The Recruiter

Don’t try this at home…

We’ve discussed resumes with you before: given advice on optimizing keywords and increasing accessibility, warned against including white lies or stretching the truth, and suggested ways to make your resume really stand out.

And we presented interviewing and networking to you in a similar fashion.  But maybe we’ve been going about offering tips for the job hunt in the wrong way.  Perhaps more compelling advice can be found in real-life examples about what you should NOT do. 

For example, you should probably have a general understanding of the position and company you are applying for before you submit your application.  And another thing:  while including an objective on your resume is helpful to employers and increases your chances of being matched with a position you actually want and are qualified for, you probably don’t want to get too specific or personal.

You’ll see what I mean.  Check out these unbelievable job-applicant faux-paus for an early—and entertaining—start to your weekend.

Posted by Roseanne D.

Job boons for boomers

For baby boomers, the recession threat might only apply to hair lines, not bottom lines, thanks to recent news from IBM. Last week, the tech company joined the Partnership for Public Service to launch a new program aimed at giving boomers a second career with the federal government.

This program, called the FedExperience Transitions to Government, will help seasoned IBM employees launch a second career with the U.S. Department of Treasury. The timing for this partnership couldn’t be better. On one hand, the government will be looking to fill 193,000 jobs, including positions in information technology, just in the next two years. On the other hand, federal jobs often come with appealing benefits such as flexible work schedules, teleworking and job sharing – all attractive to semi-retired boomers. The result, according to Anita Bruzzese on 45 Things: The program will help combat worker shortages, while filling some of the government’s critical positions.

Overall, it’s an interesting response to the ongoing fear that boomers hitting retirement will cause a severe brain drain, and sap the economy of some of its most valuable and talented workers. Any boomers out there care to chime in? What you do think about the FedExperience program? Would it entice you to stay in the workforce longer? What other companies do you think would benefit from programs like this?

Posted by Anna M.

New skills to sharpen your edge in '08

Part three of our informal series on making the new year equal a new job.

Your job is only as strong as the skills you can bring to it. And while we mentioned business knowledge as an overarching skill in our first '08 post, there are some specific technical skills that can help make you more marketable this year.

The next logical step in prepping for a career change is to align your talents with the expertise your dream job is seeking. And in 2008, the magic word is Web 2.0, which comprises an alphabet soup of in-demand abilities, from AJAX and .Net, to XML and PHP.

Project management and quality assurance abilities are king in this market. So are intrusion-detection capabilities and government security clearances if you're looking for a security gig. Fluency in virtualization and data management/storage requirements will give you a leg up in the data center arena.

In addition, skills in wireless network convergence and security will position you for working with VoIP technology. And don't forget important IT support functions such as the help desk. Here, IT workers will need to be familiar and comfortable with changing commercial applications.

So if your resume still has these moldy oldies on it, it's probably time to reevaluate your skill set, identify where you might be falling short, and refine your expertise. Stay tuned for more info on how to make it happen.

Posted by Roseanne D.

One more reason to pack the moving truck

Forbes just released its annual “Best Cities for Jobs” list, and it turns out five of the tech-friendly cities featured in the Yoh Crystal Ball Series also landed in Forbes' Top Ten.

Atlanta (#4), Indianapolis (#6), Houston (#7), Seattle (#10) and Raleigh (Research Triangle Park area, #9) continue to make headlines as locations with strong job opportunities and high quality of life. The Forbes index is based on the state's unemployment rate, job growth, income growth, median household income and cost of living for full-year 2006.

This all means your chances of landing a good tech gig AND enjoying your new neighborhood are much higher when you move to one of these towns. Check out the full list to see what makes these places so special, and find the one that's right for you.

Posted by Anna M.

How to read the writing on the wall

Part two of our informal series on making the new year equal a new job.

The first step in any search is discerning whether your desire to leave your current company is motivated by general grumpiness on a bad day, or a legitimate response to a deteriorating environment.

If you suspect the latter, it's time to read the writing on the cubicle wall. Situations vary from workplace to workplace, of course, but here are a few consistent signs it might be time to go. (See ComputerWorld's list and Fortune's slideshow for longer rundowns.)

