role when I explicitly told them I didn't want to do sales.

 

And yes, I've already applied for Geek Squad. I did in December before my degree and I was turned down. I recently applied a few days ago to a different store. Now I have my degree and I'll see if they still turn me down.

[somedude81]

I just found out that there are job postings on LinkedIn. Interestingly it also shows how many people applied to the position. On average the entry level helpdesk/desktop support positions have around 20 applicants. I wonder how many of those get interviews.

[Els]

I just found out that there are job postings on LinkedIn. Interestingly it also shows how many people applied to the position. On average the entry level helpdesk/desktop support positions have around 20 applicants. I wonder how many of those get interviews.

 

 

It works both ways - 1 business might get 20 applicants, but 1 person also typically applies to 20 (and more) jobs. People may turn down a job offer if they got a better offer elsewhere, so then they will go down the list.

[pink_sugar]

20 applicants is actually really good odds. There are jobs with over a 100. I remember a potential employer saying he selected me to interview simply because my resume was the only one he received that wasn't full of grammar issues.

[Rejected Rosebud]

Well one thing for sure somedude81, it is an employers market and I think that though there are many IT jobs there are also a whole bunch of people with a degree AND work experience so you have some obstacles to overcome which you will manage to do with an aggressive approach and handling it with numbers! I mean you are gonna have to cast a very wide net!! I have to say it is troubling to me to read that you are not "motivated enough" to try hard and at the same time that you are about to have to move in with your mom!!

[organizedchaos]

I just found out that there are job postings on LinkedIn. Interestingly it also shows how many people applied to the position. On average the entry level helpdesk/desktop support positions have around 20 applicants. I wonder how many of those get interviews.

 

You didn't know they had job listings there??? It's the best place to find a job, imo. It shows you the name and profile of the HR person who posted the listing for the company. So you can just message or connect with that person directly. You can find out who you're connected with who might know someone at that company for an introduction. You can setup searches with alerts when new listings are posted. Seriously SD, you need to know these things!

 

Ten Ways To Use LinkedIn In Your Job Search - Forbes

 

Highly suggest you Google more ways to use LinkedIn to find a job.

[rester]

A suggestion that has helped me in the past: go to the library and check-out as many resume, cover letter, and job-searching books you can. Pick and choose what would be helpful for your particular circumstances. Remember that resumes are typically looked at for only a few seconds. Cover letters need to be tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Spend an hour on each, and write 4-5 per day.

 

I'll also suggest that follow-up is very important. Don't take silence as a no. Always follow-up with a phone call. Emails are far too easy to get looked over and pushed aside for more important ones.

 

 

We once had over 300 applicants for an entry level position. About eight of us were given 30 minutes and tasked with narrowing the field down to 20. It happened quickly.

[Arabella]

As a hiring manager in IT, I have found that the majority of applicants are unqualified. If they don't have the basic qualifications I asked for, I toss them right there and then. That gets rid of about 50-80% of the resumes. Some postings are more specific than others depending on need.

 

The rest of it comes down to their ability to put together a good resume and cover letter. If they do a good job, they will get a call and I will, at least, give them a phone interview. The best of these will get an in-person interview. The rest is personality and how confident I feel that they can do what I need them to do.

[somedude81]

As a hiring manager in IT, I have found that the majority of applicants are unqualified. If they don't have the basic qualifications I asked for, I toss them right there and then. That gets rid of about 50-80% of the resumes. Some postings are more specific than others depending on need.

 

Oh cool, you're a hiring manager!

 

How do you determine if somebody is qualified for the position, and how are qualifications set?

 

The biggest problem is that the entry level jobs I think I should be applying for desktop support, helpdesk, Jr. network admin all want 2-3 years of experience. For most of those jobs I meet about 90% of the requirements. The only ones I don't meet are the skills that I can only get actually on the job. I was hoping that having a degree shows that I would quickly learn the skills I need to be proficient at the job, but it seems most managers don't think that way.

 

 

The rest of it comes down to their ability to put together a good resume and cover letter. If they do a good job, they will get a call and I will, at least, give them a phone interview. The best of these will get an in-person interview. The rest is personality and how confident I feel that they can do what I need them to do.

 

I am getting interviews and phone interviews so I think I'm pretty close but in the end somebody more qualified always gets the position, even for these entry level jobs.

 

BTW would having the certificates like A+ and Network+ make much of a difference?

[organizedchaos]

Oh cool, you're a hiring manager!

 

How do you determine if somebody is qualified for the position, and how are qualifications set?

 

The biggest problem is that the entry level jobs I think I should be applying for desktop support, helpdesk, Jr. network admin all want 2-3 years of experience. For most of those jobs I meet about 90% of the requirements. The only ones I don't meet are the skills that I can only get actually on the job. I was hoping that having a degree shows that I would quickly learn the skills I need to be proficient at the job, but it seems most managers don't think that way.

 

 

 

 

I am getting interviews and phone interviews so I think I'm pretty close but in the end somebody more qualified always gets the position, even for these entry level jobs.

