Help with a job

[Tricky Dicky]

I can see what you are saying. I debated this with myself and was not sure whether to make this offer. This is not because of the money I could lose out on, but as you say it could sound desperate. The thing is, I seem to be falling between roles, given I have seem to have to much experience for the description of junior roles and not enough recent experience for other roles.

I suppose only time will tell

Indeed. At the time, I had over 20 years of City expierence as a developer, but there were so few jobs around, it didn't matter very much. I didn't work for 14 months, but have now been back in work for over 2 years. I didn't however, claim a single penny in benefits.

 

[JCL666]

I can see what you are saying. I debated this with myself and was not sure whether to make this offer. This is not because of the money I could lose out on, but as you say it could sound desperate. The thing is, I seem to be falling between roles, given I have seem to have to much experience for the description of junior roles and not enough recent experience for other roles.

I suppose only time will tell

I've looked at your CV and if you check your email I've added some ideas and an example template...

As for the working for a lower rate etc. There is a world of difference between working for big firms in the city and working for smaller firms or start ups in Brighton.

The key thing about working for start ups and smaller firms is that your jack of all trades skillset can be a great asset as they cannot afford to spend tons of money on a specialist in each area. It may also give you the chance to gain an insight into areas that you want to specialise in.

A good technical base (which you appear to have), along with a willingness to work hard and learn go along way with small companies who don't have loads of cash.

Good luck!

 

[amexee]

I've looked at your CV and if you check your email I've added some ideas and an example template...

As for the working for a lower rate etc. There is a world of difference between working for big firms in the city and working for smaller firms or start ups in Brighton.

The key thing about working for start ups and smaller firms is that your jack of all trades skillset can be a great asset as they cannot afford to spend tons of money on a specialist in each area. It may also give you the chance to gain an insight into areas that you want to specialise in.

A good technical base (which you appear to have), along with a willingness to work hard and learn go along way with small companies who don't have loads of cash.

Good luck!

Your template is a lot different from the one I was using, and does look very clear. I will spend some time rewriting mine. Thanks for taking the time.

 

[JCL666]

Your template is a lot different from the one I was using, and does look very clear. I will spend some time rewriting mine. Thanks for taking the time.

Another thing.. You need to use the right sort of language.

For example
"In the last six months as part of my role of lead developer\project manager for a time recording and client profitability project I visited Frankfurt, Paris, Madrid and Amsterdam on fact - finding missions. My task was to find out what relevant systems they had and the business processes they followed. This analysis was done after the launch of the system in England. So I had to find ways of acquiring and importing the required data utilising various technologies and combining modified business processes, systems and data before adding each country to the central system."

This would read better IMO using terms like;

Feasibility study
Documenting current system architecture
Process mapping and subsequent re-engineering
Migration of systems from multiple international sites
Reconciling disparate data sources into central repository

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Another thing.. You need to use the right sort of language.

For example
"In the last six months as part of my role of lead developer\project manager for a time recording and client profitability project I visited Frankfurt, Paris, Madrid and Amsterdam on fact - finding missions. My task was to find out what relevant systems they had and the business processes they followed. This analysis was done after the launch of the system in England. So I had to find ways of acquiring and importing the required data utilising various technologies and combining modified business processes, systems and data before adding each country to the central system."

This would read better IMO using terms like;

Feasibility study
Documenting current system architecture
Process mapping and subsequent re-engineering
Migration of systems from multiple international sites
Reconciling disparate data sources into central repository

Also known as "corporate bollocks". Needs must though

 

[SeagullinExile]

I can't help you with you search, but it is nice to see fellow NSC'ers handing out good advice....see...we can be nice on here if we try!

The only advice i can give is, keep doing what your doing to get back in work, and you'll land on your feet soon enough!

Good luck!

 

[JCL]

Also known as "corporate bollocks". Needs must though

Yep, but we have to do it!

I'm still out of work since losing my job six weeks ago... still looking!

However I'm looking to see if I can take my part-time freelancing business to full time status; not there just yet!

Money is really tight, but you've got to hang in there and believe that something good will happen and explore every avenue that comes your way - but you can't sit back waiting for things to happen - got to go find them!

 

[Willy Dangle]

Hello NSC bods.

I know in the past several people have received advice on finding work via this board. I am hoping someone on here maybe able to point me in the direction of some work.

I am in Haywards Heath, and willing to travel.

I have a Msc in Information Studies from Brighton University. I got that in 2000 and after that spent 6 years commuting to London as an IT consultant. I would like to find work in that field, but will take on virtual anything.

As a consultant I performed many roles, all the way from initial analysis through to testing and maintenance and including programming and database work. The work was extremely varied, so I could pick up one skill one week, then be off in another role the week after. Hence I would not define myself as an expert in any of the disciplines, more as a person able to find a solution as required.

I left that industry and made an ill advised move into retail as a franchisee, just in time for the economic crash. I am finding it impossible to find any role similar to what I have done in the past. All job sites seem to ask for particular expertise in a defined role, and want X many years of recent experience.

I am willing to work for virtually nothing as a way back in, and a means to get current work on my CV, so if anyone knows of some work or avenues I can explore to find some work, I will be extremely grateful.

