Getting an IT job without any formal qualifications

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semigeek

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#63482 28-Jun-2010 12:19

I have worked in an IT environment before, providing support to schools and the general public, working with win2k server, small business server, novell 4.11, terminal server , win95, 98, win2k and have used at home, win 3.11, 95, 95, 2k, vista, ubuntu. And have built and repaired computers and diagnosed network problems etc.

I don't have any formal qualifications as such, but know that I could do the work if someone was to take me on. Would any employer hire someone without formal qualifications, or does anyone want to? :)

hellonearthisman

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#346012 28-Jun-2010 12:37

What no windows ME.

vinnieg

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#346013 28-Jun-2010 12:40

I'd say with those specs you could get a starting job as a helpdesk or service desk analyst and work your way up the ranks once you start to prove your knowledge. That way you'd get experience in AD, SCCM, SMS and a few other technologies :)

Just apply for 1st/2nd level Helpdesk support roles off Trademe and I'm sure you'll easily get a job, just be confident in your interview and keep telling them that you are willing to learn!

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

bcourtney

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#346014 28-Jun-2010 12:44

Whereabouts are you based?

I have no issue with hiring people with no paper qualifications. Qualifications are often not worth too much when compared to someone with real world experience in the technology behind them. I also put other criteria higher in priority when selecting new employees.

tchart

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#346015 28-Jun-2010 12:46

Dont know about "any employer" - mine certainly wouldn't unless you had lots of experience.

Going to employment agencies would probably not help (plus they would probaby just waste your time).

Your best bet would be to target small to medium size businesses (say < 20 people) as their needs would be somewhat less formal. Find somewhere thats willing to upskill you (eg pay for courses). Check the local paper as they may not advertise on Seek.

Your best bet would probably be through contacts or friends - thats your safest bet since they have seen you in action and can vouch for you. If it were me I would be asking the schools etc that youve done work for if they know anyone who is looking.

Kyanar

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#346016 28-Jun-2010 12:47

I agree with Vinnie, with one minor addition - check with any of your friends if any of their employers have some available spots in an are you want to work. Even without them putting in a word for you (though they might be willing to - just don't expect it, that's just rude) sometimes a potential employer can be willing to bring you on just on a character reference.

In such a case though, you have to be willing to accept a pay scale less than a fully qualified person with the same role can pull in - don't worry, a reasonable employer will align your pay as you prove yourself and gain experience (and if they don't, any further employer will accept experience in lieu of qualifications and you'll be able to command a higher salary as you go).

xpd

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#346018 28-Jun-2010 12:49

Helpdesks will generally take on anyone with basic internet and computer skills. IHUG helpdesk took me on with only approx 8 months Windows experience.

Go for a basic certification if you can such as Comptia A+ - if you feel confident in your skills, then just take the exams.

One of my previous employers took me on mainly just from my previous and personal experience, having an A+ was a bonus.

XPD / Gavin

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heavenlywild

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#346046 28-Jun-2010 14:14

It really depends on the employer. I also believe experience and passion are two elements that are sometimes more important than qualifications.

I remember once getting a job because I was passionately involved in something but never had proper qualifications.

I agree with the comments made thus far regarding some recruitment agencies - they look for qualifications like the be all and end all.

semigeek

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#346050 28-Jun-2010 14:36

bcourtney: Whereabouts are you based?

I have no issue with hiring people with no paper qualifications. Qualifications are often not worth too much when compared to someone with real world experience in the technology behind them. I also put other criteria higher in priority when selecting new employees.

I'm in Dunedin

BlakJak

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#346060 28-Jun-2010 15:01

If you can't show any tertiary qualification at all, you're going to have to wow folks with your nous. The advantage that a tertiary qualification demonstrates is the ability to learn in a structured fashion. The subject matter itself is often less relevant.

I can use myself as an example.
I should qualify this with the fact I do have the equivalent of a full years worth of tertiary study certified in a computing sense. That said, most of what i've achieved has been on the basis of experience, ability and enthusiasm for the industry. 11 years ago I was studying fulltime and working two part-time jobs, one on an ISP helpdesk and the other doing campus IT support at MIT.

I worked upwards through various jobs: Jack-of-all-Trades IT contract (6 months), helpdesk Tiers 1-2 (12 months), helpdesk Tier 3 (2 years), Network Engineer (3 years), Senior Network Engineer (1 year), Senior Network Design Engineer (2 years), and now i'm a Team Leader of an engineering team.

It's all possible, if you're sharp, driven, have social skills, are able to present yourself well and essentially cause people to forget that you're missing the bits of paper. However you should also consider getting _something_ in writing that shows your ability to do more than just 'geek stuff'; structured learning does provide certain other relevant skills (like the non-specifically-IT papers that I did at polytech which I have subsequently found valuable, like Systems Development, Business Communications and basic Accounting) and show some ability to succeed in a structured environment.

Even a part-time or night class might be of value.

No signature to see here, move along...

wreck90

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#346085 28-Jun-2010 16:29

I've worked with quite a few people in IT with no prior training.

One guy was a qualified zoologist , another moved into operations from labouring position, because noone else wanted to do the job. Once in operations they were sent on training and next they were earning $120k plus per year (this was 10 years ago so that was quite a bit back then, maybe not so much now).

Of course, being in the right place at the right time and a bit of luck helped some of these people along.

I've found, people who are relatively bright, reliable, and with enthusiastic attitude will always do well in IT.

Geese

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#346138 28-Jun-2010 19:27

I'm one of the most qualified people in the country for my age, with many qualifications being in computing, or being heavily dependant on it, but I cant get a job better than a roadworker. Must be because I am incompetent.