I.T. companies are no different from companies in any other industry. The rules for interviewing are the same, for you and the employer. However, the competition is very tough, and you will have to stand out if you want to be selected or even just short listed for the position you are applying for.

Here are 10 tips for winning your dream job in I.T.

1. Not listening to what the interviewer is saying is a fatal mistake but can be attributed to nerves. Just wait your turn, don’t jump in prior to the interviewer completing a question.

2. Your presentation technique matters most, sit up straight and don’t mumble, be concise with your answers, present yourself in a well thought-out manner by giving considered answers. Above all, you need to convey a desire for the job, so be enthusiastic.

3. Remember, not all positions you are applying for will be the best match for you. You don’t want to be given a job you will be useless at, so remember the company and the job may just not be right.

4. Succinctly tell the company what you want – and why. This includes: salary, the type of work environment and the level of responsibility/challenge you want.

5. Demonstrate your competencies. Make sure you discuss practical and specific examples of past behaviour which demonstrates your competencies

6. Make sure you have prepared examples of key achievements so you can use them when asked. Describe the situation, the action you took and the results or outcomes of your action.

7. If you are interested in an opportunity, make sure you say so in the interview. Firstly: your level of interest and secondly: why.

8. Ask for the Job. If you are genuinely interested, say so! Enthusiasm and a clear desire to work for the prospective employer could be the difference between you and another candidate – with similar skills and background – making the shortlist.

9. Leave your prospective employer with a positive impression. When the interview is wrapping up, make a few concise comments to recap some of the highlights of the conversation.

10. Reiterate your strengths that are important to success within in the role.

You will generally be escorted to the reception area at the end of the interview. Don’t relax just yet. Smile, make eye contact and give a firm handshake. Thank them (by name) for their time.

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Unlike most other jobs, the resume does not actually sell you to the employer. This is more the function of the cover letter. The reason being is help desk employees have an extremely high turnover rate. Whenever a manager sees a resume that is overqualified for the open position, the first assumption is the employee is going to leave the second something better comes along. For this reason, it is important that you let him know that you are in it for the long haul. You can easier explain this in the cover letter.

Specific help desk experience should be listed, but only if you were at the previous job for at least six months. Again, you are not really selling the experience as much as you are selling the fact that you are capable of sitting in a chair and answering the phone for eight hours per day. With any high volume help desk, this is the biggest challenge for most new employees. It can be brutal to have your phone in a constant state of ringing all day. Employers realize that the vast majority of new help desk employees cannot handle this and will quickly move on. If you have experience doing this, try to let your employer know how much you like the fast pace of a busy help desk.

Your resume should be very clean, brief, and concise. Unless you are going for a help desk manager position, the resume should never be more than one page. Simply, list the technologies you are familiar with, your job experience (brief), and your schooling. Everything else that you would see on a typical resume can be ignored.

Top

Always list the technologies you have experience with at the very top of the resume. Managers scan the resumes they receive, they don’t actually read them. In other words, most managers will only see the very top and they are looking for experience with a certain platform. You either have it and you go into the maybe pile, or you don’t have you go into the garbage. It’s really that easy, these jobs get hundreds of applicants and a manager simply doesn’t have the time to dig through your resume to see if you have a qualification he is looking for.

Middle

This is where you relevant work experience should go. Keep this very concise, where you worked, what you did, and the technologies you worked with. If your previous jobs were not related to IT, you will have to work a bit harder on the cover letter. Really spell out what you know and how you know it.

Bottom

Put your education and any certifications you have at the bottom of the resume. This section will only be scanned, so no need to get crazy with it. Just list the schools, the program, and if you have a degree or not. If you have a certification list it, with the date it was obtained. That is it.

By following this simple advice you will receive more return phone calls from hiring managers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Cevich

As far as I’m concerned, those that have an interest in support and project based work may enjoy network support. However, the question always arising as to what exactly does that mean? What does a CCNA do when they get into the office in the morning? This article will address these questions so you can get a better feel if the CCNA certification is something you would be interested in. The last thing you want is to spend the time and money to become a CCNA and not enjoy the types of jobs you will be qualified for.

