Will I Get a Job?

[IT_Master]

Hey 'y'all. Im new to this forum and will take part in all corners. Will I ever get a job in the West Midlands area?

 

Im a 24yr old male Jamaica who is married to a British citizens. My past job was employed as an serior computer/mac technician. The thing is, I do not have any qualifications. I was exposed to:

• MS Server Installation & troubleshooting
  
• Mac Repairs
  
• Mac Server Installation & troubleshooting
  
• Printer repairs
  
• Windows PC/Laptop repairs
  
• Data recovery
  
• Data backup with softwares
  
• Basic Linux administration
  
• help desk experience
  
• PC builts
  
• Cat5e cabling & testing
  
• TCP/IP LAN and WAN
  
• IT Administration
  
• etc
  

 

My job was based on a field technician role where I went customers site such as banks, churches, schools and small business organizations. I cant do anything else except administrating computers; i love it. I am a lover of multitaking because I get things done faster that way. My only qualifications are, in CXC (Caribbean Examination Council): Math, Physics, IT, English Language, Technician Drawing and Electronics. It is same as what the UK called GCSE.

 

Is there a company that will hire a Jamaica like me? I do have the right to live and work in the UK.

[Polski]

I don't know the West Midlands (or the East Midlands for that matter!)

 

Fact is you have got a shed load of experience and so long as you have a posative approach, you will get work.

 

(Just don't send you mortgage payments to me in the mean-while!)

 

Seriously, my daughter lost her job two weeks ago and was hired again after three days, closer to home, more money, better prospects.

 

Why?

 

She wanted it.

 

Self belief and a posative attitude will prevail.

 

Good luck.

[IT_Master]

I don't know the West Midlands (or the East Midlands for that matter!)

 

Fact is you have got a shed load of experience and so long as you have a posative approach, you will get work.

 

(Just don't send you mortgage payments to me in the mean-while!)

 

Seriously, my daughter lost her job two weeks ago and was hired again after three days, closer to home, more money, better prospects.

 

Why?

 

She wanted it.

 

Self belief and a posative attitude will prevail.

 

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reading. Im getting depressed. Its been from January since I have been applying for jobs. I guess its because of the recession going on. But i will hold the faith.

[torledo]

don't panic.

 

IF you have only been looking since january, what are we now end of feb, 2 months that's no time in the scheme of things - certainly too soon to give up hope.....the important thing is to keep filling in those application forms and attending those interviews.

[IT_Master]

Thats what ppl say. But Im at home, on my laptop not doing nothing much. Is boring.

[Hightower]

Thats what ppl say. But Im at home, on my laptop not doing nothing much. Is boring.

 

Why not start putting yourself out there to small companies. Offer services in the meantime, working from home.

 

Maybe personal computer repairs at a good rate - might not be a full time income but surely better than nothing?

[jamesb]

Thats what ppl say. But Im at home, on my laptop not doing nothing much. Is boring.

 

Try and get in touch with some recruitment agencies near you, and job hunt constantly. Read classifieds in papers, search online, and look in the local jobseekers office whenever you get the chance.

 

Last time I was on a serious job hunt (I was headhunted for my current one) I applied for an average of six a day, for three months. Its depressing, and disheartening, but eventually it should pay off.

[IT_Master]

Thats true you know. I used to had my own business card back home and I did well. The thing is I dont know life in the UK that much. A bit shy lol.

[ninjabeaver]

Why not get a few more qualifications while you are waiting for free as well.

 

Free Online Learning, Interactive Courses for All | ALISON

[IT_Master]

Why not get a few more qualifications while you are waiting for free as well.

 

Free Online Learning, Interactive Courses for All | ALISON

 

FREE?? Ok ill go check it out.

[Polski]

When I left the Army in 1997, after 23 years service. I felt the panic you are feeling now. Probably far more so as I had a family and mortgage to service.

 

I was living in Suffolk, but my "Home town" was in Bedfordshire and I felt a little lost.

 

I sat reading the local paper at my uncles and saw a job at Capita (SIMS) as an IT support engineer (9k - school leaver). I applied for it, for interview practice.

