From Infoworld, March 12, 2009...
Dear Bob ...Recently, a friend of mine said that, when job-hunting, she didn't want to use a Gmail account because she was concerned about how potential employers would view it.
...
The subject is personal branding - how you want a hiring manager to think about you. As professional markets know, even small inconsistencies can damage a brand, so it's worth thinking about every element of the material you make visible to a prospective employer.
...
For a technical IT position, I would say that an AOL address probably conveys the wrong image -- AOL's core customers are non-technical consumers. Speaking unscientifically, I'd think that of the major services, the order would look like this, from least desirable to best image-enhancer:
1. AOL
2. Hotmail
3. Yahoo mail and Gmail (tie)
4. Local broadband ISPs
5. Personal/family e-mail domain.
Read more...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Jump-starting a tech job search
From Infoworld, April 30, 2009...
Want to land a software developer job at financial giant Bloomberg? If so, you'd better be ready to answer questions like this: "What is a singleton? How would you code it in C++? How can you make it thread safe?" The right answer could help win a job that pays $91,000 a year.
The folks at Empirix, a development tools maker in Massachusetts might ask you this:
{
object* p=NULL;
p = new object();
p->foo()
delete p;
}
// ?? Whats wrong with above
Landing a job in this economy is tough -- so who wouldn't want to find a strategy that could make a difference? Not surprisingly, various entrepreneurial types are moving to fill that need by providing tools and information designed to help you and help themselves find a profitable business.
Read more...
Want to land a software developer job at financial giant Bloomberg? If so, you'd better be ready to answer questions like this: "What is a singleton? How would you code it in C++? How can you make it thread safe?" The right answer could help win a job that pays $91,000 a year.
The folks at Empirix, a development tools maker in Massachusetts might ask you this:
{
object* p=NULL;
p = new object();
p->foo()
delete p;
}
// ?? Whats wrong with above
Landing a job in this economy is tough -- so who wouldn't want to find a strategy that could make a difference? Not surprisingly, various entrepreneurial types are moving to fill that need by providing tools and information designed to help you and help themselves find a profitable business.
Read more...
Consulting: How CIOs Know It's the Right Career Move
From Computerworld, April 29, 2009...
Perhaps you've seen the writing on the wall that your layoff is imminent. Maybe you're tired of corporate life and want to ditch The Man and become your own boss. But if you are considering becoming a consultant, listen up: Some CIOs aren't cut out for the job. More on CIO.com Tough Times Yield New Role: Private Equity Partner
If you have power-hungry tendencies, for example, you may want to keep your day job. Consulting differs from being a career CIO in that a consultant doesn't rule an IT department. He or she can offer advice, but not issue directives, says James Sutter, senior partner at IT management firm The Peer Consulting Group, and former CIO of Xerox and Rockwell. In the absence of hierarchical authority, influence and persuasion are now important parts of the job, says Sutter. You need to get things done, much like a CIO does, but you may have to emphasize different skills than you've used in the past.
Read more...
Perhaps you've seen the writing on the wall that your layoff is imminent. Maybe you're tired of corporate life and want to ditch The Man and become your own boss. But if you are considering becoming a consultant, listen up: Some CIOs aren't cut out for the job. More on CIO.com Tough Times Yield New Role: Private Equity Partner
If you have power-hungry tendencies, for example, you may want to keep your day job. Consulting differs from being a career CIO in that a consultant doesn't rule an IT department. He or she can offer advice, but not issue directives, says James Sutter, senior partner at IT management firm The Peer Consulting Group, and former CIO of Xerox and Rockwell. In the absence of hierarchical authority, influence and persuasion are now important parts of the job, says Sutter. You need to get things done, much like a CIO does, but you may have to emphasize different skills than you've used in the past.
Read more...
How Many Top 10 Skills Do You Have?
From DICE, April 29, 2009...
Global Knowledge, a leading provider of IT certification training, has just come out with its list of 10 Hot Skills for 2009. As the company puts it, "There are certain IT skills that will never go out of style." Here they are:
- Virtualization
- Web 2.0
- Networking/Windows Administration
- ITIL
- IT Architect/Project Management
- IT Security
- Wireless
- Telecommunications
- Programming Languages (C, C++, C#)
- Business Skills
It's that last one, Business Skills, that's the most interesting. I've been hearing this more and more, especially since the economic downturn began. IT folks need to know how the business operates. As Global Knowledge says:
Read more...
Global Knowledge, a leading provider of IT certification training, has just come out with its list of 10 Hot Skills for 2009. As the company puts it, "There are certain IT skills that will never go out of style." Here they are:
- Virtualization
- Web 2.0
- Networking/Windows Administration
- ITIL
- IT Architect/Project Management
- IT Security
- Wireless
- Telecommunications
- Programming Languages (C, C++, C#)
- Business Skills
It's that last one, Business Skills, that's the most interesting. I've been hearing this more and more, especially since the economic downturn began. IT folks need to know how the business operates. As Global Knowledge says:
Read more...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Where to Look for IT Jobs as the Stimulus Plan Takes Hold
From DICE, April 29, 2009...
To determine where opportunities may lie, you've first got to identify which federal or state agencies are likely to be involved in funneling money to technology initiatives that might involve technology you're skilled with, or companies you're interested in working for.
Read more...
To determine where opportunities may lie, you've first got to identify which federal or state agencies are likely to be involved in funneling money to technology initiatives that might involve technology you're skilled with, or companies you're interested in working for.
Read more...
The Top Things To Do When You Can't Get A Job
From Forbes, April 29, 2009...
Figure out what you might be doing wrong, and fix it. Here's how.
Read more...
Figure out what you might be doing wrong, and fix it. Here's how.
Read more...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Business Survival & Career Growth Expo
From Austin Business Journal, April 28, 2009...
Join Central Texas colleagues for the Business Survival & Career Growth Expo.
Today's environment is the perfect time to take advantage of career changes, advance education opportunities and even start your own business. We have gathered the experts to help you re-position yourself for success.
Whether you are looking to improve your current position, train-up for the job market, start your own business or learn the art of networking, our speakers and collection of companies with booths will be here to connect and help you. Come join us for a high-power session on helping you re-position yourself.
When: Friday, June 26, 2009
9:00 am - 1:00 pm (lunch provided)
Where: Hilton Austin Hotel
Cost to Attend
$10 Individual Subscriber, verification is required
$20 Non-Subscriber
Register online at http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/event/6105.
Contact Robert King for more information and details at 512-494-2546 or rking@bizjournals.com.