1. You're not as important as you: a) used to be, or b) want to be. Do a gut-check on your roles and responsibilities. Are you performing at the height of your abilities? Are you consistently challenged? Does the company entrust you with high-level, strategic work? Or have they moved you over to making copies? Remember, a successful position should build and add value, not lose it. Go where that value is appreciated and encouraged.
2. You notice people across the organization are ignoring you. To paraphrase John Donne, no person should be an island in a functional office. So coworkers and supervisors giving you increasingly wide berths means you need either new deodorant or a new job. After all, a strong workplace is based on open communication and collaboration. If both are eroding, start looking for them in another company.
3. Putting on a 'happy face' is now part of your morning routine. Work constitutes a good third of your time on this planet. And who wants to be miserable for a third of their life? Your career should be a genuine source of joy, pride and fulfillment, not an acting exercise. Make sure your smiles and jokes are a natural extension of your job satisfaction. Otherwise, seek true happiness elsewhere.

Posted by Christy H.

New year = new job?

New Year’s resolutions come in many forms. Cleaning the garage is simple. Losing weight takes more commitment. Finding a new job -- well, that can be toughest of all.

The good news is, expanding your experience and expertise as you go can make the entire process easier when it comes time to switch. And if you’re planning to focus on only one career skill at a time, we recommend bulking up your business knowledge first.

Yep, that’s right. Tech skills alone don’t cut it anymore. The tradition of siloed IT departments is fast disappearing, and in its place are teams of business-savvy tech professionals.

Look no further than ComputerWorld’s 8 Ways to Boost Your Career in ‘08 column for evidence. Only one of the tips deals directly with tech (incorporating security). All the rest relate to dismantling the IT cloister, aligning IT processes with business goals and increasing efficiency overall.

Now look inward. Do you have what it takes -- a business degree, project management experience, communications skills -- to succeed in this new paradigm? If the answer is no, then check back here in the coming weeks for more advice and resources to make your ’08 great!

Posted by Roseanne D.

Join me for Happy Hour

Welcome back everyone -- hope you had a great holiday season!  Things over here have been pretty busy.  Spent some time with the family, and then traveled up to the Big Apple last night for an appearance on FOX Business’s Happy Hour.

Over cocktails at the Bull and Bear at the Waldorf Astoria (well, we didn’t actually drink), I talked with host Rebecca Gomez about what you should be doing in 2008 to land a new job.

Here’s the YouTube clip -- take a look and let me know how I did!

Posted by Jim L.

All I want for Christmas is a job

Here’s some seasonal competitive intelligence for you: The holidays are not the hiring wasteland everyone thinks they are.

Yes, HR managers and other decision-makers are popping in and out of the office for holiday vacation time. But usually somebody has to stick around, so you’re guaranteed to contact at least one human being if you reach out with a phone call, eMail or resume.

Plus, you’re probably catching the company at a good time fiscally. Budgets are finalized in December, and often allocate for new positions starting in January. Landing on the radar screen early can keep you top-of-mind for employers’ next round of hiring needs.

Besides, you never know when vacancies will appear in holiday staff. Rudolph stepped in when he was most needed—who says you can’t? If employers know you’re interested, qualified and available, they’re more likely to call on you in a pinch.

The best part is, these temporary gigs can turn into long-term positions once the holiday dust has settled. The key is having the right skills, abilities and certifications going into the role, so you can accomplish your projects in a true work environment, and demonstrate your value in real time.

Posted by Anna M.

The world is your oyster

If your ears perked up when we blogged about regional hot jobs recently, then you might be the perfect candidate for relocation. Indeed, IT pros struck with wanderlust have a wealth of opportunities before them, whether coast-to-coast in the U.S., or across the four corners of the globe.

Of course, finding that far-flung job can be difficult without the right help. Here, talent and staffing firms can help streamline the hiring process, and connect you with employers you might not find otherwise.

And when you do find that new adventure, carefully weigh your options and priorities. Will this move benefit you professionally? Financially? Personally?

It would be a shame to show up on distant shores, bags in hand, only to realize the new gig isn’t the right fit. So put in the evaluation and soul-searching upfront to make sure the risk is worth taking.

OK, your turn. How has relocation affected your career? Success stories and cautionary tales welcome!

Posted by Christy H.

Don’t just survive – thrive

Rat race, dog-eat-dog, corporate jungles … the workplace can be wild. But sometimes your most dangerous enemy isn’t a supervisor or coworker—it’s you.

That’s the premise behind ComputerWorld’s 10 Career-Killers list, a compilation of personal missteps, blunders and oversights that can sabotage your career. Examples include failing to have a life plan, surrounding yourself with yes-people and failing to deliver results.

