[JoanneG]

Is there anyone in IT Networks who could give us some pointers?

My OH is currently a contractor working in IT Networks and Security and is finding the job descriptions he finds online a bit vague. He does not have any certification but has 20 years of experience. As many of the jobs ask for certification what are his chances?

Also, what is the 'contract' market like and is it possible to get a visa with a short term contract.

[Ana&Steve]

Is there anyone in IT Networks who could give us some pointers?

My OH is currently a contractor working in IT Networks and Security and is finding the job descriptions he finds online a bit vague. He does not have any certification but has 20 years of experience. As many of the jobs ask for certification what are his chances?

Also, what is the 'contract' market like and is it possible to get a visa with a short term contract.
I'm pretty sure that the contract won't get you what you want unless it's for a year or more. As to the job description thing, that's a toughie. We found out some alternate titles by talking to recruiters, but be careful not to get locked into a certain job description, especially with said recruiters, as you won't get considered for jobs you may be more suited to. When the NZ forumites wake up, I'm sure there will better advice to you questions!
Ana

[Angelonthemove]

To get PR with a contract you have to have a HISTORY of contracting before. Otherwise it has to be over 12months with a view to extending. that has to be in the contract, which is difficult. For contracting you have to supply previous contracts and references to say you completed the dates in you application. If you do not have these then get past collegues to write them before you need them. As lo9ng as they are on headed paper of som sort they will be accepted. We also printed off the website of the companies OH worked for to back them up.

Security is an up and coming area over here so he shoud be in demand. As for ceritification most agency do not know what they actually mean they just rewrite the job description and word search on CV's Its worth sending his CV direct to large organisations who will recognise his skills.

Job titles I just changed my IT Relationship Manager to Relationship/Service Delivery manager as it seem to capture my skills better. As a result I have had a better result from my CV this 3rd time round job seeking. I am in recruitment now so I know how they work (or dont). At the front of his CV put a matrix of skills and systems/software/HW he has worked on. Indepth of each job what his tasks performed, who he reported to who he mananged $$$ size of projects etc.

Failing that I can send you a copy of a dummy Cv of a guy who recently got a job so his CV certainly works (name removed for obvious reason). PM if you would like one or anyone else for that matter.

i am leaving her in 2 weeks can't wait to get a normal job so I am not touting for buisness as they are closing down this side of the business.

I would recommend Fujitsu, Geni, HP, Infinity solutions, Telecom, Alcatel (def have security jobs on their site) all do their own recruitment in house. good agents are Beyond, Maddison, Robert Walters, Hudson, Icon (part of Adecco)

Also search this site for Wellie group who get together once a month in Wellington, group of IT people who network together to help find jobs and help with any other stuff.

good luck

Angela

p.s I have a 2nd interview tomorrow and had a good 1st today with another company

[Angelonthemove]

sorry its BNZ who have a vacancy not Alcatel

https://careers.bnz.co.nz/safelink=JSHL&O_p=SEUd7&

Alcatel have loads though of other jobs

http://tbe.taleo.net/NA1/ats/careers/searchResults.jsp;jsessionid=00A0E9E82F127F23C8923 616B5E32D9F?org=ALCATEL&cws=1

Hope these work

[JoanneG]

Thank you - this advice has been really useful.

[barryp]

I still find the credibility given to certs here to be odd. (In my experience there is minimal relationship of competence and number of certs.) But it definitely helps to have them, even if you're a contractor selling your experience.

Very few people here have CISSP certification, probably the only one I take seriously in the security arena. But people in large organisations know what it is, the gold standard as it were, so if I had to get one piece of paper I'd get that one.

[Hesh]

that's interesting... Is there any demand for CISAs ? I am a CISA certified professional with 4+ yrs of work ex in IT security / N/W security and auditing. any advise?

[MattA]

Very few people here have CISSP certification, probably the only one I take seriously in the security arena. But people in large organisations know what it is, the gold standard as it were, so if I had to get one piece of paper I'd get that one.

I do my CISSP in 2 weeks June 2nd in London (fingers crossed).
I also get bemused looks as I have a CEH as well.