Join Central Texas colleagues for the Business Survival & Career Growth Expo.
Today's environment is the perfect time to take advantage of career changes, advance education opportunities and even start your own business. We have gathered the experts to help you re-position yourself for success.
Whether you are looking to improve your current position, train-up for the job market, start your own business or learn the art of networking, our speakers and collection of companies with booths will be here to connect and help you. Come join us for a high-power session on helping you re-position yourself.
When: Friday, June 26, 2009
9:00 am - 1:00 pm (lunch provided)
Where: Hilton Austin Hotel
Cost to Attend
$10 Individual Subscriber, verification is required
$20 Non-Subscriber
Register online at http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/event/6105.
Contact Robert King for more information and details at 512-494-2546 or rking@bizjournals.com.
Monday, April 27, 2009
IT Pros Counseled to Stay Put in Crunch
From BusinessWeek, April 27, 2009...
Info tech professionals haven't been whacked as hard as some, but people already in jobs are advised to hang on until the clouds clear.
Read more...
Info tech professionals haven't been whacked as hard as some, but people already in jobs are advised to hang on until the clouds clear.
Read more...
Austin Tech Happy Hour on May 7th
From Austin Startup, April 27, 2009...
The next Austin Tech Happy Hour will be on Thursday, May 7th from 6pm - 8pm at Molotov. We’ve reserved the entire location just for our event, and with a little luck the rooftop deck will be a great spot to enjoy the Spring weather. We also have extremely strong free WiFi at Molotov, for those who might want to Twitter, browse, or do live streaming.
The photos from the last happy hour are up on the Facebook event from our SXSW event, which was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who came to kick off the SXSW season in style!
Read more...
The next Austin Tech Happy Hour will be on Thursday, May 7th from 6pm - 8pm at Molotov. We’ve reserved the entire location just for our event, and with a little luck the rooftop deck will be a great spot to enjoy the Spring weather. We also have extremely strong free WiFi at Molotov, for those who might want to Twitter, browse, or do live streaming.
The photos from the last happy hour are up on the Facebook event from our SXSW event, which was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who came to kick off the SXSW season in style!
Read more...
Blogging essential for a good career
From Penelope Trunk, March 23, 2006...
Blogging is good for your career. A well-executed blog sets you apart as an expert in your field.
Ben Day blogged his way into a career as a high-earning software consultant while maintaining the freedom to schedule frequent jam sessions and performances as a keyboard player. Blogging gave him the opportunity to stand out enough to support the life he envisioned for himself.
Phil van Allen, a faculty member of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, said to me in an interview, "For your career, a blog is essential. It's the new public relations and it's the new home page. Instead of a static home page, you have your blog." It's a way to let people know what you are thinking about the field that interests you.
Employers regularly Google prospective employees to learn more about them. Blogging gives you a way to control what employers see, because Google's system works in such a way that blogs that are heavily networked with others come up high in Google searches.
Read more...
Blogging is good for your career. A well-executed blog sets you apart as an expert in your field.
Ben Day blogged his way into a career as a high-earning software consultant while maintaining the freedom to schedule frequent jam sessions and performances as a keyboard player. Blogging gave him the opportunity to stand out enough to support the life he envisioned for himself.
Phil van Allen, a faculty member of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, said to me in an interview, "For your career, a blog is essential. It's the new public relations and it's the new home page. Instead of a static home page, you have your blog." It's a way to let people know what you are thinking about the field that interests you.
Employers regularly Google prospective employees to learn more about them. Blogging gives you a way to control what employers see, because Google's system works in such a way that blogs that are heavily networked with others come up high in Google searches.
Read more...
Study: H-1B use cuts tech wages by up to 6%
From Computerworld, April 27, 2009...
The use of H-1B workers by U.S. companies is decreasing wages by as much as 6% for some IT workers, according to a study by researchers at New York University's and the University of Pennsylvania's business schools.
The study, released earlier this month by professors from the Stern and Wharton schools of business, concluded that H-1B workers' entry into the U.S. at current levels is causing a 5% to 6% drop in wages for computer programmers, systems analysts and software engineers. The study also found that offshore outsourcing decreases wages for a broader category of workers, including IT managers, by 2% to 3%.
The IT workers most likely to be affected by the downward pressure on wages are recent college graduates and people changing jobs, the researchers said.
Read more...
The use of H-1B workers by U.S. companies is decreasing wages by as much as 6% for some IT workers, according to a study by researchers at New York University's and the University of Pennsylvania's business schools.
The study, released earlier this month by professors from the Stern and Wharton schools of business, concluded that H-1B workers' entry into the U.S. at current levels is causing a 5% to 6% drop in wages for computer programmers, systems analysts and software engineers. The study also found that offshore outsourcing decreases wages for a broader category of workers, including IT managers, by 2% to 3%.
The IT workers most likely to be affected by the downward pressure on wages are recent college graduates and people changing jobs, the researchers said.
Read more...
Friday, April 24, 2009
IT worker confidence slips to new low, report says
From Austin Business Journal, April 23, 2009...
Employees in the information technology sector don’t think their industry is doing all that well, according to a report by Technisource, the technology placement division of Spherion Corp.
The company’s IT Employee Confidence Index was down 0.7 points to 39.7 in the first quarter of 2009 — its lowest point since the index’s inception in late 2005.
Results included:
Read more...
Employees in the information technology sector don’t think their industry is doing all that well, according to a report by Technisource, the technology placement division of Spherion Corp.
The company’s IT Employee Confidence Index was down 0.7 points to 39.7 in the first quarter of 2009 — its lowest point since the index’s inception in late 2005.
Results included:
Read more...
Does a Long Layoff Make You Damaged Goods?
From DICE, April 23, 2009...
People who are laid off have reason to fear that with each passing day, the widening gap in their employment history makes them less attractive to potential new employers. No one likes to have a hole in his or her resume. If that hole starts to grow uncomfortably big, are you doomed?
Not really, says Fortune’s career advisor Anne Fisher, who checked in with several recruiters to get their opinions. As it turns out, when unemployment rises, employers cut potential new hires a break.
Read more...
People who are laid off have reason to fear that with each passing day, the widening gap in their employment history makes them less attractive to potential new employers. No one likes to have a hole in his or her resume. If that hole starts to grow uncomfortably big, are you doomed?
Not really, says Fortune’s career advisor Anne Fisher, who checked in with several recruiters to get their opinions. As it turns out, when unemployment rises, employers cut potential new hires a break.
Read more...
