New Jobs being posted See Below:

[Disklabs]

Leicestershire Constabulary have asked me to advertise their postings. I have it on good authority that they are very happy with Graduates, so there is a bit of good news for all you Grads out there. The lead person on this is a big academia fan, so it should be great news for a few!

Good luck to you all out there.

Simon

[Disklabs]

High-Tech Crime Unit Forensic Analysts (3 posts)
Based at Force Headquarters, Enderby, Leicester
?24,444 - ?28,368 (starting salary dependant upon qualification and experience, will be discussed at interview), 37 hours per week

To forensically recover data from computers, mobile phones and other digital media associated with high tech crime issues and provide technical analysis of such data.

It is essential that applicants:

Hold a computer science HND/HNC or equivalent qualification, or demonstrate working in a role that has required you to work to this level;
Have significant experience in the use of a wide range of IT systems gained in an IT support, development or forensics role;
Have a good understanding of PC architecture, hardware and network protocols;
Demonstrate experience of working alone in an environment where you have had to make your own decisions;
Deomstrate experience of working in a team based environment whilst displaying your own initiative;
Have a proven record of discretion and integrity in a confidential environment;
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively (both written and verbal), technical issues to non technical staff, both within the police service and external organisations;
Demonstrate the ability to produce comprehensive, intelligible reports;
Demonstrate a methodical approach to problem solving;
Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate, prioritise and respond to changing operational situations;
Demonstrate the ability to rapidly absorb, new technical information as required;
Demonstrate the ability to work to strict procedures and protocols but with the confidence to identify and recommend improvements where necessary;
Demonstrate the ability to pay attention to detail with a methodical approach to problem solving;
Show initiative and make time available to ensure technical competencies and expertise are kept up to date with industry developments;
Demonstrate a flexible approach to working hours, willing to react to duty changes at short notice.
Have a full, clean driving licence - reasonable adjustments will be considered for candidates who, because of disabilities cannot meet this requirement.
Post ref: HP072


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to apply for this vacancy
You can download and print all the documents you need to apply for this vacancy from this website.

Person specification and role description (pdf)
Application pack (doc)
Important notes for candidates (doc)
HM Government's vetting policy
Alternatively, contact the Resourcing department on Leicester (0116) 222 2222 extension 2519 during office hours quoting the post reference number to receive an application form and full details of the vacancy.

The closing date for completed application forms is Friday 14th March 2008.

Application forms can be completed electronically and emailed to:

job.apps@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk
Please include the post reference number in the subject line of your email.

You can also submit an application form by printing, completing and returning it to:

Leicestershire Constabulary
Police Staff Resourcing
St John's
Enderby
Leicester, LE19 2BX.

Please mark envelopes with the post reference number in the top left hand corner and write your name and address on the back of the envelope.

Please ensure you have applied the correct postage, taking into consideration the weight AND size of your envelope, before sending. For more information about the changes to postage charges visit the Royal Mail website. We are unable to accept applications with incorrectly applied postage.

Unfortunately, we are unable to consider application forms received after the closing date.

Please note commencement in the post is usually at the lower end of the salary band.

If you have any queries please contact the Resourcing department on 0116 222 2222 extension 2519 during office hours.

A no smoking policy is in operation.

[Disklabs]

Senior High-Tech Crime Unit Forensic Analyst - Supervisor
Based at Force Headquarters, Enderby, Leicester
?29,884 - ?32,481 (starting salary dependant upon qualification and experience, will be discussed at interview), 37 hours per week

The post holder will supervise/manage the effective operation of the High Tech Crime Unit and provide specialist technical support in the area of electronic-forensic services (e-forensics).

It is essential that applicants:

Hold a computer science HND/HNC or equivalent qualification, or demonstrate working in a role that has required you to work to this level;
Are able to demonstrate significant supervisory experience of managing a busy IT or technical department;
Have extensive experience in the use of a wide range of IT systems gained in an IT support, development or forensics role; have a good understanding of PC architecture, hardware and network protocols;
Demonstrate experience of working alone in an environment where you have had to make your own decisions;
Demonstrate experience of working in a team based environment whilst displaying own initiative;
Have a proven record of discretion and integrity in a confidential environment;
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively (both written and verbal), technical issues to non technical staff, both within the police service and external organisations;
Demonstrate the ability to produce comprehensive, intelligible reports;
Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate, prioritise and respond to changing operational situations;
Demonstrate the ability to rapidly absorb, new technical information as required;
Demonstrate the ability to work to strict procedures and protocols, but with confidence, to identify and recommend improvements where necessary;
Demonstrate the ability to pay attention to detail with a methodical approach to problem solving;
Demonstrate trustworthiness and the ability to build good working relationships with colleagues and internal and external partners;
Show initiative and make time available to ensure technical competencies and expertise are kept up to date with industry developments;
Demonstrate a flexible approach to working hours, willing to react to duty changes at short notice;
Have a full, clean driving licence - reasonable adjustments will be considered for candidates who, because of disabilities cannot meet this requirement.
Are able to deal with case work of an emotionally unpleasant and sensitive nature.
Post ref: HP075


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to apply for this vacancy
You can download and print all the documents you need to apply for this vacancy from this website.

