What am I doing wrong?
Discussion
Or do I need to do a home study course, to gain the relevant microsoft etc qualifications?
For the past 4 months I have been applying for IT related jobs. Anything to do with 1st Line IT support, I have applied too. Not just local ones, but from anywhere in the UK. I really, really want to get a foot in the door, but so far I have had zero in terms of luck.
I change my CV and cover letter a lot and depending on the position.
At college I did a 2 year course in IT practitioners, which was great and since then I have been messing about with computers. Building them, fixing and setting up networks, troubleshooting friends computers etc. So in my person, I am more than qualified and I am sure if I was to meet the employer, they would see this. But, so many of jobs go through agencies, (minor rant) who are f
king awful. I call them all the time and never get anywhere.
I am so passionate about working in IT, but this is really getting too me now. 4 months is a very long time to not be in proper full time work. Some of you may think this sounds mad, but I miss getting up early for work and then doing the 9-5. I use a lot of IT job boards and am always applying.
If anyone knows of any IT positions, please could you let me know. I really don't mind relocating.
For the past 4 months I have been applying for IT related jobs. Anything to do with 1st Line IT support, I have applied too. Not just local ones, but from anywhere in the UK. I really, really want to get a foot in the door, but so far I have had zero in terms of luck.
I change my CV and cover letter a lot and depending on the position.
At college I did a 2 year course in IT practitioners, which was great and since then I have been messing about with computers. Building them, fixing and setting up networks, troubleshooting friends computers etc. So in my person, I am more than qualified and I am sure if I was to meet the employer, they would see this. But, so many of jobs go through agencies, (minor rant) who are f
king awful. I call them all the time and never get anywhere. I am so passionate about working in IT, but this is really getting too me now. 4 months is a very long time to not be in proper full time work. Some of you may think this sounds mad, but I miss getting up early for work and then doing the 9-5. I use a lot of IT job boards and am always applying.
If anyone knows of any IT positions, please could you let me know. I really don't mind relocating.
Edited by Pig benis on Thursday 29th September 11:41
Edited by Pig benis on Friday 30th September 11:23
Have you had any experience in IT helpdesk/support roles before? If not, have you had a look to see if any company is taking on trainees or juniors and then working your way up from there?
Alternatively, perhaps look at secondary schools ... It'll be easier to get your foot in the door, which will then allow you to build up experience working in a live environment (with training along the way), and then move on to something else
Alternatively, perhaps look at secondary schools ... It'll be easier to get your foot in the door, which will then allow you to build up experience working in a live environment (with training along the way), and then move on to something else
Whilst you may have adjusted your CV, is it sound to start with? Happy to have a quick scan if you want to pass across.
I would then drop the agencies, as your evidence has proved they're not doing it for you, and I would take the personal approach. I'd list every relevant organisation within your commuting limit that may need your competencies and visit them in your best bib and tucker and hand them your CV. Good luck!
I would then drop the agencies, as your evidence has proved they're not doing it for you, and I would take the personal approach. I'd list every relevant organisation within your commuting limit that may need your competencies and visit them in your best bib and tucker and hand them your CV. Good luck!
Check out my post in this thread regarding applying direct - any chance this might work for you?
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited to add: a job advertised through an employment agency will cost the employer about 10% of your Salary up front for them to employ you. £1500 to £2000 I presume. Apply direct and you are a LOT less of a financial gamble.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited to add: a job advertised through an employment agency will cost the employer about 10% of your Salary up front for them to employ you. £1500 to £2000 I presume. Apply direct and you are a LOT less of a financial gamble.
Edited by TurricanII on Thursday 29th September 20:28
Fancy sharing a sample of your covering letter? Have you had any interviews?
You should make sure your CV/Covering Letter isn't just about IT, make sure it illustrates other good qualities that make you a desirable candidate as well.
I landed an IT role after Uni with no IT related qualifications at all, just having always had an interest at a hobby/family support level. I got an interview on the strength of the covering letter and an interesting and varied CV.
You should make sure your CV/Covering Letter isn't just about IT, make sure it illustrates other good qualities that make you a desirable candidate as well.
I landed an IT role after Uni with no IT related qualifications at all, just having always had an interest at a hobby/family support level. I got an interview on the strength of the covering letter and an interesting and varied CV.
spectra said:
Fancy sharing a sample of your covering letter? Have you had any interviews?
You should make sure your CV/Covering Letter isn't just about IT, make sure it illustrates other good qualities that make you a desirable candidate as well.
I landed an IT role after Uni with no IT related qualifications at all, just having always had an interest at a hobby/family support level. I got an interview on the strength of the covering letter and an interesting and varied CV.
Am I allowed to post my cover letter and CV on here?You should make sure your CV/Covering Letter isn't just about IT, make sure it illustrates other good qualities that make you a desirable candidate as well.
I landed an IT role after Uni with no IT related qualifications at all, just having always had an interest at a hobby/family support level. I got an interview on the strength of the covering letter and an interesting and varied CV.
Over the past 4 months I have written at least 5 different CVs, but my final one has been eddited by a friend who is studying creative writing and journalism at uni, just for that added flair to my CV.
One quick question. I hate applying for jobs over the internet, as it is so easy to get the wrong impression from someones CV. But I have just found a job at a local IT company (my family have used this company a lot in their business), would it be worth popping down and asking to speak with the director? Or should I just apply online and have my fingers crossed?
Thanks for all the replies, you lot have been a great help
singlecoil said:
Have you thought of setting up your own business? Anyone who has a broken computer doesn't usually ask for a CV, they ask if you can fix it.
I have thought about doing that and if I still don't get a job next month, I will place a few ads in some local papers and set up a website. STW2010 said:
OP, that is the best username I've seen in a long time!!
Thanks very much http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Shouldn't be too hard to work out. It's a dog eat dog eat berk world, sadly.
Shouldn't be too hard to work out. It's a dog eat dog eat berk world, sadly.
jas xjr said:
As somebody said earlier , why not set up on your own ?
I use a chap who charges £50 per hour. He is very good and very very busy.
Another chap in this thread, has mentioned doing this. There is no harm in making a few adverts for local papers, etc. This would look great on my CV, right? I use a chap who charges £50 per hour. He is very good and very very busy.
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