1-2yr experience

[Travis Benning]

Hi,
I am currently looking at this job asking for a person with 1 - 3ys minimum experience.
What kind of Java will this company need? I mean, I would think that by asking for someone who has that little of experience that the Java would be basic.
The reason I ask is that I have no experience with Java in the "real world" and I don't want to land a job that sits you down and gives you the hard stuff right off the bat. Not until I'm a little more comfortable.
So does anyone have any opinions on this?
All help appreciated,
Travis B.

[Peter Lyons]

You'll never see an ad where a company states a preference for somebody with no experience at all.
When I was searching as an entry-level candidate, I responded to anything asking for 2 or fewer years of experience, and I did get interviews. Eventually, the job I landed was one I never saw advertised at all - it was a referral. Always ask the "no's" for a referral!

[John Coxey]

Travis:
- Your job is to reply to any and every Java job advertisement - regardless of the experience level they ask for. Unless they specifically state no entry level - you should go ahed and fire them a resume.
- Regarding hard stuff off the bat - welcome to the real world. In reality - you will be batting cleanup (support or code enhancements) for more senior level folks.
- Your goal then will be to swim - as opposed to sink. And hell, if you sink - so what - grab some experience, slap in on the resume and go for the next gig.
- In the meantime, grab some certifications. Contrary to popular belief - mangers ARE looking for certification for folks with less than 3 yrs experience. It's another foot you can use to get in the door.
- Regaring how to look for a job and resume advice - do a search in this forum under my name. You may have to go back 6 or 8 months - but I posted about 20 messages on how to search for a job early last year.
Hope this helps. Don't get discouraged.
John Coxey
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