The question: How do I get a job with no
experience?
I have an an MSc in electronic and electrical engineering plus
MCSD.net and CCNA certification. These qualifications are coupled
with more than 10 years' experience in engineering. I have been
looking for a junior programming/developer role, but they require
commercial experience which I do not have. How do I get around
this?
The solution: Really highlight your strong
points
I can appreciate how frustrated you must feel to be in this
Catch-22 situation.
A lot of the roles you have applied for may say they require two
years' experience, but that is often a guideline, and in reality
they want an individual who can solve the challenges they are
currently facing.
If a company is paying an agency to find someone with all the
skills they want, agencies are often unable to persuade them to
take someone without them. If the consultant is good, they will
have a full understanding of why the role has come about and then
be able to promote you as someone who has the all-round package,
albeit with slightly less programming experience.
If you are promoting yourself, you need to sell yourself from
the outset. That means creating an individual sales pitch for every
opportunity. Tailor your covering letter to suit the role and put
your selling points on this or your CV. Do not lie or exaggerate,
but really highlight the positives. You could cite instances where
you have saved your company money through a small program you
developed. Or you could write an outline of a project you have been
involved in that you would handle differently now you have the
programming skills.
With demand for IT skills rising, you will undoubtedly find an
employer with an open mind who can see your passion for the
industry and your desire to utilise your skills fully.
- Solution by Tracey Abbott, divisional director, Zarak
Group
- The panel: Plan-Net Services, Hudson, Reed Technology, Zarak
Technology, No Limits Coaching, The Training Camp
E-mail your career questions to
computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk