need advice about recent interview I had

Hello I am new to this group. I recently went on a 2nd interview with a
local company here last week. I was hoping to get the position but it turns
out I did not get the job. I think I passed the "HR" part of the interview
w/ flying colors but when it came to the more "technical" part I dont think
I did so well. Partly because I was not able to answer all of the questions
that were asked of me and to be honest I did lack some experience in the
subject matter at hand. To be honest I was thinking I can grow with the
company. In any event, I am including a description of the position and I
was wodering if there was anyone out there who would be able to offer me any
advice or maybe tell me how much experience would be necessary for a
position like this, etc. And as an F.Y.I., I am a college graduate with a
BS in Computer Information Systems from Devry University in 2002.
Currently, since graduating from college I have been working for a company
in a position that is really not in my field of Information Technology:

Position Description:

The Internal Support Specialist is responsible for maintaining all of
Oakwood’s internal technology systems, coordinating resources to handle
internal support matters, and working with all practice areas to ensure that
Oakwood’s information technology infrastructure is operational, efficient,
and well maintained.

Role Summary:

The Internal Support Specialist handles a variety of roles ranging from
imaging laptops to creating internal reports and programs. While Oakwood’s
consultants will act as resources to the ISS, the ISS is expected to be able
to quickly analyze issues, determine a course of action, and bring the
appropriate resources to bear. The ISS will have depth in at least one
discipline and the ability to learn and accommodate additional disciplines.
This position is a growth oriented consultant-level position within Oakwood’s
hierarchy.

Although not presently included in this position description, the ISS
position could include proposal assistance, client help desk, and other
functions best served by an internal resource. This position will report to
the St. Louis General Manager.


Primary Tasks:

The Internal Support Specialist position encompasses several distinct areas.
The ISS is expected to have depth in at least one discipline, as noted
above.

Internal Network and User Support
· Maintain laptop images for Oakwood employees
· Image laptops as required for deployment / redeployment
· Troubleshoot internal operational problems by using a variety of
PC hardware/software troubleshooting techniques
· Provide user support for system problems
· Test and install patches as required
· Maintain inventory of all internal systems, including
move/add/change data
· Place orders, as approved, for hardware and specialty internal
software
· Coordinate receipt, inventory, and billing with Oakwood Controller
· Maintain Asset Management inventory in conjunction with Controller
· Maintain documentation of network, PC’s, and other data as
required
· LAN/WAN support, including routing and switching, internet access
· Maintaining the security environment including firewalls and VPN
· Moves/Adds/Changes to corporate phone system

Software and Internal Systems
· SharePoint Portal and WSS support
· Participate in Portal Governance and on-going redesign
· Ensure that portal is kept clean and operational
· Website changes (website is in Content Management Server)
· Work with CEO, GMs, Controller, and Practice Leaders to modify
internal reporting from key systems (as needed)
· Maintain MSDN Library, including downloads of new information,
burning CDs as needed to support consultants
· Participate in search, implementation and maintenance of new
internal software as required
· Licensing and compliance

General
· Maintain and report on Internal Projects
· Support and maintain Oakwood’s core values and purpose
· Report consulting and non-billable time on a timely basis
· Promote Oakwood within the community

Required Skills and Experience:

· Two or more years of practical experience in supporting one of the
above designated areas
· Certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is
preferred.
· Diverse technical background with experience in various roles,
platforms, architectures, packages and technologies
· Professional image and demeanor with the ability to present
oneself in a consultative, confident manner while treating team members with
the highest level of professionalism
· Possess an entrepreneurial nature with the capability to
understand multiple facets of a business environment along with an interest
in contributing to Oakwood Systems Group, Inc.
· Ability to communicate effectively with different levels of
management, as well as both the business and technical communities
· History of keeping up-to-date with technology
· Strong career interest with a focus on professional improvement
· Exposure to leadership role a plus
· Minimum of Bachelors Degree preferred with an IT-related
discipline
· Strong verbal/written communication skills
· Demonstrated ability to be productive independently and/or as a
team member
· Diverse understanding of industry based tools, software and
techniques
· Strong organizational, interpersonal and analytical skills
· Demonstrated understanding of basic estimating procedures, capable
of assembling a basic project plan and good work tracking habits
· In depth knowledge of Network Technologies