Google Profiles as a Job-Hunting Tool
From DICE, April 23, 2009...
Google’s new profile service could be an important tool for job seekers. Recently unveiled by the Web giant though they’re still being “worked on,” the profiles allow you to present yourself, in your own words and reflecting your own priorities, in Google’s search results.The good news: Your profile shows up on the first page of results. The less good: It shows up at the very bottom of the page.
Placement aside, you should care about this. At a minimum, you can show off your academic and professional credentials by treating the profile like an online resume. Though it’s not really set up to be formatted like a resume, it’s a tool to reinforce the image you’ve tried to present through cover letters, resumes and interviews.
Read more...
Google’s new profile service could be an important tool for job seekers. Recently unveiled by the Web giant though they’re still being “worked on,” the profiles allow you to present yourself, in your own words and reflecting your own priorities, in Google’s search results.The good news: Your profile shows up on the first page of results. The less good: It shows up at the very bottom of the page.
Placement aside, you should care about this. At a minimum, you can show off your academic and professional credentials by treating the profile like an online resume. Though it’s not really set up to be formatted like a resume, it’s a tool to reinforce the image you’ve tried to present through cover letters, resumes and interviews.
Read more...
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Workforce Solutions hosts another job fair after high demand
From KEYE, April 22, 2009...
Workforce Solutions will host its Spring Job Fair for area residents and businesses on Tuesday, April 28 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event will be held at the Travis County facility located at 5335 Airport Blvd (formerly Chair King), which is approximately one mile south of the North Career Center.
Due to the overwhelming turnout at the Winter Job Fair in January, Workforce Solutions is hosting its spring fair at the off-site location to accommodate more job-seekers.
Read more...
Workforce Solutions will host its Spring Job Fair for area residents and businesses on Tuesday, April 28 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event will be held at the Travis County facility located at 5335 Airport Blvd (formerly Chair King), which is approximately one mile south of the North Career Center.
Due to the overwhelming turnout at the Winter Job Fair in January, Workforce Solutions is hosting its spring fair at the off-site location to accommodate more job-seekers.
Read more...
A sampling of states' noncompete rules
From Computerworld, April 23, 2009...
Here's a look at several of the country's most populous states' approaches to noncompete agreements.
. . .
Texas
State law says that employers can ask their workers to sign noncompete agreements if they are given confidential or proprietary information and/or specialized training, says Ronald M. Gaswirth, a partner at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP in Dallas.
Companies can also ask existing employees to sign such agreements, as long as they meet the statute's requirements, he says. The state does not require employers to offer additional consideration in these cases because it considers continued employment sufficient consideration.
Read more...
Here's a look at several of the country's most populous states' approaches to noncompete agreements.
. . .
Texas
State law says that employers can ask their workers to sign noncompete agreements if they are given confidential or proprietary information and/or specialized training, says Ronald M. Gaswirth, a partner at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP in Dallas.
Companies can also ask existing employees to sign such agreements, as long as they meet the statute's requirements, he says. The state does not require employers to offer additional consideration in these cases because it considers continued employment sufficient consideration.
Read more...
Don't sign away your future: Noncompetes done right
From Computerworld, April 23, 2009...
Can signing a standard workplace document derail your career plans? Yes, says Jerry Luftman, executive director of graduate IS Programs at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J. He says a former student almost lost out on a big break because he had signed a noncompete agreement, a contract that prohibits employees from doing certain work for a set period of time following the end of their current job.
The former student had been an IT manager at a Fortune 500 company but didn't feel that he was moving up fast enough. So he accepted a higher-up IT management position at another big company. But when he gave his notice, his original employer threatened to enforce in court the noncompete agreement he had signed when he first took the job.
Read more...
Can signing a standard workplace document derail your career plans? Yes, says Jerry Luftman, executive director of graduate IS Programs at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J. He says a former student almost lost out on a big break because he had signed a noncompete agreement, a contract that prohibits employees from doing certain work for a set period of time following the end of their current job.
The former student had been an IT manager at a Fortune 500 company but didn't feel that he was moving up fast enough. So he accepted a higher-up IT management position at another big company. But when he gave his notice, his original employer threatened to enforce in court the noncompete agreement he had signed when he first took the job.
Read more...
Freescale to cut 170 Austin jobs
From statesman, April 22, 2009...
Freescale Semiconductor Inc. said Wednesday it has given up on trying to sell its cell-phone-related chip business to a single buyer and will now sell it off in pieces, which will result in the elimination of 900 jobs, including 170 in Austin.
Read more...
Freescale Semiconductor Inc. said Wednesday it has given up on trying to sell its cell-phone-related chip business to a single buyer and will now sell it off in pieces, which will result in the elimination of 900 jobs, including 170 in Austin.
Read more...
Support Yourself By Blogging? Not Really
From DICE, April 22, 2209...
For refugees from an intellectual and real-time-oriented business - like many aspects of tech, for example - the notion of blogging for profit has natural appeal. An ex-colleague of mine blogs for a living, and a few professional acquaintances in transition have at least toyed with the idea.
How achievable is it? Not very - unless you’re able to get by on $22,000 a year even after putting in enough work to attract what’s considered a large audience for a blogger (100,000 unique visitors every month). That’s what evidence from a widely cited survey indicates. And it’s reinforced by anecdotal evidence from individual bloggers.
The economic potential of blogging is suddenly a hot topic, due in large part to an article in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal by guest columnist Mark Penn (better known as one of the nation’s leading election campaign strategists). Penn cobbled together statistics from disparate surveys to argue that some 450,000 Americans rely on blogging as their main income source - more numerous than computer programmers or firefighters, and almost as numerous as lawyers - and those with substantial readership earn $75,000 on average.
Read more...
For refugees from an intellectual and real-time-oriented business - like many aspects of tech, for example - the notion of blogging for profit has natural appeal. An ex-colleague of mine blogs for a living, and a few professional acquaintances in transition have at least toyed with the idea.
How achievable is it? Not very - unless you’re able to get by on $22,000 a year even after putting in enough work to attract what’s considered a large audience for a blogger (100,000 unique visitors every month). That’s what evidence from a widely cited survey indicates. And it’s reinforced by anecdotal evidence from individual bloggers.
The economic potential of blogging is suddenly a hot topic, due in large part to an article in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal by guest columnist Mark Penn (better known as one of the nation’s leading election campaign strategists). Penn cobbled together statistics from disparate surveys to argue that some 450,000 Americans rely on blogging as their main income source - more numerous than computer programmers or firefighters, and almost as numerous as lawyers - and those with substantial readership earn $75,000 on average.
