What do you do?

[tronic44 3,642]

1 hour ago, Dan94 said:

Had an interview yesterday for an IT support / desktop engineer type role. Felt it went really well, my lack of experience and qualifications didn't seem to phase them as they look more into personality and fitting into the team and being able to teach me with a technical brain.

Should hear by the end of this week whether I've made the 2nd interviews. Fingers crossed


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Good luck to you dude, a lot of employers are now looking for people who want to learn and are a good fit in the company. I've been lucky enough to learn a lot on the job, i came in with my knowledge of data but am now being used for my creative ability and ability to talk to clients. 

[Dan94 913]

So didn't get the job, as apparently lacked experience. Slightly ironic after their little "we don't care about qualifications or experience" speech at the interview.

[GazzaGarratt 11,055]

6 hours ago, Dan94 said:

So didn't get the job, as apparently lacked experience. Slightly ironic after their little "we don't care about qualifications or experience" speech at the interview.

Ah man, that sucks. Keep your head up as that saying is common and they shouldn't have led you on like that. Make sure you ask for full feedback and some key tangible actions on what to do if you ever went for that position again.

 

Even if you don't, it shows you are trying to put yourself in a better position.

 

Keep going buddy. There'll be something out there. 

[Plumbers Crack 4,062]

Unlucky mate and definitely do what Lee said about feedback

[Dan94 913]

Ah man, that sucks. Keep your head up as that saying is common and they shouldn't have led you on like that. Make sure you ask for full feedback and some key tangible actions on what to do if you ever went for that position again.
 
Even if you don't, it shows you are trying to put yourself in a better position.
 
Keep going buddy. There'll be something out there. 

Cheers mate. I've asked for feedback on a couple of interviews where I haven't been successful but heard nothing back.

My mate works for the NHS Trust IT Help Desk and there may be an apprenticeship coming up there. Just means shite money for a year, but after that it'll be good. It may be the only way I can get into IT if every employer is going to say about lack of experience.


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[GazzaGarratt 11,055]

52 minutes ago, Dan94 said:

Cheers mate. I've asked for feedback on a couple of interviews where I haven't been successful but heard nothing back.

My mate works for the NHS Trust IT Help Desk and there may be an apprenticeship coming up there. Just means shite money for a year, but after that it'll be good. It may be the only way I can get into IT if every employer is going to say about lack of experience.


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Apprenticeships are one of the best things this country has. I wish I had done one instead of trying to go to Uni. This may be the best angle because youbget to learn on specific IT skills, gain work experience on the way AND get paid.

 

Everyone has to start somewhere. If you show willing and have a can do attitude then you'll move up the ladder in role and pay soon enough mate 👍

[Plumbers Crack 4,062]

4 hours ago, GazzaGarratt said:

Apprenticeships are one of the best things this country has. I wish I had done one instead of trying to go to Uni. This may be the best angle because youbget to learn on specific IT skills, gain work experience on the way AND get paid.

 

Everyone has to start somewhere. If you show willing and have a can do attitude then you'll move up the ladder in role and pay soon enough mate 👍

This. My middle son aged 32 started this week as an adult trainee electrician £11.55/hour..goes up to £14+ in 2020 (national rate, London is enhanced). Bite the bullet and try something like that

[McNasty 260]

The market in the US for help desk/deskside support is pretty competitive.  There are a lot of people who want the jobs and most companies only hire people with experience because they can easily be picky about it.  I'm not familiar with your apprenticeship program but I'd agree, that sounds like it's worth biting the bullet until you get enough experience to go elsewhere.  IT is a tough field to get into without experience.  I got lucky and started with a Systems Integrator/Reseller many years ago that took a chance on hiring people right out of college who didn't know anything about IT and gave them a phone, a desk, and asked us to start selling.  Most of us figured it out because we were surrounded by really strong engineers.  I actually quit another job I had to take this one.  My paycheck was cut in half, literally.  Took about a year and a half until I got back to where I was before, but it ramped up significantly after that.  Been at it near 12 years now.

 

 

 

 

[Spacedeck 920]

On 2/21/2019 at 2:02 PM, Plumbers Crack said:

This. My middle son aged 32 started this week as an adult trainee electrician £11.55/hour..goes up to £14+ in 2020 (national rate, London is enhanced). Bite the bullet and try something like that

 

How does this work with his age?  Doesn't he need to pay for this?

 

My current situation is unemployed, I have been since I was made redundant during my partners pregnancy.  Due to anxiety issues relating to me and my partner, it means I haven't reentered work as it'd be difficult for her to cope on her own with our daughter.  Now our daughter is 3, it makes life a little easier as she's now much more independent.

 

So we now live with partners mum but god damn she pisses me off.  I want to get us all out as soon as I can but due to my current situation, I don't have a clue where to even start.  Even just thinking about how I can make this work is difficult as my partner still relies on me to do some things like going out or travelling.  I've been thinking of trying to get a night job, maybe in a warehouse or something but I just feel lost right now.