We built on this sound business advice with some extra caveats specifically for consultants:

Not gelling with your coworkers. Demonstrate your value to your new employers by being the consummate team player. Engage with other team members, and keep all interactions visible and positive. And outside work, join others for lunch, happy hours or holiday parties to foster personal relationships.

Ignoring marketplace demand. Stay abreast of industry trends and hot skills to keep yourself relevant and applicable. For example, application development is in high demand right now, along with Java, .NET and SAP. Align your resume to the right skill set, and you increase your chances of matching employers’ evolving needs.

Focusing solely on tech. Technology acumen might get you in the door, but it probably won’t land you the job. That’s because the most valuable IT professionals understand their company’s strategy, operations and competitive environment, and align that knowledge with technical expertise to develop viable products and services. In other words, combine IT intellect with a business background for the sharpest competitive advantage.

Now for your thoughts. Any blunders we missed? Share with us here.

Posted by Jim L.

R.I.P print classifieds

Happy Halloween, Recruiter readers! Though I’m sure you’re eager to dress as your favorite celebrity, the stand-by Frankenstein’s monster or another creepy crawly of the night, let me tell you one place you don’t want to put a mask: over your Facebook picture.

That’s because Facebook, LinkedIn and other social networking sites have surpassed print as the most useful place to find IT staff, says the Association of Technology Staffing Companies in a recent survey.

This is not to say that job boards, advertising and (of course) recruitment firms aren’t effective hiring methods. But the very nature of social networking—connecting with people of similar skills, backgrounds and interests—perfectly lends itself to targeted talent hunts.

It works in reverse, too. Job hunters can use social media to get in front of recruiters and prospective employers. Plus, it’s a great way to start dynamic conversations with industry peers, and gain competitive intelligence about job opportunities along the way.

Just make sure to keep your profile clean, professional and in line with your personal brand. That means getting rid of any inappropriate pictures and wall postings. Also, be completely accurate and factual in your previous job descriptions.

Above all, don’t write disparaging comments about your current company or boss. Such comments will come back to haunt you, and not because it’s Halloween.

That said, creating a profile that says “You want to hire me!” is just a few clicks away. And your new job might be mere steps beyond that. Now that’s not so scary, is it?

Posted by Roseanne D.

Take two health plans and call me in the morning

Health care tops the national political agenda right now, and for good reason. People have long relied on their insurance plans to help them pay for checkups, emergencies and medications.

But exactly how are most Americans insured? As of 2006, employment-based insurance covered about 60 percent of the 249.8 million insured U.S. citizens, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Yet of that 60 percent, only 32 percent were directly covered by their employer. The remaining 28 percent received their coverage through a spouse, domestic partner or parent.

Talk about added pressure for job seekers, especially if you’re the household breadwinner! This makes it all the more important to evaluate your total compensation package, not just salaries, when job seeking.

Indeed, knowing an offer’s total value can help you decide whether to accept it. Here’s how to compare apples to oranges during a job hunt:

1. List the different benefits each company provides. These can include medical coverage, pharmacy, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability insurance and some type of paid time off plan.

2. Set up a spreadsheet to help you calculate each item’s annual value and cost savings (excellent detailed instructions here).

3. Consider “priceless” intangibles, such as vacation time, title, travel obligations, office culture and your personal circumstances. They can impact your job satisfaction, emotional well-being and future career growth.

But for those consultants whose jobs aren’t accompanied by extensive benefits packages, don’t let that deter you from accepting the position. In fact, in some cases it might even be an advantage.  For example, instead of being given a slew of benefits you may never take full advantage of, the cash will be directly deposited into your pocket.  Then, you can either piggyback off of a relative’s plan, or use some of the extra cash to enroll in the individual benefits or insurance plan that best suit your needs.

Posted by Christy H.

Recruit softly, and carry a big stick

That seems to be the unspoken motto of hiring managers everywhere who are searching for the most elusive of prospects: the passive job seeker.

The phrase itself is an oxymoron. Passive job seekers aren’t really seeking anything, jobs or otherwise. Rather, they’re already employed, usually enjoying their work and occasionally tuning in to the buzzing job market to see if anything piques their interest.

Does this description fit you? Then recruiters are just waiting for you to emerge from the shadows so they can hook you. And with the IT talent pool evaporating, hiring managers are increasingly motivated to snag top talent (read: you) from competitors.

Here are a few ways recruiters might be contacting you. One way is placing hard-hitting ads in key publications and job boards to attract your coveted eyeballs. Another is reaching out with cold calls or eMails to engage you.

