Working as an IT Techie in a school
Discussion
There is a role going that I think I'm pretty good for and would really like. However, I'm not too sure on how to present my CV to them properly.
They want, and to quote: 'with a minimum of 2 years’ experience of providing first line support in a busy workplace environment'. That is all the description given apart from being able to pick up technology quickly, which I have no problem with.
So how would I go about presenting my CV so that I don't just look like a guy who's worked in call centres and offices dealing with 1st/2nd line support for my working career? The only issue I have is that I haven't done any server support.
What will the responsibilities be and how can I word it so that I look competent?
They want, and to quote: 'with a minimum of 2 years’ experience of providing first line support in a busy workplace environment'. That is all the description given apart from being able to pick up technology quickly, which I have no problem with.
So how would I go about presenting my CV so that I don't just look like a guy who's worked in call centres and offices dealing with 1st/2nd line support for my working career? The only issue I have is that I haven't done any server support.
What will the responsibilities be and how can I word it so that I look competent?
Schools love examples. So whenever you write about anything, give it in a context and explain how you were great. So I think if the experience is all there it'll be made up by your use of context.
This is from someone who's applying for jobs as a teacher, Personal Statements and applications coming out my ears!
This is from someone who's applying for jobs as a teacher, Personal Statements and applications coming out my ears!
If the people in my school/sixth form college were anything to go by. The requirements for the job are:
A)BO
B)lank hair surrounding a mostly bald head
C)An ability to hold a keyboard above their head while typing their password to stop you seeing it. (Solution was to write a program that looked exactly like the windows logon screen. Then simply write password to a text file and reboot the pc when he hit enter. We were bad kids)
D)No clue about how computers actually work. (Convinced by kids to put them on an angle to help electrons flow downhill)
I hope things have improved greatly over the last 15 years!
A)BO
B)lank hair surrounding a mostly bald head
C)An ability to hold a keyboard above their head while typing their password to stop you seeing it. (Solution was to write a program that looked exactly like the windows logon screen. Then simply write password to a text file and reboot the pc when he hit enter. We were bad kids)
D)No clue about how computers actually work. (Convinced by kids to put them on an angle to help electrons flow downhill)
I hope things have improved greatly over the last 15 years!
TC
Have they asked for CVs or do you have to fill in an App Form? Normally with LA schools its an app form.
The role should have a Job decsription and Person Spec. For LA schools its important that you can demonstrate very clearly how you meet/exceed each of the criteria listed in the Person Spec. The shortlisting process will be basically score your application against the criteria (no assumptions will be made so you have to be very explicit. So, for example if you put CIO for Microsoft on your appform they will not always assume you have experience of Windows 3.11
)
Have they asked for CVs or do you have to fill in an App Form? Normally with LA schools its an app form.
The role should have a Job decsription and Person Spec. For LA schools its important that you can demonstrate very clearly how you meet/exceed each of the criteria listed in the Person Spec. The shortlisting process will be basically score your application against the criteria (no assumptions will be made so you have to be very explicit. So, for example if you put CIO for Microsoft on your appform they will not always assume you have experience of Windows 3.11
)I applied for a school IT Techie role twice at two different schools. Had an interview for the first and I withdrew my application for the second (despite being offered an interview).
In my experience, the pay tends to be low and there's no opportunities for progression.
From what I recall of the interview, the job was pretty basic. You dealt with very basic things such as paper jams, cat 5 patching, installing software etc. The overall IT was taken care of by a team of council IT guys and you just did the basic day to day stuff. Now that may not be the case with your job obviously.
I also had a practical technical test which was unbelievably easy!!
From what you've said and the fact it's an "IT classroom technician" role, you'll spend all day fixing printers and computers in the classrooms. You may deal with servers/backups etc but that can sometimes with looked after by someone else.
Also consider the fact that you'll have to deal with pupils and teachers, who can be rather unpleasant/rude (teachers included!!).
It depends what size of school it is and how much hardware they have.
You'll probably have to work through school holidays, as this is when the major upgrades tend to take place (no ones in so all pc's are unused).
If you're happy at doing a reasonably "easy" job then go for it! As a lot of the hardware is usually replaced after 3 years (if that still happens?), it'll all be under the manufacturers warranty so they'll send someone out to replace a HDD/fan/systemboard etc so you don't get too hands on.
I believe this is your first IT tech role? If so, it'll do no harm to get a few years experience under your belt!
Good luck!
In my experience, the pay tends to be low and there's no opportunities for progression.
From what I recall of the interview, the job was pretty basic. You dealt with very basic things such as paper jams, cat 5 patching, installing software etc. The overall IT was taken care of by a team of council IT guys and you just did the basic day to day stuff. Now that may not be the case with your job obviously.
I also had a practical technical test which was unbelievably easy!!
From what you've said and the fact it's an "IT classroom technician" role, you'll spend all day fixing printers and computers in the classrooms. You may deal with servers/backups etc but that can sometimes with looked after by someone else.
Also consider the fact that you'll have to deal with pupils and teachers, who can be rather unpleasant/rude (teachers included!!).
It depends what size of school it is and how much hardware they have.
You'll probably have to work through school holidays, as this is when the major upgrades tend to take place (no ones in so all pc's are unused).
If you're happy at doing a reasonably "easy" job then go for it! As a lot of the hardware is usually replaced after 3 years (if that still happens?), it'll all be under the manufacturers warranty so they'll send someone out to replace a HDD/fan/systemboard etc so you don't get too hands on.
I believe this is your first IT tech role? If so, it'll do no harm to get a few years experience under your belt!
Good luck!
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