 

I had been to interviews at schools in Ipswich, twice eight of us had sat around nervously fidgiting.

 

Twice the Headteacher had walked on and greeted the favoured candidate like a long lost brother! I felt sick.

 

I got an interview at Capita for a better joband got that. Moved to their office in Essex, then got this job when Suffolk took on SIMS.

 

Don't sit at home and mope. Get out and have a coffee in a Costa's somewhere and sit read a book (from your original post, you must love reading!)

 

If it is finacially viable, go swimming. Jog if you can. The exhaution will help you sleep.

 

Is your CV up to scratch? Do you get interviews?

 

I am not sure of the legalities of it, but investigate any avenue to get your foot into the door of a possible emplyee.

 

Tailor your CV to the post you are applying for, some people may feel you will want to move on soon to a better job, given your list of qualifications and experience.

 

Being over-qualified can harm you as much as being under qualified.

 

You mentioned your ethinc background. Frankly, if I can get you to work on time and do a fairs days work and make my customers smile, you could be from Mars for all I care. And given the diversity of work forces I have been in in IT in the last ten years, many would agree.

 

Judging from some of the pictures on here, some may well be! Just kidding guys!

[ninjabeaver]

Yeah, it's nothing to big, but I think the European Computer License and some other are on there that are computer related. Lots of other things like Health and Safety and stuff.

 

Have a trawl through it. It will burn some free time up though.

 

Don't forget to clean the house, DIY, repairs and make sure the dinner is on to score points from the other half.

[Polski]

While job hunting in Canada, dropped off 120 CV's door to door around the town where I lived.

 

-25c and a foot of snow, in trainers!

 

Not one reply.

 

What would I do different? Where decent boots!

Edited February 27, 2009 by Polski

[dhicks]

Maybe personal computer repairs at a good rate

 

Might be something to be said for that idea, actually - people might not want to buy a new machine at the moment, but would spen a couple of hundred on a bit of an upgrade / sort out.

 

--

David Hicks

[Guest theeldergeek]

Thats what ppl say. But Im at home, on my laptop not doing nothing much. Is boring.

 

SO you are out of work, at home, on your laptop, doing "nothing much".

 

I wonder how motivated you really are?

 

Why are you not at home, on your laptop, doing SOMETHING?

 

I was in your situation a few years ago. I'd worked for 'box shifting' IT companies. Swapping out keyboards, printers and monitors.

 

I got made redundant. I used the time I was out of work to learn new skills, taught myself a shed load of stuff about PC maintenance, everything you could ever want to know about Windows (at that time) and then some.

 

I got interviews because I studied how to write a good CV, and when I finally got a job I was going for, I was able to demonstrate competence in the skills they were looking for. That job led me to promotion within the company and I ended up 'running' the European Helpdesk until we were amalgamated with a bigger competitor at which point I found myself out of work again, albeit with a decent payoff from the company.

 

This time I took up government training opportunities in business management with a view to running my own company.

 

6 months later, I signed up my first business client on a maintenance contract for his 3 estate agent branches. I sold my business 5 years later for a variety of reasons, and now, through choice, work as an IT Technician in a College.

 

Sorry, but you have no-one to blame for your boredom but yourself. If you know all there is to know about your particular skill set, learn something else. Web development, Network security, Linux ... the govt is going to be pushing Open Source over the next couple of years, there's your opportunity. Take it.

[IT_Master]

Thats soooo true. I do know Network security and linux. Two agencies replied me via email saying: "Unfortunetly...................you are over qualified................" WTF! Ill post a copy of my cv here and you all see what is made of it.

[IT_Master]

Status: Married

Personal Statement

I am strongly self-motivated with extensive “hands on” experience. Consistently successful in delivering improved operational efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction. Energetic and creative with a special talent for solving technical problems. Exceptional interpersonal communication, analytical and logical process skills with high client service awareness.

My knowledge base gained by self studying with practice CDs/DVDs, hands-on experience and with the help of online forums. From time to time solving problems that I have never seen before is just fun because I know where to get answers in a “nic” of time.

