From Computerworld, February 27, 2009...
Always You've got to maximize your potential in order to grow your career. To do that you have to get more or better results than those around you. I've gotten blowback from others before for saying this, but you must realize that you're in a competition with everyone else in your company.
So what does it take to get ahead? How can you do this? Here are some simple techniques to help you get more results and be respected for your work.
Read more...
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Career Management For Tough Times
From Computerworld, February 27, 2009...
When I started this column in 2005, I truly believed the tenets of executive career management were unchanging. But in this new economic climate of fear, uncertainty and doubt, when the supply of qualified IT leaders has suddenly outstripped the demand, I realize that I was mistaken. For all of you who are on the market (or would like to stay off it) I offer an updated career management primer.
Read more...
When I started this column in 2005, I truly believed the tenets of executive career management were unchanging. But in this new economic climate of fear, uncertainty and doubt, when the supply of qualified IT leaders has suddenly outstripped the demand, I realize that I was mistaken. For all of you who are on the market (or would like to stay off it) I offer an updated career management primer.
Read more...
Severance and Your Rights
From DICE, February 27, 2009...
The firestorm surrounding Microsoft’s severance package gaffe - first overpaying about 25 laid off workers, and then asking for the money back - brings up a question: Are former workers legally obligated to return money to a company that’s let them go?
Read more...
The firestorm surrounding Microsoft’s severance package gaffe - first overpaying about 25 laid off workers, and then asking for the money back - brings up a question: Are former workers legally obligated to return money to a company that’s let them go?
Read more...
Know Your Top 25 Programming Errors (Or Else)
From DICE, February 27, 2009...
Writing perfectly coded software, with no errors and never a security vulnerability? It’s never going to happen. Accordingly, it pays to know which errors are the worst, and to ensure - for starters - they aren’t hiding in your code.
To help, 30 experts on information security have assembled a list of the top 25 most dangerous programming errors, According to the SANS Institute, “just two of the 25 errors on the list, improper input validation and improper output encoding, are responsible for more than 1.5 million security breaches in 2008.”
Read more...
Writing perfectly coded software, with no errors and never a security vulnerability? It’s never going to happen. Accordingly, it pays to know which errors are the worst, and to ensure - for starters - they aren’t hiding in your code.
To help, 30 experts on information security have assembled a list of the top 25 most dangerous programming errors, According to the SANS Institute, “just two of the 25 errors on the list, improper input validation and improper output encoding, are responsible for more than 1.5 million security breaches in 2008.”
Read more...
Statisticians are the New Sex Symbols
From Flowing Data, February 27, 2009...
"The ability to take data—to be able to understand it, to process it, to extract value from it, to visualize it, to communicate it—that’s going to be a hugely important skill in the next decades, not only at the professional level but even at the educational level for elementary school kids, for high school kids, for college kids. Because now we really do have essentially free and ubiquitous data. So the complimentary scarce factor is the ability to understand that data and extract value from it.
I think statisticians are part of it, but it’s just a part. You also want to be able to visualize the data, communicate the data, and utilize it effectively. But I do think those skills—of being able to access, understand, and communicate the insights you get from data analysis—are going to be extremely important. Managers need to be able to access and understand the data themselves."
Read more...
"The ability to take data—to be able to understand it, to process it, to extract value from it, to visualize it, to communicate it—that’s going to be a hugely important skill in the next decades, not only at the professional level but even at the educational level for elementary school kids, for high school kids, for college kids. Because now we really do have essentially free and ubiquitous data. So the complimentary scarce factor is the ability to understand that data and extract value from it.
I think statisticians are part of it, but it’s just a part. You also want to be able to visualize the data, communicate the data, and utilize it effectively. But I do think those skills—of being able to access, understand, and communicate the insights you get from data analysis—are going to be extremely important. Managers need to be able to access and understand the data themselves."
Read more...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Explaining Job Hopping on Your Resume
From DICE, February 26, 2009...
Typically, a resume that contains numerous job changes over a short period of time could cause a hiring manager to classify you as a job hopper. It’s a red flag to some, but a not to all. After all, IT is full of people who’ve moved around a lot. Sometimes it’s even encouraged, especially if you work for startups. And, by definition, contract workers switch jobs fairly often. As Ronald Mitchell, chief executive and co-founder of the career mentoring site GottaMentor.com, told The New York Times:
"Especially in the biotech and technology industries where there are many start-ups, it’s O.K. to move around. If you do consulting work on a project basis, it is expected that you would be switching jobs fairly often. For certain technology positions, like computer programmer and software developer, the length of time at each job is almost irrelevant, the breadth of experience is far more important."
Read more...
Typically, a resume that contains numerous job changes over a short period of time could cause a hiring manager to classify you as a job hopper. It’s a red flag to some, but a not to all. After all, IT is full of people who’ve moved around a lot. Sometimes it’s even encouraged, especially if you work for startups. And, by definition, contract workers switch jobs fairly often. As Ronald Mitchell, chief executive and co-founder of the career mentoring site GottaMentor.com, told The New York Times:
"Especially in the biotech and technology industries where there are many start-ups, it’s O.K. to move around. If you do consulting work on a project basis, it is expected that you would be switching jobs fairly often. For certain technology positions, like computer programmer and software developer, the length of time at each job is almost irrelevant, the breadth of experience is far more important."
Read more...
Amazon Hiring Engineers For International Kindles?
From Business Insider, February 25, 2009...
Nice catch by CrunchGear's John Biggs: Plenty of job openings at Amazon's (AMZN) Kindle subsidiary, also known as Lab126. Several job descriptions hint that international editions of the Kindle e-book reader could be in the works.
Read more...
Nice catch by CrunchGear's John Biggs: Plenty of job openings at Amazon's (AMZN) Kindle subsidiary, also known as Lab126. Several job descriptions hint that international editions of the Kindle e-book reader could be in the works.
Read more...
Know Thyself
From Kiplinger, February 26, 2009...
A new Web site, Checkster.com, makes it easy to get anonymous, work-related feedback. I did a five-minute self-evaluation at the site and then entered the e-mail addresses of eight people from whom I wanted feedback (you can choose from three to eight). They included my six most recent career-coaching clients, plus my editors at Kiplinger.com and U.S. News & World Report.
Checkster.com sent each person an e-mail inviting him or her to give me feedback anonymously, using the five-minute questionnaire. They were given a week to reply.
Read more...
A new Web site, Checkster.com, makes it easy to get anonymous, work-related feedback. I did a five-minute self-evaluation at the site and then entered the e-mail addresses of eight people from whom I wanted feedback (you can choose from three to eight). They included my six most recent career-coaching clients, plus my editors at Kiplinger.com and U.S. News & World Report.
Checkster.com sent each person an e-mail inviting him or her to give me feedback anonymously, using the five-minute questionnaire. They were given a week to reply.
Read more...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
TU for the Interview? NVR!
From DICE, February 24, 2009...
Thanks to the mobile technology, you can find new job opportunities, network online and research prospective employers on the run. But be warned: When you call a prospective boss or send him a post-interview thank you e-mail, you should sit down and turn off your Blackberry. Formal communications standards and traditional etiquette rules still apply to the job hunting process.
Among other things, experts suggest calling from a land line in a quiet location, so there’s no chance of a dropped call or interference from background noise. And don’t send thank you notes from a hand-held device, because you might be tempted to use online chat acronyms.
Read more...
Thanks to the mobile technology, you can find new job opportunities, network online and research prospective employers on the run. But be warned: When you call a prospective boss or send him a post-interview thank you e-mail, you should sit down and turn off your Blackberry. Formal communications standards and traditional etiquette rules still apply to the job hunting process.
Among other things, experts suggest calling from a land line in a quiet location, so there’s no chance of a dropped call or interference from background noise. And don’t send thank you notes from a hand-held device, because you might be tempted to use online chat acronyms.
Read more...
Top 10 Social Sites for Finding a Job
From Mashable, February 24, 2009...
Here at Mashable, we’re trying hard to help you stay afloat and succeed in the current economic crisis. We’ve told you how to build the ultimate social media resume, sites to visit if you’ve been laid off, and the secrets to finding your next job using social media tools. Now we’ll look at ten incredible social sites to help you in your job search.
Some of these sites allow you to craft a resume, while others are networking platforms that contain job listings. By signing up for all ten, you increase your chances of getting a job and decrease the amount of time you’ll spend searching for a new one. Three of the listed sites can be combined with other sites to be more impactful. In addition to joining, creating profiles and searching for jobs, I encourage you to support these sites with either a traditional website or blog, so that you have more to present to employers, in addition to your profile.
Read more...
Here at Mashable, we’re trying hard to help you stay afloat and succeed in the current economic crisis. We’ve told you how to build the ultimate social media resume, sites to visit if you’ve been laid off, and the secrets to finding your next job using social media tools. Now we’ll look at ten incredible social sites to help you in your job search.
Some of these sites allow you to craft a resume, while others are networking platforms that contain job listings. By signing up for all ten, you increase your chances of getting a job and decrease the amount of time you’ll spend searching for a new one. Three of the listed sites can be combined with other sites to be more impactful. In addition to joining, creating profiles and searching for jobs, I encourage you to support these sites with either a traditional website or blog, so that you have more to present to employers, in addition to your profile.
Read more...
The 10 Emerging Technologies of 2009
From Technology Review, February 24, 2009...
Technology Review presents its annual list of 10 technologies that could change the way we live.
Read more...
Technology Review presents its annual list of 10 technologies that could change the way we live.
Read more...
How to Maximize Your Job Search
From DICE, February 25, 2009...
