http://atom.smasher.org/error/gallery/ allows you to get pictures of your own messages. Nothing to do with job hunting.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Interesting little site
http://atom.smasher.org/error/gallery/ allows you to get pictures of your own messages. Nothing to do with job hunting.
Q&A
A question was sent to a couple of us where I work from an old colleague and friend:
The question
"I have the opportunity to do some ... training courses and I'm mulling over which ones to do, I have a reasonably free hand in what I pick but I want it to be of maximum use when I come to look for a new job. Since you guys have more recent and relevant experience of looking and recruiting I was hoping you could provide some pointers as to the most relevant stuff to do, SQL, XP, Exchange,Server 2003 etc"
My answer
"Don’t forget ITIL (say foundation certificate) and if you’ve done projects in a formal way, PRINCE 2 (practitioner, foundation certificate is for girls). I’d say definitely do ITIL if at all possible. I did mine by reading the books and attending an open day exam. Also do some network foundation course. I did CCNA. Along with ITIL those two created some interest when I was in the job market. ..." there's then some stuff about curry.
In a subsequent email I mention that security is an up-and-coming issue and that he should already know all this if he read this blog. For goodness sake.
The question
"I have the opportunity to do some ... training courses and I'm mulling over which ones to do, I have a reasonably free hand in what I pick but I want it to be of maximum use when I come to look for a new job. Since you guys have more recent and relevant experience of looking and recruiting I was hoping you could provide some pointers as to the most relevant stuff to do, SQL, XP, Exchange,Server 2003 etc"
My answer
"Don’t forget ITIL (say foundation certificate) and if you’ve done projects in a formal way, PRINCE 2 (practitioner, foundation certificate is for girls). I’d say definitely do ITIL if at all possible. I did mine by reading the books and attending an open day exam. Also do some network foundation course. I did CCNA. Along with ITIL those two created some interest when I was in the job market. ..." there's then some stuff about curry.
In a subsequent email I mention that security is an up-and-coming issue and that he should already know all this if he read this blog. For goodness sake.
A little change
During the week I volunteered to assist the North London branch of the British Computer Society.
Although I don't believe it will make a significant change to my job hunting and networking I don't feel it would harm my future.
The North London branch tends to focus on the business issues in IT and has very good speakers at its seminars. There are some groups which are a bit too propellor-headed for me.
When I was out of a job I used to go to seminars with the primary intention of networking. At first I found it difficult to do this. But I then found that the seminars in themselves were quite interesting. So I went along just for the content. Then, I found I was meeting more people and networking better.
I'm very pleased that it has given me a professional status along with the letters after my name (MBCS, CITP as well as the CEng which was partly attained - I guess - from my degree in electronics). My belief is that if you're in a profession, or indeed trade, then you should take an interest in it and join the appropriate body.
Mind you, I've never seen a c.v. (and I've seen loads) which has mentioned membership of the BCS.
Although I don't believe it will make a significant change to my job hunting and networking I don't feel it would harm my future.
The North London branch tends to focus on the business issues in IT and has very good speakers at its seminars. There are some groups which are a bit too propellor-headed for me.
When I was out of a job I used to go to seminars with the primary intention of networking. At first I found it difficult to do this. But I then found that the seminars in themselves were quite interesting. So I went along just for the content. Then, I found I was meeting more people and networking better.
I'm very pleased that it has given me a professional status along with the letters after my name (MBCS, CITP as well as the CEng which was partly attained - I guess - from my degree in electronics). My belief is that if you're in a profession, or indeed trade, then you should take an interest in it and join the appropriate body.
Mind you, I've never seen a c.v. (and I've seen loads) which has mentioned membership of the BCS.
Another paradox
Although it's easier to get a job if you're in a job it's also harder because you're too busy doing the job.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Nasty outbreak of enthusiasm
I'm not that into gadgets. I don't have an i-Pod and don't want one.
In fact I have a "function over form" approach to everything, except girls when I expect both. And so often end up with neither.
Despite my Luddite approach to things I do read gadget blogs including www.engadget.com
I haven't read it for a few days so was going through some old pages. I stumbled across an article about the latest version of Skype. Although I only know one other person on the service I immediately upgraded. "It just works" they say and they're correct.
Within minutes I had upgraded and seconds later the contact co-incidentally called me, from Finland. The sound quality is astounding. What's more it's encrypted. What's even more it's free.