Recruiters with a softer touch might invite you to an open house at their company. This combines the usefulness of an information session with the informality of a meet-and-greet, and lets you and the possible employer mingle without so much pressure to seal a deal.

No matter which way you go, remember that one size does not fit all in the passive job-seeking world. The most persuasive recruiters will customize their approach to meet your needs; and stay flexible, friendly and accommodating through the entire process.

Posted by Roseanne D.

Being prepared for your dream job

We wrote a post a few weeks back on why fall is the perfect time to start your hunt for a new job. Now, with the holiday season right around the corner, there will be more opportunities for tech consultants to land seasonal gigs.

So what can you do to make sure you’re prepared for opportunities that may come your way?

Network. Networking is critical whether you’re actively searching for a job or not. You never know how the people you meet today can impact your career in the long run, so be prepared. Always bring business cards with you to industry or company events, or better yet—carry them with you at all times! And don’t let your first interaction be the last. Follow up with the contacts you meet, whether with a quick eMail or a message on sites like LinkedIn.

Work on your resume. Make sure your resume is up-to-date! And even more importantly, make sure it’s accurate. Rachel Zupek, of CareerBuilder.com, has a great article highlighting the lies told through resumes. While it may be tempting to fudge your credentials to make yourself appear more qualified, don’t do it!  According to Rachel’s article, 57 percent of hiring managers say they have caught job candidates in a lie, and of those, more than 90 percent didn’t hire the candidate as a result.

Update your skills. Make sure your tech skills and certifications are current. No one in 2007 will want to hire someone who’s last training was in the 80s.  Take advantage of your current company’s training programs, complete industry certifications or even take the next step in your academic education by returning to school for a Master’s or MBA. Having updated skills will increase your value to current and potential employers and may also lead to higher salaries. (Keep an eye out for my upcoming ComputerWorld article for more information on this topic.)

So take our advice and don’t get lazy!  Whether you’re actively searching for a new job or not, you never know when your dream job might come knocking at your door.

Posted by Jim L.

Good test for rating good jobs

Forget the SATs and the GMATs. This test from Penelope Trunk is more my speed. Plus, it serves a great purpose -- helping you figure out if you have a good job.

Penelope puts short commutes, manageable workflow, clear and challenging goals, and work friendships on her rating scale. Strong start, but I think there's more to the story. Here are a few Recruiter add-ons you can factor into your final score:

1. Generous management -- 1 pt.

This doesn't mean pizza parties every Friday or company trips to the amusement park, though these morale boosters are a welcome break from work. I'm talking more about monetary benefits such as relocation costs, health care reimbursement, fair raises, and 401(k) contributions. These incentives help offset your financial woes, and free your mind to concentrate on your work, not your checkbook. Plus, the perks speak volumes about how your employer values your talent.

2. Constructive reviews -- 1 pt.

Yogi Berra once quipped, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” However, this level of ambiguity won't help you much during performance reviews. Thank your lucky stars if you have a manager who offers constructive feedback, honest praise, and actionable advice about solving workplace problems and advancing your career. It will help you improve in the short term, and learn and grow in the long term.

3. Respect from employers and coworkers -- 1 pt.

I am always amazed by the positive cycle of good work and respect. Your achievements earn praise and admiration, which in turn motivate you to continue that success. But respect goes beyond gold stars and back claps. Does your office openly acknowledge and appreciate your contributions? Do they treat you, one another, vendors, and clients with maturity and dignity? While not everyone will be -- or even should be -- your best friend, genuine friendliness makes the office environment much more pleasant.

Add these points to Penelope's test, and see how your company did:

0 to 3: Polish your resume, and start networking.

4 to 6: A nice place to be right now.

7 to 9: Congrats. You found a job in Heaven.

Any test items I missed? Add them here!

Posted by: Christy H.

Executive IT recruitment down almost 14 percent

The tech industry saw 13.8 percent fewer executive searches in Q2 2007 -- the largest drop of any job sector -- according to the latest study from the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC).

But don't panic, C-level IT execs. A couple macro factors might be at play. For example, AESC president Peter Felix thinks the tech job market could be stabilizing, rather than grinding to a halt. In other words, the drop might indicate less executive turnover and steadier job hiring, not an industry downturn.

'Tis also the season. August is traditionally a slow month for tech hiring, and this year is no exception. There's a good chance the numbers will rise again in September when everyone comes back from their summer vacations and goes back to punching the clock.