I spoke with John Reed, district president of Robert Half Technolgy in Dallas, about the main steps unemployed workers should take in a time job-hunting is, to say the least, competitive. How can you be sure you’re not spinning your wheels? He offered three tactics:
I spoke with John Reed, district president of Robert Half Technolgy in Dallas, about the main steps unemployed workers should take in a time job-hunting is, to say the least, competitive. How can you be sure you’re not spinning your wheels? He offered three tactics:
- Get up every morning and view your search as a full-time job. It can’t be a part-time gig at which you spend a couple of hours a day sending out a few resumes.
- Be good at articulating your ROI to prospective employers. Companies are in a cost-cutting, cost-conscious mode, and any job that doesn’t directly contribute to revenue generation is susceptible to elimination.
- Be excellent at networking. Go to professional user group meetings. Do whatever it takes to connect with professionals who “are swimming in the same pool you are in.”
Read more...
As Economy Drops, Agile’s Star Rises
From DICE, February 25, 2009...
During any downturn, the business mantra is “Do more with less.” Still, having fewer programmers and a smaller budget isn’t the ideal scenario for saving a software development company that’s broadcasting an SOS.
What’s a development team to do?
In a recent report (In An Abysmal Economy, Application Development Pros Can Prevail), Forrester Research analyst Mary Gerush says one way to cope is “by streamlining processes by incorporating and adapting lean and Agile concepts.” Using an Agile approach to development, she says, can mean “faster time-to-market, increased quality, and improved morale.”
Read more...
During any downturn, the business mantra is “Do more with less.” Still, having fewer programmers and a smaller budget isn’t the ideal scenario for saving a software development company that’s broadcasting an SOS.
What’s a development team to do?
In a recent report (In An Abysmal Economy, Application Development Pros Can Prevail), Forrester Research analyst Mary Gerush says one way to cope is “by streamlining processes by incorporating and adapting lean and Agile concepts.” Using an Agile approach to development, she says, can mean “faster time-to-market, increased quality, and improved morale.”
Read more...
Jobs You Can Do In Paradise
From Forbes, February 23, 2009...
The pay may not be the greatest, but ... location, location, location.
Read more...
The pay may not be the greatest, but ... location, location, location.
Read more...
Laid Off? Volunteer! Here's Why And How
From Forbes, February 24, 2009...
When you're out of work, volunteering isn't just about giving back to the community. It's also a way to keep your professional skills sharp, beef up your résumé and make new connections. The right volunteer job can help you get back in the workforce.
Read more...
When you're out of work, volunteering isn't just about giving back to the community. It's also a way to keep your professional skills sharp, beef up your résumé and make new connections. The right volunteer job can help you get back in the workforce.
Read more...
As U.S. IT jobs are cut, H-1B use by offshoring vendors is rising
From Computerworld, February 24, 2009...
The number of H-1B visas issued to India-based outsourcing and IT services firms continued to increase in the U.S. government's latest fiscal year, according to data released this week.
Read more...
The number of H-1B visas issued to India-based outsourcing and IT services firms continued to increase in the U.S. government's latest fiscal year, according to data released this week.
Read more...
Twitter Tips: How to Use Twitter to Job Hunt
From Computerworld, February 25, 2009...
Though LinkedIn tops the list of professionally-oriented social networks for job seeking, you can also use Twitter to get the word out about your skills and talents to relevant people in your industry.
More about Twitter on CIO.com Twitter Etiquette: Five Dos and Don'ts Twitter: How to Get Started Guide for Business People Twitter's Potential for Business Users
But you must take some steps to be a good Twitter citizen before you tweet yourself into your next gig. We spoke with some career and social media experts on how to utilize Twitter for the purpose of job seeking, and the ways in which you can promote your own interests while helping others at the same time. (As you'll find, you can't do one without the other).
If you're new to Twitter, we recommend reading our beginners' guide to Twitter, as well as our Twitter etiquette guide, to learn more about what makes this community operate. Overall, it's important to remember that Twitter is about exchanging ideas and letting people know more about you based on the content of your tweets.
Read more...
Though LinkedIn tops the list of professionally-oriented social networks for job seeking, you can also use Twitter to get the word out about your skills and talents to relevant people in your industry.
More about Twitter on CIO.com Twitter Etiquette: Five Dos and Don'ts Twitter: How to Get Started Guide for Business People Twitter's Potential for Business Users
But you must take some steps to be a good Twitter citizen before you tweet yourself into your next gig. We spoke with some career and social media experts on how to utilize Twitter for the purpose of job seeking, and the ways in which you can promote your own interests while helping others at the same time. (As you'll find, you can't do one without the other).
If you're new to Twitter, we recommend reading our beginners' guide to Twitter, as well as our Twitter etiquette guide, to learn more about what makes this community operate. Overall, it's important to remember that Twitter is about exchanging ideas and letting people know more about you based on the content of your tweets.
Read more...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Austin software company realizes importance of being agile
From statesman, February 23, 2009...
What has changed at Phurnace Software since it was founded two years ago?
Not much. Only the product, the marketing strategy, the customers it wanted to target, its hiring plan and the amount of money it intended to raise.
Also the sales strategy — three times.
"At one point, we stopped writing our business plan in Word and just did it in PowerPoint because it was easier to change," said Daniel Nelson, co-founder of Phurnace, which won the 2006 Moot Corp competition at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business.
Nelson spoke last week at a reunion of previous winners of the annual Moot Corp event, which pits student-originated ventures against one another before a panel of judges. Winners receive free office space for a year at the Austin Technology Incubator as well as consulting services to kick-start their businesses.
Read more...
What has changed at Phurnace Software since it was founded two years ago?
Not much. Only the product, the marketing strategy, the customers it wanted to target, its hiring plan and the amount of money it intended to raise.
Also the sales strategy — three times.
"At one point, we stopped writing our business plan in Word and just did it in PowerPoint because it was easier to change," said Daniel Nelson, co-founder of Phurnace, which won the 2006 Moot Corp competition at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business.
Nelson spoke last week at a reunion of previous winners of the annual Moot Corp event, which pits student-originated ventures against one another before a panel of judges. Winners receive free office space for a year at the Austin Technology Incubator as well as consulting services to kick-start their businesses.
Read more...
Spansion begins layoffs
From KVUE, February 23, 2009...
The federal stimulus package may not be of much help to some employees of Spansion, high-tech firm in Austin.
The company began laying off workers Monday. Spansion makes flash memory chips used in cell phones and other communications equipment.
Read more...
The federal stimulus package may not be of much help to some employees of Spansion, high-tech firm in Austin.
The company began laying off workers Monday. Spansion makes flash memory chips used in cell phones and other communications equipment.
Read more...
Austin Tech Happy Hour Kicks Off Southby Season
From Austin Startup, February 19, 2009...
The next happy hour will be Thursday, March 12th from 6pm - 8pm at Molotov. This is the day before SXSWi begins, and we have the perfect way to kickoff your experience with a celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship and technology innovation in Austin. We have two fantastic companies that are sponsoring the event, AllWebLeads and MentorWorks.
Early bird tickets are available at a discounted price. Everyone will receive two drink tickets that are worth more than the price of admission. It’s some sort of crazy distilled spirits arbitrage!
You must register to attend this event!
Read more...
The next happy hour will be Thursday, March 12th from 6pm - 8pm at Molotov. This is the day before SXSWi begins, and we have the perfect way to kickoff your experience with a celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship and technology innovation in Austin. We have two fantastic companies that are sponsoring the event, AllWebLeads and MentorWorks.
Early bird tickets are available at a discounted price. Everyone will receive two drink tickets that are worth more than the price of admission. It’s some sort of crazy distilled spirits arbitrage!
You must register to attend this event!
Read more...
Tech or No, Basic Etiquette Rules
From DICE, February 20, 2009...
No doubt, there is plenty of technology in place to help us network in our job searches, but the inherent danger is we may over-rely on these tools while forgetting basic, old-fashioned principles. Ultimately, relationships are built on etiquette, and the AP’s Mark Jewell offers some good advice on how to leverage technology without ignoring the basics.
“The electronic piece usually just gets your foot in the door,” said Dave Willmer, executive director of Robert Half Technology, a tech industry recruiting division of Menlo Park, Calif.-based staffing consultant Robert Half International.
“But you still have to present yourself well face-to-face in an interview, and you have to have good references,” he said. “I think some job candidates lose sight of that because of all the technology options and capabilities that get your name out there.”
Some other tips:
Read more...
No doubt, there is plenty of technology in place to help us network in our job searches, but the inherent danger is we may over-rely on these tools while forgetting basic, old-fashioned principles. Ultimately, relationships are built on etiquette, and the AP’s Mark Jewell offers some good advice on how to leverage technology without ignoring the basics.
“The electronic piece usually just gets your foot in the door,” said Dave Willmer, executive director of Robert Half Technology, a tech industry recruiting division of Menlo Park, Calif.-based staffing consultant Robert Half International.
“But you still have to present yourself well face-to-face in an interview, and you have to have good references,” he said. “I think some job candidates lose sight of that because of all the technology options and capabilities that get your name out there.”
Some other tips:
Read more...
From DICE, February 20, 2009...
You have just gotten that tap on the shoulder. You walk into an office to face the human resource officer, who gives you the proverbial pink slip. Your emotions are high. Suddenly, you start telling the HR rep everything the company is doing wrong. You might even spill the beans on what other co-workers are doing. But before you let loose, take a moment to breathe and think: Even now, as you’re heading for the door, what you say and how you say it is important. Here’s what some recruiters tell me:
Read more...
You have just gotten that tap on the shoulder. You walk into an office to face the human resource officer, who gives you the proverbial pink slip. Your emotions are high. Suddenly, you start telling the HR rep everything the company is doing wrong. You might even spill the beans on what other co-workers are doing. But before you let loose, take a moment to breathe and think: Even now, as you’re heading for the door, what you say and how you say it is important. Here’s what some recruiters tell me:
Read more...