Subject/Qualifications (CXC) Place of Study Grade/Results Year Obtained

Mathematics

Jamaica

2

2001

English Language

Jamaica

2

2001

Information Technology

Jamaica

1

2001

Technical Drawing

Jamaica

3

2001

Electrical & Electronics Tech.

Jamaica

2

2001

Physics

Jamaica

3

2001

Self Study Knowledge Course Software

Linux – RedHat {installed in VMware}

 Installation Process

 Setting up Users

 Configuring Firewall: Iptables

 Configuring SSH

LearnKey Linux+

Cisco - CCNA {practices in CCNA Network Visualizer 6.0}

Microsoft SQL 2005 {installed in VMware}

Microsoft MCSE

 Subnetting

 Configuring Switches/Routers

 Adding Encrypted Passwords

 Adding Vlans

 Setting up RIP, OSPF

 Implementing and Maintenance

 Administration

 Designing and Creating Tables

 Managing and Maintaining a Server 2003

 Design a Server 2003 AD and Network Infrastructure.

 Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network.

 Planning Implementing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 AD Infrastructure.

 Implementing and Administering Security in a Windows Server 2003 Network.

 Planning Implementing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 AD Infrastructure.

 Exchange 2003 Administration and Design

CBTNugget

CBTNugget SQL 2005

CBTNugget MCSE

Employment History Summary of Job Dates

Computer Technician

LAN Integrators Ltd

5 Tremaine Rd,

Kingston 6

Jamaica.:

 

 Clean & Service of Computers + Printers

 Computer Repairs + Upgrades.

 Cat5e-6 Cabling & Testing.

 Setting up Routers/Switches on Network

 Microsoft Server 2003 Installation

 Microsoft Exchange 2003 Administration & Design

 Add/Remove Users from Active Directory

 Set Group Policy

 Installing Powerware UPS

 Computer Help Desk

 Basic SAP Configuring

 Software Analyzing

 Lotus Notes Configuration

 Checkpoint Firewall Configuration

 IT Hardware Sales: Servers, Printers, Print Servers etc.

 

March 6, 2006 – April 30, 2008

Senior Computer Technician

Discount Computers

1392 South Windermere Pl.

Cumberland, Portmore

Jamaica.

Overall Responsibilities:

 Clean & Service of Computers + Printers

 Computer Repairs + Upgrades.

 Cat5e-6 Cabling & Testing.

 Setting up Routers/Switches on Network

 Microsoft Server 2003 Installation

 Macintosh Server OS X Installation

 Installing/Configuring VMware Fusion - Mac

 Add/Remove Users from Active Directory

 Set Group Policy

 Macintosh Repairs & Upgrades (Laptops, G3-G5 and IMac)

 Help Desk (onsite & remote)

 Rollouts of Norton Antivirus to Users

 Removal of Dangerous Viruses

 Microsoft Exchange Administration & Design

 Software Analyzing

 Remove Forgotten Passwords (users + systems)

 Setting up Network Infrastructure (rack + cabinet)

 Setting up CCTV on Network + Monitoring

 Backing up Data

 Checkpoint Firewall Configuration

 Configuring Web Remote Connection

 Using Logmein to log into Customer’s Computer

 Installation, Configurations & maintenance of computer hardware including Dell, HP, IBM, G3-G5, Imac workstations and servers.

 Installation and maintenance of network hardware such as Cisco or Nortel routers/switches. This involves firmware updates, configuration and backup/restore of configurations.

 Retrieve user’s data from damaging hard drive with software utility call MiniPE (LiveCD).

 Repairing printers such as Dot-matrix, Bubble Jet and LaserJet within the shortest time possible.

 Installed and configure SAP on client machine and set user rights.

May 6, 2008 – December 9, 2008

 Installation and configuration of Veritas Backup Exec 9.1 including daily backups and restoration of lost user data.

 Installation of cabling infrastructure such as wall mounts racks and patch panel. Setting up Cat5e and Cat6 cabling with supply the customer of a network layout diagram of the network points.

 Remote help desk by using Logmein (http://www.Logmein.com) which supports Macintosh and Windows Computers.

 Norton Antivirus roll-outs to users from server.

 Ghosting and imaging hard drives then burn to dual-layer dvds for secure data backup.