Standard of performance:

· Demonstrate a strong commitment to Oakwood personnel.
· Possess a professional, dependable attitude that is oriented toward
a cooperative and positive spirit in working with other team members
· A high level of customer satisfaction which exceeds standard levels
of performance
· Maintain a strong level of team building and technical knowledge
concerning the business systems supported.
· Continually increase technical knowledge and project management
skills
· Promote Oakwood in every aspect of work and community endeavors.
· Participate in the group meetings of the branch.

Hey Joey,
There's not a lot of in-depth information about your past or the interview
process included in your question/description but I can give my two cents on
what I perceive from the information given. I am a Systems Support Analyst
performing a very similar position. I can see from the employer's
description that one of the first requirements is 2+ years experience
performing many of the listed tasks. You stated that you have been working
outside the IT industry prior to applying for this position. Although you
have the required education you will find more and more employers looking
for hands-on proven track record experience when filling an IT position.
Unless an employer is looking to get cheap labor and there is no time
sensitivity involved with the position they're going to be hunting for a
candidate that they know can run with the ball from day one. Please don't
feel that I am short changing education only applicants as I know first hand
the involvement with obtaining degrees and certifications, but unfortunately
we are currently operating under an "employers market" still and they
currently have the pick of the litter.

My advice would be this..

DON'T GET DISCOURAGED! If you haven't already, obtain some certifications in
the areas you are interested in entering in the IT field. This shows
employers that you are dedicated to learning, and learning different
technologies. If possible try to gain employment in a position that pertains
more towards the IT industry. I know it's easy to say but not to do since
the competition is fierce right now and the field is over saturated. I
experienced the same situation you are currently facing. I was fresh out of
school with little professional experience and started at the bottom. I
obtained a position as a computer technician. Worked that position for a
year while working on certifications. A position became available for
another Comp. Tech. that paid more so I took it, and it ended up giving me
the opportunity to move into a Sys. Admin. position a year later at the same
company. Two years after starting with that company another opportunity
opened up, my current position. Work with employers to reimburse for
training and certifications, my current employer reimburses me for a C or
better at the University I am currently attending and pays for all cert and
workshop training.

Unfortunately you may find that you'll have to start at the bottom and work
your way up, or you may get a lucky break and get in somewhere you're
comfortable with experience and pay. Whatever the situation just try not to
get frustrated, I've found it all works out in the end. I believe things
happen for a reason; there was a good reason that position panned out.