Opportunities Close to Home
From DICE, February 23, 2009...
Companies are still filling openings when they need to, but more often they’re doing it from within. That’s something like good news for people who’d like to keep their career moving even in the midst of the recession, but not good news for people who want to move into a new firm. CareerXRoads found 38.8 percent of all new “hires” were actually internal transfers or promotions, the highest level since the firm began its annual survey on hiring sources eight years ago. One of the company’s principals, Gerry Crispin, told the recruiting site ERE.net that “critical openings” are being filled by internal moves, and the jobs left vacant after the transfer are being picked up by existing staff.
Internal Transfers Growing As Leading Source of Hire [ERE.net]
Read more...
Companies are still filling openings when they need to, but more often they’re doing it from within. That’s something like good news for people who’d like to keep their career moving even in the midst of the recession, but not good news for people who want to move into a new firm. CareerXRoads found 38.8 percent of all new “hires” were actually internal transfers or promotions, the highest level since the firm began its annual survey on hiring sources eight years ago. One of the company’s principals, Gerry Crispin, told the recruiting site ERE.net that “critical openings” are being filled by internal moves, and the jobs left vacant after the transfer are being picked up by existing staff.
Internal Transfers Growing As Leading Source of Hire [ERE.net]
Read more...
7 mistakes to avoid when applying for that tech job
From Computerworld, February 20, 2009...
My eyes are blurry from reviewing over 40 résumés for a network administrator position, and for good reason. More than half of the résumés did not make it past my initial review. While I had to reject some candidates because of lack of experience (or, rather, lack of clearly demonstrated required experience), others had errors in their application packages that lowered their ranking -- errors that could have been easily corrected.
(And yes, I literally do rank résumés, based on years and type of experience but also on other nontechnical variables such as communications ability.)
Read more...
My eyes are blurry from reviewing over 40 résumés for a network administrator position, and for good reason. More than half of the résumés did not make it past my initial review. While I had to reject some candidates because of lack of experience (or, rather, lack of clearly demonstrated required experience), others had errors in their application packages that lowered their ranking -- errors that could have been easily corrected.
(And yes, I literally do rank résumés, based on years and type of experience but also on other nontechnical variables such as communications ability.)
Read more...
IBM plans IT center in Dubuque -- and job applications pour in
From Computerworld, February 22, 2009...
With $12 million in state funding as an incentive, IBM is building an IT center in Dubuque, Iowa, that it said will employ 1,300 workers providing support to IBM's U.S. outsourcing clients.
The state finalized the agreement to contribute to the project on Thursday. And while the money that Iowa is pitching in is clearly an incentive for IBM to locate in Dubuque, another reason for the company's interest may be the state's lower IT wages.
Read more...
With $12 million in state funding as an incentive, IBM is building an IT center in Dubuque, Iowa, that it said will employ 1,300 workers providing support to IBM's U.S. outsourcing clients.
The state finalized the agreement to contribute to the project on Thursday. And while the money that Iowa is pitching in is clearly an incentive for IBM to locate in Dubuque, another reason for the company's interest may be the state's lower IT wages.
Read more...
Career Watch: Peering at companies through the glass door
From Computerworld, February 23, 2009...
The Web continues to demonstrate its power to transform. For some, its ability to provide transparency into matters that had previously been shrouded in secrecy is considered laudable. For others, it can seem like an invitation to anarchy. No doubt, that dichotomy of views will greet the latest online experiment in openness: Glassdoor.com. Its mission is to let anyone peer inside the walls of any company, but its most immediate claim to fame is its listing of salaries for specific positions at companies in its database.
Read more...
The Web continues to demonstrate its power to transform. For some, its ability to provide transparency into matters that had previously been shrouded in secrecy is considered laudable. For others, it can seem like an invitation to anarchy. No doubt, that dichotomy of views will greet the latest online experiment in openness: Glassdoor.com. Its mission is to let anyone peer inside the walls of any company, but its most immediate claim to fame is its listing of salaries for specific positions at companies in its database.
Read more...
Most fired workers steal data on way out the door, survey shows
From Computerworld, February 23, 2009...
A survey of 945 individuals who were laid off, fired or quit their jobs in the past 12 months shows that 59% admitted to stealing company data and 67% used their former company's confidential information to leverage a new job.
Read more...
A survey of 945 individuals who were laid off, fired or quit their jobs in the past 12 months shows that 59% admitted to stealing company data and 67% used their former company's confidential information to leverage a new job.
Read more...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Older Workers Are Here to Stay
From Kiplinger, February 2009...
The economic crisis will keep older workers on the job longer, easing a long-term worker shortage. Here's how to cope with the sudden change.
Read more...
The economic crisis will keep older workers on the job longer, easing a long-term worker shortage. Here's how to cope with the sudden change.
Read more...
Using LinkedIn to Research Companies
From DICE, February 18, 2009...
More than 160,000 businesses have established a company company profile on LinkedIn since the site launched the option about a year ago. They can be a helpful resource in learning about a particular employer when you’re applying for a job. As CIO Magazine says:
"LinkedIn company profiles can help you learn about companies on your short list in greater depth, according to career experts who have analyzed the service. Another bonus: a careful examination of LinkedIn contacts who have recently joined (or worked at) a company can help you determine if the organization would be a good fit, as you compare your own qualifications against the candidates hired."
Read more...
More than 160,000 businesses have established a company company profile on LinkedIn since the site launched the option about a year ago. They can be a helpful resource in learning about a particular employer when you’re applying for a job. As CIO Magazine says:
"LinkedIn company profiles can help you learn about companies on your short list in greater depth, according to career experts who have analyzed the service. Another bonus: a careful examination of LinkedIn contacts who have recently joined (or worked at) a company can help you determine if the organization would be a good fit, as you compare your own qualifications against the candidates hired."
Read more...
Out of Work? Tune Out and Turn On
From DICE, February 18, 2009...
“Well I seem to have pulled off the impossible,” wrote HellenicOne, a job seeker on the Dice Discussions board.
It seems HellenicOne was laid off without warning on Dec. 5. Over the next few weeks, he spoke with 25 recruiters, completed 12 phone interviews, 10 in-person interviews and defied the odds when he landed a full-time gig on Jan. 26. I was dumbfounded when I read his post, and - call my cynical - wondered if the feat was truly possible in today’s environment.
Read more...
“Well I seem to have pulled off the impossible,” wrote HellenicOne, a job seeker on the Dice Discussions board.
It seems HellenicOne was laid off without warning on Dec. 5. Over the next few weeks, he spoke with 25 recruiters, completed 12 phone interviews, 10 in-person interviews and defied the odds when he landed a full-time gig on Jan. 26. I was dumbfounded when I read his post, and - call my cynical - wondered if the feat was truly possible in today’s environment.
Read more...
How Do You Network When Your Network's All Laid Off?
From Forbes, February 18, 2009...
Everyone says the key to finding a new job is networking. But how do you do that when so many of your contacts are also out of work?
Read more...
Everyone says the key to finding a new job is networking. But how do you do that when so many of your contacts are also out of work?
Read more...
Becoming an IT consultant: Do's, don'ts and disasters to avoid
From Computerworld, February 19, 2009...
Thinking of striking out on your own? Ex-CIOs who have made the jump share their hard-won advice.
Read more...
Thinking of striking out on your own? Ex-CIOs who have made the jump share their hard-won advice.
Read more...
How To Get VCs Eating Out Of The Palm Of Your Hand
From Silicon Valley Insider, February 19, 2009...
In a prior post I wrote about How The Best VCs Interact With Entrepreneurs. I am now turning the tables and offering some thoughts about the best practices for entrepreneurs.
While the following list is not complete, perfect or without exception, these ten rules should serve as strong guidelines for entrepreneurs who want to create enduring relationships with VCs.
Read more...
In a prior post I wrote about How The Best VCs Interact With Entrepreneurs. I am now turning the tables and offering some thoughts about the best practices for entrepreneurs.
While the following list is not complete, perfect or without exception, these ten rules should serve as strong guidelines for entrepreneurs who want to create enduring relationships with VCs.
Read more...
Bad Economy = Opportunity for Mature Workers
From DICE, February 19, 2009...
With the competition for jobs so intense today, it’s important for mature workers to stay abreast of ways to market their attributes. And, now may be the time to emphasize their experience. If you’re older, you may be the kind of person companies need to help them navigate the troubled economy, and TechCareers outlines several ways to strategically market yourself. While the piece is targeted at baby boomers re-entering the workforce, its advice applies to older workers, as well.
Read more...
With the competition for jobs so intense today, it’s important for mature workers to stay abreast of ways to market their attributes. And, now may be the time to emphasize their experience. If you’re older, you may be the kind of person companies need to help them navigate the troubled economy, and TechCareers outlines several ways to strategically market yourself. While the piece is targeted at baby boomers re-entering the workforce, its advice applies to older workers, as well.
Read more...
Phurnace Adds To Team
From Austin Startup, February 18, 2009...
Phurnace Software, the Java application deployment company, today announced the addition of two software industry veterans to its sales team. David Plunkett and Paul Shomper both come from the IT and development tools industry, and join Phurnace as senior sales engineer and senior account executive, respectively.
Read more...
Phurnace Software, the Java application deployment company, today announced the addition of two software industry veterans to its sales team. David Plunkett and Paul Shomper both come from the IT and development tools industry, and join Phurnace as senior sales engineer and senior account executive, respectively.
Read more...
HomeAway Offers New Reservation System
From Austin Startup, February 18, 2009...
