Entering IT field with only hobby experience? [closed]

Question

I can build computers, install servers, network mac, linux, and windows, build servers, do support etc. I do all of this at home/for friends/for hobbies. I have worked with computers every day since I was in elementary school (commodore 64, windows 3.1 etc.).

I have IT bachelors in administrative management (so basically nothing good). I am getting another bachelor's in server admin, including about 5 certifications. I am the IT go to gal at every position usually because I know more than the IT people and have better people skills.

My job history is random: office admin, hair braider, disney ride operator, camp counselor etc. I found a job I want its a entry level specialist (server) position.

What do I put on a resume?

Answer 1

I think your best bet will be to find a job that is a helpdesk job but promises that you will do some server work and be involved in various projects. It will then be a lot easier to get straight systems/network administration job. You can of course still try to get the SysAdmin's job without that experience (might be able to with good people skills and certs), but it will probably be harder. I recommend you don't take a helpdesk job without the honest and sincere promise of server work and projects, because although that still might help, it won't really build your resume that much.

Also, making a blog about various IT things with original articles (not just links) helped me get jobs in the past. I didn't have much experience but some part time help desk work, and I was coming out of school as a music major. The blog can show a level interest in IT that goes beyond just being your day job, and can emphasize communication skills in a more complete way than a resume.

Answer 2

I operate an IT services company. Whether you want to hear it or not, here's the straight dope: Your problem is not your resume.

You're likely in your early to-mid 30's based on the tech you've listed. And despite that age, you've never had a real career in anything (just a string of jobs). To me, it looks like you have no self-discipline and no direction in life. To employers, that's a big risk. There's no way you can expect to get near my client's servers anytime soon. You're going to have to be prepared to do years of ditch digging (helpdesk, PC break/fix) to earn your stripes in the field. There is no such thing as "entry level server work".

Answer 3

List the skills, certs and work experience you have but be wary of making too much of experience you haven't gained in a work setting. Hobbies and work are very very different, as I'm sure you know - to give an example - I've interviewed a lot of people for desktop support jobs who were hobbyists looking for a break and a lot of them were fixated on (and thought we would be interested in) things like tuning BIOS settings for peak performance when in reality all I'm interested in is "does it POST" and "Can you get 100 of them built identically as quickly as possible please".

Try and show how you solved IT problems in other jobs if you can. The first step into any profession is difficult, I know.

Answer 4

Breaking into a company blind is a really difficult proposition. I'd advise breaking in through a side door, and then using your status as an insider to get the job you really want.

Try to identify a company or other organization with a big or growing IT department. Get into that company however you can, whether that means being an admin assistant or whatever. Work hard, network with the right people and eventually you'll have a leg up in getting the type of position that you are interested in.

I'd be really careful of using a helpdesk gig as a way in. In the larger orgs that I've been exposed to, a formally established helpdesk with its own management and org structure is often a dumping ground and not seen as a talent pool. If the helpdesk is part of the IT department, and managed by the people who manage desktops/servers/networks, it is probably a good entry point.

Answer 5

start your resume with your skills--work experience is work experience. you either have it or you don't. if you've ever done consulting for neighbors, friends, family, strangers, etc (i.e. malware removal, building computers, network setup, ad nauseum) you could try getting a trader's license depending on your locality and you could officially say you were a consultant. don't forget to mention your specific IT duties in your previous positions as the de facto "go to gal." again, AFTER your skills.

Answer 6

Start with the most relevant material first, emphasize the hobby work, and include the rest with a focus on the "soft" skills.

You have a degree and certification. With your camp counselor experience you can focus on the "people skills" that were necessary for that position (and are necessary for just about any IT position these days). I'm sure you can similarly characterize a fair chunk of your other jobs.

You'd be surprised how well that works. I got my current job as a programmer at the hospital with a similarly random work history, just finishing my degree, and the happy coincidence of being in the right place at the right time.

Just be confident in yourself and the skills you have.

Answer 7

I would be inclined to put all that information on your resume, as it's all valuable. However, it's a little hard for me to give good advise when I'm no good at resume writing myself, so I'll give you the same advise I'm always given when I intend to apply for a job I really want. Use the services of a professional resume writer, preferably someone with a fair bit of experience with our field.

You have more than enough skill and experience to get the job, so it's really just a matter of presenting that information to the prospective employer. Presuming that where you are there will be numerous candidates going for any particular position, just as it is where I am, your resume first needs to grab the attention of the person who you hope will read it. Then it has to hold that attention long enough to actually be read. This is not an easy thing to achieve, so some expert professional help should be seen as an investment in your future.

When you get to the interview just be your self and above all else, be honest. Too many try to bluff their way through, only to come unstuck shortly afterwards. Good luck.

Answer 8

You've clearly got experience in life and have management skills, so if you're brave enough to do it alone you could do pretty well freelancing. You'll perhaps need to start with the small jobs, but you'll quickly be able to build up to working on the larger jobs if you believe (and are actually good). Startup costs can be pretty small, and to some extent you can choose the sort of work you want to do. Find some like-minded people with complimentary skills and you can share the work.

There are some companies who are more keen on your personality and technical abilities than your experience and if you get yourself out there you'll eventually find somebody to employ you doing a job you enjoy. Maybe not straight away, and maybe not for a decent wage, but once you have a job doing something you enjoy others will want you to do it for more money.