Person specification and role description (pdf)
Application pack (doc)
Important notes for candidates (doc)
HM Government's vetting policy
Alternatively, contact the Resourcing department on Leicester (0116) 222 2222 extension 2519 during office hours quoting the post reference number to receive an application form and full details of the vacancy.

The closing date for completed application forms is Friday 14th March 2008.

Application forms can be completed electronically and emailed to:

job.apps@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk
Please include the post reference number in the subject line of your email.

You can also submit an application form by printing, completing and returning it to:

Leicestershire Constabulary
Police Staff Resourcing
St John's
Enderby
Leicester, LE19 2BX.

Please mark envelopes with the post reference number in the top left hand corner and write your name and address on the back of the envelope.

Please ensure you have applied the correct postage, taking into consideration the weight AND size of your envelope, before sending. For more information about the changes to postage charges visit the Royal Mail website. We are unable to accept applications with incorrectly applied postage.

Unfortunately, we are unable to consider application forms received after the closing date.

Please note commencement in the post is usually at the lower end of the salary band.

If you have any queries please contact the Resourcing department on 0116 222 2222 extension 2519 during office hours.

A no smoking policy is in operation.

[qwerty]

Thanks for the heads up Simon. Am applying for the job but think I will really struggle to get is as they are looking for previous experience and I don't have any. There is also no mention that training will be given and I would probably need some (not only to refresh my mind but I've never actually imaged a whole hard disk before). I'll give it my best shot though as I really want a job in the forensic industry:)

[Disklabs]

My suggestion is to go heavy on the academic side of life. I know the boss of the dept is interested in this.

Good luck,

Simon

[Minesh]

Thanks Simon, my application is almost complete (may have got a bit carried away on section 7 though!). This would be great for me, seeing as though I live in Leicester.

Minesh

[Chantelle]

wow keep these jobs coming.. exactly the sort of position I would like once I leave uni. Good luck if you apply.

[conifers]

Thanks for the pointer Simon.... yes, I just need to get the experience going! Application has just gone in so, hopefully fingers crossed..... ;)

[qwerty]

Anyone heard from them yet? I'm glad I have secured a temporary full-time job as I get the feeling I won't be getting asked to attend an interview.

[Minesh]

Give them a chance qwerty.... I know how much was written in my form, now if there's 20 people (likely to be more) who applied, that's a lot of reading to do. It's likely to be the HR team who read it first, along with all their other work they have to do. I would imagine the middle to end of next week would be sufficient, without accounting for easter holidays... you could always ring them and be sure though.

Minesh

(And people call me a pessimist!)

[Ford Prefect]

Anyone heard from them yet? I'm glad I have secured a temporary full-time job as I get the feeling I won't be getting asked to attend an interview.

Interview letters are starting to arrive :eek: !

[Disklabs]

Good Luck to you all!

Let us know how you are all getting on.

Regards,


Simon

[qwerty]

I still haven't heard from the yet:( but I'm on a shortlist for another job I've applied for. They can't offer it to me though until I can convince them I'm not just gonna leave after the month's training due to being home sick.

[qwerty]

Well just heard from the job I had applied too. As of yet I haven't got it but they said they were still interviewing other people and that for now they would be saying no. They said to try knocking on other people's doors but no one seems to be recruiting and they'd come back to me at a later date if they decide to take me on after all (employers very rarely do when they say that). They gave me the usual you're a nice guy etc (:rolleyes: ) but then sort of give me some interview tips which I assume is why they haven't taken things further. How am I suppose to know what they want me to know about their company? write them a book? Don't know what to make of it at the moment, bit annoyed (at the fact I drove all the way down there) and apprehensive as I just don't know what to do now. Got nothing going for me (qualification/future wise) and I'm just going to end up stuck doing some clerical assistant work for the rest of my life as I am doing now.

