Introduction
Whether you are qualified for a certain position or
not depends on a number of factors and points of view; yours, that of
your future employer and possibly that of your representative or
agency. That is why we speak of "ideologies". It seems everyone has a
different idea of what qualification is all about.
Do you find
yourself qualified?
Qualification is usually a key issue in getting a
position. But proving that you have the right skills to do the work
properly can be one of the most difficult points to bring across.
Many job postings will list a number of necessary
diplomas, certificates, skills and related experience which is thought
to be necessary. These can be either considered as absolute facts, or,
depending on the position, as guidelines.
In an ideal world you want the position to be filled
by someone who can start on Day 1 and get straight to work and do a
great job. But the world is not ideal in its workings and even with
the most specialist, simple or straightforward of positions there is
always a period of learning. The real question of qualification
is: "How long will it take the new employer to do the job right?"
Will your
prospective employer find you qualified?
Totally convinced that you are perfectly qualified
your interviewer, prospective employer or employment agency may think
otherwise. It can be difficult to change people's minds once they are
made up, but it's certainly not impossible. For example, you can offer to prove your qualification by doing a
(number of) test(s).
Many employers subject their applicants to any
number of tests. From a simple IQ-type multiple choice test to
scheduled afternoons for completing a barrage of test including
language, technical, communicative, psychological profile and social skills.
While all of these tests still only give a relative
answer to whether you can do the job well, they do help in pinpointing
your strong and weak areas. Never refuse to do these tests. Even if
you don't get the job, they do provide valuable insight and experience
regarding the process of applying for work. If at all possible, ask to
see or speak about your test results. All too often these tests are
filed without you ever knowing the outcome.
Are you
qualified because of your schooling?
If you apply for a job simply because you have the
schooling that was listed be prepared for rejection. Perhaps a hard
statement but without any experience whatsoever chances are high they
will not hire you in the hope of finding someone with both the papers
and the experience.
This problem is typical of people re-entering the
job market or having undergone retraining because their old skills
were either unwanted or they wanted to change profession.
Another problem of re-entering or changing
professions is that your start salary may be much lower than what you
were used to or expected to get. Are you really prepared to start all
over?
Are you qualified because of your job experience?
Or are you simply convinced this is the job for you?
Training
If you feel your qualifications are lacking for the
job (of your dreams) it may be worth your while to take some courses
first. To bring your knowledge up to date you don't need to go into a
study frenzy lasting months. A couple of short, targeted lessons may
be all you need to get that extra piece of paper.
Even if you do not have impressive diplomas or
degrees, showing a prospective employer that you are willing to
do training, that you have and are still doing so to keep up to date
in your field, puts you ahead of someone who didn't or doesn't.
There are several reasons why a training course can
significantly increase your chances to either get a better position
(promotion) at the organisation you currently work for or to improve
your chances to land a better (paid) job.
New to the job
market
Even young people who have just finished their
education, be it secondary or college/university level, may find that
they still lack the right skills to land a good job. Don't despair
after another rejection. Just because you have proven you can learn
does not mean an organisation will hire you right away.
Especially if you did not specialize your education,
you may well lack the knowledge required. Taking a short training
course to bring you up to date can be the answer.
Re-entering the
job market
When re-entering the job market your old skills may
need renewing as much as you yourself need to get back into the
routine. You can either prepare yourself with a complete course or a
training program aimed at refreshing your skills.
Get paid while
you (re)train
At the job interview itself you can successfully
negotiate with your prospective employer that you already have the
course information at hand to bring you fully up to date and that you
are ready to sign up for it provided they foot the bill. Sounds
unbelievable? It will happen if you talk about it.
An employment contract is easily adjusted to protect
your employer and yourself if they agree to pay your way. Most
contracts already have a Training Clause (See also Employment
Contracts) and there is nothing wrong with showing initiative right
from the start.
We have selected a number of on and off line
training centers which specialize in technology and computer related
training. Feel free to browse through their information, there is no
obligation. Note that not all centers will provide their services
internationally.
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