There are many paths a CCNA can take and it is difficult to know which one you are interested in. For the most part, no matter what you do you will be responsible for Cisco equipment at some level. This could mean your job is to troubleshoot network problems, manage security for a corporate network, work in a large scale NOC, or even work on telephone systems. The common thread is all of the equipment you work on will be Cisco.

My first job as a CCNA was basically a network administrator position. I already had a lot of experience with Microsoft products, but was hired to handle the network infrastructure and assist with General IT support. This is fairly common these days as companies like when employees can handle multiple functions. For my employer, they knew I could fill in for nearly anyone within IT and they would not skip a beat. Chances are your first job will be very similar regardless of which CCNA track you go after.

My typical day had many parts and it was a very busy position. The first thing in the morning I would spend the first hour going through logs and making sure there were no errors or any issues overnight. Considering I was responsible for over 30 locations, this took a while. However, there were seldom errors so this was more of a “make sure” type of process. From there, I would generally go through email to see if anyone reported any trouble with the network overnight. These processes were first as my primary responsibility was the network itself. I was not responsible for security or I would have been checking firewall logs as well.

Once my main functions were completed I would turn my attention to whichever projects the IT department had going on. I had a perpetual queue of projects that need to be completed and they were accomplished in a first in first out basis. The project would range from line upgrades, equipment upgrades, or projects to help make our current systems run more efficiently.

This is a typical day for a CCNA and most IT departments always have projects going on so you will never be bored or have nothing to do. No matter what, there is always a problem to fix or a system to improve. This gives you a ton of experience quickly and keeps your day to day job interesting.

Of course, there are other types of job ranging from consulting where you may be helping out on any number of different types of projects. Or with some larger companies your job may be task oriented and you only are responsible for a certain piece of an infrastructure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Cevich

The experience of being jobless could be very frustrating and may cause depression among some individuals. With drastic economic changes finding and maintaining a job requires undergoing a lot of stress. The situation further worsens leading to more depression when one does not find vacancies matching his or her skills, education, and qualification. An individual who has no job for some time may tend to lose confidence even on skills, which he or she possesses.

Under aforementioned circumstances, most commonly asked questions include, how can one quickly find a IT job? Moreover, how does one search for the job that suits his or her skills? Even though, under adverse conditions a jobless individual may at times find it nearly impossible to get a suitable job, it actually in reality is extremely easy to discover job vacancies. Moreover, IT jobs are the jobs which have regular high number of vacancies coming up very often.

To search a good job the first thing that one needs to do is freeze on what he or she wants and how he or she happens to be a good fit for the IT job. There are several job sites that one can register on and upload his or her skills profile. Similarly, several job boards allow a job seeker to search IT jobs on keywords. For instance, if you are Oracle database professional searching for oracle jobs you may yield a good amount of relevant results. While searching for jobs you may not want to begin with a more generic keyword and then drill down to specific job needs. For instance, limiting oneself to a small geographical area may result in missing on most suitable opportunities. More often than not, good jobs are just scattered around the country and even the globe. Similarly, if one searches on specific keywords such as sap jobs or oracle jobs, he or she is more likely to locate good job posts.

Many IT job boards allow a jobseeker to create multiple search agents. These search agents need to be configured to search for specific keywords or keyword phrase matching primary or secondary skills. Once configured properly the search agent can instantly alert the jobseeker with the most recent job position matching his or her skills as specified in the job search agent.

Having understood the power of search agents the next most important thing to do is to rewrite CV. It is essential that the CV does not merely talk about the skills but also demonstrates how that skill was applied in resolving one or more business problem. Industry specific knowledge and experience plays a great role in ensuring an interview call. Lastly, the jobseeker CV must make use of action verbs in describing the CV well.

