Defining IT Support

[broc]

Surely things like what you consider your greatest achievements would be included on your covering letter? ie. That letter would be crafted to highlight your biggest achievements from your previous role, whilst ensuring that they are relevant to the organisation you are applying to.

 

Asking someone about their greatest achievements would be a little odd if they've already discussed them on their letter.

 

 

It is often quite revealing to query the claims people make in their covering letter; we have had applicants that have claimed to be "fully conversant with Server 2003 AD & it's maintenance" or "have implemented a multimedia PC suite" who clearly haven't when you test their knowledge.

 

In one case I recall, implementing a multimedia suite turned out to be litle more than unpacking boxes & plugging cables in..... & watching while someone else imaged the systems.....

 

Remember, there are an awful lot of 'professional' CV writers out there....... people should be prepared to have their claims & knowledge tested at interview.

[HarryMonkey]

I'd never have considered those skills to fall under the title of 'IT Technician' though. They are a media technician and web content administration etc... Otherwise, the entire concept of an IT technician is impossible to define. ie. the role becomes 'we can dump anything slightly technical, or involves using a PC into one role', which is something which the profession has moved on from.

 

Sounds pretty much like most schools to be honest.

With cutbacks in public spending, media techs and web administrators are likely to be amongst the first luxuries that schools will find it can live without, especially when it has those skills duplicated in the IT Support dept.

[steele_uk]

I was intrigued by the "Media Technician" comment earlier, and have just spoken with LEA re; job descriptions;

 

A Media Technician does not exist as a post in our LEA. An AV technician post does not exist within the structure either.

 

Their suggestion, is to adopt the policies of other secondary schools and to advetise for an IT Technician, but to write in context statements that include all the AV/Media work you will be expecting them to do.

 

 

I know what some of you are thinking...an IT techncian shouldn't be asked to do any of them!

 

So, is anyone else in the same position where they take on AV & Media work? Do you refuse, or like me, does the historical structure of IT Support mean you take on lots of things, that aren't technically in your job description.

 

Personally, i quite like my Tech and I being involved in the AV/Media work, and i try to be accommodating in most things when i feel i can be helpful, on the JD or not.