Read more...
Still in Demand: Java, .NET, Linux Skills
From DICE, April 22, 2009...
Researcher Foote Partners’ newest IT skills and certification data shows that IT professionals with expertise in Linux, Java/J2EE, unified communications, Microsoft .NET, virtualization should see their pay increase, according to Foote Partners’ IT Skills and Certifications Pay Index. These skills increased in value during 2009’s first quarter, the company found, as did ERP and business process management/modeling and improvement.
Read more...
Researcher Foote Partners’ newest IT skills and certification data shows that IT professionals with expertise in Linux, Java/J2EE, unified communications, Microsoft .NET, virtualization should see their pay increase, according to Foote Partners’ IT Skills and Certifications Pay Index. These skills increased in value during 2009’s first quarter, the company found, as did ERP and business process management/modeling and improvement.
Read more...
Cheaper Routes to Certifications
From DICE, April 22, 2009...
EarthWeb’s Eric Geier is well aware - as you likely are as well - that studying and testing for IT certifications can be expensive. Luckily, he offers two great suggestions for getting the study materials you need at a bargain price. His first idea: Join the IEEE Computer Society.
"For $28, for a half year, and non-students can join the society only for a half year at $49. This gives you free access to a conglomerate of study resources and networking outlets. You’ll have access to 3,000 distance-learning course modules, where your favorite certifications will probably be included. Course subjects range from Cisco to Java to project management. You also have access to 600 selections from Safari Books Online, Essential Tech, and Business Library. Plus you are given access to 500 books through their e-Learning Campus, provided by Element K. You’ll also get discounts on select conferences and be able to participate on committees."
Geier’s other good idea: Join the Association for Computing Machinery.
"Students can become members for as little $19, for an entire year. Professional membership starts at $99, also for a year. All individual members receive full access to over 2,500 online computing and business courses, in multiple languages, and 1,000 virtual labs provided by Element K. Also like the IEEE Computer Society, ACM gives you access to 600 selections from Safari Books Online. The ACM Online Books Program also includes an additional collection of 500 online books from Books24×7."
Read more...
EarthWeb’s Eric Geier is well aware - as you likely are as well - that studying and testing for IT certifications can be expensive. Luckily, he offers two great suggestions for getting the study materials you need at a bargain price. His first idea: Join the IEEE Computer Society.
"For $28, for a half year, and non-students can join the society only for a half year at $49. This gives you free access to a conglomerate of study resources and networking outlets. You’ll have access to 3,000 distance-learning course modules, where your favorite certifications will probably be included. Course subjects range from Cisco to Java to project management. You also have access to 600 selections from Safari Books Online, Essential Tech, and Business Library. Plus you are given access to 500 books through their e-Learning Campus, provided by Element K. You’ll also get discounts on select conferences and be able to participate on committees."
Geier’s other good idea: Join the Association for Computing Machinery.
"Students can become members for as little $19, for an entire year. Professional membership starts at $99, also for a year. All individual members receive full access to over 2,500 online computing and business courses, in multiple languages, and 1,000 virtual labs provided by Element K. Also like the IEEE Computer Society, ACM gives you access to 600 selections from Safari Books Online. The ACM Online Books Program also includes an additional collection of 500 online books from Books24×7."
Read more...
Forbes names Austin-Round Rock best area for jobs
From The Daily Texan, April 22, 2009...
Texans looking for a job might not have far to go, according to Forbes.
The Austin-Round Rock area had topped the magazine’s list of the Best Big Cities for Jobs, followed by four other Texas metropolitan areas: Houston-Sugarland-Baytown, San Antonio, Fort Worth-Arlington and Dallas-Plano-Irving.
Austin also is the only city out of the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas that added jobs in the past months, said Beverly Kerr, vice president of research at the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.
“From February to March, there has been a net growth of over 3,000 jobs in Austin,” Kerr said.
Read more...
Texans looking for a job might not have far to go, according to Forbes.
The Austin-Round Rock area had topped the magazine’s list of the Best Big Cities for Jobs, followed by four other Texas metropolitan areas: Houston-Sugarland-Baytown, San Antonio, Fort Worth-Arlington and Dallas-Plano-Irving.
Austin also is the only city out of the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas that added jobs in the past months, said Beverly Kerr, vice president of research at the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.
“From February to March, there has been a net growth of over 3,000 jobs in Austin,” Kerr said.
Read more...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Leveraging soft skills in a competitive IT job market
From Computerworld, April 21, 2009...
Competition for IT jobs has intensified, so companies that are hiring expect to find candidates who can exceed the technical requirements of a position. While soft skills have long been touted by IT employers, today's harsh economic realities have made those abilities more valuable than ever. IT professionals who know which soft skills are currently the most important and why -- and who are willing to work to improve those abilities -- can find that they have a distinct advantage over similarly qualified peers.
Skills such as public speaking, negotiation and persuasion are among the most valuable in the current economic environment. What do these skills have in common? They're all based on the ability to communicate effectively. As budget restrictions create tension for managers and staffers alike, workplace relationships can easily become strained, leading to morale and productivity problems. Effective communication can help prevent or alleviate these situations.
Read more...
Competition for IT jobs has intensified, so companies that are hiring expect to find candidates who can exceed the technical requirements of a position. While soft skills have long been touted by IT employers, today's harsh economic realities have made those abilities more valuable than ever. IT professionals who know which soft skills are currently the most important and why -- and who are willing to work to improve those abilities -- can find that they have a distinct advantage over similarly qualified peers.
Skills such as public speaking, negotiation and persuasion are among the most valuable in the current economic environment. What do these skills have in common? They're all based on the ability to communicate effectively. As budget restrictions create tension for managers and staffers alike, workplace relationships can easily become strained, leading to morale and productivity problems. Effective communication can help prevent or alleviate these situations.
Read more...
The interview that'll bag a job
From Computerworld, April 21, 2009...
In today's ultracompetitive job market, even getting an interview is a feat. Yet recruiters and hiring managers say many unemployed candidates blow the opportunity by appearing desperate or bitter about their situations -- often without realizing it.
Read more...
In today's ultracompetitive job market, even getting an interview is a feat. Yet recruiters and hiring managers say many unemployed candidates blow the opportunity by appearing desperate or bitter about their situations -- often without realizing it.
Read more...
Monday, April 20, 2009
Ex-Employers Enforcing Agreements
From DICE, April 20, 2009...
