Thougts on certs

[mikeheitz]

I know people have talked about this ad nauseum, but I wanted to gather some opinions.

I'm not your average "I want to get into IT, is the MCSE right for me" guy. I've got nearly a decade of solid IT experience working with Novell and NT/2000. I'm now a Sr Manager working on mostly big picture stuff like Disaster Recovery Planning and Security policies, as well as doing Exchange 2000 and Active Directory administration. I also worked on Novell and NT to 2000 migrations, as well Exchange 5.5 to 2000 migrations.

Later this year I am planning to relocate to Florida. My main concern is that potential employers will think I made up half the stuff on my resume because I lack 4 letters. MCSE... Well, I've fired MCSE's and frankly, with a work schedule that often hits 55-60 hours I don't really have the time to kick back with a pile of books and prepare for 7 exams.

So, my question is this: what are your opinions on what I may face when trying to lure prospective employers from out of state? I've dealt pretty well with the lack of certs up til now (I do possess the Cisco CCNA and Microsoft MCP) but I'm concerned that unless someone sees those four silly little letters they won't even look at a guy who's relocating.

[avx]

Well, where ever you think you should put the word "MCSE"; Put the words "Hands on Experience", "Real world experience".

The trick is never actually what you have on your resume, its how you word what you know...A little suggestion, go out and buy this book "Resumes that knock em dead" it teaches you how to word everthing...by the time they are done reading it they will think your already a MCSE. Be persitant also, if they ask a direct question like "Are you a MCSE?" Tell them no, Im better! I have actually worked in the field for 10 solid years, and had hands on experience dealing with numerous IT and novell problems by myself as well as a team of others.

Its all about perception, misconception, confidence and determination:D

Especially confidence.

good luck:)

avx

[mikeheitz]

Well, I definitely do not lack for confidence. :) Well, I'm just hoping that the HR yahoos that write the job requirement stuff have little say in the hiring process. I mean what person with an MCSE, CCNA, CNE, MCNE, A+, and Security +, and hands on experience with Cisco Routers and switches, oh, and experience implementing a corporate-wide SAP rollout will work for $45K???

:)

[Hot Rod]

Don't be deterred by ads that say a certification is required. A lot of them are trying to weed out the field. Really push your experience. I've had several HR people tell me that they look much more at your experience level than at actual certifications. Especially nowadays when it seems like everyone and their grandmother has an MCSE.

[mbossman2]

Finding a job prior to a relocation is difficult. Many companies will not even entertain out of the area candidates as they are unwilling or unable to pay for the relo that they imagine the candidate will ask for.

The best way to break into a new market prior to relocation is to find a quality headhunter and have him broker you around and then you fly in for a week (tell the headhunter to set up all appointments for that week and that week only) and meet with the prospects.

Understand that in today's job market with so many qualified candidates available (especially if you are moving to a "high tech area"), you may not have a job prior to making your move.

[mikeheitz]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I am planning on moving by October 1st whether or not I have a job lined up. I already have a place to stay, and I've put off moving for far too long as it is. I am pretty much expecting to get very little in terms of interested parties until I move.

[cobra]

Originally posted by mikeheitz
Well, I definitely do not lack for confidence. :) Well, I'm just hoping that the HR yahoos that write the job requirement stuff have little say in the hiring process. I mean what person with an MCSE, CCNA, CNE, MCNE, A+, and Security +, and hands on experience with Cisco Routers and switches, oh, and experience implementing a corporate-wide SAP rollout will work for $45K???

:)
you would be surprised...
Good Luck,
what part of Florida?

[mikeheitz]

I'm looking at Tampa. I have an old college buddy and a few other contacts in the area. I just came to the realization this winter that I've spent WAY too much time in one place. It's time to be able to play some golf on New Years day or something. :)

The reason for my post here is that 3 years ago I had a pretty tough time getting recruiters in Chicago to look past the lack of an MCSE. I still had plenty of interest, but Tampa has a fraction of the jobs that Chicago has. Probably the most frustrating thing is to KNOW that a recruiter or head hunter hasn't read your resume or listened to a word you've said. I'm definitely not looking forward to that.

[cobra]

Well, Tampa is a pretty big city, you are bound to find something there, maybe even DoD, from what I hear "Enduring Freedom" control center is around there somewhere...one guy I used to work with got deployed there over a year ago, who knows when he will return,

[avx]

LoL, whatever you do...Dont come down here for the weather...Florida has got to be one of the wierdest weather states ever! It can be 60degrees one week, raining cats and dogs the next, and having a heat wave the week after next...I live in S. Florida, so it might be different up North...but down here, everyday is a 50/50:D

[mikeheitz]

Hahaha... AVX, I'd rather take my chances with the weather there than here. :) Every trip I take down there is harder and harder to return from. You haven't lived til you've seen snow in May or June... or 60 degrees on December 30th for that matter! But after 33 years, it's time for a change.