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Cisco CCNA Certification: How To Approach The Post-Cert Job Interview |
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Okay, you did it! You earned your Cisco Certified Network
Associate certification.
Now what?
People who pass the CCNA exam fall into one of three categories.
You may be just entering the IT field you may be working on
the LAN side and want to move to the WAN side (that's where
I was when I passed the CCNA), or you may already work on
the WAN side of the network, and you want to move up the ladder.
One way or the other, you're going to have to face the dreaded
job interview. Some CCNAs do really well in interviews, and
some don't. I've been on both sides of that interview, and
I have a few pointers for you to be one of those who do well
and get that job.
Be confident, but not cocky. The CCNA is a great certfication
to have it's where we all start. Do not walk into the interview
thinking you know everything because you have a CCNA. (I'm
a CCIE and am the first to admit I certainly don't know everything.)
Answer questions confidently if you don't know the answer,
that's no sin. If you prepared for your CCNA the right way
-- getting hands-on experience and understanding tougher topics
like binary math and NAT -- you'll be fine.
Do not stop studying the day you pass the exam. Knowledge
that you don't use quickly becomes forgotten. It's okay to
take a day or two off and celebrate, but you have to get back
to work after that. Keep reviewing your CCNA topics, and get
started on your first CCNP exam. I've seen too many newly-minted
CCNAs who quickly forgot everything they learned for the exam
because they stopped studying right after they passed.
Prepare for the interview like it's another CCNA exam. Because
it is. Except there won't be any multiple choice.
Start preparing for the interview BEFORE you take the exam.
How do you do that? Study for the exam the right way. Get
some hands-on experience, either in a class or on your own
rack of equipment. Get a quality Cisco education. Ask questions
of those already in the field. By doing these things now,
you'll come across as a quality candidate on the big day.
About the Author:
Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage,
home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study
Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages. For a FREE copy
of his latest e-books, “How To Pass The CCNA” and
“How To Pass The CCNP”, visit the website and download
your free copies. You can also get FREE CCNA and CCNP exam
questions every day! Pass the CCNA exam with The Bryant Advantage!
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