As one who has hired in the past and is still active in the field I
will take a stab.
On Mar 14, 2008, at 8:44 AM, David Turk wrote:
1) What's required to get an entry-level IT position (e.g. maybe
the guy who's sole job is to install/update company software)?
A pulse. Seriously. Low level positions don't require much skill or
experience, only a familiarity with the terms sufficient to write a
resume, and the ability to clean up nice. It is why they call them
"entry-level".
2) I'm 43. Is it unrealistic to think I'll be able to gain the
necessary experience that would make me a desirable candidate for a
position over, say, someone who's 10 years younger and been doing
this for 10 years?
My last hire was a 50'ish gentleman who was carreer changing but had
no practical experience. He worked out just fine and is now earning a
quite respectable salary. One caveat - I hired him as an intern - he
worked 20 hours a week part time for several months on the try before
you buy plan. We made him permanent after said several months. The
point was the work I needed, someone to update software, install new
software, respond to basic user requests of the "I can't print - the
world is ending" variety with patience, grace, and not a hint of a
smirk when he plugged their printer back into the outlet they had
kicked the plug from. Someone with 10 years experience either wants a
more challenging position, or if they don't want such I don't want
them in my organization.
3) I'm not looking for a management position necessarily; just want
to get my foot in the door at this point.
This is a healthy attitude. It was how I changed careers when I
became an IT guy.
4) I'm located in Indianapolis; there are several educational
options: IUPUI School of Informatics, Ivy Tech, ITT Tech. I have
strong Mac/PC skills (thanks in part to the contributors on this
list); I'm also familiar with a variety of database applications,
digital imaging & archiving methods, & related hardware.
Send me a CV (off list) - include EVERYTHING. I will look it over and
pick out the stuff I think anyone will care about so you can emphasize
it in a later draft.
It sounds like your best selling point is intelligence and
flexibility. If you can do all you say, you could add great value.
For one thing, you clearly can RTFM, as skill which all too many lack.
I think your best employment target would be with a smaller operation
that needs a generalist.
If you want to go the education route, get yourself a certification
appropriate to an area that really excites you and use that as a
credential to get in the door.
HTH;
Matthew
tia.
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