Advice on getting a job without certification?

[phonebiz]

I have 25 years in data and telecom, mostly at the lower 2 layers of the OSI model. I have lots of experience with traditional key systems. I just left a job with a software company where I had the opportunity to work with Cisco CallManager, Avaya Communication Manager and Cisco Routers/Switches - mostly configuration changes, only about 20% of my job over the course of a year and a half.

I really enjoyed working with this equipment. Unfortunately, I was working so many hours I didn't have time to study for any certifications. After taking some practice tests for CCNA I realize I have a lot of studying to do.

Unfortunately, I need a job now, preferably one that will get me more of the experience I need. I'm willing to relocate, so I am searching a wide geographic area. MY PROBLEM is that there are lots of jobs available for very qualified (or at least certified) individuals, but hardly anything for guys at my level.

Any recommendations?

 

[CiscoGuy33]

phonebiz,

Unplug the TV - I had a coworker who did just that - he unplugged the TV and passed all 7 MCSE exams and his CCNA in 6 months. And he unplugged the TV and moved it to a closet- if he was not at work he was studying for the next exam.

He was in the same boat as you - had tons of experience but no certs so he did not make it past HR because HR was told to only call in MCSE's , CCNAs and CCNPs for the jobs.

I have a friend in HR at a LARGE Car Rental Company and when they put up a computer/network tech position they had over 350 resumes - they filtered on A+, CCNA and MCSE just to get it under 60 and then used experience to interview the best 25 of that 60.

Can't do that - check the colleges, city jobs, airport authority, state etc. they do not always pay as much but might find something while you study CCNA.

Good Luck !!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[DanInRaleigh]

phonebiz,
...1st of all I like you, started off in Telecom. Layed off in 2003 from MCI.
...Telecom was doing really shi%^y back then...
....i took advantage of government granted money from the "workforce investment act"..(i was granted about 5000.00 dollars because i was a "displaced worker"...if you are displaced i suggest you start googleing..i can give you tips on that if you are interested..
..if you have a family and have to work...say goodbye family for about 6-9 months....
....ok,, so after you killled your tv..and invested in a rack or some boson software (if you go the cisco route) or buy a nice computer load vmware and start joining active directory domains (for the microsoft route) you begin pileing up your certs..
....now, you are a highly evolved tech that knows telecom and IT. With your hands on experience "from the labs" you can BS your way into atleast 55K...but probably more..and the best part is now you are a hybrid that can do both technologies and are totally more marketable..




CCNP,CCSP,MCSE,Sec+,Net+,A+...

 

[DanInRaleigh]

...also i see by your years of experience you are a little bit older than me..
....i had a buddy of mine "he was about 50" sleep on my floor in my apt. for about 3 months.. He was laid off from MCI also. He would use my rack and i would answer all his questions..or google would.
...anyway.... he gave up everything...and 7 months later haid his ccnp..
...he is makeing more than me now..that A&&!

CCNP,CCSP,MCSE,Sec+,Net+,A+...