HomeAway, Inc. the world’s leading vacation rental marketplace, today launched the HomeAway Reservation Management System, enabling travelers to enjoy the same security as booking a hotel room, while benefiting from the additional space, privacy and amenities that only vacation rentals offer.
Read more...
HomeAway, Inc. the world’s leading vacation rental marketplace, today launched the HomeAway Reservation Management System, enabling travelers to enjoy the same security as booking a hotel room, while benefiting from the additional space, privacy and amenities that only vacation rentals offer.
Read more...
Touch-screen maker plans expansion in Austin
From statesman, February 17, 2009...
Touch International Inc., an Austin-based manufacturer of touch screens, is in growth mode despite the recession.
The company recently renewed its lease for 40,000 square feet of industrial space at 2222 W. Rundberg Lane and says it expects to expand its Texas headquarters in coming months as it introduces new technology.
Read more...
Touch International Inc., an Austin-based manufacturer of touch screens, is in growth mode despite the recession.
The company recently renewed its lease for 40,000 square feet of industrial space at 2222 W. Rundberg Lane and says it expects to expand its Texas headquarters in coming months as it introduces new technology.
Read more...
Finding a job may only be a tweet away
From KXAN, February 17, 2009...
Twitter is one of the hottest new ways to communicate with friends and co-workers, and now businesses are getting in on the trend, using it to increase sales.
Some are even finding jobs by sending Tweets, known as status updates on the popular networking site.
Read more...
Twitter is one of the hottest new ways to communicate with friends and co-workers, and now businesses are getting in on the trend, using it to increase sales.
Some are even finding jobs by sending Tweets, known as status updates on the popular networking site.
Read more...
Tech Layoffs Surge to 300,000
From Tech Crunch, February 17, 2009...
Layoffs in the tech sector are accelerating. It took exactly three weeks for tech layoffs to surge to 300,000, according to our Layoff Tracker. Since late January, when the tracker hit 200,000 layoffs, another 100,000 job eliminations have been announced or completed. In contrast, it took five weeks for layoffs in the tech industry to hit the 200,000 mark, and four months for layoffs to hit 100,000 last December. The total number of layoffs since we began tracking since the financial crisis began in late August is 300,093.
Read more...
Layoffs in the tech sector are accelerating. It took exactly three weeks for tech layoffs to surge to 300,000, according to our Layoff Tracker. Since late January, when the tracker hit 200,000 layoffs, another 100,000 job eliminations have been announced or completed. In contrast, it took five weeks for layoffs in the tech industry to hit the 200,000 mark, and four months for layoffs to hit 100,000 last December. The total number of layoffs since we began tracking since the financial crisis began in late August is 300,093.
Read more...
Who's Hiring in Tech? 2009 Numbers So Far
From Read Write Web, February 17, 2009...
It may be dismal economic times, but some companies are continuing to make new hires in tech and new media. That's what we track on our Jobwire site and below you'll find aggregate hiring numbers for the first 6 weeks of the new year.
Read more...
It may be dismal economic times, but some companies are continuing to make new hires in tech and new media. That's what we track on our Jobwire site and below you'll find aggregate hiring numbers for the first 6 weeks of the new year.
Read more...
Experts weigh in on job boards
From Computerworld, February 17, 2009...
There are more than 60,000 job boards on the Web. Which ones should you spend your time searching?
If you were among the millions of Super Bowl viewers last month, you might be thinking about looking at sites like CareerBuilder, Monster and TheLadders. All three aired attention-grabbing commercials during the big game.
To home in on the best employment sites, we asked career experts how the big job boards measure up for professionals and where else job seekers can look.
Read more...
There are more than 60,000 job boards on the Web. Which ones should you spend your time searching?
If you were among the millions of Super Bowl viewers last month, you might be thinking about looking at sites like CareerBuilder, Monster and TheLadders. All three aired attention-grabbing commercials during the big game.
To home in on the best employment sites, we asked career experts how the big job boards measure up for professionals and where else job seekers can look.
Read more...
Tech Specifics of the Stimulus Package
From DICE, February 17, 2009...
The estimated $789 billion stimulus package that President Obama is set to sign into law this week “appears to be one of the most tech-heavy pieces of legislation passed by the federal government and it represents billions of dollars worth of opportunity for IT and the tech industry in general,” reports InformationWeek.
Read more...
The estimated $789 billion stimulus package that President Obama is set to sign into law this week “appears to be one of the most tech-heavy pieces of legislation passed by the federal government and it represents billions of dollars worth of opportunity for IT and the tech industry in general,” reports InformationWeek.
Read more...
More on Silicon Valley’s Job Market
From DICE, February 17, 2009...
Last week we published an updated Local Market Report for Silicon Valley, which didn’t paint the prettiest picture of the employment situation there.
"While the 12,000 or so tech jobs lost there last year is but a fraction of the 200,000 created and then decimated by the dot.com boom and bust of 2000 and 2001, the positions being eliminated now represent a cutting to the bone by flagship companies that in some cases have never imposed layoffs before. The past couple of months have brought news of 6,000 cuts at Google, 5,000 or more at Intel (after a 90 percent drop in fourth-quarter income), 600 at Adobe, perhaps 3,000 at Yahoo!, and 1,000 at eBay. Things are changing, and changing fast."
Read more...
Last week we published an updated Local Market Report for Silicon Valley, which didn’t paint the prettiest picture of the employment situation there.
"While the 12,000 or so tech jobs lost there last year is but a fraction of the 200,000 created and then decimated by the dot.com boom and bust of 2000 and 2001, the positions being eliminated now represent a cutting to the bone by flagship companies that in some cases have never imposed layoffs before. The past couple of months have brought news of 6,000 cuts at Google, 5,000 or more at Intel (after a 90 percent drop in fourth-quarter income), 600 at Adobe, perhaps 3,000 at Yahoo!, and 1,000 at eBay. Things are changing, and changing fast."
Read more...
Stimulus to generate $4.5B state and local tech spending
From Washington Technology, February 13, 2009...
Contractors doing business with state and local governments should expect to see $4.5 billion worth of new information technology opportunities from the proposed economic stimulus package, according to Input Inc.
The projection is based on analysis of the House of Representatives’ version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Reston, Va.-based market research firm said Feb. 11.
Read more...
Contractors doing business with state and local governments should expect to see $4.5 billion worth of new information technology opportunities from the proposed economic stimulus package, according to Input Inc.
The projection is based on analysis of the House of Representatives’ version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Reston, Va.-based market research firm said Feb. 11.
Read more...
Clash of the generations: IT vets and fresh talent scramble for the same jobs
From Computerworld, February 16, 2009...
A twist of fate has technology vets and fresh talent vying for the same jobs.
Read more...
A twist of fate has technology vets and fresh talent vying for the same jobs.
Read more...
Career Watch: Expert says salaries are negotiable, even in a recession
From Computerworld, February 16, 2009...
The president of Job Search Training Systems Inc. and co-author of Next-Day Job Interview and Wizard of Work explains that the time to maximize your earnings is during initial salary negotiations.
Read more...
The president of Job Search Training Systems Inc. and co-author of Next-Day Job Interview and Wizard of Work explains that the time to maximize your earnings is during initial salary negotiations.
Read more...
Stimulus Jobs: Where They Are, How To Find Them
From NPR, February 15, 2009...
President Obama says the stimulus will create or save 3.5 million jobs. Career expert Laurence Shatkin talks to host Jacki Lyden about where those jobs are, and what unemployed Americans should be doing to find them.
Read more...
President Obama says the stimulus will create or save 3.5 million jobs. Career expert Laurence Shatkin talks to host Jacki Lyden about where those jobs are, and what unemployed Americans should be doing to find them.
Read more...
Monday, February 16, 2009
Staying Connected for the Long Term
From DICE, February 16, 2009...
Instead of being a Master of the Universe, maybe you can become a relationship master. As companies lay people off, there’s potential for them to throw out the baby with the bathwater. That means when the economy picks up, they could potentially lose ground. One way to mitigate the damage from that is to help co-workers who’ve been let go network with firms that are hiring.
Read more...
Instead of being a Master of the Universe, maybe you can become a relationship master. As companies lay people off, there’s potential for them to throw out the baby with the bathwater. That means when the economy picks up, they could potentially lose ground. One way to mitigate the damage from that is to help co-workers who’ve been let go network with firms that are hiring.
Read more...
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Senate approves 'strict' rules on hiring H-1B workers
From Computerworld, February 6, 2009...
The U.S. Senate agreed on Friday to set restrictions on the hiring of H-1B workers by financial services firms that receive federal bailout funds, but it didn't bar the hiring of foreign workers as proponents had sought.
U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) had proposed legislation this week to prohibit any company that receives money under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) from hiring foreign workers.
The amendment passed today, part of the stimulus plan being debated in the Senate, didn't include a blanket restriction on H-1B use and instead set a series of strict standards on H-1B hiring.
Read more...
The U.S. Senate agreed on Friday to set restrictions on the hiring of H-1B workers by financial services firms that receive federal bailout funds, but it didn't bar the hiring of foreign workers as proponents had sought.
U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) had proposed legislation this week to prohibit any company that receives money under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) from hiring foreign workers.
The amendment passed today, part of the stimulus plan being debated in the Senate, didn't include a blanket restriction on H-1B use and instead set a series of strict standards on H-1B hiring.
Read more...
Vignette to reduce workweeks to cut costs
From Austin Business Journal, February 13, 2009...
Vignette Corp. will reduce four workweeks by one day during February and March to control operating expenses.
Austin-based Vignette (Nasdaq: VIGN), which provides content management software and services, announced that offices in the United States and Australia are affected by the reduction. The company, founded in 1995, employs about 200 workers in Austin.
Read more...
Vignette Corp. will reduce four workweeks by one day during February and March to control operating expenses.
