Obtaining certain qualifications online...

JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

OK.

I'm a geek and I know shitloads about computers in general, but all I officially have to my name is a D in ICT, primarily cause I mucked about in my ICT sessions. However I feel despite all my unofficial experience this particular requirement for a lot of the jobs I have been looking at is holding me back.

Basically I need to able to quickly obtain a legal qualification that can be done very quickly and hopefully at home/online. Something like a ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) or RSA II skillz of somesort.

It's wholly ridiculous cause I know I know more about computers than 90% of the working population. Rolling Eyes

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The Shaggy D.A. · Super Spammer Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Karma :

s44678 · Guest

Time to put your skills to good use and research the aforementioned courses using the internet.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

So you know loads about computers but you can't find the answers to your questions on the web?

Without searching, do you know what a north-bridge is?
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Stevie B · Crazy Courier Joined: 22 Apr 2005 Karma :

ICS you can. Sick

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NSR Mick · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Jun 2005 Karma :

JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

s44678 · Guest

What kind of job are you applying for where you have to prove Microsoft Office skills?

Surely you just state on your CV that you are proficient in them and that's that?

Designers are always expected to be proficient in most if not all of Adobe Suite, but there's no way you can prove it. If you get the job and you turn out not to have a clue, then really you have lied on your CV and they can just sack you.

JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

Administrative roles mainly. Usually having either an ECDL or RSA Stage II is an essential requirement. Of course in the cover letter I prove I have competency with the relative programs etc, however I wonder if in this competitive market at the moment whether it is enough. Thinking

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Barry_M2 · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Karma :

JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

I always fuck up a post with an arrogant statement. Laughing

It's strictly not true, but meh.
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Barry_M2 · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Karma :

Out of interest, what experience do you have?

Thumbs Up

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JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

I say experience, I suppose it is more of an interest. I have computing as a hobby and I suppose when you have an interest in something you pick up more knowledge. I admit I am probably a little bit shaky with most stuff, expecially Excel and Access and so i'd definately need to patch up on that, but i've found a course that can do that anyway, pretty much decided to go for an ECDL course anyway.

I know more about PC hardware than software and so maybe a course would be a good thing.

I dunno, early Tuesday morning grumpiness and now I have smelt and tasted the coffee (hmmm Mocha) and yes I am a twat.

I am just sick of unemployment, but then I guess i'm not alone, must persevere.
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Ichy · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Karma :

Ive never been asked to prove any of my qualifications, the interview should be enough for them to decide. If that fails then they always have the trial period to fall back on.

Just put 'Extensive knowledge of Microsoft and other software packages' and make sure your CV is formatted professionally!
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Fnatic · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 May 2008 Karma :

Watch that channel Dave on Freeview for about an hour. At least 20 companies offering IT qualifications online and at home that will apparently get you straight into a job. Laughing

Seriously, I'm kind of the same as you. My IT teacher hated me as I did no coursework for 2 years then did all of it in a week and got an A. My expected grade was an A, as well. Seems like a bit of a no brainer to put me on the higher paper? Nope, she put me on foundation. I got nearly 100% if I remember but all it counts for is a C.

I've just finished a two term course at college for a BTEC National Award in IT Web Development which is worth 1 A-level and fills up my CV that bit more. I think IT people on their CV's list their attributes more than their qualifications. For example they'll put HTML; PHP; C++/C#; VB6; Delphi and so on.

JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

I got put on foundation paper as well, when I knew full well I could complete the higher tier. Funnily enough the feminist twat only put one male into the higher paper.
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Fnatic · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 May 2008 Karma :

GhostRider · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Jan 2008 Karma :

You think thats bad, I'd like someone to explain to me why I was told I needed to be 21 and have held a clean driving licence for 3 years to be able to pack boxes in a warehouse/factory, despite being told there was no driving involved in the job and there never would be. Was the same for loads of assembly line jobs.

To be honest I'd just do some reading up on the qualifications, see what the learning material is, and then just lie about it, I know from your background that such admin jobs aren't exactly the dream career so who cares if you get found out (which is unlikely since if you are doing the job fine then they have no reason to question).

Depends if they ask to see certificates - I've never been asked to produce proof of anything in an interview, that includes proof of me having a degree at all (and this was for the FSS as a DNA analyst, so go figure...). It was the same in the interview for my current job too.

Trouble is, in this job climate, with the number of people applying for any one position, stating that you're badass on all MS stuff in words probably isn't enough, and they are stating that the other qualifications are necessary just to rapidly shortlist down, wheat from the chaff type thing, I would imagine this is especially true with agencies. So just state that you got all that in the bag anyway, and an interview will allow you to be convincing in that you are competent and know your way round MS software.

Then, if you get the job, brush up in the meantime (i.e Excel for dummies etc) just to get the basics in, the rest is just freestylin....

GhostRider
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Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

When I was in India, I met a fellow traveller who had just been on an all-inclusive Microsoft related 10 week intensive training course in Deli. Basically you pay something like £5k for the course, and are put up in a posh hotel and get taken to the centre and at the end of it get your qualification and a free holiday in India.

I am in touch with her still, I could find out details if you are interested. She has got herself a job because of it in London. But I'm sure you could do a search on the 'net and find out the details for yourself.

They may do cheaper courses elsewhere. Very Happy

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