Getting a first job in IT.

[PaulSecteur]

I really need some help with this.

I have a Microsoft MPC for windows XP and a CompTIA A+ Technician qualification. I have been searching for a first job for some time, but the huge majority seem to want either at least a years experience, or a lot of other qualifications - such as being good with linux, voip...and so on.
I am currently self studying with cisco and Network+ text, but not doing an offical course due to time and funds.

So, how can I get my lucky break? Im not the sort of person to lie or expand the truth so that puts me out of the running for most advertised jobs for the above reason.

I just need someone to give me a chance, and in return will get a motivated, dedicated worker that will study to fill in holes in my knowledge.

Any help very much appreciated.

Paul.

 

[Bigsharn]

Send your CV in anyway, you have more chance getting a job than if you don't send the CV in.

 

[PBancroft]

Send your CV in anyway, you have more chance getting a job than if you don't send the CV in.

+1 - send in you CV to pretty much everywhere you can, even if they're not advertising (but include a nice cover letter). Both Mrs. K and myself have got jobs in the past that way.

Jobs in IT can be quite competitive, but IMHO experience is often the key not the qualification, so don't worry too much about self training. The fact that you are keeping up to speed will be seen very positively. Getting any role even if its below you expected pay grade is a foot in the door, so don't be afraid to go for the first level support roles. Sometimes having a job makes it easier to get a better job.

 

[Dan B]

Try charities. They tend to have less of a budget for staff but need the same problems solving, so tend to have to look harder at the CVs that cross their desks in search of a "bargain" that nobody else has discovered

 

[beanzontoast]

Try charities. They tend to have less of a budget for staff but need the same problems solving, so tend to have to look harder at the CVs that cross their desks in search of a "bargain" that nobody else has discovered

IME of working for a charity this is not entirely the case. Many obtain IT support through social enterprise IT concerns who themselves support the voluntary sector.

 

[Dan B]

IME of working for a charity this is not entirely the case. Many obtain IT support through social enterprise IT concerns who themselves support the voluntary sector.

OK, that I didn't know. My advice was based on talking to my friend who works as an IT manager in one of them and has to work hard at recruitment. Presumably then he's one of the few not one of the many.

 

[marzjennings]

Easiest way in is through an IT outsourcing or staffing company. Most large companies outsource their IT services and so it's no good applying directly to them. Sign on with a bunch of staffing agencies and see who can find you work first, though you may need to be flexible with hours and location.

Examples...
http://www.certes.co.uk/content/home.asp?session_id={3DA599A6-E4BC-4A3C-8608-1F0097829C0B}

and manpower, cerco, kelly, ranstad.

 

[red_tom]

Can you afford to put yourself forward as an unpaid intern at any local firms for a while? There's usually some tedious work around in less organised IT departments (Auditing workstations etc) that people are happy to have taken off their hands. It'd give you something to put down on the CV and mark you as a self starter.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Just got a reply, its for a Data Center Operator on nights. Money is quite poor to be honest, but hopefully will be worth it in the long run if Im sucsessful.

 

[twowheelsgood]

Just got a reply, its for a Data Center Operator on nights. Money is quite poor to be honest, but hopefully will be worth it in the long run if Im sucsessful.

It's shed loads easier to progress in this world if a) you have some experience and b) the simple fact you are currently employed when finding work.

It may not be what you want but that position is a huge step up from "unemployed, no experience" in the eyes of anyone looking to employ you in future.

Good luck and remain positive. I've been at this game for what seems like at least 2 lifetimes now..

 

[gaz]

A lot of medium sized companies will go to recruitment agencies to find staff. It's best to get registered with a few so your CV's are passed around with little work from your self.

You should also be open to where you want to start working. I started doing admin work in the IT department. And slowly moved across to another department doing something that i'm much happier with. Several other people have done the same where i work.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Oh dear...

The job is worse paid than expected. I thought that the money quoted was plus night shift and weekend allowance, but no £13k all in for doing nights and weekends. I cant afford to take it, especially with the travelling that would be involved (About 50 miles a day, with the return trip in the morning grind).
The search shal continue.

 

[Ghost Donkey]

Keep an eye on www.jobs.ac.uk as well as any local university websites. Some universities and colleges will employ people with no experience for a position which is generally deemed a first or second IT job (but not advertised using that exact language). There are occasionally paid internships which may be for a fixed contract length such as three of six months. Another possibility would be an IT and audio video job if that kind of thing is of interest to you. IT and AV jobs get advertised at universities, schools and conference providers.

+1 on the employment agencies. We've had a couple of people from employment agencies on fixed term contracts. Nothing permanent as the jobs have not been permanent but a good few months paid work giving good experience working in a large IT department.

 

[marzjennings]

Oh dear...

The job is worse paid than expected. I thought that the money quoted was plus night shift and weekend allowance, but no £13k all in for doing nights and weekends. I cant afford to take it, especially with the travelling that would be involved (About 50 miles a day, with the return trip in the morning grind).
The search shal continue.

Did you try asking for more? Would a couple of grand make a difference? You don't plan on taking the job, so what's the worse that can happen if you ask?

They may be having a problem filling the role (especially at the wage) and be willing to negotiate.

 

[ian turner]

This should cheer you up.
When I started they actually recruited students without experience, polytechnics included a year of paid work experience and places like GEC recruited from any science discipline. The big engineering companies are dead, existing companies steal employees from eachother so argue that training is not cost effective because of such behaviour that they themselves pursue and those that do train may require that you sign a contract that requires you work for a minimum number of years or pay the training costs back !!!
I assume you are familiar with the CBI whining about the immgrant worker caps preventing them recruiting from abroad and protesting that training is not a solution in the short term when the problem has been their neglecting it in the long term.
We're a nation of sheep thieves with no sheep farmers.