Austin-based Vignette (Nasdaq: VIGN), which provides content management software and services, announced that offices in the United States and Australia are affected by the reduction. The company, founded in 1995, employs about 200 workers in Austin.
Read more...
Job hunting for introverts
From Fortune, February 11, 2009...
If networking drives you nuts and you tend to think a while before you respond to interviewers' questions, you may find a job search especially difficult. Here's what to do.
Read more...
If networking drives you nuts and you tend to think a while before you respond to interviewers' questions, you may find a job search especially difficult. Here's what to do.
Read more...
Career Tracks for a New Era
From DICE, February 13, 2009...
So how will this mess shake out in the end? What kinds of new IT career tracks will emerge from a major economic retrenchment? Eric Lundquist of Computerworld has been speculating about the kinds of tasks and people that will be required to make the wheels of commerce turn as we roll into the future. He has some clever takes on a few new job titles that he expects to emerge in the coming months. Here are my three favorites.
Read more...
So how will this mess shake out in the end? What kinds of new IT career tracks will emerge from a major economic retrenchment? Eric Lundquist of Computerworld has been speculating about the kinds of tasks and people that will be required to make the wheels of commerce turn as we roll into the future. He has some clever takes on a few new job titles that he expects to emerge in the coming months. Here are my three favorites.
Read more...
What NOT to Include in Your Resume
From DICE, February 12, 2009...
It’s a tough job-hunting environment, so in your zeal to stand out you may a mistake on your resume that could sink your chances instead of enhancing them. So, in the interests of helping you stay safe, we present HR World’s list of 25 things you should never include in your resume.
Read more...
It’s a tough job-hunting environment, so in your zeal to stand out you may a mistake on your resume that could sink your chances instead of enhancing them. So, in the interests of helping you stay safe, we present HR World’s list of 25 things you should never include in your resume.
Read more...
Smart Companies Still Looking For Smart IT People
From Informationweek, February 10, 2009...
Are IT jobs defying gravity as overall U.S. employment figures continue to tank? Latest monthly employment figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and a recent IT pay trends study by research firm Foote Partners sheds some insight into what IT skills remain hot in an ice-cold jobs climate.
According to the BLS, the U.S. added 11,000 management and technical consulting services jobs in January. That follows 9,000 management and consulting services jobs that also were added in October and November. In between, December showed a slight dip in those jobs. Still the figures are pretty promising for tech pros, considering that close to 600,000 nonfarm jobs were lost in the U.S. in January alone, according to the BLS.
Read more...
Are IT jobs defying gravity as overall U.S. employment figures continue to tank? Latest monthly employment figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and a recent IT pay trends study by research firm Foote Partners sheds some insight into what IT skills remain hot in an ice-cold jobs climate.
According to the BLS, the U.S. added 11,000 management and technical consulting services jobs in January. That follows 9,000 management and consulting services jobs that also were added in October and November. In between, December showed a slight dip in those jobs. Still the figures are pretty promising for tech pros, considering that close to 600,000 nonfarm jobs were lost in the U.S. in January alone, according to the BLS.
Read more...
What’s your greatest weakness?
From DICE, February 11, 2009...
It’s an interview question that can subtly weaken your chances of landing the job. Just hesitating can sway an interviewer against you. According to Joann S. Lublin of The Wall Street Journal, the question is the most common, and most stressful, query posed during interviews.
Some people offer replies they mistakenly assume that bosses love, such as ‘I am a perfectionist.’ That response will be used against you because you appear incapable of delegating, warns Joshua Ehrlich, dean of a master’s program in executive coaching sponsored by BeamPines Inc., a New York coaching firm and Middlesex University in London.
So, what’s your best strategy for dealing with it?
Read more...
It’s an interview question that can subtly weaken your chances of landing the job. Just hesitating can sway an interviewer against you. According to Joann S. Lublin of The Wall Street Journal, the question is the most common, and most stressful, query posed during interviews.
Some people offer replies they mistakenly assume that bosses love, such as ‘I am a perfectionist.’ That response will be used against you because you appear incapable of delegating, warns Joshua Ehrlich, dean of a master’s program in executive coaching sponsored by BeamPines Inc., a New York coaching firm and Middlesex University in London.
So, what’s your best strategy for dealing with it?
Read more...
Job Site Allows Seekers To Bid On Low Pay
From The Boston Channel, February 5, 2009...
In a sign of just how tough it is to find work in the struggling economy, a group of recent college grads in Massachusetts have created a Web site that allows job seekers to try for positions based on who will work for the lowest salary.
Read more...
In a sign of just how tough it is to find work in the struggling economy, a group of recent college grads in Massachusetts have created a Web site that allows job seekers to try for positions based on who will work for the lowest salary.
Read more...
Illinois solar firm SmartSpark moves to Austin
From Austin Business Journal, February 9, 2009...
An Austin technology executive is moving his solar energy company’s headquarters from Illinois to Austin to take advantage of the local worker pool coupled with the regional emphasis on renewable energy.
Read more...
An Austin technology executive is moving his solar energy company’s headquarters from Illinois to Austin to take advantage of the local worker pool coupled with the regional emphasis on renewable energy.
Read more...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Need to Find a Job? Stop Looking So Hard
From Harvard Business Review, February 6, 2009...
Do you know anyone who tried for years to have a baby but couldn't? Then, after giving up, maybe after adopting, suddenly, surprisingly, got pregnant?
Or someone who was dying to be in a relationship? Dated all the time, but never met the right person. Then, after accepting he would be alone, started focusing on other things and, lo and behold, met someone and got married?
How about someone who lost her job? Maybe she spent the next year working on her resumé, perusing job sites, devoting all her energy to getting work. All to no avail. Then, after deciding to stop looking so hard, out of the blue, came a great job offer?
Read more...
Do you know anyone who tried for years to have a baby but couldn't? Then, after giving up, maybe after adopting, suddenly, surprisingly, got pregnant?
Or someone who was dying to be in a relationship? Dated all the time, but never met the right person. Then, after accepting he would be alone, started focusing on other things and, lo and behold, met someone and got married?
How about someone who lost her job? Maybe she spent the next year working on her resumé, perusing job sites, devoting all her energy to getting work. All to no avail. Then, after deciding to stop looking so hard, out of the blue, came a great job offer?
Read more...
How To Find A Great IT Job In A Bad Economy
From Information Week, February 9, 2009...
Job-finding tips from IT pros who were pink-slipped, but survived to work another day include aggressive networking and skills training.
Read more...
Job-finding tips from IT pros who were pink-slipped, but survived to work another day include aggressive networking and skills training.
Read more...
Tech jobs forecast: Mostly gloomy, with some bright spots
From Computerworld, February 9, 2009...
The number of IT jobs in the U.S. is shrinking in response to the economic recession. But amidst the gloom, some companies -- both vendors and users alike -- are still hiring.
Read more...
The number of IT jobs in the U.S. is shrinking in response to the economic recession. But amidst the gloom, some companies -- both vendors and users alike -- are still hiring.
Read more...
Companies are hiring -- but will they hire you?
From Computerworld, February 9, 2009...
In today's economic climate, it's easy to make assumptions about the difficulty of finding employment. Despite the overall economic gloom, a closer look at IT hiring reveals a more complicated picture. If you're experiencing a frustrating job search or are afraid to leave your current position, don't assume that no one's hiring. By learning about some of the bright spots, in-demand skills and what employers value most, you give yourself the best chance to succeed under challenging conditions.
Read more...
In today's economic climate, it's easy to make assumptions about the difficulty of finding employment. Despite the overall economic gloom, a closer look at IT hiring reveals a more complicated picture. If you're experiencing a frustrating job search or are afraid to leave your current position, don't assume that no one's hiring. By learning about some of the bright spots, in-demand skills and what employers value most, you give yourself the best chance to succeed under challenging conditions.
Read more...
Friday, February 6, 2009
Layoff Etiquette 101
From Businessweek, February 3, 2009...
Layoffs are never easy, and they're never fun—whether you're the person who's out of a job or the colleague left behind.
One banker I know is racked with guilt because he has been told that 20 people from his group will soon be let go. Many of them are respected longtime colleagues and friends, and he is among only a handful who will be kept on. He's not allowed to tell them about the bad news and feels guilty and helpless. When they do find out, he'll be there to take them out for a drink and lend his support, but he realizes there are limitation to what he can say or do. And he still has a paycheck, after all.
"There's not much you can do," says a lawyer friend. Her former assistant, whose husband was already out of work, was recently let go. "Financially it's really tough for them. I just try to be encouraging." She has also tried to help her former assistant in the job hunt, but in today's tight market, that hasn't been an easy assignment.
Read more...
Layoffs are never easy, and they're never fun—whether you're the person who's out of a job or the colleague left behind.
One banker I know is racked with guilt because he has been told that 20 people from his group will soon be let go. Many of them are respected longtime colleagues and friends, and he is among only a handful who will be kept on. He's not allowed to tell them about the bad news and feels guilty and helpless. When they do find out, he'll be there to take them out for a drink and lend his support, but he realizes there are limitation to what he can say or do. And he still has a paycheck, after all.
"There's not much you can do," says a lawyer friend. Her former assistant, whose husband was already out of work, was recently let go. "Financially it's really tough for them. I just try to be encouraging." She has also tried to help her former assistant in the job hunt, but in today's tight market, that hasn't been an easy assignment.
Read more...
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Senate bill would bar H-1B hiring at firms receiving bailout money
From Computerworld, February 5, 2009...
Amendment is added to massive federal stimulus bill that gives U.S. workers job priority
Read more...
Amendment is added to massive federal stimulus bill that gives U.S. workers job priority
Read more...
Wanted: IT Consultants, Contractors
From DICE, February 5, 2009...