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In the current economy and job market, certifications are even more important. New technology is constantly emerging and IT professionals need to keep up with the trends in order to remain marketable.

Here are 7 reasons why IT certifications are more important now than ever:

1) Job security:

Corporations are letting employees go at staggering rates.

2) Salary Maintenance:

A lot of companies, including government organizations are asking employees to take pay-cuts. The more marketable the employee, the better leverage they have to “push back” when this happens.

3) Marketability:

A few companies are still hiting. Others may be promoting candidates from within. There is fierce competition for any open position or promotion in this economy. Hot and current certifications on your resume will give you the advantage. Many positions may even require a certification.

4) Career Development:

Sometimes IT professionals feel like they’ve accomplished everything they can as a support tech or network admin. This usually is an indication that it’s time to start working towards a promotion. IT credentials can help with this. A project management certification might help you win a job as a project manager, or you may be able to transition into a server admin job with a MCITP.

5) The newest certifications supercharge your relevance:

Many of the certification vendors are re-designing exams and certifications. The new MCITP is designed to transfer directly to current corporate demands.

6) Companies are becoming more picky:

Consulting agencies can benefit from IT certifications. Clients are guarding their expenses closer and are more willing to outsource IT services. However, they will want to be sure that the people that they are hiring are competent. Certifications are a perfect avenue for a consulting firm to demonstrate relevancy and expertise.

7) New products are gaining momentum:

Microsoft’s 2008 server products are gaining market share. Companies are replacing old equipment with these products and they need qualified technicians to handle the new technology. New certifications are a wonderful way for any candidate to align his/her self with this new technology.

Article source:Goarticles.com

Although there are a large number of vacancies to be filled, you will find that there are many other applicants seeking the same opportunities. That said, it is vital that you have an updated CV with references to work history and relevant training / qualifications. Also keep in mind that you’ll need to prepare yourself mentally for interviews with potential employers.

While that may sound easy now, it will become a burden on your mind and finding the free time can often be a stressful. The best and most recommended solution is to contact a recruitment agency with strong connections in the IT jobs sector. A recruitment agency will not only source opportunities and schedule interviews for you but help you find the right job that suits you and what you are looking for.

Furthermore, recruitment agencies have lots of resources at their disposal. They also have direct contact with IT companies and organizations, which mean your application, will be among the first to arrive. Additionally, they can look for IT jobs throughout the industry on your behalf, as well as overseas if you are so inclined. They can do this in a more efficient and cost-effective way because it is the core service they specialize in.

On top of all this, these agencies understand the language of CVs, application letters, and announcement of vacancies better than others. They may even help you create a more professional CV, letting you advertise yourself more clearly, concisely, and sharply to potential employers. These agencies are also a great choice if you are applying for vacancies abroad. They will offer consultation on what to do, the best ways to go about applying, and help negotiate contracts.

Simply put, if you are looking for any sort of IT job or contract, your best bet would be to go through a recruitment service. Not only will they help you reach out to more potential opportunities, they also help you present yourself in a more professional light, among other things.

If you are looking for IT Jobs in New Zealand, Beyond can help you. Did you know that Beyond Recruitment is the largest 100% NZ-owned multi-service recruitment agency specializing in it jobs & temp jobs?
It’s true – visit http://www.beyondrecruitment.co.nz/ to get started.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tania_S_Macpherson

Before moving on to starting any of these certifications, one needs to consider a lot of points. These include the time span in which a certificate is acquired and that consumed by certification preparation. Also, the impact of that particular certification on future, has to be considered along with the fact that how widely acceptable it is and what jobs one could get after taking this exam. To rectify all this, one must consider the products being studied in a certain examination. Of course, every person interesting in enhancing his or her career in information technology, professionals or amateurs, do have these things in mind. Some highly recommended information technology certifications by professionals and researchers are, CompTIA A+ Certification, CompTIA’s Network+ Certification and CompTIA’s Security+ Certification. A+ certification includes basic skill and knowledge of computer as well its software regarding troubleshooting, managing, maintenance, installing and networking. Network+ is based on network infrastructure. These infrastructures need to be managed, maintained, configured as well as installed with great expertise which is taught in the Network+ certification offered by CompTIA. The course also includes troubleshooting of network infrastructures. Another certification known as Certification+ focuses on information technology systems and organizational security. The course lends complete skill and knowledge over securing the systems in an organization or designated area.