If you signed an employment or non-compete agreement with your previous employer, either as a condition of employment or in exchange for a severance package, better check the details before starting a new job. Nowadays, companies are taking steps to protect client lists, intellectual property and trade secrets when they see former staffers sign on with a competitor.
Enforcement of these agreements vary by state, the specific language of the agreement and each situation. This means every laid-off worker must do their homework in order to know their rights and limitations.
Read more...
If you signed an employment or non-compete agreement with your previous employer, either as a condition of employment or in exchange for a severance package, better check the details before starting a new job. Nowadays, companies are taking steps to protect client lists, intellectual property and trade secrets when they see former staffers sign on with a competitor.
Enforcement of these agreements vary by state, the specific language of the agreement and each situation. This means every laid-off worker must do their homework in order to know their rights and limitations.
Read more...
Friday, April 17, 2009
Study: IT skills pay drops slightly overall in Q1
From Computerworld, April 17, 2009...
A new study shows that pay for IT skills fell by 0.5% overall during the first three months of this year, but also that some 46 skills rose in value.
Under noncertified skills, Linux pay grew the fastest, jumping 28.6%, according to the survey by Foote Partners LLC, a Vero Beach, Fla., consulting and research firm that tracks IT skills pay. It was followed by Apache Web server (25%), Sybase Adaptive Server (25%) and Java J2EE/SE/ME (20%).
Meanwhile, pay for PowerBuilder skills saw the biggest decline, falling 50%. AIX, C++, CGI and dBase/XBase pay all dropped 25% in the first quarter, according to the study.
HP/Certified Systems Engineer topped the list for certified IT skills pay growth, with a 14.3% increase in the past three months. Next strongest were Sun Certified Programmer for Java Platform (13.5%), HP/Accredited Integration Specialist (12.5%), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (12.5%) and EC-Council/Certified Hacking Forensics Investigator (12.5%.)
Read more...
A new study shows that pay for IT skills fell by 0.5% overall during the first three months of this year, but also that some 46 skills rose in value.
Under noncertified skills, Linux pay grew the fastest, jumping 28.6%, according to the survey by Foote Partners LLC, a Vero Beach, Fla., consulting and research firm that tracks IT skills pay. It was followed by Apache Web server (25%), Sybase Adaptive Server (25%) and Java J2EE/SE/ME (20%).
Meanwhile, pay for PowerBuilder skills saw the biggest decline, falling 50%. AIX, C++, CGI and dBase/XBase pay all dropped 25% in the first quarter, according to the study.
HP/Certified Systems Engineer topped the list for certified IT skills pay growth, with a 14.3% increase in the past three months. Next strongest were Sun Certified Programmer for Java Platform (13.5%), HP/Accredited Integration Specialist (12.5%), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (12.5%) and EC-Council/Certified Hacking Forensics Investigator (12.5%.)
Read more...
When to Show Your Versatility
From Harvard Business Review, April 17, 2009...
Managers often say they admire versatility in an employee. After all, a versatile person can switch seamlessly from one type of task to another, putting nary a crease in the fabric of daily work life. In practice, though, I find that versatility comes under suspicion, at least initially.
During my years working full-time, I often served on groups that were tasked with hiring. Inevitably, the resumes that showed the greatest concentration of directly relevant experience would rise to the top. Folks in the hiring group gave lip service to the breadth that was evident on some resumes, but in the end it was the safe-bet candidates who were selected for a first round of interviews. More than once, I heard people justify hesitation about an apparently versatile candidate with the warning "Jack of all trades, master of none."
Read more...
Managers often say they admire versatility in an employee. After all, a versatile person can switch seamlessly from one type of task to another, putting nary a crease in the fabric of daily work life. In practice, though, I find that versatility comes under suspicion, at least initially.
During my years working full-time, I often served on groups that were tasked with hiring. Inevitably, the resumes that showed the greatest concentration of directly relevant experience would rise to the top. Folks in the hiring group gave lip service to the breadth that was evident on some resumes, but in the end it was the safe-bet candidates who were selected for a first round of interviews. More than once, I heard people justify hesitation about an apparently versatile candidate with the warning "Jack of all trades, master of none."
Read more...
MentorWorks Launching in Austin
From Austin Startup, April 17, 2009...
Austin entrepreneur Mark Roberts has recently launched a new website called MentorWorks, which is designed to be a marketplace to match up talented mentors with those seeking expertise. eBay is a great marketplace for all sorts of things, as is craigslist, but none of them really provide the essential elements needed to bring together the people who need each other.
Read more...
Austin entrepreneur Mark Roberts has recently launched a new website called MentorWorks, which is designed to be a marketplace to match up talented mentors with those seeking expertise. eBay is a great marketplace for all sorts of things, as is craigslist, but none of them really provide the essential elements needed to bring together the people who need each other.
Read more...
Lone Star Entrepreneurial Summit
From Austin Startup, April 17, 2009...
Surely, the University of Texas has plenty of classes on entrepreneurship, you might be thinking. Well, yes and no. At the post-graduate level there is an MBA concentration in entrepreneurship, and I believe the business honors program also has an entrepreneurship focus. But that’s it. That doesn’t leave a whole lot of options for students in engineering, computer science, or even the life sciences.
Consequently, we’ve had a huge outflowing of talent that accept jobs at the tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo after graduating from UT. Mostly because they’ve not been exposed to, and integrated into, the entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem in Austin. Texas Ventures is really working hard to bridge that gap between the university and the startup business community. One output of that effort is the upcoming Texas Entrepreneurial Summit.
The summit takes place over the course of three evenings here in Austin, from April 22-24th, 2009. They are planning for over 1,000 people to attend who are interested in entrepreneurship in Austin.
Read more...
Surely, the University of Texas has plenty of classes on entrepreneurship, you might be thinking. Well, yes and no. At the post-graduate level there is an MBA concentration in entrepreneurship, and I believe the business honors program also has an entrepreneurship focus. But that’s it. That doesn’t leave a whole lot of options for students in engineering, computer science, or even the life sciences.
Consequently, we’ve had a huge outflowing of talent that accept jobs at the tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo after graduating from UT. Mostly because they’ve not been exposed to, and integrated into, the entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem in Austin. Texas Ventures is really working hard to bridge that gap between the university and the startup business community. One output of that effort is the upcoming Texas Entrepreneurial Summit.
The summit takes place over the course of three evenings here in Austin, from April 22-24th, 2009. They are planning for over 1,000 people to attend who are interested in entrepreneurship in Austin.
Read more...
Does ‘Dominant’ Equal ‘Competent?’
From DICE, April 17, 2009...