 

BTW would having the certificates like A+ and Network+ make much of a difference?

 

Getting a job is sort like the dating process, huh?

[somedude81]

Getting a job is sort like the dating process, huh?

 

I've been saying that forever.

 

At least with looking for a job I'm getting interviews aka first dates.

[GemmaUK]

One thing I find strange is that the feedback you are getting is that they chose someone instead of you who had previous experience.

 

 

If that was one of their criteria then they would see from your CV that you don't have IT work experience and so they would not put you through for an interview.

 

 

What other kind of feedback have you had from your interviews?

[Arabella]

Oh cool, you're a hiring manager!

 

How do you determine if somebody is qualified for the position, and how are qualifications set?

 

Depends on the role. Mostly, based on the skillset required for a position. Certifications and formal education are useful in certain roles but not so much in others.

 

The biggest problem is that the entry level jobs I think I should be applying for desktop support, helpdesk, Jr. network admin all want 2-3 years of experience. For most of those jobs I meet about 90% of the requirements. The only ones I don't meet are the skills that I can only get actually on the job. I was hoping that having a degree shows that I would quickly learn the skills I need to be proficient at the job, but it seems most managers don't think that way.

 

The problem is that while some roles are called "junior" or "entry level" it doesn't mean that they're appropriate for someone without industry experience.

 

Take for example Jr. Network Administrator. I'd expect someone with 2-3 yrs of experience in solid desktop support roles (not just helpdesk), who shows a great deal of network knowledge.

 

If you have NO IT experience whatsoever, then you should be applying to basic helpdesk roles. Most of the time you're going to be the first line of defense who takes the calls and walk-ins and puts in the tickets. Some roles will have more advanced skills requirements than others. In fact, some may only expect you to be good at customer service. This is a fantastic point of entry for someone hoping to build a career in IT.

 

I am getting interviews and phone interviews so I think I'm pretty close but in the end somebody more qualified always gets the position, even for these entry level jobs.

 

BTW would having the certificates like A+ and Network+ make much of a difference?

 

If all you're getting is calls from HR or recruiters, that doesn't mean anything. It's a very basic screening layer to make sure you have a pulse. HR people are only making sure you are somewhat literate and your technical skills are in the neighborhood of what was asked for. Because these people aren't usually technical, screeners aren't able to probe very deep so that's why a second call is normally scheduled after with the hiring manager.

 

If you're getting to the second round of phone calls with the hiring manager, that's worth something. I'd say something during the phone call is putting them off, so they never offer you in-person interviews.

 

It could be many things... but the most common one is sounding awkward and having difficulty explaining your qualifications and experience in an eloquent and specific manner when I probe deeper. I don't want people who are extremely technical but have no customer service skills, so these normally don't get an interview with me. It could also be that your technical skills are failing to impress the manager at this point. (ie lack of confidence in your ability)

 

As far as certifications, A+ helps a lot with entry-level helpdesk and desktop support. I'd say it's pretty much mandatory. Otherwise, how are you different than any other applicant who says they can fix computers and have no experience? the Network+ not so much. Skip it and get a CCNA... that's a real career move when you're ready to move on from helpdesk positions.

[loveweary11]

Depends on the role. Mostly, based on the skillset required for a position. Certifications and formal education are useful in certain roles but not so much in others.

 

 

 

The problem is that while some roles are called "junior" or "entry level" it doesn't mean that they're appropriate for someone without industry experience.

 

Take for example Jr. Network Administrator. I'd expect someone with 2-3 yrs of experience in solid desktop support roles (not just helpdesk), who shows a great deal of network knowledge.

 

If you have NO IT experience whatsoever, then you should be applying to basic helpdesk roles. Most of the time you're going to be the first line of defense who takes the calls and walk-ins and puts in the tickets. Some roles will have more advanced skills requirements than others. In fact, some may only expect you to be good at customer service. This is a fantastic point of entry for someone hoping to build a career in IT.

 

 

 

If all you're getting is calls from HR or recruiters, that doesn't mean anything. It's a very basic screening layer to make sure you have a pulse. HR people are only making sure you are somewhat literate and your technical skills are in the neighborhood of what was asked for. Because these people aren't usually technical, screeners aren't able to probe very deep so that's why a second call is normally scheduled after with the hiring manager.

 

If you're getting to the second round of phone calls with the hiring manager, that's worth something. I'd say something during the phone call is putting them off, so they never offer you in-person interviews.

 

It could be many things... but the most common one is sounding awkward and having difficulty explaining your qualifications and experience in an eloquent and specific manner when I probe deeper. I don't want people who are extremely technical but have no customer service skills, so these normally don't get an interview with me. It could also be that your technical skills are failing to impress the manager at this point. (ie lack of confidence in your ability)

 

As far as certifications, A+ helps a lot with entry-level helpdesk and desktop support. I'd say it's pretty much mandatory. Otherwise, how are you different than any other applicant who says they can fix computers and have no experience? the Network+ not so much. Skip it and get a CCNA... that's a real career move when you're ready to move on from helpdesk positions.

