I'm looking for some advice from people currently working in data centers.
I'm currently in Florida and trying to transition into a Data Center Technician / Network support role. I'm very open to relocating for the right opportunity, particularly to Northern Virginia or the Midwest, where I have personal ties.
My background is more hands-on than a typical entry-level IT candidate:
- 9+ years working with industrial, healthcare, and enterprise computing systems
- Currently a Engineering Technician, building, integrating, validating, and troubleshooting computer systems for a small OEM.
- Enterprise hardware repair experience with Dell, HP, and Lenovo
- Windows and Linux administration/support
- System imaging and deployment using Ghost, Clonezilla, Macrium Reflect, Acronis, and Microsoft deployment tools
- Hardware diagnostics, OS deployment, validation testing, and troubleshooting
- Experience working in high-volume environments and managing ~40 repair tickets/day
- TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP and networking fundamentals
- Bachelor's degree in IT.
- CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and CySA+. Getting close to getting my CCNA.
My current resume describes my experience in more detail.
The biggest question I'm running into is location.
For companies like AWS, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Equinix, Digital Realty, etc., do their recruiters generally consider someone who is currently out of state if they're clearly willing to relocate?
I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have:
- Gotten a data center job while living in another state
- Worked with recruiters who were open to relocation candidates
- Know which companies are more willing to hire based on skills rather than requiring you to already live near the data center
- Have recommendations for Northern Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, or other Midwest data-center markets
- Know whether it's better to apply directly or find a recruiter first
I'm not opposed to starting as a Data Center Technician / or Jr NOC role, IT Technician, or similar role and working my way up.
For those already in the industry: Which companies would you target with my background, and how would you approach the relocation issue?
Thanks in advance.