Need Some Advice

[AnthonyW]

I came to this forums some two years ago, more when I was a hobbyist seeking some advice on doing modifications and some things. Haven't had a whole lot of time to sit and play recently. But, I figured if anywhere this would be a place to come for some advice.

For a while now, I've been trying to get back into my field. I'm basically a break/fix tech, installation tech. I've been a hobbyist since I was young nine or ten years old, mostly software stuff and alittle bit of playing around with programming and personal web servers and stuff, moved to hardware when I was around eleven years old, started modification and more networking related stuff around fifteen. I ended up getting hired in under the table for a computer company when I was sixteen, I had no drivers license at the time, wasn't making much more than thirty dollars a day. I mostly did service calls, I ran the computer shows, did basic in-home computer training, I did some service work to larger businesses. I left the company on kinda bad terms. We had came up with an arrangement that after six months of me working for the company, that he would pay for me to get my A+ Certification. Well, six months went by..then a year...then eventually I gave up on that idea, but atleast I built up more experience working with field service repair. After that I had a job offer to be an installation tech,I took it, explained to them I was under 18, had no car,no high school diploma,but they hired me in, they sent people to pick me up and dropped the age restriction, but not having a car at the time became an issue so I didn't have a choice but to leave outa there.

Eventually I was able to go back to school, I had dropped out previously because I had to work full-time doing anything just to survive at the time, and I had became ill to where I couldn't goto school and work anymore. I went to job corps, obtained my A+ cert, g.e.d, and my office assistant certification. Well after I got outa school and came back home, I wasn't even able to work at a fast food place, largely because of the economy. After about two years of trying to find any type of work around home, I decided to relocate about 300 miles away to a friends house and give it a shot out here, where I'm at now.

Now, heres kinda where I'm having problems, well other than my computer tech job, I've also worked tons of other full-time and part-time under the table jobs, under the table because of my age.I've worked since I was twelve , part-time during school, and I've worked in rotation during school as well, somedays I was a plumber other days I was installing hardwood flooring, or doing roofing, and even had a part-time web site design job. Needless to say I've just about always worked doing something. Now I've never needed a resume to get a job when before. I just turned twently recently, so the resume writing is a bit hard for me in a sense, I do have alot of work history, all under the table and I don't have any professional references for anything other than labor jobs, because I parted on bad terms from the computer company I did work for.

Well I have, what I think to be a decent resume, other than the gaps in work history, and the fact that I have labor jobs as a reference. I've turned in my resume to atleast 150+ computer companys, got interviewed by two and never got a call back. One of them was for a junior network engineer, pretty much setting up adsl and doing network related troubleshooting, the other one was for a FST(field service technician) both jobs I should easily be able to handle without a problem. Both companys seemed to wanted someone thats had experience with cisco equipement, thats someone I really don't have yet. I've even offered to work for free for a week just to demonstate that I am capable. But still no hits.

So I don't know where I'm going wrong really, it could be serveral different factors, one being my age, two my resume could be faulty or seem fake, lack of certifcation, experience or education, my appearence I'm 6'7 240 pounds with a build, or they just don't like me and I smell funny or something, So I'm really just trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. I thought about getting more certifcations my A+ Certifcation is seeming more and more like a waste of time, and if I did go back and get more education or certifcation, would I just end up in the same situtaion I am now? I've thought about getting my Cisco cert, MCP or MCSE, or Network + next, but honestly I could use some advice on what my next step certifcation wise should be.

I'm really just open to any suggestions that anyone might have, I really don't know if I'm doing something wrong or if my resume is at fault. I could post my resume if that would help minus the personal information. I've been seeking something entry level though and what I'm doing just isn't working.
I'm working seven days a week right now 56 hours a week in an automotive factory right now and I need to get outa this soon..good money..but its not what I do and its not what I enjoy doing..the repatition is driving me insane..I'd rather work for half the pay I'm getting now just to enjoy my work again...

I'd really appreciate any suggestions or advice.
Thanks for your time,
Ant-

[bailey]

my suggestion is to keep your job and find a way to go back to school, more certs will help you more because of your age, experience counts for a lot too.
but get all the certs you can, just the A+ alone will not cut it, get the net + and the CCNA for a starter, and the linux + and something on security, having these will not give you any guarantee for a job, but it will increase your chances much better. also look for a entry level type of job with on the job trainning. but for now keep your job for living expenses and go back to school, if you can go for a degree of some kind, it will help the most.
and when you can put all this on your resume, it will show that you are a hard worker and are striving to improve yourself, that will guarantee you a good job.

just my personal thoughts from a old fart.

[HAL9000]

Well,... it might be in the presentation of your resume. You said you did a lot of under the table work, is there a lot of gaps showing on your resume, or does it show continual work. You would want to show continual work unless there were leaves for eduactional upgrading of some sorts.

Now the catch 22... if there are no gaps, is it showing a lot of different jobs.... if so, while to one person it may show a willingness to work, to another, it may show you can't consistently hold down one form of employment.

What you're really going to want to be showing even if it means leaving out a few things, a consistent work history without hopping from job to job to job.

