Got the job!

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Well, hello all. I've been visiting this site for a while now, but this is my first post. A bit about me. I've been a police officer for the last 3 years, and before that I did various jobs, including working on a helpdesk for an outsourcing company that provided semi IT support for Natwest business customers. I've always wanted to work in IT, and particularly networking.
Well, I saw a job on the internet about 2 weeks ago, which offered to train the successful applicant in all aspects of IP networking, DSL, VPN's etc. As soon as I saw it I thought "Thats the job for me."
Anyhow, now the advice bit for anyone who is in the same boat as me (which I guess most people on here are!) I wouldn't have gotten this job had I just applied using the facility on all the jobsites we know and love, whereby you attach a CV and email it. I called the person directly who was responsible for taking applications, and explained the reason I was calling, that the job was just too good to apply and hope for the best. It turns out the person I spoke to was directly involved with the decision making process for who the company was going to recruit. The telephone conversation went so well that she told me to email my CV straight to her and she would take it straight to the helpdesk manager. By the way the job is on a first line support helpdesk supporting and troubleshooting networks.
Within 2 days I had the first interview. The company seemed a very good place to be. The interview went along the lines of the helpdesk manager and the internal sales manager getting to know me and the reasons I wanted to work for their company, and particularly within networking. They explained that if I was successful they would provide all training, from network basics then onto more advanced stuff with one of their network engineers, up to the point where I will have two days working with switches and routers generally messing about with them and configuring them. Then they'll show me how to set up a small network from scratch and get me to do it under the supervision of an engineer. They will also expect that I do the CCNA, and will pay for the book and exam fees, and give me time in work to study
As you can imagine, by this point I really did want this job. I went away with a good feeling about the interview, and the following morning they called inviting me back for a second interview.
This morning I've been back, and it was simply a case of a bit of a chat, then they offered me the job!!
Starting 2nd of January, so I'll keep you all posted with how it goes.

 

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Welcome to CF and congratulations on your new IT job. New year and a new job, best wishes

 

Welcome

Good luck with the new job

 

Definitely a dream job - and a dream company - well done - and welcome to CF!

 

Welcome, and congrats!

 

Congrats on getting that first job. I'm sure it brings out the envy in a lot of us that you were able to get one so soon after deciding to try to get into IT. You're definitely one of the lucky ones.

 

Congratulations. It's good to work.

 

Well thanks everyone for the kind comments. it really is a big deal to leave a job like the police and start over again.
As Ffreeloader said, I'm one of the lucky ones, especially as I got the job so quickly. However I wouldn't have gotten the job if I hadn't have phoned and spoken to the company. I don't know what everyone else here does, but every job I've applied for I've just submitted an application via a job website and heard nothing. Phone 'em! And tell them why you want the job so badly and why you'd be perfect for the job! I did and it worked!

It would be easy to say I was just lucky, but it makes such a difference if the person responsible for recruiting has got a name and knows a bit about the person applying.

I know what disappointment is with IT jobs. When I worked for the Natwest helpdesk I did the 2K pro and server certs. I applied for a load of jobs and got nowhere. Thats part of the reason I'm now in the police. I became really disheartened with the whole thing. On the upside, according to this firm, there are now loads of jobs out there, and I've certainly noticed a massive difference considering I last applied for an IT job 4 years ago. The future's bright!

Anyway, I really appreciate everyone's kind words. I hope that you all get where you want to be ( especially you Greenbrucelee, you had a real bad time a couple weeks ago!). I'll post regularly once I start and let you know the crack!

Scott

 

I agree that what you making contact over and above the normal lines of communication was a big plus for you. However, I've done that too, many times, and it doesn't always work. Many times there are other people doing the same thing.

At least around here it's a fairly common practice to do follow ups on resume's and cover letters. If you get lucky nobody else is doing that, and you stand out. If you're not, and a lot of other people are also making contact, then you don't happen to stand out in the crowd nearly as much.

 

Congratulations

 

Welcome to CF and major congrats on the first IT job, really good stuff!