:(

[keanaz]

I see Vacancies on other sites/forum's:


http://www.forensicfocus.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=8

also I looked on www.jobserve.co.uk yesterday and there were others listed
sometimes it helps to put in different variations on the job title!:confused:

[crissy]

i'm sorry qwerty your interview didn't go as you would have liked, but you should use the feedback to help you with future interviews and don't give up i am about to graduate and have had a few interviews where i have not had enough experience with Encase for the specific role but done really well at the interview and at each interview i have picked up good tips for the next.

don't be dishearted and don't give up, if you really want a career in computer forensic learn from each interview and use it to your advantage in the next. my understanding of a computer forensic role is the company will investe time and money into training and developing you so things like knowing what the company does and why you what to work there are question that will probably be asked at every interview to help them decide why they should invest in you so make sure you do your research and have good answers. you don't need to know enough to write a book but thing like company history, their goals and what they do are a good start.

I understand your frustration as i am in the same position, but i'm sure it will all be worth it in the end

good luck and best wishes in finding a job

[qwerty]

I see Vacancies on other sites/forum's:


http://www.forensicfocus.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=8

also I looked on www.jobserve.co.uk yesterday and there were others listed
sometimes it helps to put in different variations on the job title!:confused:

Thing is, I need a sort of 'Junior/Trainee' position (despite my age) due to having no experience in the field and I very rarely find those advertised. I only came across the one I got turned down for by chance as I just randomly looked at their website.

Thanks for your kind words crissy. I'm still optimistic that I'll find a job in the forensic industry but maybe I will just have to wait a few more years to do it. Problem with that though is that I don't really have anything in the way of qualifications that would make me stand out against other people. My interest in computing is just general in that I like using them and I don't have something that I'm particular good at (such as java programming, web design etc) that I can fall back on for now. University was my only chance of getting something 'under my belt' but that proved to be a waste of time (and money). I'll be up against graduates soon who will have a degree and the experience and I have neither.

[qwerty]

Sigh. Just checked my email and I have been turned down for another job - this time West Yorkshire Police. This one wasn't an interview and had only sent a covering letter and application form. Can't cope with it all at the minute.

[kern]

http://quotations.about.com/cs/inspirationquotes/a/Perseverance5.htm

http://www.inspirationalspark.com/perseverance-quotes.html

[qwerty]

There's persistence and then there's being realistic:(

[Minesh]

There's persistence and then there's being realistic:(
As I said via PM, get some experience in the IT industry - support being the best way IMO, and persistency is the key. I didn't think it'd happen for me so quick, but I managed to get into the industry, thanks to experience in IT and persistency in job applications.

Ps, your negativity will clearly be obvious in interview, and also, you never know which recruiters are reading this thread looking at your negativity.

[qwerty]

As I said via PM, get some experience in the IT industry - support being the best way IMO, and persistency is the key. I didn't think it'd happen for me so quick, but I managed to get into the industry, thanks to experience in IT and persistency in job applications.

Ps, your negativity will clearly be obvious in interview, and also, you never know which recruiters are reading this thread looking at your negativity.

As I said earlier, I don't have any particular skills in IT else I wouldn't be working where I am now. There isn't anything I excelled at during me studies for me to go "I did really well on that, maybe I can work as a xxxxx for the time being". Apart from computer forensics, I studied networking, web design, java programming, and databases which weren't particularly interesting nor taught very well for me to know enough to do one of those full-time till something turns up forensic wise. Don't want to have to go through the process of higher education again as I'm probably in a worse position than I was before I went there and having experienced the 'experience' of University once, I think its fair for me to say that University isn't for me. Only IT job I could walk into would be help desk work and that is just a big no-no for me.

Did notice this (http://www.jobserve.com/W7B387BEC0214A236.jsjob) which seems quite interesting but it isn't really related to anything I have a qualification in and would mean starting from scratch in some sort of education authority. But for money reasons, that is a no. (I don't mean that particular position as it's too far away for one but work to that nature).

I don't mention company names publicly on here until after I know I haven't got the job. I wouldn't apply for the same company twice and so don't feel I'm doing anything wrong to jeopardize things.

[Minesh]

What's wrong with working on a helpdesk? You say you have little IT experience, so I'd say a helpdesk is something within reasonable reach... and then move into second line support when you are further experienced. I previously worked in 2nd / 3rd line support in a university (universities seem to be easier to get a job in, for various reasons). After finishing there, I didn't want to work on a helpdesk (mainly due to being overqualified, and having MCSE qualifications which would go to waste), but I applied for them when the pay was reasonable... I actually prefer working from the bottom up.

As for never applying to the same company twice... well, I would... shows you're keen and persistent... especially when the owner of the company replies (often the case in CF). For two or three companies, I remember applying on more than two or three ocassions just to receive the same response. The last time, they said "we will keep you in mind for future positions", which is better than simply a "no".

Don't try to run before you can walk.... I have a computing degree, MCSE, CCNA training (but no certification) and soon some CF qualifications to add to my 5 or so years IT experience, but still I didn't turn my nose up at working on an IT Helpdesk / 1st Line Support.