Once certifications preparations for these courses have been taken, a number of well-paid jobs come at hands. Some of the best known jobs are those of Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, Systems Engineer, Information Technology Specialist, LAN/WAN Network Administrator, Network Engineer and Security Engineer. Other jobs gotten from these certifications are subjected to the technical side rather than administrative or engineering. Jobs of Systems Administrator for either computer or the network or Support Technician for either computer or network are also available. Computer Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Help Desk Technician, IT Contractor and Senior Systems Engineer for Computer Networking are some other jobs available to those who undergo the above stated certifications.

According to estimates, those who obtain an A+ certification can earn up to $56, 000 annually while to a minimum, they might enjoy around $35, 000 per year. With a Network­+ certification in hands, one is likely to earn excellent sums yearly ranging from $30, 000 up till more than $60,000. Security+ certification binges in the highest amount of pays that’s start at more than $ 50, 000 per year and reach up to nearly $ 70, 000 per year.

These certifications might be rather less known compared to many others, but their benefits are far more fruitful than those of the known ones. So the decision is yours! Whatever you feel the best choice is, for you, just go with it and enjoy a career that you had been dreaming of.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6374816

At the associate level, certification holders operate switched and routed networks of medium size. The designation verifies that an IT professional has the capability to troubleshoot, operate, configure, and install switched and routed networks. Also, certified associates will be able to understand the principles of wireless network access, resolve security problems, and use WAN to connect to remote sites.

To earn CCNA certification, students must pass certain exams. Two-part Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices courses will train students for their required exams. Applicants may choose to take one exam, the 640-822 CCNA, or two smaller exams, the 640-822 ICND1 and also the 640-816 ICND2. For testing sites and testing schedules, students should consult the Pearson Education website.

Recertification needs to happen every three years. In order to recertify, certification holders must take the appropriate exam before their certification expires, and valid certifications may be renewed indefinitely. If certification holders miss the deadline, they will have to go through the original process again, before getting recertified.

Countries and industries are transforming, and adopting networking technology. For this reason, the demand for certified technicians continues to rise. In fact, employment for systems administrators and computer support specialists should increase about eighteen percent by the year 2016. Computer support specialists earned an average of $41,470 annually, and systems administrators earned an average of $62,130, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

IT professionals will open the door to many employment opportunities, by obtaining their CCNA certification. Customers and users will need certified professionals to provide them with education and assistance, as computer systems continue to grow more complex. Businesses will also employ consultants, to upgrade, customize, and manage their systems.

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Don’t Panic. To quote Douglas Adams( from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), those are the most important two words when you’re taking an exam. If you haven’t taken an exam in a while, or there’s a bonus riding on it. The most important thing is to keep your wits about you, breathe deep and remember that the worst thing that will happen is you’ll fail and have to take the exam again. Granted, that’s not necessarily a great outcome, but it’s not like someone’s going to beat you with a stick.

You Won’t Know Everything. This is the corollary to the first rule. There will be questions you don’t know the answer to. There will be questions that will possibly talk about something you’ve never seen or heard of before. That’s going to happen. You’re not going to know everything, and you’re not going to get every question right. It’s OK. You don’t usually have to score anything above 70% to pass. Nobody is going to see your score unless you show them the score sheet. 70% is passing. 71% means you studied too hard.