Dave Willmer, executive director at Robert Half Technology, yesterday confirmed his firm is seeing a decline in the number of full-time positions needed by his clients. But he’s also observed an an uptick in clients interested in understanding the contract worker or consultant business model. Even as companies are slashing jobs, IT projects still need to get done. The three areas companies are still investing in are virtualization, VoiP and Web-related projects.
Read more...
Dave Willmer, executive director at Robert Half Technology, yesterday confirmed his firm is seeing a decline in the number of full-time positions needed by his clients. But he’s also observed an an uptick in clients interested in understanding the contract worker or consultant business model. Even as companies are slashing jobs, IT projects still need to get done. The three areas companies are still investing in are virtualization, VoiP and Web-related projects.
Read more...
New Top Job Skill: Paying Attention
From DICE, February 5, 2009...
At your next interview, pitch this skill: your ability to focus on the job at hand.
Why? As Mike Elgan points out, the nature of work has evolved so that paying attention is as important as hard work.
"Distractions mask the toll they take on productivity. Everyone finishes up their work days exhausted, but how much of that exhaustion is from real work, how much from the mental effort of fighting off distractions and how much from the indulgence of distractions?”
In fact, 28 percent of our workday gets eaten up by distractions and the accompanying recovery time, estimates research firm Basex. Blame Twitter, Facebook and your BlackBerry, not to mention the co-worker who glides over twice a day just to say, “I’m bored. What’s up?”
Read more...
At your next interview, pitch this skill: your ability to focus on the job at hand.
Why? As Mike Elgan points out, the nature of work has evolved so that paying attention is as important as hard work.
"Distractions mask the toll they take on productivity. Everyone finishes up their work days exhausted, but how much of that exhaustion is from real work, how much from the mental effort of fighting off distractions and how much from the indulgence of distractions?”
In fact, 28 percent of our workday gets eaten up by distractions and the accompanying recovery time, estimates research firm Basex. Blame Twitter, Facebook and your BlackBerry, not to mention the co-worker who glides over twice a day just to say, “I’m bored. What’s up?”
Read more...
The Power of Persuasion in a Job Search
From Computerworld, February 4, 2009...
When you're hunting for a new job, you may not realize that your main objective is persuasion: You need to persuade members of your network to introduce you to people who might connect you with a job. You need to persuade HR professionals and recruiters to consider your résumé. You need to persuade hiring managers that you're the perfect candidate for their organizations.
Read more...
When you're hunting for a new job, you may not realize that your main objective is persuasion: You need to persuade members of your network to introduce you to people who might connect you with a job. You need to persuade HR professionals and recruiters to consider your résumé. You need to persuade hiring managers that you're the perfect candidate for their organizations.
Read more...
Should You Take The First Job You're Offered?
From Forbes, January 20, 2009...
When have you been out of work so long that you should take the first job you're offered, even if it's mediocre?
Probably never.
Still, it's something many job seekers consider as their bank accounts dwindle and the rejection letters pile up.
What should you do? To begin with, try not to get yourself into this fix. Resist the urge to apply for just any job that's even remotely related to your field. If you take one that doesn't fit in with your career plans, you may find it hard to rejoin your intended specialty once the downturn passes.
Read more...
When have you been out of work so long that you should take the first job you're offered, even if it's mediocre?
Probably never.
Still, it's something many job seekers consider as their bank accounts dwindle and the rejection letters pile up.
What should you do? To begin with, try not to get yourself into this fix. Resist the urge to apply for just any job that's even remotely related to your field. If you take one that doesn't fit in with your career plans, you may find it hard to rejoin your intended specialty once the downturn passes.
Read more...
The Cure for Career Stagnation
From DICE, February 4, 2009...
Among the better “kick-in-the-pants” career advice articles I’ve seen recently is this one from Jeff Schmitt at BusinessWeek. His topic: career stagnation and how to reconsider and retarget your trajectory in IT or anywhere else. The symptoms as he describes them are unpleasant.
"We have all experienced these same sensations at work. At some point, we’ll find ourselves falling behind. We’ll concede our lives haven’t gone as planned. We’ll realize that we should be so much more. And we’ll know that something needs to change - and fast."
Schmitt’s first suggestion is the most painful one: the dreaded self-evaluation.
Read more...
Among the better “kick-in-the-pants” career advice articles I’ve seen recently is this one from Jeff Schmitt at BusinessWeek. His topic: career stagnation and how to reconsider and retarget your trajectory in IT or anywhere else. The symptoms as he describes them are unpleasant.
"We have all experienced these same sensations at work. At some point, we’ll find ourselves falling behind. We’ll concede our lives haven’t gone as planned. We’ll realize that we should be so much more. And we’ll know that something needs to change - and fast."
Schmitt’s first suggestion is the most painful one: the dreaded self-evaluation.
Read more...
How Managers, Workers Cope with Layoffs
From DICE, February 3, 2009...
This environment, when the economy’s scary and layoffs seem common, is tough for everyone. So it’s critical for managers to pay attention to morale, says Tom Rath, a workplace consultant interviewed by The Wall Street Journal:
"There is more fear and insecurity in workplaces today than I’ve ever seen. If managers can do a good job of helping employees to feel secure and see light at the end of the tunnel, they might actually boost per-person productivity."
Rath offers some concise tactics to help ease the pain for workers. They include being candid about your company’s health, showing employees you care through small gestures, providing stability and creating hope by showing your staff where to focus in order to make a difference. Finally, he suggests managers emphasize employees’ strengths rather than weaknesses, particularly during performance reviews.
Read more...
This environment, when the economy’s scary and layoffs seem common, is tough for everyone. So it’s critical for managers to pay attention to morale, says Tom Rath, a workplace consultant interviewed by The Wall Street Journal:
"There is more fear and insecurity in workplaces today than I’ve ever seen. If managers can do a good job of helping employees to feel secure and see light at the end of the tunnel, they might actually boost per-person productivity."
Rath offers some concise tactics to help ease the pain for workers. They include being candid about your company’s health, showing employees you care through small gestures, providing stability and creating hope by showing your staff where to focus in order to make a difference. Finally, he suggests managers emphasize employees’ strengths rather than weaknesses, particularly during performance reviews.
Read more...
H-1B, offshoring supporters get key Obama Administration posts
From Computerworld, February 3, 2009...
President Barack Obama has filled some of his top White House posts with people who not only support expanding the H-1B visa program, but also see offshore outsourcing as a plus for the U.S. economy. That group includes the president's new pick to run the Commerce Department, Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.).
Read more...
President Barack Obama has filled some of his top White House posts with people who not only support expanding the H-1B visa program, but also see offshore outsourcing as a plus for the U.S. economy. That group includes the president's new pick to run the Commerce Department, Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.).
Read more...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Where in the World to Find a Job
From Fast Company, January 13, 2009...
The national unemployment rate may be at its worst in over a decade, but there's a world of opportunity out there beyond Wall Street. Some regions are holding up better than others--Montreal is proving to be a hot bed for the video game industry, while the UAE is fertile ground for the airline industry.
To aid in your quest for a steady paycheck that doesn't involve licking stamps or bagging groceries, Fast Company did some global groundwork. We talked to international headhunter Heidrick & Struggles, economists and career consultants to uncover innovative companies around the globe that are bucking the downturn and actively hiring. Here's a snapshot of who they are, what they have open and what they're looking for in prospective job candidates.
Read more...
The national unemployment rate may be at its worst in over a decade, but there's a world of opportunity out there beyond Wall Street. Some regions are holding up better than others--Montreal is proving to be a hot bed for the video game industry, while the UAE is fertile ground for the airline industry.
To aid in your quest for a steady paycheck that doesn't involve licking stamps or bagging groceries, Fast Company did some global groundwork. We talked to international headhunter Heidrick & Struggles, economists and career consultants to uncover innovative companies around the globe that are bucking the downturn and actively hiring. Here's a snapshot of who they are, what they have open and what they're looking for in prospective job candidates.
Read more...
Can Obama Keep IT Jobs in the U.S.?
From Businessweek, February 2, 2009...
The billions in spending included in the stimulus plan may be more effective than tax incentives in stemming the outsourcing of IT jobs.
Read more...
The billions in spending included in the stimulus plan may be more effective than tax incentives in stemming the outsourcing of IT jobs.
Read more...
The interview question you must be ready for
From Computerworld, February 3, 2009...
Worldwide Panel LLC, a small market-research firm, is getting flooded with résumés for four vacancies in sales and IT.
However, officials expect to reject numerous applicants after asking them, "What is your greatest weakness?" Candidates often respond "with something that is not a weakness," say Christopher Morrow, senior vice president of the Calabasas, Calif., company. "It is a deal-breaker."
The weakness question represents the most common and most stressful one posed during job interviews. Yet in today's weak job market, the wrong answer weakens your chances of winning employment.
Read more...
Worldwide Panel LLC, a small market-research firm, is getting flooded with résumés for four vacancies in sales and IT.
However, officials expect to reject numerous applicants after asking them, "What is your greatest weakness?" Candidates often respond "with something that is not a weakness," say Christopher Morrow, senior vice president of the Calabasas, Calif., company. "It is a deal-breaker."
The weakness question represents the most common and most stressful one posed during job interviews. Yet in today's weak job market, the wrong answer weakens your chances of winning employment.
Read more...
Coping with the aftermath of layoffs
From Computerworld, February 3, 2009...
Relief, guilt, grief and fear are all typical feelings of the employees who are left behind in an office after a wave of layoffs. It's easy to get mired in the emotions; it takes deliberate thought and action to manage in the workplace after colleagues have been let go. "To be a survivor, you have to act like one," says Janet Banks, an executive coach in Boston. "People who survive difficult experiences and economic times are able to do so because they can imagine a time when things will change for the better." Here's how to cope and position yourself in the office after a round of layoffs.
