So a few of you know on the forums and a few of you have helped with finding a suitable job.

Still no luck finding a job.  All that talk about certs only help you get in the door is spot on.  I have a few certs but no job offers.  I've had a few interviews, mostly phone interviews.  I've been let gently a few times.  one time I had them tell me they didn't like my personality as the only reason I wasn't hired.

So maybe it's me.  Maybe it's my resume, maybe my cover letter, but it's probably my experience.

Give me a critique on my CV & Resume and let me know what I can improve on or what I can remove.

I have a few different versions of my resume and can tailor all of them if need be.

A quick overview of my skills
Sec+
CEH
CHFI
Active Secret Clearance
Prior Military
Disabled Veteran

Computer Forensics Intern for the past 1.5 yrs.  Doing bookmarking, finding contraband, locating emails, pictures, Wmv's etc....  Worked with EnCase & FTK.

Technical Support installing print drivers, completing part orders, multi tasking is a must here.  Worked here 4.5 yrs.

Bachelors Degree in CIS (dual majors in Network Security & Computer Forensics)

Working on my Master's degree currently in Computer Information Systems Security management.

Willing to relocate on my own dime if given the opportunity

Member of the FBI's Infrgard Security community.  ( you need a background check for this)

Resumes & CV will follow:

RESUME---



Josh Carpenter
Targeting Entry Level Network Security/Jr. Admin
   Recent graduate from Devry University with a Bachelors in Computer Information Systems with dual tracks in Computer Forensics & Network Security.
   Active Secret Clearance
   Currently working on CPT (certified Penetration Tester) certification which requires use of Red Hat Linux and a large variety of Network Security tools to complete the required “flags”.
   I am currently certified in CEH, Security+, CHFI.  These certifications work with the DoD 8570.  I am currently working on my ACE certification and should ascertain it within a month.
   Some of the responsibilities given to me were the following: exposure and use of forensic write-blocking devices and software, research on different programs which had forensic interest for the particular criminal case being worked on, (i.e. Limewire, etc.), and the use of a Shadow Drive and its utility in a criminal case, etc. In addition, I did a significant amount of work using a Forensic software called EnCase and FTK, in which I looked for keywords, sorted the case by different markers, viewed jpegs and text documents of forensic interest, and put the evidence of significant value in designated folders.
   Currently volunteering at a local Computer Forensics Company where I was tasked with attaching write blockers to device prior to acquisitions of hard drives of different types along with helping and sometimes involving cases that made headlines in the local media.  The internship has lasted 2 years.
   Intermediate experience with reports regarding the Network state and using reports to document the different techniques used to gain access to the network and tools used and information found.
   Worked on a myriad of cases ranging from Child Exploitation to Fraud, Corporate espionage etc..
   Quickly learn and master new technology; equally successful in both team and self-directed settings; and proficient in a range of computer systems, tools and testing methodologies
Education
Devry University – Westminster, CO
B.S. in Computer Information Systems program 
Concurrent Employment with College Studies:
Junior Computer Forensics Analyst (2010 to Present): PenrodEllis Forensic Data Discovery

Keller University- Westminster, CO
Master’s Degree- Masters of Information Systems Security (Degree expected: April, 2013)

Technology Summary
Certifications:    CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CHFI (Computer Hacker Forensics Investigator), Security+
Systems:   Windows Vista, XP & Windows 7, Linux (Ubuntu),
Software:    FTK, EnCase, Helix, FTK Registry Viewer, FTK Imager, Mandiant Web Historian, Regripper, Sluethkit, Skype Log Parser, Perl and Python, Exiftool, Linux CLI, NMAP, Nessus, GFI,

   
IT Experience
Epilog Laser-Golden, CO
   NOC, Technical Support:  (2007 to current) Handled technical troubleshooting within a commercial, government and residential networks for the last 4.5 years
   Setup networks that allowed the customers to use their laser engraver to keep their business up and running.
   Completed customers part orders ranging from a few dollars to $45,000.
   Worked with the IT Department and a third party database design company for the new Technical support department and what should be included in it.

PenrodEllis Forensic Data Discovery -Denver, CO
•   Junior Computer Forensic Analyst: (2009 to current)
•   I gained knowledge of the team approach in gathering and analyzing case evidence. I assisted with peer to peer investigations involving the trading of child pornography and have used the comparison of hash values to locate images and videos of suspected child pornography. I learned the basics of a computer related criminal investigation. In addition, I gained experience previewing computers in a forensic manner using the EnCase software and FTK 3.
•   Extensive use of Tableau write blockers and the documentation associated with use of them.
Available for Relocation & Travel

Just a couple things I noticed as I glanced through...

1) I wouldn't call being a disabled veteran a skill
2) On the resume, unless you modify the "targeting" line (aka objective") each time you send it in, and that line reads exactly for the position you're submitting it for, remove it from your resume.  If you submit you're resume with an objective that doesn't match the position you're trying to get, you're shooting yourself in the foot right from the get-go.

But I am very skilled at being disabled.  I've worked at it for years.  LOL good catch.

When I apply at jobs I remove the "targeting" line.  For example if I am trying to get an entry level System Admin.  I change that to "targeting System Admin positions"........Should I just remove this completly from all my resume's?

ok with your cover note (RESUME) I always got told this it to explain why you are good for the job. So you should try relate to the job you are applying for if this is a junior position then you should say things like you pick things up quickly you are always eager to learn and love a new challenge. And you really want work in security so much so you spending your own time and money to help progress this. Because at the moment it seems like your RESUME is telling me the same stuff that is in your CV.

The CV just seems like a list of points and jobs that don't really tell me much. These days with the job market is so hard the CV is there to sell you before it was a foot in the door now you really need to sell yourself and what you are good at what you do.

if you send me a PM with your email I am happy to send your my CV and Cover note that may help.

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I will redo my resume in the next few days and repost the new one.

It's hard to come up with explainations of what I do or the Forensics stuff when I don't have much to say in general.  but again i will use everyone suggestions and their resumes as a reference and go from there.

I keep my chin up.  I have a decent job that pays the bills (barely) but looking to get rewarded for the 4.5 yrs of school and the hard work I've out into this new career field.

I am in the USA and I did get them and looked them over and copied it word for word.  Thanks.  Just kdding.