We then ran a web cam connection using MSM Messenger. For some reason it's very difficult to get voice and video running on the Messenger products although NetMeeting works with some friends. (BTW we use NetMeeting at work to remote control servers, crazy but true.)
So now I can video call my friend and business partner in Finland for free.
OK, so what is all this doing in a job hunting blog? Surely it should be on my business building blog?
It goes with my enthusiasm for OneNote. These things are coming along. They're introducing new business models, new processes and new ways of working. OneNote is being pushed in the US at college and high school students. It's slowly becoming the killer app for tablets PCs.
Before we know it these things will be common place. I'm eager to be on top of them when they reach the early majority of users.
[US readers may have other views about OneNote. Some may also think that tablets/OneNote won't have an affect on business models. Maybe not profound ones but wait and see. The collaboration parts could be very useful and make trans-continental concurrent working very possible. I know a UK-based consultant already doing this. Skype on the other hand, well Skype rocks]
In fact I have a "function over form" approach to everything, except girls when I expect both. And so often end up with neither.
Despite my Luddite approach to things I do read gadget blogs including www.engadget.com
I haven't read it for a few days so was going through some old pages. I stumbled across an article about the latest version of Skype. Although I only know one other person on the service I immediately upgraded. "It just works" they say and they're correct.
Within minutes I had upgraded and seconds later the contact co-incidentally called me, from Finland. The sound quality is astounding. What's more it's encrypted. What's even more it's free.
We then ran a web cam connection using MSM Messenger. For some reason it's very difficult to get voice and video running on the Messenger products although NetMeeting works with some friends. (BTW we use NetMeeting at work to remote control servers, crazy but true.)
So now I can video call my friend and business partner in Finland for free.
OK, so what is all this doing in a job hunting blog? Surely it should be on my business building blog?
It goes with my enthusiasm for OneNote. These things are coming along. They're introducing new business models, new processes and new ways of working. OneNote is being pushed in the US at college and high school students. It's slowly becoming the killer app for tablets PCs.
Before we know it these things will be common place. I'm eager to be on top of them when they reach the early majority of users.
[US readers may have other views about OneNote. Some may also think that tablets/OneNote won't have an affect on business models. Maybe not profound ones but wait and see. The collaboration parts could be very useful and make trans-continental concurrent working very possible. I know a UK-based consultant already doing this. Skype on the other hand, well Skype rocks]
The German question
This week the third in line for the position of head of state was pictured in the newspapers wearing a swastika arm band at a fancy-dress party.
I'm glad my tax-pounds are being so well spent.
Meanwhile one of my colleagues resigned this week to take a job in Frankfurt. Having lived and worked in Germany (and it was mainly work, not living) I wanted to have a chat with him about it.
This caused a little bit of consternation amongst other colleagues. I'm not sure why. After all, it's not like I'm a permanent employee. I'm an interim: parachute in, do the job, eat some bacon rolls, and then off to the next job. Hopefully without an interlude.
I'm glad my tax-pounds are being so well spent.
Meanwhile one of my colleagues resigned this week to take a job in Frankfurt. Having lived and worked in Germany (and it was mainly work, not living) I wanted to have a chat with him about it.
This caused a little bit of consternation amongst other colleagues. I'm not sure why. After all, it's not like I'm a permanent employee. I'm an interim: parachute in, do the job, eat some bacon rolls, and then off to the next job. Hopefully without an interlude.
Running out ...
Last weekend was good because the disruption of the day-long evacuation meant I couldn't do anything.
This weekend wasn't so good. I managed to pfaff effectively yesterday but by today I had run out of excuses.
I've just updated my details on www.linkedin.com. I'm not sure if this site is going to become big. I hope it will.
During the week I attended a seminar held by the British Computer Society. At the end of the talk the chairman asked if anyone was interested in becoming a committee member. I put my hand up and had a very quick chat with him. We would have had a longer chat but I had arranged to see a friend, who I don't get to see very often, immediately afterwards.
When I say "see" I should point out that my double-vision kicked in during the meal. It does this sometimes. It meant I spent most of the evening wondering why my friend had been replaced by a two-headed creature. I didn't mention it to her and I'd appreciate it if - assuming she reads this site - she doesn't read this bit.
This weekend wasn't so good. I managed to pfaff effectively yesterday but by today I had run out of excuses.