And don't forget the old saying “slow and steady wins the race.” Our industry often gets caught in bubbles that spark wild hiring as they inflate, and force layoffs when they burst. I'm sure IT executives will take predictable ebbs and flows over volatile spikes any day, if it means greater job security in the end.

Posted by Christy H.

Job search tips: They're everywhere you want to be

Attention all Gen Xers, Gen Yers, Millenials, Me Generation member, boomers, and any other subgroup I missed. I'm dedicating these lyrics from Jamie Cullum's “Twenty-something” to you:

Maybe I'll go traveling for a year,

finding myself or start a career.

I could work for the poor though I’m hungry for fame,

we all seem so different but we're just the same.

Why the song shout-out? Because every generation, whether twenty-something or sixty-something, is forgetting the wisdom of the last line when it comes to job searching.

We're so busy analyzing how Gen Xers act vs. how Gen Yers act, that we forget we're all human. And no matter how much we decorate our offices, make our hours flexible, and serve organic cafeteria food, work is still work.

That means certain job search skills and techniques will always be in vogue. Take this Employee Evolution post from Mark Liston. He offers sound, actionable advice to job-hunting millenials from his boomer vantage point, and delivers it in the funny, friendly style I wish my college commencement speakers had used.

That said, it's classic advice that doesn't need to be drawn across party lines. Networking, presentation, and follow-up skills are essential for every job candidate in the tech field, no matter their age or the age of the hiring manager.

And for the record, I agree that each generation has a slightly different style or outlook they contribute to the workplace. But human nature at its core has remained largely unchanged since we first formed tribes and guarded caves. Intelligence, hard work, and good humor prevail. If you annoy us, we will hit you with a club. (Ok, so maybe some things have changed.)

So whether you decided to travel, find yourself, or start a new career at the next stage in your life, keep these concepts in mind. I guarantee they'll take you where you want to be.

Posted by Anna M.

IT Skills in Demand

We’ve been talking for months about the status of the IT job market and the disparity between the number of available IT positions and the qualified candidates to fill them. We even shared career advice from Kate Lorenz of Careerbuilder.com on the right attitude to have in order to land one of those great jobs.

So what else can you do to increase your chances of getting a tech job? Mary Brandel at Computerworld.com lists those Irresistible IT Skills that employers will be looking for when hiring in the future. Among the skills in highest demand: wireless networking, project management and open-source programming. Candidates that possess expertise in these areas and can put them to use will be miles ahead of their competition.

Mary’s article is particularly interesting because it touches on some major trends that are affecting the industry in general, such as the move towards mobile devices as invaluable business tools and advances in wireless standards with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. It will be interesting to see what new skills become important as trends in the workplace continue to evolve.

Posted by Christy H.

Great Expectations

You’re starting a job search. Great! You have an amazing resume and are an impeccable dresser but the same can be said for millions of others. So what sets you apart? I came across a great article on Careerbuilder.com, in which Kate Lorenz discusses 10 reasons why you aren’t getting that grand offer you’re searching for.

Kate highlights some common mistakes made by job seekers that include not dressing professionally for interviews, poor resumes, and being unprepared. Having particularly high expectations or a bad attitude could also lead to your downfall.

In today’s booming technology market, many IT professionals are puzzled why they aren’t finding the "abundance" of jobs that industry insiders refer to, including here on The Recruiter. But having the right skills is just one step in landing the job. Whether applying for a first job, or after being in the industry for 20 years, job seekers also need to be flexible, prepared, open-minded and have realistic goals.

With unrealistic expectations for a job search timeline, and not being prepared for the ever-changing market, you could be leading yourself down a path to failure. The bottom line is: know what you have to offer, but be realistic and open-minded with your goals, and you’ll be on the right track for success.

Posted by Christy H.

Gen Y Has Upper Hand in Job Search

I was checking out one of my favorite recruiting blogs—Penelope Trunk’s Brazen Careerist—and Sunday’s post on young job seekers really stood out. We’ve been saying how important it is to recruit and retain the best talent out of Gen Y, and Penelope really hits that point home in her post.

I also enjoyed the reasons she lists for Gen Y having the upper hand when seeking out and negotiating jobs. There’s the obvious impact that recent grad’s parents have on them—both financially and emotionally. With a strong safety net underneath them, grads are less likely to take just any job offered to them, because they can afford to wait. And then there’s the impending Baby Boomer Brain Drain, and Gen X workers taking more time to be with their families that we discussed last week.

