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Sharpshooter188 t1_it7wvwb wrote

Pretty much how I feel. Got my A+ cert. Tried for a few job openings. If I do get an interview, the inevitable experience question comes up. Ive been messing around with computers for a while. But because I have no formal job regarding that position, I do not get the position. Very frustrating.

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Nobuddi t1_it84wk9 wrote

You can try answering the question you wished they had asked. It's a common rhetorical technique that politicians use.

More specifically, I mean when they ask about experience talk about all the experience you have on your projects and what you've accomplished, even if that was just on your own time. You don't have to add the caveat that it wasn't gained in employment, unless they ask directly.

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Sharpshooter188 t1_it856zv wrote

Unfortunately, he "corrected" himself as I was explaining ny experience. "Wait, wait. I mean what are your accomplishments in a professional setting."

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Nobuddi t1_it860ou wrote

Yeah, there's not much you can do about that. It's frustrating.

But, really your only job is give them confidence that you can get the job done for them. If they pin you down like that but you can speak about your abilities with confidence, you can say, "I realize this wasn't in an official capacity, but I'm confident in my current abilities and my ability to pick up anything I'll need to get the job done. I won't let you down."

If they don't buy it, that sucks, but ok. Give yourself a fighting chance. Persistence is a skill and you can demonstrate it in the interview.

"Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that."

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bronney t1_it85m19 wrote

Protip. If you indeed know your shit you should be confident the whole way. If I asked experience and you immediately squirm, I will not hire you because that reaction prolly mean you don't know your shit. Especially in computers, those who know their shit knows cert means nothing.

No formal experience you say. But the countless computers we fixed for family and friends through the decades stand for something. If you don't feel this way you don't belong.

Own your work, it doesn't have to be formal. I never ask my plumber for his experience and he's the only one I trust with pipes. Hold you head up high and go get that job bro.

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Sharpshooter188 t1_it8x42j wrote

I agree with your viewpoint on the certs not meaning much. From what others have told me, it seems to be there purely for HR to take a look at. Ive worked on my own computers since 2015 or so. Now Im looking into networking and ultimately cybersecurity.

Thanks for listening to my bit of venting and your aspect of things. Helps to get a better grip on my industry.

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rippfx t1_ita13tq wrote

I understand there's big stink on companies putting too much emphasis on the certifications. Few things validating your skillset are years of experience, or college degree / certs. Even with that if you don't have shining personality, they drop you in a heartbeat. I know cuz I'm in aerospace giant interviewing candidates for developer's positions and also was on the other side of table many times in the past and will in the future. Sometimes there's nothing you can use as hiring board if the candidates have no degree, certs or experience. Last thing you want as a hiring manager is a bad candidate that costs company money, delays or major mistakes. You get points taken off for hiring bad people.

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Sharpshooter188 t1_itaf8hv wrote

Ive been racking my brain over getting an enterprise switch (very expensive piece od equipment) to practice setting up a network on. More experience and a story to tell during interviews. But oof...boy those are expensive.

One thing that has always bothered me with attitudes, in general, is that a good attitude doesnt mean much as far as raises go. But a bad one is immediately notched as "We dont like you and thus will not hire you."

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ForEachCell t1_it8uxbh wrote

Just update your other jobs with your new skills.

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