Jay Lightfoot ⋅ Herndon, VA ⋅ 20 years experience

I would also ensure that the "rest of you" is portrayed. For example - do you have a LinkedIn account with current information? Have you done much work researching potential employers what what they are looking for (again, LinkedIn is a good resource). Sadly the days of sending in a resume and getting a job appear to be over for the time being - you need to creatively position yourself for you success. Education and "working the phones and Internet" are one way to set yourself apart.

Eric Hodgson ⋅ Bethesda, MD Hewlett Packard ⋅ 20 years experience

Sean,

Thank you for your service. Like many folks here, I would be glad to look over your resume from a general IT perspective. Being able to tailor your resume for each position is key once you have the basics in place. For the certs, they help in giving an employer at least some measure of sorting out a persons ability, but are not an end in them self's. One way to gain experience is to intern and also to volunteer your time.

Tiim Lang ⋅ Durham, NC Brook Trout Networks and Security, LLC ⋅ 34 years experience

Sean,

Definitely take your A+ as soon as possible. The A+ is nearly mandatory for IT HelpDesk jobs. Along with that a knowledge of ITIL foundations is becoming increasingly important.

I think test days are the cause of nervousness for many people. Try to separate from that nervousness by assessing your true confidence level. Have you taken practice tests that you can judge your test readiness by? If so, let those that be your guide on when to take the tests.

For the Cisco CCNA, you can get practice tests from Boson that somewhat model the real test experience and questions. You will have simulations during the CCNA test so it's best to be familiar with the Cisco command line and the expected output of various commands. To practice, depending on your budget, you could go to E-bay and purchase some routers and switches. Alternately, there are several companies that you can purchase online equipment rack time from. Finally, sources like Boson have router simulation software that is pretty realistic. You will need that practical exposure to pass the CCNA.

Good luck and thank you for your service to our country. If there is anything else I can help with, let me know.

Sean Robinson ⋅ Holly Springs, NC U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Second Class ⋅ 8 years served

Charles-
I do try and tailor my resume to each and every job posting I apply to, but that starts to become very tedious. Just as a reference I am currently employed and only partially active with my job search. This is also because I have no certifications as of yet. That will change very shortly.

James-
I sent you a private message asking where you would like me to send the resume. I didn't know if you would like to share your email with the boards. I would really appreciate any help that I am offered.

Thank you both for the words of encouragement.

James Herring ⋅ Advance, NC Microsoft ⋅ 20 years experience

Would be glad to take a look at your resume' and see if there's any suggestions I can make. If you like I can also forward it to a few folks in that area of IT and get their feedback for you.

Best of Luck!
James

Charles Ferree ⋅ Charleston, SC Boeing ⋅ 6 years experience

Sean

Thank you for your service. I do understand your situation completely. While not too versed in IT and the high tech stuff, here are my suggestions
1. Look at the job description and requirements that the employer wants. Show your potential employer that you carry all of the skills and requirements that they are looking for.
you might be saying to yourself.."well, I have it on my resume"
Look at your resume with an employers eyes. Read it as if you are deciding on who you want to interview for an exclusive position. read each bullet and then ask yourself..what is this telling me?
Each bullet should be on PAR
Problem
Action
Result

So you put your responsibilities and jobs on your resume. Does it say anything? An employer wants to see examples of what you may have done in certain situations and what was the result.

I think you have more than enough experience (if you have been doing tis type of thing since you left the Navy). It is a matter of showing your employers that you are the best person for the job

Good Luck