What I found most interesting was that more young people are interested in starting their own companies. With younger generations having less of an interest in corporate jobs, they have found they can create an internet startup and be an entrepreneur at a young age.

With a 30% decrease in workers expected in the next few years, as reported by the BLS, recent grads will be able to negotiate very enjoyable perks, especially in the tech industry. So for all those college grads out there, be sure to keep this in mind when negotiating for salaries and perks—the ball is in your court!

Posted by Christy H.

MSNBC Columnist Eve Tahmincioglu Rings the Recruiter

Today, our featured Recruiter podcast guest is Eve Tahmincioglu, MSNBC.com’s ‘Your Career’ columnist. She’s also the author of From the Sandbox to the Corner Office, and chief blogger at CareerDiva.net.

We called on Eve to tackle a topic rankling many recent grads: the concept of paying dues. The idea immediately conjures visions of getting coffee, making copies, and wishing you were making the 100K you think you already deserve.

But as Eve points out, paying dues can be essential to a long, productive career. That means young employees who try to sidestep this rite of passage might stunt their job growth before it even starts.

Eve breaks down exactly when and how you should -- and shouldn’t -- pay dues. She also shares top job-hunting tips, and offers advice to hiring managers about mentoring and training young workers.

This is a must-listen interview for any recent graduate or manager of recent grads. Listen online here, or download for later to your iPod (or other device). Either way, let us know what you think!

How to Keep Your Dream Job

Now that you’ve landed that great IT gig after listening to all of our advice, you want to keep it, right? Of course! Kate Lorenz, of CareerBuilder.com, put together an informative (and entertaining) piece on 10 Fatal Career Moves.

Some of the tips are obvious—don’t miss deadlines and dress appropriately for work. But some of the fatal errors Kate describes are more subtle—not setting goals for yourself, fearing failure, and isolating yourself. These may not seem like items necessary for success, but in reality, they’re crucial. In order to be successful in any job, you have to be willing to take risks and attain set goals.

Definitely check out this article, I think you’ll find it very interesting. I’d also love to hear any of your personal “Fatal Career Moves.”

Posted by Anna M.

What's the view like from your cubicle?

TechRepublic just revamped its career blog and named it “View from the Cubicle." As they appropriately ask, “Do clueless end-users and cutthroat co-workers make your work life a walking festival of hell?” If you can relate, definitely check out this blog for humorous but oh-so true workplace conundrums, war stories, job hunting advice, and good conversation – Toni Blowers gets a ton of people writing in with their comments from the field. The latest post is on how to get the most out of your professional references, which is something you should take seriously when on the job hunt.

Posted by Christy H.

Fashion Savvy for the Summer Heat

I love summer—it’s easily my favorite time of the year. I love the beach, the sun and flip flops. And almost on a daily basis, I wish that I was wearing flip flops to the office instead of heels.

Obviously, in most places, flip flops are not considered part of acceptable work attire. As CareerBuilder.com points out, summer-time work outfits must be chosen carefully—you want to make sure that you care about the way you present yourself to your employer and co-workers, but also dress comfortably for the rising temperatures. To take it one step further, I would say that interviews are a different story – no matter how hot it is, make sure you look 100% professional. Even if it means braving the heat in a suit.

Rachel Zupek put together some Faux Pas of Summer Work Fashion (for both men and women!). Definitely check it out!

-Posted by Anna M.

Skill Sets Over Time

I came across a great article on ComputerWorld today. Mary Brandel wrote a piece called “The Top 10 Dead (or Dying) Computer Skills.” I thought it was a really interesting read—mostly because I had forgotten that some of these technologies ever existed. I haven’t heard about nonrelational DBMS in years…

Perhaps even more interesting was thinking about how these skill sets have developed and changed over the years. C programming has turned into C++ and C sharp, and programming languages like ColdFusion have given way to Active Server Pages, .Net, Java and more.

It got me thinking—where will today’s hottest skills be in ten years? Early this year, we projected hot tech skills in 12 major U.S. technology hubs. I wonder how these skill sets will develop and grow as the technology in each industry does the same.

That’s why it’s crucial for job seekers to build on and continually advance their current skill sets. Last month, we discussed why this is the case for IT certification, but the same is true for these computer skills. By keeping up with new advances in technology, you are almost guaranteed to never be part of a dying skill.

Posted by Jim L.