"STL Joey" wrote in message

> Hello I am new to this group. I recently went on a 2nd interview with a
> local company here last week. I was hoping to get the position but it
> turns out I did not get the job. I think I passed the "HR" part of the
> interview w/ flying colors but when it came to the more "technical" part I
> dont think I did so well. Partly because I was not able to answer all of
> the questions that were asked of me and to be honest I did lack some
> experience in the subject matter at hand. To be honest I was thinking I
> can grow with the company. In any event, I am including a description of
> the position and I was wodering if there was anyone out there who would be
> able to offer me any advice or maybe tell me how much experience would be
> necessary for a position like this, etc. And as an F.Y.I., I am a college
> graduate with a BS in Computer Information Systems from Devry University
> in 2002. Currently, since graduating from college I have been working for
> a company in a position that is really not in my field of Information
> Technology:
>
> Position Description:
>
> The Internal Support Specialist is responsible for maintaining all of
> Oakwood's internal technology systems, coordinating resources to handle
> internal support matters, and working with all practice areas to ensure
> that Oakwood's information technology infrastructure is operational,
> efficient, and well maintained.
>
> Role Summary:
>
> The Internal Support Specialist handles a variety of roles ranging from
> imaging laptops to creating internal reports and programs. While
> Oakwood's consultants will act as resources to the ISS, the ISS is
> expected to be able to quickly analyze issues, determine a course of
> action, and bring the appropriate resources to bear. The ISS will have
> depth in at least one discipline and the ability to learn and accommodate
> additional disciplines. This position is a growth oriented
> consultant-level position within Oakwood's hierarchy.
>
> Although not presently included in this position description, the ISS
> position could include proposal assistance, client help desk, and other
> functions best served by an internal resource. This position will report
> to the St. Louis General Manager.
>
>
> Primary Tasks:
>
> The Internal Support Specialist position encompasses several distinct
> areas. The ISS is expected to have depth in at least one discipline, as
> noted above.
>
> Internal Network and User Support
> · Maintain laptop images for Oakwood employees
> · Image laptops as required for deployment / redeployment
> · Troubleshoot internal operational problems by using a variety of
> PC hardware/software troubleshooting techniques
> · Provide user support for system problems
> · Test and install patches as required
> · Maintain inventory of all internal systems, including
> move/add/change data
> · Place orders, as approved, for hardware and specialty internal
> software
> · Coordinate receipt, inventory, and billing with Oakwood
> Controller
> · Maintain Asset Management inventory in conjunction with
> Controller
> · Maintain documentation of network, PC's, and other data as
> required
> · LAN/WAN support, including routing and switching, internet
> access
> · Maintaining the security environment including firewalls and VPN
> · Moves/Adds/Changes to corporate phone system
>
> Software and Internal Systems
> · SharePoint Portal and WSS support
> · Participate in Portal Governance and on-going redesign
> · Ensure that portal is kept clean and operational
> · Website changes (website is in Content Management Server)
> · Work with CEO, GMs, Controller, and Practice Leaders to modify
> internal reporting from key systems (as needed)
> · Maintain MSDN Library, including downloads of new information,
> burning CDs as needed to support consultants
> · Participate in search, implementation and maintenance of new
> internal software as required
> · Licensing and compliance
>
> General
> · Maintain and report on Internal Projects
> · Support and maintain Oakwood's core values and purpose
> · Report consulting and non-billable time on a timely basis
> · Promote Oakwood within the community
>
> Required Skills and Experience:
>
> · Two or more years of practical experience in supporting one of
> the above designated areas
> · Certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
> is preferred.
> · Diverse technical background with experience in various roles,
> platforms, architectures, packages and technologies
> · Professional image and demeanor with the ability to present
> oneself in a consultative, confident manner while treating team members
> with the highest level of professionalism
> · Possess an entrepreneurial nature with the capability to
> understand multiple facets of a business environment along with an
> interest in contributing to Oakwood Systems Group, Inc.
> · Ability to communicate effectively with different levels of
> management, as well as both the business and technical communities
> · History of keeping up-to-date with technology
> · Strong career interest with a focus on professional improvement
> · Exposure to leadership role a plus
> · Minimum of Bachelors Degree preferred with an IT-related
> discipline
> · Strong verbal/written communication skills
> · Demonstrated ability to be productive independently and/or as a
> team member
> · Diverse understanding of industry based tools, software and
> techniques
> · Strong organizational, interpersonal and analytical skills
> · Demonstrated understanding of basic estimating procedures,
> capable of assembling a basic project plan and good work tracking habits
> · In depth knowledge of Network Technologies
>
> Standard of performance:
>
> · Demonstrate a strong commitment to Oakwood personnel.
> · Possess a professional, dependable attitude that is oriented
> toward a cooperative and positive spirit in working with other team
> members
> · A high level of customer satisfaction which exceeds standard
> levels of performance
> · Maintain a strong level of team building and technical knowledge
> concerning the business systems supported.
> · Continually increase technical knowledge and project management
> skills
> · Promote Oakwood in every aspect of work and community endeavors.
> · Participate in the group meetings of the branch.
>
>