When All Else Fails – Guess! On the certification exams, there are right answers and everything else. The everything else includes blank questions and wrong answers. They score the exact same – zero points. There’s no harm in guessing. With that in mind, when you’re looking at a question you don’t know the answer to, try to eliminate wrong answers. You can almost eliminate one right away, and frequently two. If there’s only 4 possible answers, you’ve now given yourself a 50/50 shot. And there will be times when you’ll be able to eliminate three out of 4. If you can do that, then you’ve managed to figure out the right answer. The exam doesn’t ask you to “show your work”, only what the right answer is.

Mark the Tough Questions for Review. You have the ability to mark questions and review them at the end of the exam. This can be helpful for questions you’re spending too long on, or ones you simply don’t know. Later questions may help jog your memory and you’ll be able to come up with the correct answer later. That said, be very careful about changing answers as your first instinct is almost always correct. Make sure you have a rock solid reason to change the answer before doing so.

Keep the Easy Questions Easy. There will be questions where you’ll read it and instantly know the answer. Then a bit of doubt will creep into your mind, and you’ll wonder if it really is that easy. The best plan of attack is to simply reread the question one time, make sure you chose the right answer, and click next. Don’t over-think it. Don’t talk yourself out of the right answer. If you know it and you know it’s right, move on.

Heres wishing you good luck in your next exam!  I hope that you find the tips help.

Pros and Cons of Full Time/Permanent Employment:

Most people consider these kinds of positions to be more stable. In my experience, stability of these kinds of positions is debatable, but in most scenarios I would agree with this assessment. In some companies, yes, these kinds of positions are truly more stable than contract positions. However, if a company is truly going through tough times and needs to reduce “overhead”, full time employees are just as likely to be laid off as contractors. However, in that scenario, there is the possibility of filing for unemployment benefits, so that is a plus. In addition to the cash compensation, full time employees typically get a whole host of benefits such as paid federal holidays, paid vacation and sick time, and matching funds for 401k retirement account contributions up to a certain limit. These benefits add a significant amount of value to your compensation. One of the biggest benefits however, is membership in the company’s group health plan. This membership allows you to get health care at a decent cost with many companies because of the fact that the company covers a significant amount of the monthly premiums on your behalf. If you are fortunate enough to work for a large company you can get even more benefits such as discounts through partner networks, holiday or performance bonuses, and the like. The downside to being a full time IT professional is the competitive environment. There are many other people competing for the same promotions and to move up the corporate ladder just as you are. At many places, overtime is also an issue because you do not get paid anything additional for working more than 40 hours in a week if you are salaried. Some companies take advantage of this and you can end up working late into the evenings or on weekends.

Pros and Cons of Contract Employment:

The biggest downside to Contract Employment is the uncertain nature of it. You always have to be on the lookout for the next position before your contract ends just to be safe. You do not get any additional benefits such as paid vacation or paid holidays, so you have to try and build that into your contract rate up front. The biggest downside is it is very costly to purchase health insurance for yourself and your family outside of a group plan, and after the first year of coverage, your premiums continue to rise at a fast rate multiple times a year. On the positive side, there is the opportunity to make a lot more cash by working a contract position. Especially, if you are a healthy single individual, contracting may be the way to go. You can purchase a “High Deductible” medical plan to keep your monthly premiums low if you do not visit the doctor often. You can negotiate a very good contract rate. The reason for this is that oftentimes, companies that hire contractors do so because they lack that skillset in house and need to supplement with an outside resource. This puts you in the better negotiating position. Also, since overtime will have to be paid at your contract rate, you will find most employers will want you to work only 40 hours. This is great for you to have a lot of leisure time to yourself and if you do have to work you get paid for it. You also rid yourself of the mental burden of competing with others in your department for promotions and can focus on doing the best job you can do and bringing value to the company so you can stay employed as a contractor. The other benefit to contracting is that as you move from one place to another you get to see a variety of environments and the positives and negatives of each.

The above discussion is just the start of the things you need to think about before you make a decision on what type of employment is best for you. You should also talk to other IT professionals in your area of expertise and find out what has worked for them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6207383