Lessons from The Daily Show

According to some very credible research by Demetri Martin, "Youth Spotting" expert for The Daily Show, video resumes are becoming more popular as a way to stand out from the crowd in today's competitive job market. (Ok so it’s not credible, but it’s still true, and funny!) In all seriousness, video resumes are opening new doors for job candidates and enabling them to tell a more convincing story about themselves than you can put on paper. Something to think about when on your next job hunt.

Demetri's advice: Keep it short. Don't take naps on camera. And don't cry on your video resume.

My advice: Keep it short. Don’t just tell them why they should hire you - Use the visual advantage to show them why you are the right candidate for a job. Be creative and memorable, but don't make yourself look completely crazy!

Check out the Daily Show segment: http://tinyurl.com/25bt76

Posted by Christy H.

Great Job Hunting Tips

Monster.com has a really interesting piece up—“Networking Tips for Techies.” The article provides points that are important for not only for techies, but for all job-seekers.

We’ve been talking about how tech jobs are out there, and this piece offers great ways to find the best jobs, as well as the jobs that fit you best. What better way to get started than to use the resources available to you?

No matter which pieces of Allan’s advice you choose to take, it’s important to remember while the job search can be trying, staying positive and keeping an open mind will help tremendously.

Definitely check it out—I think you’ll find a lot of helpful tips.

Posted by Christy H.

InformationWeek Salary Survey Reports High Tech Wages

InformationWeek released its annual IT Salary Survey last week and the results were not a surprise. The Salary Survey is further justification of the trends we’re seeing in rapidly rising tech wages.

Surprisingly, a slight decline was seen in median salaries for those under the age of 25. With only 39% of staffers thinking that the tech industry is as promising it was five years ago, this is a little disturbing. However, with every cloud, there is a silver lining.

The members of Generation Y play a critical role in keeping the tech sector flourishing and will become more important as Boomers begin to retire. We anticipate the demand for hard-working, experienced Gen Y-ers to continually increase throughout the next few years. And, with technology undergrad enrollments on the decline, supply will be limited. This strong demand and shallow supply pool could potentially send average tech salaries for Gen Y-ers sky-high in the next few years. It will be interesting to see what happens.

For now, Gen Y-ers need to continue focusing on building their career plans and beginning to reach their goals. In addition to its survey, InformationWeek also put together a helpful “How To Career Guide” that can serve as a great resource no matter what age you are or where you fall in your career path.

Posted by Michele B.

STOP - Don’t Upload That Photo!

Recently, we blogged about online networks and how they can be a useful tool to network and possibly search for job opportunities. While the Internet and social networking can be helpful, beware of what you upload/post out there on the Web.

Case in point: According to a recent New York Daily News article, by the time “Sylvia’s” interview day arrived, her destiny had been determined. When her interviewer “Googled” her name, she found drunken pictures, inappropriate language and other items that demonstrated Sylvia’s severe lack of maturity. Needless to say, she did not receive a job offer following her interview.

With the rise of user-generated media and content, more and more employers are using the Web as a tool to get an inside look at the people they might consider hiring. The Boston Globe recently cited an ExecuNet survey that stated nearly 77 percent of recruiters said that they used search engines to check out candidates in 2006, and 35 percent have eliminated a candidate because of what they saw online. And, hiring managers are doing the same thing.

To avoid falling prey to Career Googling, always think twice before posting something on the Internet or commenting on someone’s blog. Due to cached pages and other blogs that cut and paste from other sites, things are not easy to delete once they’re out there. Make sure to conduct a search of yourself frequently. Simply type your name into a few major search engines and see what pops up. Clean up your Internet presence by hiding old scandalous content through posting industry-related comments on blogs like ours or message boards. Also, if you have your own blog, log on and read through your old entries to make sure nothing could make you look bad to a prospective employer. Gather more helpful tips from our previous blog post on Tech Résumé Tips. 

Posted by Michele B.

What Workers Want

Monster recently presented a webinar on Sourcing Candidates: Understanding Tactics Used by Successful Job Seekers to give hiring managers and HR decision makers an idea of what you, the candidate is going through during the job hunt.

Since more than half the technology workforce is projected to be switching jobs this year, it’s good to know what you may be dealing with.    

Their findings are dead-on.  The top challenges they found you encountered when searching for a new job range from finding a career that fits your needs, getting discovered and interviewed, finding time to search and staying motivated and focused. 

The study’s survey group was composed primarily of job seekers with a job.  More than 70% had a job but were actively or passively searching for their next career step.  More than a third of the respondents were in professional or technical positions, just less than a third were managers and the rest of the group was almost equally composed of  executives, consultants/self employed and administrative workers. 

