Finding Work

Forums › Off topic › Finding Work

Mark1980

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#76664 4-Feb-2011 13:25

Hey guys

Just thought I'd put a post up here to see if there is anyone out there that can help me. I have recently completed the Diploma of Computer Systems and Network Administration as well as A+ Network+ and an MCP. Does anyone have any advice on getting into employment as I'm having a hard time cracking the market being that I have any experience. I'm very enthusiastic, very motivated, eager to learn and above all a top bloke

. I'm based in Christchurch.

So if you can help at all it would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

1 | 2

8497 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#435306 4-Feb-2011 13:26

Check out the websites for places like Unisys, Fujitsu, Datacom, Gen-i, etc to see if they have any entry level positions - they often don't advertise those types of roles on Seek.

vinnieg

2260 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#435312 4-Feb-2011 13:42

Yeah entry level is the only way really, unless you are lucky

1st/2nd level service desk rolls even if only for 6 months to a year to get experience, then work your way up

I'd go CCNA if you wanted to be a jnr network admin or MSITP if you wanted to go jnr sys admin

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

Mark1980

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#435343 4-Feb-2011 14:36

Those are positions I am aiming for in the longer term. I have done study towards MCITP for Server 2008 and have all the materials needed as it was part of my course, and I am interested in looking at CCNA, so thanks for clarifying.

ieatservers

73 posts

Master Geek

#436346 7-Feb-2011 15:59

You can always volunteer to get work experience.

Linuxluver

5828 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#436360 7-Feb-2011 16:30

ieatservers: You can always volunteer to get work experience.

I hate this approach....especially if you're working for free for someone who should be paying.

I;ve seen too many people used and they got nothing out of it....There is a minimum wage. I wouldn't look kindly upon any employer who took advantage of people and paid less.

_____________________________________________________________________

I've been on Geekzone over 16 years..... Time flies....

nate

6473 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#436384 7-Feb-2011 17:03

I've just finished a round of hiring for a hospitality business I've just bought. I'm hoping to do a blog post in the next couple weeks to outline how to get hired off your CV.

A quick pointer is research the businesses you want to get employed with. Nothing impresses a potential employer like someone who knows their business, and can describe traits that make them an ideal fit for whatever job position.

Also, if you turn up for an interview, dress like you want the job. I had a guy turn up in red shorts and red shoes - as you would guess, the interview was all down hill from there.

Mark1980

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#436430 7-Feb-2011 18:09

I'll look forward to your post

Equinox IT

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.

tigercorp

668 posts

Ultimate Geek

#436436 7-Feb-2011 18:29

I'm curious, do your qualifications get you to the interview stage at least?

Mark1980

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#436493 7-Feb-2011 19:36

So far I have only managed to to get a couple of phone interviews and one meeting with an employment agency. Most companies are looking for at least one years experience, which I don't have, it's the old catch 22 scenario, can't get a job without experience, can't get experience without a job.

Finch

2851 posts

Uber Geek

#436532 7-Feb-2011 20:32

Mate I have no idea what any of what you have just completed is, but it sounds intense.

If you cant find work with your qualifications. what hope is there for anybody else.

Goodluck job hunting :)

tigercorp

668 posts

Ultimate Geek

#436599 7-Feb-2011 22:44

Mark1980: So far I have only managed to to get a couple of phone interviews and one meeting with an employment agency. Most companies are looking for at least one years experience, which I don't have, it's the old catch 22 scenario, can't get a job without experience, can't get experience without a job.

It sounds to me like your immediate focus should be on getting more interviews and then once you've got them, nailing it.

Do you send a covering letter with your CV? If not, do it, and tailor it to the position. Your CV gives them a list of your technical skills while your cover letter should let them know who you are, and how you can use those skills to benefit the company.
Your username - "Mark1980" - are you 30? If so you've had previous jobs and will have gained skills that can be used in whatever you're applying for. The ability to organize, to work in a team, to manage your time etc these are the types of things that can't go in a CV but should go in the cover letter to make you stand out. You may not have 'previous experience' but you do have experience and skills that make up for it. But they need to know about it, hence the cover letter.

If you get to the interview process then you've got the technical skills for the job (or at least they think you do) and relevant experience isn't so much of a big deal. It'll be up to your personality and how you perform in the interview that matters.

The interview itself is something that you need to prepare for. You're going to get asked the same questions no matter where you go, so do some research and have some prepared answers. And prior to the interview, PRACTICE those answers ALOUD. Get used to talking about yourself. An interview's one of the few times where it is actually all about YOU, and you need to pull it off confidently. Practice helps.

The only other thing I'd suggest, is to apply for pretty much everything, not just the things you think are 'safe'. You need to practice your letter writing and interview skills and learn from them as quickly as possible.

Good luck.

ieatservers

73 posts

Master Geek

#436605 7-Feb-2011 22:54

Mark1980: So far I have only managed to to get a couple of phone interviews and one meeting with an employment agency. Most companies are looking for at least one years experience, which I don't have, it's the old catch 22 scenario, can't get a job without experience, can't get experience without a job.

what part of NZ are you in? Also do you have any experience at all (Non IT) Can the college you went to help you find work?

ieatservers

73 posts

Master Geek

#436611 7-Feb-2011 23:23

Linuxluver:
ieatservers: You can always volunteer to get work experience.

I hate this approach....especially if you're working for free for someone who should be paying.?

I;ve seen too many people used and they got nothing out of it....There is a minimum wage. I wouldn't look kindly upon any employer who took advantage of people ?and paid less.?
?

You do have a point there, it is not cool when employers/companies take advantages of people who are volunteering and not pay them. But at least you will get some experience, you will learn something, you will make contacts and maybe get a reference letter or a referee. If you have nothing else to do it is better to volunteer rather than sit at home and do nothing, it shows you are motivated and that you do not care about the money but rather the passion. So if not having work experience is bother OP, you should look at alternative ways to get work experience (Volunteering), who knows it could turn into a paid permanent position or they might give you a small salary just as a thank you. If not at least you gained some experience.

Mark1980

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#514651 31-Aug-2011 19:23

So just to recap on my journey into finding work. I did eventually find work on a Service Desk doing 1st level support. It has been really stressful so far but I have learnt so much in the six weeks I have been there and I am now with a good company that can offer a lot of career opportunities.

rayonline

1734 posts

Uber Geek

#514771 31-Aug-2011 23:00

Going by your username, my age is about yours.

I did try to get into IT and I did embark on a IT qual but I switched back to my former area and diverted a bit slightly.

The thing I found about IT is that there are big money to be made but the entry level are flooded with applicants. So pretty much all start off at level 1 helpdesk roles and it's not like you can jump around diff jobs to get your experience faster like you can with other jobs. And, if you want to make a career in IT it's just IT as it needs to be relevant. Other jobs have more freedom as all you basically are doing is analyzing, processing and writing. I stand to be corrected but when I had a look at the level 1 stuff, the wages were quite low compared to other industries incl big company or govt call centres.

Those I know with IT University degrees and this IT Diploma got jobs in level 1 and they are working up now so to speak.

Some of them however are preferring less pay but a more orderly work hours - haha.

1 | 2