Manning (or Womaning in my case!) the Help Desk is considered one of the premier entry-level positions into a career in IT. There are other entry level career positions like Desktop Technician, Technical Writing, Software/Hardware Installer, IT Specialist (requires basic programming skills if you have them), Web Professional, Jr. Network Administrator, and Programmer. Some companies will even train you.
Your MCP cert alone may not get you in the door - depending upon the position. You did not say which module, did you complete the series?
What probably would have got you the job is the cert plus one of:
Computer hobbying experience - are you the IT GOTO GEEK that your family and friends come to for advice? Do you upgrade and fix your own computers? Do you build your own computers?
Certifications directly relevant to a Help Desk Analyst position - A+ (need THIS one first by FAR!) then if desired, Network +(will usually CLINCH!).
Help Desk Certification -
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2004/feb04/02-05HelpDesk.mspx Formal Education - Credit or non credit courses directly related to Help Desk Support
Actual professional computer troubleshooting, maintenance, building, Help Desk, Desktop Technician, and repair experience - Volunteer, summer job, co-op, intern, regular job
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Most employers do not just depend upon the credentials of the certification as a qualifying point for employment. They usually like to see that knowledge applied in some manner.
How bad do you want to jump-start that IT career?
Help Desk mission-critical positions tend to run 24/7 in call centres for medical centers, multinational corporate entities, and financial companies especially banks & investment firms. Are you willing to work off-shift to get your feet wet so to speak - get your feet in the door?
What about salary expectaions? Are you expecting to make $60,000 at this point? The average salary for an entry-level Help Desk Analyst is $28,000 - $34,000, which also depends upon location and too many factors.
Are you using all the available resources to you?
* The school where you got the cert - Career Center.
* State Employment Departments - they have specialized resources to assist you in obtaining a position for free. Also, they would have access to companies who have special training programs.
* Online Job Sites geared to IT positions like Dice. Make sure they have a location search so results will not show Nome, AK.
* General Job sites like Monster. Make sure they have a location search so results will not show Nome, AK.
* IT Contract (Temporary) Employment agencies - A GREAT resource where you WILL get positions faster than the regular job search and you will amass experience. Employers LOVE certs with experience! I did this for awhile before accepting my first permanent position for the VA.
* USAJOBS How about working for the Government? Check out this site...
.http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ * Is your resume professionally presentable? I advise everyone to have it done or, at the very least evaluated by a resume service.