Just PM'd you.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Hello NSC bods.

I know in the past several people have received advice on finding work via this board. I am hoping someone on here maybe able to point me in the direction of some work.

I am in Haywards Heath, and willing to travel.

I have a Msc in Information Studies from Brighton University. I got that in 2000 and after that spent 6 years commuting to London as an IT consultant. I would like to find work in that field, but will take on virtual anything.

As a consultant I performed many roles, all the way from initial analysis through to testing and maintenance and including programming and database work. The work was extremely varied, so I could pick up one skill one week, then be off in another role the week after. Hence I would not define myself as an expert in any of the disciplines, more as a person able to find a solution as required.

I left that industry and made an ill advised move into retail as a franchisee, just in time for the economic crash. I am finding it impossible to find any role similar to what I have done in the past. All job sites seem to ask for particular expertise in a defined role, and want X many years of recent experience.

I am willing to work for virtually nothing as a way back in, and a means to get current work on my CV, so if anyone knows of some work or avenues I can explore to find some work, I will be extremely grateful.

Capita Assurance and Test are based in Haywards Heath. They're usually looking for permanent IT Testing people. Why not give them a call?

 

[Willy Dangle]

Also known as "corporate bollocks". Needs must though

That kind of language will see you banned Miss Mod. You should know better.

 

[JCL666]

Also known as "corporate bollocks". Needs must though

Hmmm maybe ...... Although I think there's a difference between writing stuff in a style using the appropriate terminology and awful things like "ducks in a line", "lets play that back", "upstream" and the worst "widen the pipline"

working life is such an odd game.........

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Also known as "corporate bollocks". Needs must though

I understand why it might look like that, but as someone who has before trawled through 100s of CVs when looking to hire someone, you don't want to read paragraphs of stuff to understand what the person can do - it's not an English test, you want the relevent facts in a precise manner or else you just throw the CV out.

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

PM Sent

 

[del_boy]

PM'd you.

 

[Blue&WhiteSea]

Sorry to jump on the bandwagon here a bit but I am in a similar situation in that I am looking to get into a Business Analyst or testing role with limited formal experience of the role. I have performed a number of functions over the past 11 years that would fit into the job descriptions of some of these roles but again am lacking the formal experience of certain methods or tools. I have just completed the BCS Foundation certificate in Business Analysis and was thinking of doing a foundation certificate in testing over the next few weeks but will this just be a waste of money or is there a chance that I will be able to get a junior position with these qualifications? Any help gratefully received.

 

[Muhammad - I’m hard - Bruce Lee]

this is what i like about NSC. in amongst the binfests and bitching, you come across a thread like this!
after 20+ years in the same trade i'm desperate for a career change, but i fear at 52, i'm too old to re-train in anything, or for anyone to take a chance with me

good luck [MENTION=19920]amexee[/MENTION]

 

[Aadam]

Sorry to jump on the bandwagon here a bit but I am in a similar situation in that I am looking to get into a Business Analyst or testing role with limited formal experience of the role. I have performed a number of functions over the past 11 years that would fit into the job descriptions of some of these roles but again am lacking the formal experience of certain methods or tools. I have just completed the BCS Foundation certificate in Business Analysis and was thinking of doing a foundation certificate in testing over the next few weeks but will this just be a waste of money or is there a chance that I will be able to get a junior position with these qualifications? Any help gratefully received.

You should be able to get one, in whatever industry you've experience in. I would recommend you stick to either business analysis or testing. Whilst it is beneficial to have a good understanding of the testing environment, business analysis will lead to more career opportunities, and ultimately more money. Pop lynn.morriss@landg.com an email with your CV attached. Let her know what you're looking for in terms of a junior business analyst role and see if they have anything available, or something coming up.

EDIT: I actually know someone that will be looking for testers at some point in the future but the role is in Kingswood, Surrey. Assuming that's too far for you to travel though?

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

You should be able to get one, in whatever industry you've experience in. I would recommend you stick to either business analysis or testing. Whilst it is beneficial to have a good understanding of the testing environment, business analysis will lead to more career opportunities, and ultimately more money. Pop lynn.morriss@landg.com an email with your CV attached. Let her know what you're looking for in terms of a junior business analyst role and see if they have anything available, or something coming up.

EDIT: I actually know someone that will be looking for testers at some point in the future but the role is in Kingswood, Surrey. Assuming that's too far for you to travel though?

Would that be lynn.morriss@landg.com by any chance?

L&G's other site is in Hove Business Park (TCS sites don't count), maybe see what they've got coming up?

 

[Aadam]

Would that be lynn.morriss@landg.com by any chance?

L&G's other site is in Hove Business Park (TCS sites don't count), maybe see what they've got coming up?

No, someone up in Kingswood, the manager of the team, not HR recruitment.

 

[amexee]

I am still looking. Doing some part-time cleaning at the moment.

I had an interview last week for a junior DBA Role, for less than half the money I was on 6 years ago. I could have done the job with ease, and unfortunately I think that was the main problem.

I just want to work, but it seems experience which is not recent does not count for advanced roles, but is relevant when you have more experience than people more senior when going for junior roles.

Rock, hard place and in between is f'ing frustration.