Minesh

[qwerty]

I just couldn't work in a call center having to deal with the types of people that don't even know how to turn their computer on. Pay is pretty lowsy for those sorts of jobs round here anyway (and everywhere?).

I'm might try the careers adviser at Uni to see what they suggest. I'm not expecting much though.

[Minesh]

I don't like the look or speed of my corsa, but I can't afford a Ferrari just yet... do you see where I'm going with this?

The Corsa will keep me going until a time when I can upgrade to something else.

Same applies for jobs and qualifications - you build up your experience and change jobs for higher pay / responsibility.

Have you ever worked in an IT Helpdesk? I think you may have the wrong idea about them... work for a company supporting staff who use computers on a daily basis, I doubt they are likely to forget how to switch it on. This is 2008, most people know how to do the basics with computers, its the more complex problems which baffle them... Some which may also baffle you, which is how you get experience. Computers can be strange things sometimes... there's been numerous problems I have seen, which, even with my experience, have made me think; some of which, until this day I couldn't even explain why.

As for the wage, well yes, but its better than the national average, and TBH, I've seen some good paid helpdesk jobs, and seen a few bad paid ones too. Instead of expecting a GREAT wage, go for something which allows you to just survive or live comfortably. Depending on your expenses, ?12K a year may be enough (and thats the extreme bottom end for such a job). Remember, usually, the only direction in which your wage can go is up... same with experience.... there are a few exceptions to this though.

Also, look around, the country is full of graduates looking for work - many of which have their sights set too high, others who don't, but still struggle because there are so many others who can perform better. Ask yourself, what do you have that they don't? If you can't find many things, then I very much doubt an employer can.

I know it may seem like I am rambling on, and to a certain extent lecturing you, but I am not, I am offering you advice from someone who has been in that same position and done something about it.

Apologies Simon, this thread has gone off the topic a bit.

Minesh

[kern]

Nice post Minesh, don't worry about off topic, You are genuinely trying to help, and it's maybe useful to others to see Your viewpoints.

qwerty

2 choices: you either want to work in I.T., Forensic or otherwise, or u dont.
Make this decision and commit to it. Then carve a path.

Helping to decide, u may have to reconsider what your original aspirations or expectations were for such a job.

Imagine the young boy who always wanted to be a train driver, circa 1960, saw the glamour of the guy with a cap being in charge of thundering metal monster. The reality of the job was being up at 04:30 to make sure the train was in working order, fuelling up, oiling up, being in the freezing cold in the dark and up to the elbows in sh*t for the next 18hrs, rattled senseless, and picking up industrial deafness to boot. Tin bath in front of fire, supper and bed. rinse and repeat. The overriding love of trains though, got him through.

Does the overriding desire for you to be in IT take into account the reality of what the job is?

eg
Read : forensics job.
Many ppl I've met seem to have aspirations in the order of CSI on tv. the reality can be as mundane as turning the handle on <proprietary software> day in day out after 4 yrs of academia. Whether you then excel is up to You.


Take a long look at your posts, and imagine trying to advise the poster called qwerty where he/she went wrong or what tips and hints should have been picked up on the way.

Look at the criticism you had of Helpdesk work.
In court You most certainly will be expected to explain in Laymans terms the content of your very technical case, often to a Chair that's almost completely IT illiterate. You are there to help *them*. The aloof attitude of, "helping ppl so far beneath me is actually a chore", will get you no help from above either.

Watch "The Apprentice" and see how dog eat dog the world really is.
The guy who won last years had the job interviewer grinning from ear to ear 'cos he knew so much about Alan Sugar's history he could have written a biography. Do *You* know why its called Amstrad ? What was his first Pc? how did he break into Comet, retail wise ? Who *is* Simon Steggles? What martial art does he study ? What colour is his Gi ?

Anyways, there's always a way round:

I can't afford a PC :
join a freecycle website, and ask for any old pc's to help kickstart your career.

I've no money for Software:
Plenty of free opensource out there. download and use it.

I've no experience:
Get some. forensics is data recovery with Law. buy a cheap hard drive from ebay, and run Helix, or the like, over them. what's the startup cost here, a tenner ?

I can't get a job in data recovery:
Set yourself up, and find out which labs offer associateship deals where even if you're an intermediary only, you can still earn a few quid on commission.
You wouldn't even have to open the box the repair job came in.

If you can't be bothered to invest in yourself, or say find out about the company your interested in getting a job with, then why should they invest time and effort in You. Your just another wannabe on the handouts wagon.

Sorry for the harsh tone dude, tough love.

Kern