Want to look competent? Get in touch with your dominant side. In a recent study, University of California, Berkley researchers found those who act more dominantly are perceived as more competent, even when they aren’t.
Organizational behavior and industrial relations Associate Professor Cameron Anderson and doctoral candidate Gavin Kilduff tested their “great pretender” theory on 17 four-student teams. They gave each team 45 minutes to design a mock non-profit environmental organization or a for-profit Web site. The winning team would receive a $400 prize. More importantly, the experiment required each participant to rate his or her colleagues’ level of influence on the group, and each participant’s level of competence.
The results: Team members with the most dominant personalities were rated the highest for such qualities as general intelligence, dependability, and self-discipline. Less outspoken workers were perceived as having less desirable traits, giving them high scores for being conventional and uncreative.
Read more...
Want to look competent? Get in touch with your dominant side. In a recent study, University of California, Berkley researchers found those who act more dominantly are perceived as more competent, even when they aren’t.
Organizational behavior and industrial relations Associate Professor Cameron Anderson and doctoral candidate Gavin Kilduff tested their “great pretender” theory on 17 four-student teams. They gave each team 45 minutes to design a mock non-profit environmental organization or a for-profit Web site. The winning team would receive a $400 prize. More importantly, the experiment required each participant to rate his or her colleagues’ level of influence on the group, and each participant’s level of competence.
The results: Team members with the most dominant personalities were rated the highest for such qualities as general intelligence, dependability, and self-discipline. Less outspoken workers were perceived as having less desirable traits, giving them high scores for being conventional and uncreative.
Read more...
Use Twitter for Job Hunting…Maybe
From DICE, April 17, 2009...
It’s a big day for Twitter: Oprah has arrived! So get ready for even more Twitter hype.
While this social networking phenomenon hasn’t cured cancer yet, a flurry of articles, hype, and cable news personalities has it solving just about every other malady that plagues mankind. I’m not sure I buy into all this noise just yet, but I’m willing to listen. At Forbes, for example, Tara Weiss can fill you in on how to use Twitter to find a job. The article does include a few inspiring success stories, such as this one.
[Kyle Flaherty] left his marketing position in Boston last spring determined to find an in-house public relations job. He tweeted (Twitter lingo for posting a message) about his decision and included a link to his professional blog, where he described the kind of work he was looking for. Within days his tweet was retweeted. That is, an acquaintance forwarded it–to his current boss.
Sounds so simple.
The real advice here is simply to use Twitter as yet another way to put yourself in front of people who make hiring decisions. The way you do that is to find them by doing various searches on your industry and even recruiting firms that work in your field and then follow their “tweets.” Respond eloquently when appropriate, and slowly build up your online identity by posting your own intelligent tweets about your industry and hope people start following you.
The good news is that all this is rather effortless so it won’t be a major time sink for people already wrapped up in other social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
Read more...
It’s a big day for Twitter: Oprah has arrived! So get ready for even more Twitter hype.
While this social networking phenomenon hasn’t cured cancer yet, a flurry of articles, hype, and cable news personalities has it solving just about every other malady that plagues mankind. I’m not sure I buy into all this noise just yet, but I’m willing to listen. At Forbes, for example, Tara Weiss can fill you in on how to use Twitter to find a job. The article does include a few inspiring success stories, such as this one.
[Kyle Flaherty] left his marketing position in Boston last spring determined to find an in-house public relations job. He tweeted (Twitter lingo for posting a message) about his decision and included a link to his professional blog, where he described the kind of work he was looking for. Within days his tweet was retweeted. That is, an acquaintance forwarded it–to his current boss.
Sounds so simple.
The real advice here is simply to use Twitter as yet another way to put yourself in front of people who make hiring decisions. The way you do that is to find them by doing various searches on your industry and even recruiting firms that work in your field and then follow their “tweets.” Respond eloquently when appropriate, and slowly build up your online identity by posting your own intelligent tweets about your industry and hope people start following you.
The good news is that all this is rather effortless so it won’t be a major time sink for people already wrapped up in other social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
Read more...
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Don’t Bargain Basement Yourself
From DICE, April 16, 2009...
In today’s job market, you might be tempted to offer to work for free or at a reduced salary during a trial period to prove yourself to an employer. Don’t do it, says consultant Edward Navis of Full Spectrum HR in Little Falls, N.J. You’ll simply devalue yourself and set the company up for a pay discrimination suit, he says.
“From a marketing perspective, people look at free things as having no value,” Navis says. “And even if they say yes to reduced pay, they may not see you as worth more at the end of the trial period.”
Read more...
In today’s job market, you might be tempted to offer to work for free or at a reduced salary during a trial period to prove yourself to an employer. Don’t do it, says consultant Edward Navis of Full Spectrum HR in Little Falls, N.J. You’ll simply devalue yourself and set the company up for a pay discrimination suit, he says.
“From a marketing perspective, people look at free things as having no value,” Navis says. “And even if they say yes to reduced pay, they may not see you as worth more at the end of the trial period.”
Read more...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
How To Stand Out At A Job Fair
From Forbes, April 15, 2009...
When Monster.com held a career fair in Manhattan in March, 3,700 job-seekers packed the place. A recent job fair held by General Dynamics Information Technology in Fairfax, Va., attracted 1,000. And Targeted Job Fairs, a company that holds fairs across North America, reports that traffic to its events is up by 64% in the first quarter of this year over a year before.
With so many people crowding job fairs, are they even worth attending?
"Absolutely," says Eric Winegardner, vice president of client adoption at Monster.com, which is sponsoring more than 100 job fairs across the country. "It cuts out the Internet way of recruiting and brings people together face to face."
Read more...
When Monster.com held a career fair in Manhattan in March, 3,700 job-seekers packed the place. A recent job fair held by General Dynamics Information Technology in Fairfax, Va., attracted 1,000. And Targeted Job Fairs, a company that holds fairs across North America, reports that traffic to its events is up by 64% in the first quarter of this year over a year before.
With so many people crowding job fairs, are they even worth attending?
"Absolutely," says Eric Winegardner, vice president of client adoption at Monster.com, which is sponsoring more than 100 job fairs across the country. "It cuts out the Internet way of recruiting and brings people together face to face."
Read more...
Get More Value Out Of Certifications
From DICE, April 15, 2009...
Take test. Pass test. Move on. That’s how things usually work, but in the world of IT certifications, making the grade is just one step in what is an ongoing process that will occupy you throughout your career. Linda Musthaler of Network World has laid out some good advice for IT experts who wants to make the most of their certifications, squeezing extra value out of them beyond simply getting the credential. For example:
Use your certification as leverage with your employer.
