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Dear Depressed:

I ran your dilemma by Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology, a consulting firm that specializes in placing IT professionals. She says that because of the slowdown in the tech sector, companies can consider only candidates who have the exact combination of technical skills and experience they're seeking, and many positions are going to candidates with five or more years of experience and multiple certifications.

That said, an entry-level position could prove to be your best option. Target companies that offer movement into a desktop support role, where you could use both your technical and your training experience. Also consider opportunities with your current employer--an ISP might have an entry-level security position, for instance, that could lead to advancement down the road. You'd probably need to get networking certification and training in security-related software to ensure your upward mobility, but it could be a worthwhile career move.

You can find more information about the security analyst field at techies.com.

Dear Seeking:

I put your question to Chuck Barrett, president of Quorum Search & Selection, a Chicago search firm, who suggests you complete your CNE program before diving into any new training programs--you're more than halfway there already!

He also advises that you learn as much as possible about the practical aspects of a Windows 2000/SQL server implementation, to prepare yourself for the tasks that lie ahead. There's plenty of useful material readily available online, including some good migration road maps. The SQL Server Worldwide Users Group (www.sswug.org) is a good place to start.

Send your questions to careercoach@nwc.com