Could anyone advise me ?

Discussion in 'Employment & Jobs' started by ibrator, Jan 26, 2008.

  1. ibrator

    ibrator New Member

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    Morning

    I've just recieved with "On Her Majesty's Service" and I was all excited,
    just to realise that I was invited to attend a technical knowledge test.

    The role I've applied for is ICT Helpdesk Support Officer for Foreign and
    Commonwealth office.

    Job Details are as follows.(sorry for the text load)

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Purpose of the Job

    To provide second and third level helpdesk support and management to the Firecrest operating system and its components including, Microsoft Exchange Server management and support arenas; bespoke FCO software; SQL databases and Microsoft Office suite. This includes customers within FCO and OGDs who are experiencing difficulties using Firecrest and other related ICT systems world-wide.

    This may comprise of second level support of Citrix and Windows Terminal Server infrastructure components and interfacing with specialists for third or fourth level support issues.

    The job will involve day to day delivery of support services in accordance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), resolving incidents as they arise.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Providing second/third line management and technical support, via the telephone, remote access and occasionally on-site visits for ICT systems world-wide and UK server infrastructure components; both operating systems and applications. We use Microsoft back and front office systems. Includes recording actions taken and solutions.
    • Draft minutes, letters, faxes, emails and reports relaying guidance to customers and senior management on ICT system problems.
    • Assist IT Project Management with ad-hoc activities connected with the introduction of new products or systems into the field.
    • Use of the Operations Management console and other tools to assist in the root cause analysis and resolution of incidents and problems.
    • Performing ongoing system management tasks, including server backup and general accounting activities. Reviewing error log information and hardware and software configuration reporting. Capacity Management and identification of system bottlenecks.
    • Liaison with Security Operations Centre with regard to security incidents.

    This position will initially support Firecrest 2nd Generation (2G) based on Windows NT4 and some 2000 Server. This will gradually migrate to Firecrest 3rd Generation (3G) based on Windows XP and 2003 Server. The infrastructure will then further develop into future generations of Firecrest as well as bespoke FCO and other customer applications.

    This is a challenging job requiring a good knowledge of Microsoft operating systems and associated applications such as Windows NT4, 2000 & 2003. There is a great deal of problem solving and the jobholder will need to be tenacious and able to work largely unsupervised.

    The jobholder will need to have the ability to maintain an expert level of knowledge based on the latest infrastructure technologies in use. You will be expected to have very strong problem solving skills and the ability to use independent judgement to bring complex technical issues to a resolution. The jobholder must be a good team player and be prepared to assist and motivate others. The position will deal with end users and management at all levels, so good interpersonal skills are required.

    In this position, you may be expected to work a shift pattern. If so, the shift cycle will be continuously monitored to ensure that it provides the best service to the customer. The jobholder should therefore be flexible enough to accept occasional changes. If you work a shift pattern you will receive an appropriate shift allowance which currently is set at 12.5%.

    Skills and Experience

    Essential
    • In depth knowledge of MS Windows Operating Systems
    • In depth knowledge of Networking
    • In depth experience of providing software and hardware support.

    Desirable
    • In depth knowledge of Microsoft Exchange Administration and Microsoft Back Office products and the Microsoft Office suite.
    • Experience of Compaq/HP workstations and servers.
    • Ideally you should have, or be working towards, a Microsoft MCSE or MCP qualification.
    • ITIL qualifications

    The successful candidate may be given the opportunity to study for industry recognised certification (e.g. MCSE) if they wish.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Being invited for the technical test is good, it tells me that I have the ability to do the job and the salary is between £21k to £31k. It will be my first proper IT job. To cut it short I have all the knowledge and experience for their "essential requirement". I'm working towards an MCSE qualification and I'm almost completed my comp tia+ course. I've also studied cisco at uni and been building pcs since I was 15, hence hardware troubleshooting and softward troubleshooting shouldn't be a problem.

    Now, when you guys applied for similar jobs did you have to take a technical test ? Tell me your experience, what was it like ? anything I need to look out for ?

    If allowed I'll take my toolkit with me and some diagnostic tools, after all what can a technician do without their tools.

    any advice will be appreciated.

    Thanks in advance and have a fantastic day.

    -ibrator
     
  2. Fergal1982

    Fergal1982 Petabyte Poster

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    Sorry to burst your bubble a little but...

    Being invited for a technical test doesnt tell you that you have the ability to do the job. It tells you that they want to know if you have the ability. Being invited means that they see that you might be a suitable candidate, and are worth pursuing in itself. Thats promising, no doubt about it, but just wanted to clear that point up.

    Secondly, building and maintaining PCs at home doesnt usually count as experience supporting hardware/software for most companies. They only count commercial experience. Again, that said, the fact that they are willing to get you tested means that they see something worth investigating in you.

    As for the technical test, it could encompass anything really. Could just be a written test, or a practical, or a bit of both. You wont know until you get in there what they want you to do. I wouldnt worry about taking any tools though, if you need anything to work, they will supply the tools, just like they will if you get the job.

    Good luck.
     
    Certifications: ITIL Foundation; MCTS: Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010, Administration
    WIP: None at present
  3. greenbrucelee
    Highly Decorated Member Award

    greenbrucelee Zettabyte Poster

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    What Fergal said :)
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCDST, Security+, 70-270
    WIP: 70-620 or 70-680?
  4. MrNerdy

    MrNerdy Megabyte Poster

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    Suggest not being a blabber-mouth & being a little more discreet about your application would help you.
     
    Certifications: ECDL, CiscoIT1 & A+
    WIP: Girlfriend & Network+
  5. Wassup

    Wassup Byte Poster

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    my technical test was one sheet of A4 paper with questions on it like, what is a switch, router and brouter?

    as said, asking you to take the test is only an indication of your abilities, they still don't know if you actually can!

    that said, I wish you all the best
     

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