Wanted: Education advice from those in the know

I started on getting my A+ certification, but stopped.

My Mom was a computer operator in the 60s? 70s? way back when they used punch cards. She went through a lot of training to learn how to operate that stuff, now it's all in a museum. She apparently got out somehow.

Does anyone have anything to say about the advance of technology, and if putting time into developing skills with current PC technology is worth it? I am more interested in hardware than programming.

I have some base skill, I can assemble a PC from scratch parts, but not enough to be A+ certified.

 

In any High Tech Field, two years not actively working in it...........Your obsolete, and have to pick-up the knowledge you've missed. Hey I know a mess of techies who are wizzes at Windows 98, or worse MS/DOS and can't find work in the field...............Bottom line if you want to play, you have to stay upto date, or the game goes right by you........Oh and tell your Mum, that I too remember those IBM Punch Cards (shudder):eek :mad

 

Here is the thing. I am 37. I have 10 years in high tech consulting, sales, and management experience. I went back at 28 and got my BS in Corporate Communications. I served my country in 91' and am a disabled veteran. I cannot find a job for anything. In my past I have worked in several fields from Microsoft technical training, to Lucent equipment, to server and network access for companies. What is the deal? If anyone out there needs a person to take your company to the next level in sales, I can help you.

 

If I were in the area/position, I would consider hiring you from what little you've posted. May I instead offer some (hopefully helpful) suggestions (many of which you probably have already thought of or may have applied):

• Cold calls: Check out websites for companies you would like to work for that fit your qualifications/situation and "cold call" with a solid resume outlining your qualifications/abilities - try to ensure you have some good Referees (past employers or even university professors from your studies) who can provide solid references towards your qualifications/abilities.
  
  Trick when "cold calling" is to address your letter directly to the manager who may be interested, (because such paperwork gets lost in Human Resources if there is no job advertised). If everything (documentation/self) is well presented you may raise enough interest for them to want to keep your Resume on file for any possible future opportunities.

• Personal attributes: Fact that you also served your country highlights other attributes (eg good stress management, motivator, initiative, teamwork and/or leadership, etc) you should include in your CV/Resume as to how such attributes can be applied to a job/performance.

• Documentation/Referees: Include a covering letter with your CV/resume. Covering letter should seduce the reader's interest while selling yourself. Have a really good CV/Resume that addresses the position being sought and skewed to job criteria (you'll be surprised how many professionals forget this by sending the same unskewed resume to different employers). If you ain't got the reader's interest in the first 30 seconds of their reading your letter/Resume, you've lost 'em. Select the right type of referees for the positions.

• Honesty: Be honest about yourself re your qualifications/abilities because you would want a good reference from the employer when you move onto your next job.

• Network, network, network: use whoever you know who may/can assist with knowledge/contacts of jobs around

• Job websites: Websites are a great place for job searching, so don't limit yourself to newspapers ads

• Government positions: public sectors tend to cater more towards those with disabilities (due to discrimination factors) than private sectors. Keep a close check on govt sites because they regularly list vacancies.
  
  Some government sites advertise for persons to register on lists for future job opportunities in different departments in a temporary/full time/part time work capacity. Again, once you get your foot in the door, good performance sometimes guarantees future ongoing employment.

• Company contractor: Have you thought of setting yourself up as a company, then contracting yourself out? Down here, you can set yourself up with a Australian Business Number (and depending on your situation) get government assistance/finance in setting up an office in your home. Check out the pros and cons before taking this type of step.

• Contractual work: If not interested in being your own company, then what about contract jobs - short or long term types? In many instances I have seen people start off as a contractor, their contracts continue to be renewed, then in some instances, they are offered permanent employment (works out cheaper for the employer who has seen first hand performance ability of contractor - while providing perks for the newly hired).

• Positivity: Lastly and most important, don't give up hope. Keep at it regardless of how many knockbacks you might get in the process, don't dwell on "that job you wanted but didn't get". Move onto the next one you want/find interesting.

Good luck and God speed with your job searches...something terrific is out there waiting for you.:wave

Cheers

LS