Next, any volunteer work on your resume? You'd be suprized at some places just how far this goes. Where I work, it's almost a requirement. You don't have to, but it adds a LOT of grease to the wheels if you do.

[AnthonyW]

I really appreciate the replies and advice,network + and CCNA I've been really thinking about going for, as for security I was looking into CEH or security +.
Was also thinking about getting into programming more, but its never really been my thing. Thing about my job right now that really kill me is that its 7 days a week 56 hours a week, which leaves me with little time at all to study, hour ride their and back, and its labor so usually I just feel like passing out afterwords otherwise it wouldn't be such a big deal. I kinda wana lean more towards like network administration or something, any advice on what certs I should get?

Again really appreciate the advice, here my resume minus the personal information. Figured maybe it would make things alittle clearer, also hoping for maybe some critizism or maybe stuff I should add or take out.

Heres basically my resume minus the personal information.

SUMMARY
Computer Technician with 5 years experience maintaining computers and software utilizing personal experience and education.

OBJECTIVE
Seeking full-time or part-time employment in the Computer Service Industry.

QUALIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS
* Computer Technician with knowledge of PC software/hardware compatibility specializing in Microsoft Windows environments.
* Assist customers with hardware and software problems, troubleshooting and resolving a wide variety of performance problems.
* Build, maintain, and repair computer systems to improve speed, reliability, and efficiency of operation.
* Laborer with the ability to lift 150+ pounds and operate hand tools, power tools and heavy machinery.
* Office Assistant with a excellent telephone, filing, typing skills.
* Strive to always promote high quality, results-driven, prompt, and professional customer service and support.

SOFTWARE
* Skills and Knowledge:
Extensive knowledge in Microsoft Windows 3X,9X,NT,2000,XP installations and configurations.
Intermediate knowledge of Unix and Linux installations and configurations.
Extensive knowledge in a wide range of various applications.
Extensive knowledge of computer gaming software configurations.
Wired and Wireless Networking design,implementation and administration with working knowledge of TCP/IP, IPX/SPX and other protocols
Ability Identify malware and spyware.
Quickly assess, identify and resolve computer related software issues.
Very minimal programming experience with Basic,Visual Basic, C, Html, Flash,Swish,PHP.(ability to modify and read code, but not write.)

HARDWARE
* Skills and Knowledge:
Extensive knowledge of PC, Server, Work-station configuration, installations, repair, optimization and customization.
Extensive knowledge in computer fan and water cooling configurations.
Ability to quickly identify and resolve hardware related issues.
Wired and wireless networking.
Troubleshooting and installation knowledge of but not limited to the following peripherals and components: sound cards, video cards, scanners, modems,hard-drives, floppy drives, ram, cd/dvd drives, tape backups, printers, SCSI devices, hubs and switches, wired and wireless routers, and digital imaging devices.


OFFICE SKILLS
* Skills and Abilities:
Average typing speed of 120 WPM.
Ability to use PBX/multi-line phone systems to place. receive, screen and transfer telephone calls.
Manage appointments, reservations, itinerary schedules and contact information manually and with computer software.
Advanced photocopy skills(duplex,sorting,stacking,ect) and fax skills.
Prepare office supply orders and maintain inventory.
Filing and and record sorting knowledge(structure,filing method,updating,archiving,indexing)

GENERAL LABOR
* Skills and Abilities:
Able to lift 150+ pounds.
Power tool experience with but not limited to jack hammer,sewer auger, power drill, table saw, circular saw, jig saw, dremel, power grinders, air compressor, air tools, sander, router, chain saw, buffer.
Hand Tool experience with but not limited to drivers, pliers, hammer, punches, chisels, prybar, wrenches, ratchets, shovels, levels, rakes, sweeps, mops.

CERTIFICATES AND EDUCATION
GED - 04
Job Corps
School record GED score of 3000.

Certificate, Business Technology - 04
Job Corps
Certified Office Assistant.

Certificate, Computer Repair - 04
Job Corps
CompTIA A+ Certification.
Completed course in record time.

EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY
This summary is to explain my work history and the gaps and dates. Most of my work history begins in my early teenage years. During school I would work part-time, in job rotation and/or on-call, during the summers I would fill a full-time position and also work part-time for another employer during the weekends. My mother had become disabled during this time I also worked various side labor,computer,clerical jobs as a means of a living. Eventually I had become Ill, and could no longer work and attend high school. At this time I filled a full-time position at Approved and Preferred. Eventually, I returned to school in Cleveland to obtain my G.E.D and CompTIA A+ Certification, and have been seeking employment in the computer service industry or related since. Recently I relocated to Northern Michigan in search of work and have done various work as a means of survival, while seeking stable employment. I hope this summary helps to make my work history more understandable.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Senior Technician - 01 to 04
Conducted and supervised all major and minor computer related installations, diagnosis and repairs for residential and business clients.
* Strived to always promote high quality, results-driven, prompt, and professional customer service and support.
* Assisted customers with hardware and software problems, troubleshooting and resolving a wide variety of performance problems.
* Inventoried all shop stock software and hardware weekly.

Computer Trainer - 02 to 04
Trained clients one-on-one in home to develop various basic computer software skills, mostly within Windows 9x,2000,Xp environments.
* Developed relationships with the clients in order to meet their exact needs and learning pace level.
* Tracked and documented clients progress per session.

Web Designer - 03 to 03
Designed, hosted, maintained websites for residential and business clients.
* Coordinated full range of project development, from initial site proposal to final delivery.
* Conducted and analyzed project customer satisfaction surveys.
* Planned, coordinated, and directed advertising campaigns for clients.
* Designed websites in Microsoft Frontpage, Flash and Swish.
* Updated clients weekly with statistical reports of website activity.

Installation Technician - 04 to 04
Installed new P.O.S systems for Home Depot.
* Installed and configured various peripherals: scanners, modems, tape backup, printers, SCSI devices, hubs and switches.
* Packaged all de-installed and DOA equipment according to specific instructions.

Installation Laborer - 00 to 04
Worked on and off part-time and full-time through-out the years installing and repairing hardwood flooring.
* Installed and repaired hard-wood flooring.

Job Site Manager - 05 to 05
Managed and scheduled 4 people, opened and closed job site, ordered products and managed inventory, resolved customer complaints, ran promotions and sales. Ensured employee safety guidelines were followed on the job site. Supervised the job site.
* Monitored project schedules and timelines.
* Ensured that deadlines were met.
* Validated man hours per project for effective billing and payroll.

Laborer - 03 to 03
Assisted plumbers in various repairs and installations in both residential and business locations.
* Worked with various hand and power tools.(sewer augers, jack hammers, drills, saw,ect.)
* Installed water heaters, sump pumps, toilets, showers, piping.
* Fixed minor leaks.
* Learned general plumbing systems theory.

[HAL9000]

If you are applying for something in a computer related field, I would leave ALL of this out. Not only does it not relate to the work at hand, it also screams that if you suddenly don't like the computer work, you'll drop it like a hot potato and go back to some manual labour and good cash doing so.

Originally Posted by AnthonyW SUMMARY Computer Technician with 5 years experience maintaining computers and software utilizing personal experience and education. OBJECTIVE Seeking full-time or part-time employment in the Computer Service Industry. QUALIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS * Laborer with the ability to lift 150+ pounds and operate hand tools, power tools and heavy machinery. GENERAL LABOR * Skills and Abilities: Able to lift 150+ pounds. Power tool experience with but not limited to jack hammer,sewer auger, power drill, table saw, circular saw, jig saw, dremel, power grinders, air compressor, air tools, sander, router, chain saw, buffer. Hand Tool experience with but not limited to drivers, pliers, hammer, punches, chisels, prybar, wrenches, ratchets, shovels, levels, rakes, sweeps, mops. Installation Laborer - 00 to 04 Worked on and off part-time and full-time through-out the years installing and repairing hardwood flooring. * Installed and repaired hard-wood flooring. Job Site Manager - 05 to 05 Managed and scheduled 4 people, opened and closed job site, ordered products and managed inventory, resolved customer complaints, ran promotions and sales. Ensured employee safety guidelines were followed on the job site. Supervised the job site. * Monitored project schedules and timelines. * Ensured that deadlines were met. * Validated man hours per project for effective billing and payroll. Laborer - 03 to 03 Assisted plumbers in various repairs and installations in both residential and business locations. * Worked with various hand and power tools.(sewer augers, jack hammers, drills, saw,ect.) * Installed water heaters, sump pumps, toilets, showers, piping. * Fixed minor leaks. * Learned general plumbing systems theory.

My wife's education and knowlege almost lost her a decent job in payroll for the health district. At her interview, her boss said his only concern was her education... that she had TOO MUCH education and that she would run off to something better too quickly.

[juppy]

I agree with HAL. If you put too much "I've done this other job too" stuff in there that doesn't pertain to the job you're applying for, they may think you don't have a definite career path worked out yet and are, for lack of a better word, a job hopper. If there are large gaps created by taking these out, you can always just sum it up briefly in the employment summary by stating that some of the gaps were created by "in-between" jobs that you held only until you could get back to what you really wanted to do....computers. Only other thing I can suggest is maybe if you can possibly shorten it down a little too. Alot (and I mean ALOT) of hiring managers don't want to read a book when they're looking for a job applicant. Your resume should be more of a quick overview of your qualifications and history instead of making the employer feel like they're reading a month-by-month account of your working life. Many will get bored with long resumes and toss them in the can for something more straight forward and to-the-point.

[HAL9000]

Exactly... the cover letter should be able to be read in literally seconds, but contain enough to peak interest to look at the resume which should contain enough to show your qualifications, but not so much that the person gets a quarter of the way through it and tosses it off to the side.

[lil Jimmie]

I'm no help here but it amazes me that in my lifetime I've only applied for one job. The rest all came to me.

[David M]

Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,
And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,
I will be brief.
~William Shakespeare, Hamlet

The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do. ~Thomas Jefferson

If it takes a lot of words to say what you have in mind, give it more thought. ~Dennis Roth

I could go on but will stop here....for brevities sake.