I was reading thou the posts here and some very nice information on how to start finding emplyment. my prob is slighty different in 2 ways.

1) I live in the uk, so working regulations are not the same here
2) I've got very little in the way of actually written experience.

My biggest problem is that 8 yrs ago my wife had a stroke and I had to leave university to care for my family. I've spent the last 8 years working on my computer and have gaind what I believe and a lot of online friends belive, a very strong knowledge in the security field, but I have no idea on how to go about trying to return to the workforce,

I am unable to get any futher qualifications, with being unemplyed and as a carer status the gov wilnt help in any way towards my training, (I've tried) and I'm unable to get a another grant for futher education due to me leaving the last course I was on.

I could lie and forge documentation to say I have quals and pretty sure that I can backup with questions that I have gained the knowledge (most people that I meat with qualifications have told me to forge there documents), but I'm not that kind of guy, rather get the job on the knowledge that I've got nothing to hide.

I've been trying to think of a way out of this for a while. but everytime I do just come back to the place I am now,

No qualifactions,
No formal Experiece
No Working References.

feel like I'm fighiting a loosing battle. so any help no matter how small may be invaunable to me. thanks for reading and look forward to reading any replys.

Well Faus I'm in generally the same position, I hope you have a job at the moment.

To get into an IT job without an IT degree, just go and write some certificate tests, get your A+, Network+ etc etc. And thats a good start, employers will recognize, I would suggest that if you do get an IT job, that you attend University Part Time, and get your degree. But pay it on your own.

The certificates hold weight. Also you could start as a lower wage "Junior" Employee, and work your way up... Alot of companies (If you have the know-how to back it up) will look at it with intrigue cause it's a way to cut costs in an expensive department.

Faus,
Sorry to here of your troubles. The US is also having difficulty in the computer technology jobs, much is being outsourced and it is dissappearing. I have 20 years experience university education and certifications. Out of work nearly 2 years now. I have become a stay at home dad. Wife got a good job, and at this point in my life it is just too difficult to change gears. I have gotten some gratification in volunteer work, and I am currently putting together old files for a book. A former college roomate that I ran into at a reunion works for a publishing firm. I put together a preview for him and the firm loved it. Lots of overqualified people looking for work. If you can by any means get back into school then stay there, i think its your best bet. Most of all try to find something positive to do every day and it will make your life happier.

Ed

i would personally recommand one of the following:

GIAC
CISA
CISSP

i know there a lot of 'hype' around the cissp certification, but it sure help getting a good job

Thanks for the replys guys/gals

given me a few good ideas. the return to education on any level is unfortunally out. funds just wilnt allow me to do that at present time.

But I've in the process of writing a few letters to companies explaining my situtaion and asking if they would be willing to fund some small courses for me.

and edward5 : Most of all try to find something positive to do every day and it will make your life happier. :

I'm lucky that with 4 kids there is allways somethin new happening atm. and allways gives me somethin postivite to look foward too.

and who knows. my next post may be from college/uni or work

Hey im in the uk also i was on the dole & they help pay for some courses also contact a few of the people that offer what your looking for most can offer grants or other sources of funding, i managed to get: Certified Hacking Forensics Investigator - Certified Ethical Hacker - TruSecure ICSA / CompTIA Security+ - MCSE for next to nothing. Now im currantly on a course to setup my own business 26week training.

so good luck man

I would recommend Monster, Yahoo hotjobs, or scriptlance.com. All of these services seem to be working very well for alot of people.

Here is an excellent site to use whilst in the process of getting certified. You can access practice exams, notes, and so on.

http://www.cert21.com

I'm not sure how much help this would be to you in the U.K. but it may provide you with some insight as to some steps or directions you can take.

First off I would recommend you create a resume.

Take your resume to the Jobs and Benefits Center - Unemployment Center.

Have them help you structure your resume. They can also help you find Temp Work.

Some Temp Companies when they see the feedback from the client will help you find a position that is part time to permanent. After showing your capabilitites, people skills, communication skills you may find there is something available to you.

Don't be to picky when it comes to jobs, I've seen people hold out because they felt they should be making 100K plus, but what you think your worth and what a company is willing to pay you is a different ball game as I'm sure most in the field will tell you. Most companies will try to get the most with the least amount of pay, common business practice.

Try out Monster, and the others as mentioned by Digital_Spirit.

Most importantly keep your chin to the wind. Never Stop, Stay Focused, it may not be what you want but money is money. Work it like a stepping stone. You have to work your way up, remember you'll be competeing against others for most positions- Don't get down - keep a positive attitude- don't be fake about it- but think positive. Everyday above ground is a good day.

See if you can get some feedback from some companies regarding what there looking for. AN example would be here L J Kushner & Assoc. This way you can see what is on the most wanted in the ItSec / NetSec Field.

Good luck to you.