I've just updated my details on www.linkedin.com. I'm not sure if this site is going to become big. I hope it will.
During the week I attended a seminar held by the British Computer Society. At the end of the talk the chairman asked if anyone was interested in becoming a committee member. I put my hand up and had a very quick chat with him. We would have had a longer chat but I had arranged to see a friend, who I don't get to see very often, immediately afterwards.
When I say "see" I should point out that my double-vision kicked in during the meal. It does this sometimes. It meant I spent most of the evening wondering why my friend had been replaced by a two-headed creature. I didn't mention it to her and I'd appreciate it if - assuming she reads this site - she doesn't read this bit.
Monday, January 10, 2005
New, improved ...
I was going to do so much on Saturday:
I returned around mid-day and was then told that the street in which I live was being evacuated.
Yes, really.
Some scaffolding for a big construction job a few houses down had started to buckle and was likely to collapse.
All occupants of the area had to leave their homes and their broadband connections.
I was forced to hang out in cafes for the rest of the day. It was actually quite nice as I had to relax.
Around mid-night it was deemed safe enough for occupants to return. But the street is still blocked for traffic.
Well at least I tried.
- study more technology
- do some project planning work for, er, work
- update my web site
- get my suitcases fixed (they wore out in the move)
- etc
I returned around mid-day and was then told that the street in which I live was being evacuated.
Yes, really.
Some scaffolding for a big construction job a few houses down had started to buckle and was likely to collapse.
All occupants of the area had to leave their homes and their broadband connections.
I was forced to hang out in cafes for the rest of the day. It was actually quite nice as I had to relax.
Around mid-night it was deemed safe enough for occupants to return. But the street is still blocked for traffic.
Well at least I tried.
Monday, January 03, 2005
Grey
Went to the sales today.
Most of the stuff I bought wasn't on discount. One shop even packed my purchases in a bag with the words "Clearance Sale" in big red.
I looked around the bag for the accompayning "... my arse".
But this is a job hunting blog, not a sales hunting blog and so I need to change the subject.
It's the third day of the new year so I have five months left in this job. I took two months off in November and December. That is, off from job hunting.
But now I better take advantage of being in a job to get another job.
There's a few things I can automatically do. These include:
- update my business cards and make them look a bit better. I have about 400 left but I think they need to be improved.
- update my web site. I'm no longer a CCNA as that expired in December. I will requalify sometime. Meantime I should update my web site's c.v. and other information.
- atttend the upcoming British Computer Society event in London.
I'm living in central London and work in the City so I'm running out of excuses as to why I don't network better. The only one I can come up with is that January is always a quiet month.
Readers should note that although I very eagerly wrote a list (above) about the things I should do, I'm not going to do them today.
It's not just pure procrastination (one of my favourite activities when I get round to it), I'm going through an excellent book on Windows 2003 Server by Mark Minasi.
In the last few years I've been rather hands-off (to the extent of even managing hands-off managers). But in this job I need to be more technical. This book, however, is very easy and indeed enjoyable to read. And I write this from a non-geek perspective.
Well, I better go read the book ...
Most of the stuff I bought wasn't on discount. One shop even packed my purchases in a bag with the words "Clearance Sale" in big red.
I looked around the bag for the accompayning "... my arse".
But this is a job hunting blog, not a sales hunting blog and so I need to change the subject.
It's the third day of the new year so I have five months left in this job. I took two months off in November and December. That is, off from job hunting.
But now I better take advantage of being in a job to get another job.
There's a few things I can automatically do. These include:
- update my business cards and make them look a bit better. I have about 400 left but I think they need to be improved.
- update my web site. I'm no longer a CCNA as that expired in December. I will requalify sometime. Meantime I should update my web site's c.v. and other information.
- atttend the upcoming British Computer Society event in London.
I'm living in central London and work in the City so I'm running out of excuses as to why I don't network better. The only one I can come up with is that January is always a quiet month.
Readers should note that although I very eagerly wrote a list (above) about the things I should do, I'm not going to do them today.
It's not just pure procrastination (one of my favourite activities when I get round to it), I'm going through an excellent book on Windows 2003 Server by Mark Minasi.
In the last few years I've been rather hands-off (to the extent of even managing hands-off managers). But in this job I need to be more technical. This book, however, is very easy and indeed enjoyable to read. And I write this from a non-geek perspective.
Well, I better go read the book ...
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