Read more...
Relief, guilt, grief and fear are all typical feelings of the employees who are left behind in an office after a wave of layoffs. It's easy to get mired in the emotions; it takes deliberate thought and action to manage in the workplace after colleagues have been let go. "To be a survivor, you have to act like one," says Janet Banks, an executive coach in Boston. "People who survive difficult experiences and economic times are able to do so because they can imagine a time when things will change for the better." Here's how to cope and position yourself in the office after a round of layoffs.
Read more...
The News: Has IBM Got a Place for You
From DICE, February 3, 2009...
IBM Offers To Move Laid Off Workers To India [InformationWeek]Big Blue will help those it laid off move to assignments in developing countries like India, China and Brazil. For local wages. Think pennies.
Read more...
IBM Offers To Move Laid Off Workers To India [InformationWeek]Big Blue will help those it laid off move to assignments in developing countries like India, China and Brazil. For local wages. Think pennies.
Read more...
ARE THERE "RECESSION-PROOF" JOBS IN AUSTIN?
The 25 Fastest-Growing Technology Companies In America
From Forbes, January 29, 2009...
These 25 companies prove technology is still a growth business.
Buried beneath the downer headlines about massive layoffs and struggling businesses, there is some good news. A select group of tech companies--the 25 Fastest-Growing Technology Stocks in America--is thriving despite the tough economy.
Read more...
These 25 companies prove technology is still a growth business.
Buried beneath the downer headlines about massive layoffs and struggling businesses, there is some good news. A select group of tech companies--the 25 Fastest-Growing Technology Stocks in America--is thriving despite the tough economy.
Read more...
Outsourcing's Big Picture
From Forbes, February 2, 2009...
Outsourcing is no longer just about cheap labor. The number of foreign-educated students returning to their native countries is exploding, creating an offshore talent pool of highly trained workers that never existed before.
It's also no longer just about India and China. Globalization is catching on almost everywhere, creating competition even in the most highly skilled professions and raising the competitive stakes everywhere. The silver lining is that it's also opening new markets that seemed unlikely even five years ago.
Read more...
Outsourcing is no longer just about cheap labor. The number of foreign-educated students returning to their native countries is exploding, creating an offshore talent pool of highly trained workers that never existed before.
It's also no longer just about India and China. Globalization is catching on almost everywhere, creating competition even in the most highly skilled professions and raising the competitive stakes everywhere. The silver lining is that it's also opening new markets that seemed unlikely even five years ago.
Read more...
Monday, February 2, 2009
Austin sees sharpest decline in online job ads
From Austin Business Journal, February 2, 2009...
The number of job ads in the Austin market dropped 56 percent in January compared with January 2008—the biggest year-over-year decline of any major U.S. market, new data shows.
A study from The Conference Board and Wanted Technologies Corp. shows there were roughly 19,200 job ads posted online for Austin last month, down from 44,400 a year earlier. Miami and Phoenix were the only two other markets where job ads dropped by more than half.
But while Austin has experienced a big drop in ads, the area’s ratio of unemployed workers to job postings appears better than in Texas as a whole or the United States in general. That’s because Austin’s unemployment rate of 5 percent is lower than the Texas and national average.
Read more...
The number of job ads in the Austin market dropped 56 percent in January compared with January 2008—the biggest year-over-year decline of any major U.S. market, new data shows.
A study from The Conference Board and Wanted Technologies Corp. shows there were roughly 19,200 job ads posted online for Austin last month, down from 44,400 a year earlier. Miami and Phoenix were the only two other markets where job ads dropped by more than half.
But while Austin has experienced a big drop in ads, the area’s ratio of unemployed workers to job postings appears better than in Texas as a whole or the United States in general. That’s because Austin’s unemployment rate of 5 percent is lower than the Texas and national average.
Read more...
The IT job market is tanking — but not for everyone
From Computerworld, February 2, 2009...
Some companies are still hiring tech workers, although the total number of IT jobs is shrinking.
Read more...
Some companies are still hiring tech workers, although the total number of IT jobs is shrinking.
Read more...
NetWeaver, MDM, PHP Skills Still In Demand
From DICE, January 30, 2009...
Foot Partners’ IT Skills and Certifications Index, which was released yesterday, indicates a number of non-certified IT skills increased in value during the fourth quarter of 2008. They include:
Foot Partners’ IT Skills and Certifications Index, which was released yesterday, indicates a number of non-certified IT skills increased in value during the fourth quarter of 2008. They include:
- NetWeaver Portals (SAP EP)
- PHP
- Apple OSX/Tiger/Leopard
- ITIL
- Java/J2EE/SE/ME
- NetWeaver PI (SAP XI)
- Master Data Management
- Unified Communications/Messaging
- Database Management
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Oracle Developer Suite
- SAP Solution Manager
- NetWeaver BI (SAP BW).
Read more...
Job-Loss Survival Guide
From Kiplinger, January 29, 2009...
Whether you've already lost your job or are waiting for the ax to fall, we have the advice you need to recover.
Read more...
Whether you've already lost your job or are waiting for the ax to fall, we have the advice you need to recover.
Read more...
Career Trends for 2009
From Kiplinger, January 29, 2009...
If you're looking for a new job or career, I point to specific areas for likely job growth. If you're employed, knowing these trends will be valuable in your strategic planning for 2009 and beyond.
Read more...
If you're looking for a new job or career, I point to specific areas for likely job growth. If you're employed, knowing these trends will be valuable in your strategic planning for 2009 and beyond.
Read more...
Make Your Interviews Real Conversations
From DICE, January 29, 2009...
Back in December, I asked Martin J. Belscher, vice president and CIO for Massachusetts-based Emerson Hospital about some of the mistakes job candidates make when he interviews them. His response was something I’d never heard before:
"The biggest interviewing mistake is made by talking too much instead of asking questions. It’s better to have a conversation rather than a broadcast."
Could this be a sign the notion of personal branding has gone a bit overboard? Perhaps. Recently, The Wall Street Journal showed recruiters concluding the bad economy is prompting job candidates to overdo it on self-promotion.
Read more...
Back in December, I asked Martin J. Belscher, vice president and CIO for Massachusetts-based Emerson Hospital about some of the mistakes job candidates make when he interviews them. His response was something I’d never heard before:
"The biggest interviewing mistake is made by talking too much instead of asking questions. It’s better to have a conversation rather than a broadcast."
Could this be a sign the notion of personal branding has gone a bit overboard? Perhaps. Recently, The Wall Street Journal showed recruiters concluding the bad economy is prompting job candidates to overdo it on self-promotion.
Read more...
Go Beyond the Technical Interview Acid Test
From Datamation, January 19, 2009...
Most prospective technical hires are looking for a pretty penny in return for their services. So how can you tell who will actually be worth it? The answer is effective interviewing.
When you seek advice on this issue, look for someone who has been there and done it. Someone who has interviewed many people for IT positions and has a proven track record. Jack Molisani, executive director of ProSpring Technical Staffing, fits the profile. He runs a staffing company that finds qualified contract and permanent staff for technology companies. He has interviewed thousands of people in the last several years and knows what to look for.
Read more...
Most prospective technical hires are looking for a pretty penny in return for their services. So how can you tell who will actually be worth it? The answer is effective interviewing.
When you seek advice on this issue, look for someone who has been there and done it. Someone who has interviewed many people for IT positions and has a proven track record. Jack Molisani, executive director of ProSpring Technical Staffing, fits the profile. He runs a staffing company that finds qualified contract and permanent staff for technology companies. He has interviewed thousands of people in the last several years and knows what to look for.
Read more...
Networking in a Tough Tech Economy
From Austin Startup, January 28, 2009...
The viability of your company and your career could depend on having cultivated a personal brand. People do business with those they know and like. It is a person who will bring you your next deal or your next job, regardless of if you are an entrepreneur, an investor, a knowledge/service provider (aka: lawyer, accountant, insurance broker, recruiter, etc..) , a sales person, a programmer, a marketing executive, etc….
While on any given day you may feel too tired to hit the TEXCHANGE event or the Austin Tech Happy Hour, your commitment to being visible in the business community will come back to help you in the future. You cannot forge strong relationships if you only do “drop in networking.” You must have a strategy. Select two or three events or organizations and attend regularly. Treat your attendance like you would treat any other important business meeting.
Read more...
The viability of your company and your career could depend on having cultivated a personal brand. People do business with those they know and like. It is a person who will bring you your next deal or your next job, regardless of if you are an entrepreneur, an investor, a knowledge/service provider (aka: lawyer, accountant, insurance broker, recruiter, etc..) , a sales person, a programmer, a marketing executive, etc….
While on any given day you may feel too tired to hit the TEXCHANGE event or the Austin Tech Happy Hour, your commitment to being visible in the business community will come back to help you in the future. You cannot forge strong relationships if you only do “drop in networking.” You must have a strategy. Select two or three events or organizations and attend regularly. Treat your attendance like you would treat any other important business meeting.
Read more...
Slacker Banks $5M Bridge
From Austin Startup, January 28, 2009...
Slacker launched their internet-based radio service back in November of 2007, just in time for the holiday season. Despite the large amount of capital raised (over $50M), the company’s device just hasn’t really seemed to catch on. They’ve launched iPhone and Blackberry clients recently, which will give users an alternative to the $199 G2 player (shown at left). Back in June, company founder Celite Milbrandt left the company, and it’s unclear how much of the company is still left in Austin.
Read more...
