Build Your Resume: How You Can Get a Job In The IT World (CCNA)

Working in the Information Technology field for three years has taught me quite a few things. Being in the military, though, I was lucky. The military paid for me to learn all that I have learned over the years. I was guaranteed a job in my field as long as I followed instructions and did push ups well. Though I worked with civilian contractors who each had to apply and interview for the same job I was doing. I talked to all of them and listened intently to find out what each one of them had to do to get a job. It came down to a few simple things that I hadn't thought about and didn't think others would either. I feel like I should share these tips with everyone who is willing to read them, so you can fast track your way to a good IT career.

This is the first of three certifications that I'm going to give you information about. It is probably least important of the three, but it looks good on a resume and can teach you some important things. I would highly suggest getting this certification first, however, because it will give you the technical background to pass the other tests. CompTIA Network+ covers the following topics:

• Network Technologies
• Installation and Configuration
• Media and Topologies
• Netwokr Management
• Network Security

Each one of the tests is 100 questions or less. The questions are multiple choice and performance-based, so you must know your materials. You are allowed 90 minutes to finish the test, and you have to get a score of 720 to pass. The grading scale is 100-900, so you can see how little room for missed questions you have. Keep your head up, take your time, and pass the test. Later in the article I will give you a website that will help you out immensely in studying for the test. In fact it is a YouTube channel.

You have to buy a voucher for your test. Make sure you buy the right voucher, and take the test by the time it expires. You should have one year from the day you buy it to take the test.

This is the second of three certifications that I'm going to give you information about. It is probably second most important of the three, but it looks good on a resume and can teach you some important things. CompTIA Security+ covers the following topics:

• Network security
• Compliance and operational security
• Threats and vulnerabilities
• Application, data and host security
• Access control and identity management
• Cryptography

Each one of the tests is also 100 questions or less. The questions are multiple choice and performance-based just like the Network+ test. You are allowed 90 minutes to finish the test, and you have to get a score of 750 to pass. The grading scale is still 100-900.

Also, like the other CompTIA courses, you have to buy a voucher for your test. Make sure you buy the right voucher, and take the test by the time it expires. You should have one year from the day you buy it to take the test.

Security+ is important for a lot of businesses because it teaches you how to keep your data secure from hackers and the like. A lot of IT businesses actually require this certification to work there, though they may offer to send you to the class to get certified once you get hired.

Buy the CompTIA Security+ test here:

http://www.comptiastore.com/category_s/73.htm

CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate. The Cisco website states:

"Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification program for entry-level network engineers that helps maximize your investment in foundational networking knowledge and increase the value of your employer's network. CCNA Routing and Switching is for Network Specialists, Network Administrators, and Network Support Engineers with 1-3 years of experience. The CCNA Routing and Switching validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks."

All of the civilian contractors that work in my area say that if you get your CCNA certification, whether you have a Bachelors Degree in IT or not, will almost guarantee you a networking job. This is probably because very view people take and pass the course. There are plenty of ways to study for it, from books to websites to Professor Messer's YouTube channel. I will cover that later. If you are looking to find a networking job, this is the cert I would recommend.

The version of the test that I would recommend taking is 640-802 CCNA. Though the last day to test September 30, 2013. After that you will have to visit the Cisco website for the most current certification number.

Make sure to update your resume with your current certifications. Add pieces of equipment you are comfortable working with and networks that you have worked on. IN THE SCHOOLING SECTION: If you do not have your Bachelors Degree in any IT field, mention that you are working toward your degree. If you aren't currently working on getting your degree, do so. This can be the difference between a $50-60,000 job and a six figure career. After going through all the trouble to get these certs, you may as well keep yourself relevant by bettering yourself in your current field.

Also, these certifications do expire. Make sure you stay up to date with these certifications, as it will help you keep job security on your side. It wouldn't be worth losing your job because you didn't spend $250 on a test that is nowhere near impossible to pass.

There are many websites and books that claim to teach you the current versions of each of the tests. Be wary of what website you go to for help studying. Here are a few sites I recommend:

http://www.professormesser.com/ (He also has a YouTube channel dedicated to helping you learn these subjects.)

http://certification.comptia.org/training.aspx

I hope the information I gave you helped you out and will inspire you to further and better your career for your benefit. Remember, a big raise may be a few hundred dollar investment away. Check for local classes to try to prepare you for the tests. Also, if you already have an IT job, see if your employer will sponsor you to go get one of these certifications. They may make you pay for it up front, and reimburse you after you pass the test. Remember, your future employer will probably train you on the network you will use. Be confident in your interviews, dress up for your future boss, and wow them with all the IT knowledge that you learn from these classes. Thanks for reading. If you want a link to how to make an extra $300 a month to help you pay for the classes, go to:

http://phtech.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Easily-Make-an-Extra-300-a-Month

Thanks for the support,

PHTECH