 

+1,000,000

 

The only other thing aside from this advice you should be doing is cheating the system.

 

Get in touch with everyone from your department at school. Professors, TAs, fellow graduates. Find out what openings they know about. See where your classmates found their jobs or internships and have them set you up to meet with a manager in their department.

[somedude81]

One thing I find strange is that the feedback you are getting is that they chose someone instead of you who had previous experience.

 

 

If that was one of their criteria then they would see from your CV that you don't have IT work experience and so they would not put you through for an interview.

 

 

What other kind of feedback have you had from your interviews?

 

Yes, I think it's very strange too. Only rarely do I get feedback from an interview but in almost all cases I'm told that a candidate with more relevant experience had been chosen.

 

It's honestly starting to burn me out. I have an interview on Friday for a PC Tech position and I feel like I'm going to be wasting my time in going because the same thing is going to happen again.

 

After this I think I'm going to stop applying to jobs and start volunteering in IT for a month or two. In that time I'll have my A+ certificate and I should be more attractive to managers.

[rester]

+1,000,000

 

The only other thing aside from this advice you should be doing is cheating the system.

 

Get in touch with everyone from your department at school. Professors, TAs, fellow graduates. Find out what openings they know about. See where your classmates found their jobs or internships and have them set you up to meet with a manager in their department.

 

I agree 100% with this advice, but I don't agree that it's cheating the system. Sounds like what you are suggesting is typical networking. Great advice, and very helpful, but it's pretty standard practice when networking and using business contacts and friends. There's a lot of truth to the old saying, "it's not what you know, but who you know". Somedude is still going to need the skills for the job (the what you know), but the way to get the door open is who you know.

 

 

Yes, I think it's very strange too. Only rarely do I get feedback from an interview but in almost all cases I'm told that a candidate with more relevant experience had been chosen.

 

It's honestly starting to burn me out. I have an interview on Friday for a PC Tech position and I feel like I'm going to be wasting my time in going because the same thing is going to happen again.

 

After this I think I'm going to stop applying to jobs and start volunteering in IT for a month or two. In that time I'll have my A+ certificate and I should be more attractive to managers.

 

Interviews are never a waste of time. At the very least they are excellent practice for future interviews.

[Arabella]

Yes, I think it's very strange too. Only rarely do I get feedback from an interview but in almost all cases I'm told that a candidate with more relevant experience had been chosen.

 

It's honestly starting to burn me out. I have an interview on Friday for a PC Tech position and I feel like I'm going to be wasting my time in going because the same thing is going to happen again.

 

After this I think I'm going to stop applying to jobs and start volunteering in IT for a month or two. In that time I'll have my A+ certificate and I should be more attractive to managers.

 

It's not strange.... they're probably just not telling you the truth. They're telling you that because it sounds more legit than "the other candidate wore a suit and you did not" or "the other candidate was a better personality fit than you". You can't argue with experience and qualifications, while those things are subjective.

 

You should keep going to interviews and make sure you're doing everything right. My guess is that your lack of confidence is pretty obvious and managers are picking up on it. If you're not confident in your skills, why should they be?

[somedude81]

It's not strange.... they're probably just not telling you the truth. They're telling you that because it sounds more legit than "the other candidate wore a suit and you did not" or "the other candidate was a better personality fit than you". You can't argue with experience and qualifications, while those things are subjective.

 

You should keep going to interviews and make sure you're doing everything right. My guess is that your lack of confidence is pretty obvious and managers are picking up on it. If you're not confident in your skills, why should they be?

 

You made a very good point.

 

No I'm not confident in my skills. How could I be when I haven't worked in IT?

 

I know that I will quickly pick up on whatever task is given to me and I will easily learn new things. But other than that I don't really have anything to base my confidence on.

[Arabella]

You made a very good point.

 

No I'm not confident in my skills. How could I be when I haven't worked in IT?

 

I know that I will quickly pick up on whatever task is given to me and I will easily learn new things. But other than that I don't really have anything to base my confidence on.

 

Just because you haven't worked in the industry before, it doesn't mean that you're chopped liver. However, this is also the reason why you should be emphasizing your other skills. Impeccable customer service is very difficult to find... make sure your suit is perfectly fitted, that you speak well and that you don't appear nervous.

 

Fake it 'til you make it. Sometimes it's not even about what you know... it's about how well you can present yourself.

 

When I was first breaking into the field, I was pretty damn confident in my skills. I'd been tinkering with computers my whole life and my skills showed it. I also had very good interviewing skills and appeared at-ease and relatable. I landed roles that, by all rights, should have gone to more experienced people than me.

 

How well you connect with your interviewer is half the battle, believe it or not. If you're not getting past the early screening for roles that you're actually qualified for, you're falling short on your interview skills. I'd suggest you try to improve this.