I've taken several classes in networking and got a couple certs, but I got no guidance on how to get a job?

[suihcteg]

We were supposed to have a guest speaker give us a lecture on how to job hunt, but that fell through. Looking at job listings on company websites is confusing: they're often not categorized, and have hundreds of cryptic sounding listings: IT analyst, network analyst, IT administrator, data specialist...and so on. After taking classes that deal mostly with building small servers and connecting and configuring a stack of routers and switches on our desk, what kind of jobs should I seek out? I went through the military, but I unfortunately wasn't even allowed to open a computer, and the hands-on maintenance was normally left to a contractor. The classes I took after I got out were completely hands on though.

 

[getochkn]

Apply for a bunch of them. If you get an interview, then at least you can get in and ask questions and they will ask and find out more what they want. As you see, people use a million different names that don't always line up to what they actually are, and with IT, you'll probably end wearing 10 different hat's anyways. You may be a network admin and told your job is keep the servers up and updates and do backsup, but you'll also get calls for paper jams, OMG my file was right there and I SWEAR I didn't delete it, but it just vanished and I need it for a presentation in 30 seconds, I don't know HOW the porn got on my computer, but get it off and don't tell the bosses ok.

 

[rgd1101]

If you don't mind working with headhunter. apply to them, even if that one don't match, they might find you something that might.

 

[Ralston18]

No disagreement with the previous postings.

Attend some job hunting workshops via any local government agencies. Some are good, others not. Go to as many as practical. Learn the mechanics of writing a resume and cover letter. Learn interviewing skills. Learn how to present yourself.

However, it boils down to two things:

1) Find a job description that matches your skills, appeals to you, and you know you can do at least most of it - ignore the title.

2) Do some research on the position (as titled and described) and prepare a cover letter and resume simply targeted to convince the potential employer (research them also) that you can do the job and contribute to and benefit the company.

Be honest, be objective, and quantify your skills and experience with applicable examples.