Slacker launched their internet-based radio service back in November of 2007, just in time for the holiday season. Despite the large amount of capital raised (over $50M), the company’s device just hasn’t really seemed to catch on. They’ve launched iPhone and Blackberry clients recently, which will give users an alternative to the $199 G2 player (shown at left). Back in June, company founder Celite Milbrandt left the company, and it’s unclear how much of the company is still left in Austin.
Read more...
Software startup, Conformity, lands $3M in funding round
From Austin Business Journal, January 28, 2009...
Software maker Conformity Inc. has completed a $3 million Series A round of financing.
Guggenheim Venture Partners, a Pennsylvania venture capital firm with an Austin office, funded the deal, company officials said.
Conformity, founded in 2007, develops a software-as-a-service product designed to centrally manage multiple software-as-a-service products at one time, CEO Scott Bils said.
Read more...
Software maker Conformity Inc. has completed a $3 million Series A round of financing.
Guggenheim Venture Partners, a Pennsylvania venture capital firm with an Austin office, funded the deal, company officials said.
Conformity, founded in 2007, develops a software-as-a-service product designed to centrally manage multiple software-as-a-service products at one time, CEO Scott Bils said.
Read more...
Bill Aims To Subsidize Health Care For Laid-Off
From NPR, January 28, 2009...
There are few new ideas when it comes to ways to help those without health insurance gain coverage. But there is one included in the economic stimulus bill now working its way through Congress: providing subsidies to help those recently laid off afford to continue their job-based health insurance.
The idea is to help people take advantage of a program known as COBRA continuation.
Read more...
There are few new ideas when it comes to ways to help those without health insurance gain coverage. But there is one included in the economic stimulus bill now working its way through Congress: providing subsidies to help those recently laid off afford to continue their job-based health insurance.
The idea is to help people take advantage of a program known as COBRA continuation.
Read more...
Samsung reorganizes Austin subsidiary
From statesman, January 28, 2009...
Samsung Austin Semiconductor confirmed Tuesday that it has cut workers, including several senior managers, in what the company described as a streamlining of its organizational structure.
Samsung said fewer than 20 people were affected.
Read more...
Samsung Austin Semiconductor confirmed Tuesday that it has cut workers, including several senior managers, in what the company described as a streamlining of its organizational structure.
Samsung said fewer than 20 people were affected.
Read more...
As economy cools, job hunters quiver
From News 8 Austin, January 27, 2009...
If the long lines snaking around street corners at job fairs are any indication of the current tightened economy, then logic would suggest that a saturated job market means limited opportunities. And many Central Texans are in the hunt for a job.
Workforce Solutions hosted a job fair Tuesday at 6505 Airport Blvd, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Read more...
If the long lines snaking around street corners at job fairs are any indication of the current tightened economy, then logic would suggest that a saturated job market means limited opportunities. And many Central Texans are in the hunt for a job.
Workforce Solutions hosted a job fair Tuesday at 6505 Airport Blvd, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Read more...
Resilience: How to Build a Personal Strategy for Survival
From Harvard Business Review, January 26, 2009...
A few months ago I was lucky enough to work with someone who really understood resilience. Atef was one of a small group of international leaders I was coaching in London. On the first day, by way of introductions, I had asked them to describe their roles, their current business issues and a little about their backgrounds.
Atef spoke last. A senior vice-president in an American bank, he described the challenges he was facing with his team and in his business. The story of relentless pressure, change projects, long hours and difficult people was a familiar one. But after a few minutes, the story took a different and unusual direction.
Read more...
A few months ago I was lucky enough to work with someone who really understood resilience. Atef was one of a small group of international leaders I was coaching in London. On the first day, by way of introductions, I had asked them to describe their roles, their current business issues and a little about their backgrounds.
Atef spoke last. A senior vice-president in an American bank, he described the challenges he was facing with his team and in his business. The story of relentless pressure, change projects, long hours and difficult people was a familiar one. But after a few minutes, the story took a different and unusual direction.
Read more...
The Interview Question You Should Always Ask
From Harvard Business Review, January 27, 2009...
Those of us who run businesses, departments, or teams are faced with this question all the time. How can we distinguish the stars from the merely competent? Of all the candidates whose resumés we receive, how do we place our bet on the one who will stand out from the rest?
Read more...
Those of us who run businesses, departments, or teams are faced with this question all the time. How can we distinguish the stars from the merely competent? Of all the candidates whose resumés we receive, how do we place our bet on the one who will stand out from the rest?
Read more...
Just got laid off? Get better severance.
From Fortune, January 27, 2009...
You're probably shocked, scared, and even angry. But try to stay cool (at least on the outside); it could help you negotiate a bigger severance package.
Read more...
You're probably shocked, scared, and even angry. But try to stay cool (at least on the outside); it could help you negotiate a bigger severance package.
Read more...
Zilliant Announces Record 2008
From Austin Startup, January 26, 2009...
This is the time of the year when companies start announcing their year end results. Zilliant announced today that revenue grew 31% year over year, product sales doubled in Europe, and that they were named to Deloitte’s Fast 50 for the 3rd year in a row. Zilliant is emerging as the industry leader in price optimization and price management software, and is based in Austin, Texas.
Read more...
This is the time of the year when companies start announcing their year end results. Zilliant announced today that revenue grew 31% year over year, product sales doubled in Europe, and that they were named to Deloitte’s Fast 50 for the 3rd year in a row. Zilliant is emerging as the industry leader in price optimization and price management software, and is based in Austin, Texas.
Read more...
The Right Way to Be an IT Change Agent
From Harvard Business Review, January 26, 2009...
By definition, a dead change agent isn't a good change agent.
Most leaders have attended the requisite change management workshops and learned how to analyze stakeholders, develop communications plans, and build momentum and skills for change.
Good stuff - as far as it goes. Problem is, no one ever tells you that to be a good change agent, you have to be willing to die in order to thrive.
Read more...
By definition, a dead change agent isn't a good change agent.
Most leaders have attended the requisite change management workshops and learned how to analyze stakeholders, develop communications plans, and build momentum and skills for change.
Good stuff - as far as it goes. Problem is, no one ever tells you that to be a good change agent, you have to be willing to die in order to thrive.
Read more...
Hyper9 locks $8 million in latest VC round
From Austin Business Journal, January 26, 2009...
Virtualization software maker Hyper9 Inc. has completed an $8 million Series B round of financing.
Read more...
Virtualization software maker Hyper9 Inc. has completed an $8 million Series B round of financing.
Read more...
Feeling Stimulated Yet?
From DICE, January 26, 2009...
Today’s New York Times addresses a question you’ve probably been asking yourself: is any of that trillion dollars of government stimulus spending going to help technology experts get good jobs? Steve Lohr’s article points out that in one version of the plan, there’s $20 billion to computerize medical records, $11 billion to create smarter electrical grids, and $6 billion to expand high-speed Internet access in underserved communities. The hope, according to the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, which did a study on all this for the Obama transition team, is that 900,000 jobs could be created in one year, with the better infrastructure created from all this work leading to more digital jobs down the road.
Read more...
Today’s New York Times addresses a question you’ve probably been asking yourself: is any of that trillion dollars of government stimulus spending going to help technology experts get good jobs? Steve Lohr’s article points out that in one version of the plan, there’s $20 billion to computerize medical records, $11 billion to create smarter electrical grids, and $6 billion to expand high-speed Internet access in underserved communities. The hope, according to the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, which did a study on all this for the Obama transition team, is that 900,000 jobs could be created in one year, with the better infrastructure created from all this work leading to more digital jobs down the road.
Read more...
Austin venture investing hits a 10-year low
From statesman, January 26, 2009...
Venture capital investing in Austin ended the year with a thud in 2008.
A total of 13 companies raised $57.1 million in the fourth quarter, according to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association. That's a 31 percent drop from the $83 million raised in the third quarter and a 78 percent drop from the $255.9 million raised in the same quarter a year ago.
For all of 2008, venture investment in Austin companies fell 48 percent to $340.2 million, which was invested in 64 deals. That compares with $658.8 million put into 79 deals in 2007.
The year's figures represent the lowest dollar amount and the fewest deals in Austin since 1998.
Read more...
Venture capital investing in Austin ended the year with a thud in 2008.
A total of 13 companies raised $57.1 million in the fourth quarter, according to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association. That's a 31 percent drop from the $83 million raised in the third quarter and a 78 percent drop from the $255.9 million raised in the same quarter a year ago.
For all of 2008, venture investment in Austin companies fell 48 percent to $340.2 million, which was invested in 64 deals. That compares with $658.8 million put into 79 deals in 2007.
The year's figures represent the lowest dollar amount and the fewest deals in Austin since 1998.
Read more...
Bankruptcy might be looming for chipmaker that employs 1,200 in Austin
From statesman, January 26, 2009...
Things are tough in the semi-conductor industry, but nowhere more so than at Spansion Inc., which has seen its stock price drop to less than one thin dime per share in the past two weeks.
Spansion, the world's leading maker of NOR flash memory, is attempting to find a buyer or a partner, but an analyst who follows the company says bankruptcy court is also a possibility.
That could be bad news for the estimated 1,200 people who still work for the company in Austin, most of them at the Fab 25 factory in Southeast Austin. An undisclosed number of the workers remain on an unpaid furlough that began before Christmas and is set to extend through January.
Read more...
Things are tough in the semi-conductor industry, but nowhere more so than at Spansion Inc., which has seen its stock price drop to less than one thin dime per share in the past two weeks.
Spansion, the world's leading maker of NOR flash memory, is attempting to find a buyer or a partner, but an analyst who follows the company says bankruptcy court is also a possibility.
That could be bad news for the estimated 1,200 people who still work for the company in Austin, most of them at the Fab 25 factory in Southeast Austin. An undisclosed number of the workers remain on an unpaid furlough that began before Christmas and is set to extend through January.
Read more...
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