[Plumbers Crack 4,062]

7 hours ago, Spacedeck said:

 

How does this work with his age?  Doesn't he need to pay for this?

 

 

Nope...the firm he’s working for pay for his training which will be day release so during the academic year it’s one day a week at college and four days at work. He had a trial period with them doing basic work and they liked his attitude and application, so took him on.

[GazzaGarratt 11,055]

On 3/5/2019 at 4:28 PM, Spacedeck said:

 

How does this work with his age?  Doesn't he need to pay for this?

 

My current situation is unemployed, I have been since I was made redundant during my partners pregnancy.  Due to anxiety issues relating to me and my partner, it means I haven't reentered work as it'd be difficult for her to cope on her own with our daughter.  Now our daughter is 3, it makes life a little easier as she's now much more independent.

 

So we now live with partners mum but god damn she pisses me off.  I want to get us all out as soon as I can but due to my current situation, I don't have a clue where to even start.  Even just thinking about how I can make this work is difficult as my partner still relies on me to do some things like going out or travelling.  I've been thinking of trying to get a night job, maybe in a warehouse or something but I just feel lost right now.

There are companies like the one I work for that offer Apprenticeship style jobs even for people not in education. I recently saw a promotion of a guy who has done it and his role was a Trainee Project Manager. I'd see what local firms are around your area and ideal for your work/life balance and fire them an email about these types of opportunities. Worst they can say is no.

 

Start with the bigger well known companies for this, like Tesco, etc. You'll find more than you realise.

[Dan94 913]

So I had an interview 2 weeks ago now, again, went really well, was for an IT Support Engineer role, basically supporting the IT Manager as they couldn't handle being a one man band anymore on their own. Would be 1 day at college every 2 weeks, £600 a month for a year then up to minimum wage after that and then better money. Girlfriend really supportive and saying if its what I want to do and make me happy, then we can wait a little longer before getting a house (we're currently saving a lot each month in our current jobs). Was meant to hear either way by the end of last week, so by Thursday. Didn't hear anything, so thought maybe because its the Easter Weekend they may be really busy etc... so left it until yesterday, still nothing by lunchtime, so decided to email them asking if they had any update regarding the position following my interview. Still haven't heard anything... problem is I'm one of these guys who always looks at the good in people and keep thinking maybe they're just busy etc but part of me thinks maybe they've just found someone else more suitable and not letting people know.

 

Not really sure where this is going, just felt like I needed to rant  

[Plumbers Crack 4,062]

Keep going Dan!

[Dan94 913]

So I got an email yesterday, didnt get that one.

 

Have applied for 2 others, but im starting to give up now.

[GazzaGarratt 11,055]

On 4/27/2019 at 2:51 PM, Dan94 said:

So I got an email yesterday, didnt get that one.

 

Have applied for 2 others, but im starting to give up now.

 

Never, EVER, give up Dan.

 

Sometimes we all need to take a minute or 5 minutes to really appreciate what we've done. Too many people live in the future and can easily forget how well they've done and how much they have changed for the better.

 

This thread perfectly shows how much of a strong minded and willing individual you are. We all get setbacks, life isn't perfect (but then it would be boring wouldn't it ). The point is, you have to got up off your arse and you are not willing to accept your current career path. Many couldn't even make that call, let alone update your CV, apply for some new jobs, research into your new personal career path and get interviews and assessments. You are only one interview away from the person on the other side of the desk seeing your mentality and potential and giving you a chance. And you'll take it i'm sure.

 

Make sure you keep reviewing your CV ahead of going for each job. Make sure you tweak specific words that are in the job profile you are going for and link them into key sections in your CV so you can show on paper you are naturally designed for that role.

 

Keep. Going. You've got this far when millions haven't got past the first hurdle. You're farther ahead than you realise.

[Dan94 913]

6 minutes ago, GazzaGarratt said:

 

Never, EVER, give up Dan.

 

Sometimes we all need to take a minute or 5 minutes to really appreciate what we've done. Too many people live in the future and can easily forget how well they've done and how much they have changed for the better.

 

This thread perfectly shows how much of a strong minded and willing individual you are. We all get setbacks, life isn't perfect (but then it would be boring wouldn't it ). The point is, you have to got up off your arse and you are not willing to accept your current career path. Many couldn't even make that call, let alone update your CV, apply for some new jobs, research into your new personal career path and get interviews and assessments. You are only one interview away from the person on the other side of the desk seeing your mentality and potential and giving you a chance. And you'll take it i'm sure.

 

Make sure you keep reviewing your CV ahead of going for each job. Make sure you tweak specific words that are in the job profile you are going for and link them into key sections in your CV so you can show on paper you are naturally designed for that role.

 

Keep. Going. You've got this far when millions haven't got past the first hurdle. You're farther ahead than you realise.

 

Thanks Leigh - appreciate that buddy.

 

I think the most frustrating thing is getting no feedback. The last 2 interviews I went for and wasn't successful I asked for feedback regarding application/interview and didn't receive a response. At least then I'd know what I can improve on.