The frustrations of all these job seekers are nearly universal.  The same vague job descriptions, over-inflated requirements and lack of response from employers that you encounter plagued this group too. 

Hopefully the hiring managers that Monster communicated with will start to focus on what matters to job seekers – compensation, growth opportunity and work/life balance options, like telecommuting. 

Posted by Christy H.

Weight and Your Career

Obesity is a growing problem in the U.S., according to a report from The Centers for Disease Control -- 65% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese.  The connections between excess weight and health issues are known, but what effect does being overweight have on your career? According to an article on MSN Careers, it can influence both your career and potential earnings.

The article, “Is Your Weight Hurting Your Career?” featured opinions from several experts, including information from a study by Charles L. Baum, Ph.D., of Middle Tennessee State University who reports that, “obesity was found to lower a woman’s annual earnings an average of 4.5 percent…and 2.3 percent for men.”   

Also covered was a 2005 survey from TheLadders.com, which indicated that 75 percent of executives said that being overweight is a “serious career impediment.” 

Being overweight can also have hidden effects on one’s career, such as not being hired for a position after an in-person interview, following several successful phone interviews and other screenings.  So, how can one move past your weight and present yourself in a positive light?

According to Miriam Berg, president of the Council of Size and Weight Discrimination, “we recommend doing your homework, dressing for success, putting your best foot forward, and most importantly, addressing any potential objections a potential employer might have,” she suggests.

Posted by Janet F.

How big is your online network?

Following the spectacular success of MySpace.com, many Web 2.0 entrepreneurs have launched or plan to launch new business-networking sites. If you have been a skeptic to the growing social-networking trend, now may be the time to hop on the bandwagon. Here are three of today’s popular business-networking sites that we have found useful:

LinkedIn - Founded in 2002, today’s probably most well-known business networking site has grown to more than 9 million members. By continually building out your direct contact list, you can have access to thousands, if not millions, of other members through just a few degrees of separation. According to a Business 2.0 article from this past December, “LinkedIn has become the go-to place for the tech elite” and has become a candidate searching tool-of-choice for executives at companies such as Microsoft.

Jobster – Founded in 2004, Jobster is looking to quickly increase its networking capabilities. Just last week, the company announced a new and improved Web 2.0 site that will allow users to connect with people, information, and opportunities to help them further their careers. On the new Jobster.com, job seekers can post digital profiles and resumes, set up personalized tags, network with other job seekers for advice and create personal URL addresses for themselves within Jobster. The new site also allows employers to an unlimited amount of free job postings and immediately presents potential matching candidates. 

Xing – According to Xing, founded in 2003, “no two people are more than six degrees apart.” Out of all business networking sites out there today, Xing definitely has the largest international presence. With its corporate headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, the sites boasts tens of millions of users from around the globe.

Posted by Michele B.

Networking For Fun and Profit

I just read an article by Dean Lindsay in a publication for sales professionals.  Mr. Lindsay reminded me that meeting people is one of the steps to building business relationships.  How well connected you are determines your access to the right people, and the right opportunities.

This holds just as true for job seekers as it does for sales people.  Effective networkers connect with new people everywhere they go.  They also research the various networking event options and commit to a networking strategy.  They proactively open face-to-face relationships.  Be aware that it's possible to go to a networking event and not have any "networking moments."  It's about connecting with people and finding ways to help them progress.

Securing a job is one of the most important sales pitches you'll ever make.  And since we never know when the best opportunity is going to happen, it pays to be prepared with a large, diverse network of contacts.  So, step away from the computer and go talk to someone!

Posted by Veronica R.

Greener Pastures

The grass is always greener on the other side of the . . .  cubicle? 

You get the idea. 

Tech professionals across the board agree.  A new article from Information Week says that more than 60% of workers in the information technology fields want a new job. 

We agree.  In our July post, Tech Résumé Tips, we noted eWeek’s article that stated nearly half of the U.S. IT work force plans to change jobs in the next year.

Out of the 60% of job seekers, 27% are actively looking for that better position.  Most people want to leave their job for more money.  With 73% of job seekers stating a higher paying positions as motivation to move on.  This fact is reiterated in our post from a few weeks ago, Another Tech Index, on dice.com’s Tech Appeal Index.  They found that individuals are primarily in IT because of the enjoyment derived from their jobs and the paycheck.

To learn more about why IT pros are looking for their next big break check out the complete article.   

Posted by Christy H.