 Day to day installation of Adobe CS2/3, MS Office 2004, ILife ‘07/8, troubleshooting problems which may occur within these software.

 Replacing damaged/damaging LCD screens on the IMacs and Mac pro laptops.

 Keep computers running their best by using “cleanup!” utility for the pc and “onyx” for the Macintosh

 Installing Windows Operating System within VMware Fusion on Macintosh Systems

 Installing Mac OS X on PC Hardware – (Test Purposes only)

 

Technical Skills:

 VMware

 VMware Fusion - Mac

 Microsoft Office

 Norton Antivirus

 McAfee Antivirus Security Center

 Logmein and VNC

 Live CD (Microsoft and Macintosh)

 Basic Dreamweaver

 Problem Solving

 Flexible and Assertive

 MS System Administrator

 To work on own initiative

 Blackberry BES (practice with manual by Mitesh Desai & Dan Renfroe)

 Norton Ghost

 TCP/IP

 Firewall Software

 Microsoft Visio

 Checkpoint Firewall

 Microsoft SQL 2005

 ISA Server 2000/2004

 Active Directory

 Microsoft Exchange Server

 Service Desk/Helpdesk Analyst

 Adobe CS3 – Mac

 MS Office 2004/2008 - Mac

 

Hobbies:

 Joining online forums i.e. Linux, Windows and Macintosh

 Studying and Reading

 Playing console games

 Working with computers all day

[Polski]

1. Reverse the order of your experience.

 

People will wnat to know what you have done recently, first.

 

2. The longer you have been out of school, the less those qualifications become, so just the high-lights if space is tight.

 

3. You do not "join" on-line forums, you "contribute to informal discussion on-line"

 

4. "My knowledge base gained by self studying with practice CDs/DVDs, hands-on experience and with the help of online forums. From time to time solving problems that I have never seen before is just fun because I know where to get answers in a “nic” of time."

 

 

I would re-write that into something like: -

 

Home study complimented by practical experience.

 

5. "Working with computers all day" is NOT a hobby. People will want to know you can unwind after an hard day at work. Swimming, hill walking, DIY are hobbies.

 

From the look of it, I would say it is too long and too detailed. You just cannot see the wood for the trees.

 

Pick out the high-lights.

 

Two sides of A4, a fair bit of "white space" so the reviewer can make notes and keep it short!

 

Taylor the CV to the post, do NOT apply for a £18k job with a £28k CV.

 

I am not a recruitment consultant, but my CV's have got me jobs, so they can't be THAT bad (plus HM Forces paid good money to teach me how to write one!)

 

Get drafting.

[Guest theeldergeek]

Technical Skills - Flexible and Assertive, work on own initiative

 

Overall Responsibilities includes "Using Logmein to log into Customer’s Computer"

 

You meant "competent in remote desktop management" I'm sure!!

 

Sorry my friend. Re-write that CV!

 

Don't rip up the one you've got, it has some useful info on it to which you can refer, but it is pretty awful (far too 'busy') and more importantly, very uninteresting.

 

Good luck.

[IT_Master]

OMG! No one helped to to wite one really. Im more used to "RESUME" not CV. Ill rewrite right now.

[AXE]

Stick with it, something will come up. I've been out of work for over 18 months and I still have hope, make getting a job your full-time job. Set yourself some targets, try part-time or voluntary work.

I'm sure you'll have much more success than me.

[IT_Master]

Ill try but I hope something comes up sooner or later.

[ninjabeaver]

CV Writing

 

Check here and here

 

Help with your CV -  Careers Advice

[hillskill]

think i would struggle to go from running my own business to the rigid structure of working in a college

[Guest theeldergeek]

think i would struggle to go from running my own business to the rigid structure of working in a college

 

I think you have to be a lot more disciplined running your own business.

 

Although structured, working in our College is actually quite a 'flexible' experience.

 

Someone else is making the decisions, taking the responsibility, but listening to your input - at least, they do here.

 

I'm a bit fortunate in that our structure allows me quite a bit of control over my own area, so whilst SLT are making the critical decisions, day to day running of the area is down to me, and I still have a Line Manager to approach when there is something on which I can't make a decision.