Hi guys

[Frenzy123]

Hi guys i realise that having a degree although is good but is usually just an entry pass into the community and without experience won't get me very far unless im lucky(as far as employment goes). Can you guys tell me what the best way is to break into the community and what might impress an interviewer when applying for a job.

[John]

To impress the interviewer, show your dedication to both the industry and the company.

[Xav]

Look smart - shave, gel your hair, do your top button up... that sort of stuff.

[gaylo565]

Make sure your resume is presentable and make sure you have a good cover letter which makes you sound likable. I work in HR and can tell you that employers want to hear about team work...any projects you have done jointly with, or in charge of others is a huge plus. Finding people who can work efficiently with all of an existing team is just as hard if not harder than finding someone with the technical skills required for most positions even in programming. Of course some technical certifications are always a plus. It also helps if your resume shows an all around knowledge of IT and programming especially if the employer is smaller and has diverse needs from its employees.

[Xav]

Yes, but do your top button up anyway. It makes you look a hell of a lot smarter.

[TcM]

Lol. Well I would suggest a portfolio with your past and ongoing projects.

[Xav]

I might write this down... it's going to be very handy in future - but you could just put your portfolio online and impress the evil invigilator even more...

[TcM]

Well, during an interview I bet that they would prefer to actually see the portfolio, I learnt how to make a 'perfect' portfolio in the course that I'm doing. At first I thought that it was kinda useless.. but after all I think it was worth the effort I put in it (had to do one as an assignment) because now I can use it in real life.

[Xav]

Ok.