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Is it worth doing an industry recognised certification?

Hi so I have admitted defeat in looking for a graduate job in IT. I waited patiently for 2 and a half years. I will admit nerves and interviews didn’t help with my chances. I am considering doing a certification? Does anyone know what type of certification I should do? Who I should do it with? And whether these certifications have exams involved or not? I want to get into an IT Support Role or IT Technician Job. Thank you.

Reply 1

Original post
by Mohammed_2000
Hi so I have admitted defeat in looking for a graduate job in IT. I waited patiently for 2 and a half years. I will admit nerves and interviews didn’t help with my chances. I am considering doing a certification? Does anyone know what type of certification I should do? Who I should do it with? And whether these certifications have exams involved or not? I want to get into an IT Support Role or IT Technician Job. Thank you.

I was in the same boat as you regarding graduate roles so I just humbled myself.

Started looking around for Apprenticeships in IT adjacent positions and found a Network Engineering one. Now I'm gaining Network Engineering experience and they plan to keep me on, the other apprentices before me have been there for like 8 years now.

But, if you don't want to bite the bullet that hard, you can always look for Degree / Masters Level apprenticeships, they do exist and for some reason most people want nothing to do with them despite them being a pretty good deal and pay most of the time.

If you want to just cert your way into IT Support/ Tech do a Comptia A+ and maybe a Net+ if you feel like it. A+ will be enough to get you your interview paired with your degree/ qualifications, but I'd honestly still recommend an apprenticeship.

My apprenticeship actually pays for me to do certs, like they're paying for my CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Engineer), Comptia A+, Comptia Net+ etc.

Reply 2

Original post
by hired-laying
I was in the same boat as you regarding graduate roles so I just humbled myself.
Started looking around for Apprenticeships in IT adjacent positions and found a Network Engineering one. Now I'm gaining Network Engineering experience and they plan to keep me on, the other apprentices before me have been there for like 8 years now.
But, if you don't want to bite the bullet that hard, you can always look for Degree / Masters Level apprenticeships, they do exist and for some reason most people want nothing to do with them despite them being a pretty good deal and pay most of the time.
If you want to just cert your way into IT Support/ Tech do a Comptia A+ and maybe a Net+ if you feel like it. A+ will be enough to get you your interview paired with your degree/ qualifications, but I'd honestly still recommend an apprenticeship.
My apprenticeship actually pays for me to do certs, like they're paying for my CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Engineer), Comptia A+, Comptia Net+ etc.

Sadly apprenticeships are overlooking my application yet vaguely aren’t even bothering in giving specific feedback or taking the time to give any feedback at all.

Reply 3

Original post
by Mohammed_2000
Sadly apprenticeships are overlooking my application yet vaguely aren’t even bothering in giving specific feedback or taking the time to give any feedback at all.

I'd have to have a look at your application/ what your grades and experience are.

But for the most part, I'd get some advice on your CV and how you're formatting cover letters etc. Chances are, if you're being swatted away consistently without a call back, it's a CV issue.

Don't discount Apprenticeship agencies either, that's how I got mine, and they handle the majority of the interview process and even rebuilt my CV for me!

Back to the original question though, I'd recommend a Comptia A+. Shows you have an overall knowledge and it gets you in the door, but I think you'll gain more benefit from simply adjusting your CV and getting some criticism.

Reply 4

Original post
by hired-laying
I'd have to have a look at your application/ what your grades and experience are.
But for the most part, I'd get some advice on your CV and how you're formatting cover letters etc. Chances are, if you're being swatted away consistently without a call back, it's a CV issue.
Don't discount Apprenticeship agencies either, that's how I got mine, and they handle the majority of the interview process and even rebuilt my CV for me!
Back to the original question though, I'd recommend a Comptia A+. Shows you have an overall knowledge and it gets you in the door, but I think you'll gain more benefit from simply adjusting your CV and getting some criticism.

I tweaked a Technical related CV. Well calling up Apprenticeship providers hasn’t been any help. Unfortunately they either say look for vacancies online, or there’ll be some knowledge related test which drags the recruitment process out. In regards to the Interview process that’s great because I get nervous with Interviews so the Help and Support is beneficial for myself. I have done the latter before but I am unsure now..

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