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I've been able to complete one of my dreams, riding bikes around the world, and travelling the world. Sadly to do this I had to give up my tech job.
Now it is time to return, on searching, the tech scene seems to be very recruiter focused and I'm not one complete particular match to the jobs they have considering my background. I think I just haven't found the right recruiter yet. It looks like it's very much a who you know society as much as what it is you're capable of and what you what to do.
At least I know what it is I want to do, I'm very much Infosec and Development focused. I was hoping that if anyone knew of any fantastic places to work in tech within Manchester or near it's ring road I'd love to hear from you!
(Very Very happy to also discuss my bike endeavors if you get in touch 😉 )
Don't do it... do another lap!
I have nothing particularly useful to add. Working in cyber means you get hounded by recruiters who clearly haven't even bothered to read your CV.
What sort of techs are you into? There's a Manchester tech slack where quite a few jobs get posted (from recruiters and devs/techies), there's also a job wanted type channel on there too. Depending on your interests/skills we're pretty much always hiring at Couchbase who have been great employer for me.
Doesn't HP have a presence somewhere just off the M60? (I may be misremembering, it's been a while.)
I did a training course at UK Fast in Manchester a couple of months back, it looked like a phenomenal place to work. To get down from the upper floors they have a frikkin' slide for crying out loud!
I'm surprised you're struggling, InfoSec is crying out for bodies at the moment. Are you going to BSides, incidentally?
Cougar
Doesn’t HP have a presence somewhere just off the M60? (I may be misremembering, it’s been a while.)
I did a training course at UK Fast in Manchester a couple of months back, it looked like a phenomenal place to work. To get down from the upper floors they have a frikkin’ slide for crying out loud!
I’m surprised you’re struggling, InfoSec is crying out for bodies at the moment. Are you going to BSides, incidentally?
I'll give HP a look. Thank you!
Sadly I haven't heard great things about UKF.
I REALLY wanted to get to bsides but then I missed the drop the other sunday, I was too late!
chvck
Member
What sort of techs are you into? There’s a Manchester tech slack where quite a few jobs get posted (from recruiters and devs/techies), there’s also a job wanted type channel on there too. Depending on your interests/skills we’re pretty much always hiring at Couchbase who have been great employer for me.
That slack channel is a goldmine. Thank you so much!
What I'm into - On the development side I've worked on Python and Java (more so) projects in the past, in Scrum and Kanban. In terms of security it is more mobile focused but I have a nice broad understanding of network security - I think what I'm lacking on this side is experience with specific tools.
I think the dream job would be something in PT
UKFast have a very, very bad reputation - personally I wouldn't even entertain the idea. Maybe have a look at smaller companies/startups, they're usually very keen on people who understand security in my experience. Quite a few places also don't seem to get too hung on you knowing specific tools, so long as you sound like you know what you're on about and have an ability to learn they'll teach you what you don't know.
I REALLY wanted to get to bsides but then I missed the drop the other sunday, I was too late!
They drop tickets in small batches, I think the first drop was like 20 tickets. I got mine the second they went on sale (hooray for NTP) and by the time I'd completed the transaction and went back to refresh the page they'd sold out.
Follow them on Twitter, Mark announces drops on there.
UKFast have a very, very bad reputation
Really? How so? I'm genuinely surprised, staff morale at Mcr looked really high when I visited.
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/10/31/ukfast_boss_steps_downs/ last I heard (which may incorrect), his wife was taking over as CEO. I've heard quite a lot about it being a toxic environment and stuff like that though.
It is very recruiter heavy, because there is a major shortage of good talent. If you've got the right skills and experience it shouldn't take you long to fill an InfoSec role that wants to actually get in about the code.
If your CV landed on my desk the time you have been travelling would immediately leave me with some questions:
- why the big gap (hopefully the recruiter explained that), and is this really a perfect fit or just grabbing anything that comes along
- is his heart in the work or is this just a job to earn a quick buck (depending on my other options I may suck that up)
- is he still up-to-date with the latest tech / security issues etc
- how long before he decides to up-sticks and move on
A contracting role may be easier to secure and the issues around IR35 seem to make contractors be increasingly scarce so might help you get in.
Are people getting around this using umbrella companies? Or was that the general intent?
VMWare are hiring in their Open Source Technology Centre team for security people. I hear they're pretty awesome to work for.
Are people getting around this using umbrella companies?
Depends what you mean by getting around.
Inside IR35 roles generally require you to use an umbrella company. It can be done in other ways, but if it seems too good to be true....
– is he still up-to-date with the latest tech / security issues etc
If it were me I wouldn't be overly concerned about the other stuff you list, but in security this is a biggie. If you're ten minutes behind the curve then you're out of date. I would definitely want to see some evidence that the OP had put some effort in to catch up after spending the last year in a mud hut eating gravel.
Haha thanks Cougar.
Don’t do it… do another lap!
Yep, off you go!
My advice (London based) is contracting is drying up as companies seek to limit exposure to IR35 and issue FTCs. There is currently a trend to bring rates down to FTC levels no matter what level or TecHServ you are into. I’ve just had to take on PWC for a programme of InfoSec stuff and it’s crippling the amount they are charging. They’ve started to hoover up some contractors who would ordinarily come direct but we’re ceasing taking on contractors and taking them on by 1yr FTCs, and plenty of my industry are doing the same.
Skills , a year out means nothing to me. I’m interested to hear you’re back up to speed with current frontline ITSec but other than that I’m sure you are keen enough to prove your capabilities when you step through the door. The break from the daily crap we get will serve you well, and we’ll deserved IMO.
I know nothing of the northern powerhouse tech world, so can’t comment on that.
Agencies and recruiting will only come knocking if your CV reads clear and concise experience. No flim/flam be honest.
Linkdin has its limitations these days, it useful to get a profile up but don’t expect a torrent of messages. It does however mean you are widening out your scope.
All IMO, and I’ve been in this “game” too long.
I need a TLA crib sheet.