Read more...
Take test. Pass test. Move on. That’s how things usually work, but in the world of IT certifications, making the grade is just one step in what is an ongoing process that will occupy you throughout your career. Linda Musthaler of Network World has laid out some good advice for IT experts who wants to make the most of their certifications, squeezing extra value out of them beyond simply getting the credential. For example:
Use your certification as leverage with your employer.
Read more...
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
How to Hire—and Get Hired—in a Recession
From Business Week, April 14, 2009...
Unemployment in the U.S. is going to race past 10% in the coming months and probably peak at 11% or 12%, according to the smart folks with whom I'm privileged enough to spend some time. There's an outside chance (call it 20%) that we might have a "disastrous event" that causes it to hit 15% to 20%. Sounds impossible, I know, but there are many regions in the U.S. already in the mid-teens.
. . .
If you're looking for a job, you want to send out as many signals as possible that show that not only are you not afraid of hard work, but you're actually turned on by it. You must understand that, right now, there are too many candidates fighting for each position. The leverage that led to bidding wars between employers two to three years ago is gone—just like the bidding wars over houses are over.
Read more...
Unemployment in the U.S. is going to race past 10% in the coming months and probably peak at 11% or 12%, according to the smart folks with whom I'm privileged enough to spend some time. There's an outside chance (call it 20%) that we might have a "disastrous event" that causes it to hit 15% to 20%. Sounds impossible, I know, but there are many regions in the U.S. already in the mid-teens.
. . .
If you're looking for a job, you want to send out as many signals as possible that show that not only are you not afraid of hard work, but you're actually turned on by it. You must understand that, right now, there are too many candidates fighting for each position. The leverage that led to bidding wars between employers two to three years ago is gone—just like the bidding wars over houses are over.
Read more...
No Posting Required
From DICE, April 14, 2009...
Astute business managers are always looking to add a great employee, even if they don’t have an opening. That’s because managers face business and personnel challenges that can only be remedied by talented people, and job postings often produce a flood of both qualified and unqualified candidates.
The concept of proactively marketing your skills to pique the interest of hiring managers was discussed in a thread created by FM1 on the Dice Discussions board.
It seems FM1 had some success submitting his resume and cover letter to local employers who touted their open door policies toward talented candidates on their Web sites, even when they appeared to have no open jobs. FM1’s initiative resulted in several interviews.
If you decide to take FM1’s approach and cold market your skills, use these tactics to achieve the best return:
Read more...
Astute business managers are always looking to add a great employee, even if they don’t have an opening. That’s because managers face business and personnel challenges that can only be remedied by talented people, and job postings often produce a flood of both qualified and unqualified candidates.
The concept of proactively marketing your skills to pique the interest of hiring managers was discussed in a thread created by FM1 on the Dice Discussions board.
It seems FM1 had some success submitting his resume and cover letter to local employers who touted their open door policies toward talented candidates on their Web sites, even when they appeared to have no open jobs. FM1’s initiative resulted in several interviews.
If you decide to take FM1’s approach and cold market your skills, use these tactics to achieve the best return:
Read more...
Making an Interview Work
From DICE, April 14, 2009...
Today’s ultracompetitive job market is inducing more candidates to adopt misguided methods to stand out in an interviewer’s mind. The old saw, “You want to stand out for the right reasons,” applies more than ever. Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal provides a useful roundup of tried-and-true interview advice.
A few tactics prone to backfire: Arriving an hour early for an interview (it’s best to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time); mentioning your own current financial or personal challenges; handing out bound summaries of your past work-related projects.
Other interviewing chestnuts that remain as valid today as 20 years ago:
Read more...
Today’s ultracompetitive job market is inducing more candidates to adopt misguided methods to stand out in an interviewer’s mind. The old saw, “You want to stand out for the right reasons,” applies more than ever. Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal provides a useful roundup of tried-and-true interview advice.
A few tactics prone to backfire: Arriving an hour early for an interview (it’s best to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time); mentioning your own current financial or personal challenges; handing out bound summaries of your past work-related projects.
Other interviewing chestnuts that remain as valid today as 20 years ago:
Read more...
How to get fired
From Computerworld, April 13, 2009...
A plunging stock market, crumbling budgets, layoffs and restructurings: So much of today's news is bad, so much of it can adversely affect your career, and so much of it is maddeningly beyond your control.
But there are things you can control, starting with your own behavior. Now more than ever, it's essential to ensure that idiosyncrasies and personal peccadillos don't undermine your career.
Here are five cautionary tales of real CIOs whose tragic flaws did them in.
Read more...
A plunging stock market, crumbling budgets, layoffs and restructurings: So much of today's news is bad, so much of it can adversely affect your career, and so much of it is maddeningly beyond your control.
But there are things you can control, starting with your own behavior. Now more than ever, it's essential to ensure that idiosyncrasies and personal peccadillos don't undermine your career.
Here are five cautionary tales of real CIOs whose tragic flaws did them in.
Read more...
Monday, April 13, 2009
Texas tech sector not too shabby, report says
From Austin Business Journal, March 31, 2009...
Texas’ technology industry hasn’t been hit as hard as the total private-sector nationally, according to a new report.
The number of tech jobs in the Lone Star State declined 0.6 percent during fourth-quarter 2008 compared with 1.3 percent for the national private-sector. Texas lost 38,000 tech jobs during the three-month period, trade association TechAmerica reported.
The decline came one year after Texas’ tech job growth (14,700) was the largest in the United States. The number of tech workers in Texas ranks the state No. 2 in the nation following California, the report shows.
Read more...
Texas’ technology industry hasn’t been hit as hard as the total private-sector nationally, according to a new report.
The number of tech jobs in the Lone Star State declined 0.6 percent during fourth-quarter 2008 compared with 1.3 percent for the national private-sector. Texas lost 38,000 tech jobs during the three-month period, trade association TechAmerica reported.
The decline came one year after Texas’ tech job growth (14,700) was the largest in the United States. The number of tech workers in Texas ranks the state No. 2 in the nation following California, the report shows.
Read more...
Austin job growth falls, but some see signs of turnaround
From statesman, March 27, 2009...
Austin employers are dramatically cutting back on hiring, with job growth falling to a five-year low last month.
The 0.2 percent growth rate was down from 3.8 percent a year earlier and 0.9 percent in January, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Still, Austin was the only major Texas metropolitan area to add jobs in the month, as the recession hit harder across the state.