 

I do wonder if my age has something to do with it. They know after the first year of the apprenticeship, they'd have to then start paying me the living wage in the 2nd year. That's the only thing I can think of. I come across well in the interviews (imo), have good customer service experience which I display and explain about being the 'IT help guy' in my current department despite not actually working in IT.

 

There's just not many IT apprenticeships out there so when one does come up, I know I have to put everything into the application and interview. Don't want to sound like a moaner, but just doesn't seem fair (I know, life's not fair...). Coupled with the fact that my current job is getting shitter (department cut from 12 people down to 5, same workload and a manager who is clueless/lazy) doesn't help the situation.

 

I guess I feel a little like time isn't on my side either, currently saving for a house so now is the ideal time to take a pay cut, because once I get a house and a mortgage, I literally won't be able to afford to take the apprenticeship pay cut from what I'm on now.

 

I know I just have to keep trying, but it's just getting me down every now and then.

 

[J4MES OX4D 10,036]

1 hour ago, Dan94 said:

I think the most frustrating thing is getting no feedback. The last 2 interviews I went for and wasn't successful I asked for feedback regarding application/interview and didn't receive a response

It should be a legal requirement IMO that a candidate gets informed when they've be unsuccessful and why. Cannot stand ignorant companies like that especially when people go through such a tough process only to get ignored. 

 

Just keep going Dan - the average person these days has to apply for 65 jobs or something ridiculous and it can be demoralising as hell but the right opportunity will come round eventually. I've known plenty of University students who came away with flashy degrees and they struggle to get something appropriate for years. 

 

You're definitely not alone.

[Dan94 913]

11 minutes ago, J4MES OX4D said:

It should be a legal requirement IMO that a candidate gets informed when they've be unsuccessful and why. Cannot stand ignorant companies like that especially when people go through such a tough process only to get ignored. 

 

Just keep going Dan - the average person these days has to apply for 65 jobs or something ridiculous and it can be demoralising as hell but the right opportunity will come round eventually. I've known plenty of University students who came away with flashy degrees and they struggle to get something appropriate for years. 

 

You're definitely not alone.

Yeah tell me about it. I kinda understand when its just an application, just say you didn't make the cut sorry or whatever. But when you actually go for an interview, get to know eachother and get along well, just a simple couple of lines of feedback when requested would be helpful.

[Dan94 913]

On ‎2‎/‎21‎/‎2019 at 8:43 AM, Dan94 said:

Cheers mate. I've asked for feedback on a couple of interviews where I haven't been successful but heard nothing back.

My mate works for the NHS Trust IT Help Desk and there may be an apprenticeship coming up there. Just means shite money for a year, but after that it'll be good. It may be the only way I can get into IT if every employer is going to say about lack of experience.


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So the apprenticeship was posted a month or two ago, but as a Business and Admin qualification under the role of Customer Services, but working in the Service Desk (IT). I already have a Level 3, so didn't apply.

 

My mate has since told me that they're re-posting the vacancy, as everyone who applied before was terrible (to put it politely). I noticed on the Indeed advertisement, it says "Work towards a Level 3 in Business and Admin OR Information Technology". However, I think this should've been removed and more of a 'delete one' as an NHS template when they post jobs, as when I apply on the NHS website it only says Business and Admin Level 3.

 

Anyway, I have applied and in my covering letter have said on Indeed advertisement it says a choice between the two, and as I already have a Level 3 in B&A I'd love to do the IT option. Hopefully something comes of it. Worse thing that could happen would be for them to say I read the advertisement wrong and that the NHS website one is the correct one, however its worth a try. They may see someone with a L3 B&A and think it would be a good starting point for a new IT guy in their team who already has experience/qualification in B&A and Customer Service. Closing date is 19th May so we will see what happens.

[tronic44 3,642]

Good luck dude!! Sounds very confusing but hope it's the one for you!

 

Also sorry to hear about all the problems you've been having. You should be able to get feedback if you ask for it, there's nothing wrong in wanting to improve or even know why you didn't get it in the first place.

 

As others have said, keep the good spirits up and good things will hopefully happen soon 🤞

[Dan94 913]

Cheers mate, appreicate it. Here's to hoping something comes of this one, sounds like a really good opportunity if I get an interview


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[GazzaGarratt 11,055]

Yep, totally what @tronic44 says! You got this! 👊

[Dan94 913]

I'm also going to do the new CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ exam. It's around £70 and seems to be a broad foundation level qualification across a bit of everything. I realise that although I have a fair bit of knowledge, the only IT qualification I have is my GCSE from about 8 years ago lol. I've done a few of the free practise mini exams (about 10 questions) and got 100% on most, so will do a little brushing up over the coming weeks and then go for the exam, just to have a proper qualification to back up my skills and knowledge. Some of A+ stuff was pretty advanced and specialised so feel that maybe the Fundamentals+ is a good way to start and getting a foundation qualification across a few areas.


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[Dan94 913]

NHS just got back to me, interview scheduled for Tuesday morning 😃 Fingers crossed

[J4MES OX4D 10,036]

Man Utd job may be available soon.,..