And some local employment experts say they're beginning to see signs of improvement.
Read more...
Austin employers are dramatically cutting back on hiring, with job growth falling to a five-year low last month.
The 0.2 percent growth rate was down from 3.8 percent a year earlier and 0.9 percent in January, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Still, Austin was the only major Texas metropolitan area to add jobs in the month, as the recession hit harder across the state.
And some local employment experts say they're beginning to see signs of improvement.
Read more...
6 ways to ruin your resume
From Computerworld, April 13, 2009...
My vision is blurry. I've reviewed more than 40 résumés for a network administrator position, and less than half have made the cut. Although I rejected some candidates because of their lack of experience (or, rather, their lack of demonstrated required experience), others had errors in their application packages that lowered their ranking -- errors that could have been easily corrected.
Of course, the traditional job-seeking advice still applies. Always follow résumé best practices -- proper spelling, good organization, consistent font and so on. Realize, too, that if you simply don't meet the required minimum experience, it's very unlikely that you'll get the job. Beyond that, if you avoid these all-too-common mistakes that can be found in résumés for all kinds of IT positions, you'll boost your chance of landing the job.
Read more...
My vision is blurry. I've reviewed more than 40 résumés for a network administrator position, and less than half have made the cut. Although I rejected some candidates because of their lack of experience (or, rather, their lack of demonstrated required experience), others had errors in their application packages that lowered their ranking -- errors that could have been easily corrected.
Of course, the traditional job-seeking advice still applies. Always follow résumé best practices -- proper spelling, good organization, consistent font and so on. Realize, too, that if you simply don't meet the required minimum experience, it's very unlikely that you'll get the job. Beyond that, if you avoid these all-too-common mistakes that can be found in résumés for all kinds of IT positions, you'll boost your chance of landing the job.
Read more...
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Finding Stimulus-Based Jobs
From DICE, April 9, 2009...
Everyone is trying to anticipate where the government’s stimulus package is going to create jobs, so it makes good sense to follow the news to find out how and where new IT positions may be. TechCareers suggests there’ll be a need for engineers and project managers to oversee stimulus-based projects in manufacturing and construction sectors, and looks at when such jobs might be created in other industries:
Read more...
Everyone is trying to anticipate where the government’s stimulus package is going to create jobs, so it makes good sense to follow the news to find out how and where new IT positions may be. TechCareers suggests there’ll be a need for engineers and project managers to oversee stimulus-based projects in manufacturing and construction sectors, and looks at when such jobs might be created in other industries:
Read more...
No Surprise: Companies Cut Tech Budgets
From DICE, April 9, 2009...
Research firm Gartner reports technology spending will fall 3.8 percent worldwide and 1.6 percent in the U.S. this year. That’s down significantly from 2008, which saw a 6.1 percent rise worldwide. It’s also nearly double the decline that occurred when the tech bubble burst in 2001, says CNNMoney.
Meanwhile, companies have started to cut IT budgets, which doesn’t bode well for IT employment. Jobs are being hit particularly hard in sectors like services and finance, which combine to employ 50 percent of the nation’s technology professionals.
Forrester Research estimates U.S. tech jobs will decline by 1.2 percent this year, after three years of at least 2.5 percent growth. They ‘ve already fallen by nearly 1 percent since the November peak, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Year to date, 8,000 tech jobs have been slashed, including 4,100 just last month.
But not all IT jobs are in peril, according to Forrester:
Read more...
Research firm Gartner reports technology spending will fall 3.8 percent worldwide and 1.6 percent in the U.S. this year. That’s down significantly from 2008, which saw a 6.1 percent rise worldwide. It’s also nearly double the decline that occurred when the tech bubble burst in 2001, says CNNMoney.
Meanwhile, companies have started to cut IT budgets, which doesn’t bode well for IT employment. Jobs are being hit particularly hard in sectors like services and finance, which combine to employ 50 percent of the nation’s technology professionals.
Forrester Research estimates U.S. tech jobs will decline by 1.2 percent this year, after three years of at least 2.5 percent growth. They ‘ve already fallen by nearly 1 percent since the November peak, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Year to date, 8,000 tech jobs have been slashed, including 4,100 just last month.
But not all IT jobs are in peril, according to Forrester:
Read more...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Career Advice Via Google
From DICE, April 8, 2009...
Should you land an interview soon, here’s a question you might hear that’s not out of left field: “What’s the last book you read?” Take the time to make it The Google Way: How One Company Is Revolutionizing Management As We Know It, by Bernard Girard.
What can Google teach you about better managing your career? Start by learning from its success, as well as what makes its employees successful and happy. Namely:
Read more...
Should you land an interview soon, here’s a question you might hear that’s not out of left field: “What’s the last book you read?” Take the time to make it The Google Way: How One Company Is Revolutionizing Management As We Know It, by Bernard Girard.
What can Google teach you about better managing your career? Start by learning from its success, as well as what makes its employees successful and happy. Namely:
Read more...
Overall, 2008 was a Good Year
From DICE, April 8, 2009...
For what it’s worth, the trade association TechAmerica says tech-sector employment went up, not down, by a total of 77,000 jobs in 2008. Says CIO magazine:
The total headcount for 2008? Just under six million American tech workers, up from 5.8 million in 2007. Contrary to the widespread presumption that the tech sector is shedding jobs almost as fast as General Motors, TechAmerica’s report says job losses in high-tech manufacturing and communications services (PR and marketing) were more than offset by gains in engineering and technical services. In particular, software services jobs jumped more than five percent, to a total of 1.7 million.
The TechAmerica Cyberstates 2009 report found tech jobs are no longer restricted to Silicon Valley. In 2008’s state-by-state comparison, the largest number of new jobs - 14,700 -were added in Texas. The state with the fastest growth, at 8.1 percent, was Kansas. Virginia led the nation with the highest concentration of tech workers - 92 of every 1,000 private-sector workers in the state were employed in the tech industry. Virginia was followed by Massachusetts and Colorado.
Read more...
For what it’s worth, the trade association TechAmerica says tech-sector employment went up, not down, by a total of 77,000 jobs in 2008. Says CIO magazine:
The total headcount for 2008? Just under six million American tech workers, up from 5.8 million in 2007. Contrary to the widespread presumption that the tech sector is shedding jobs almost as fast as General Motors, TechAmerica’s report says job losses in high-tech manufacturing and communications services (PR and marketing) were more than offset by gains in engineering and technical services. In particular, software services jobs jumped more than five percent, to a total of 1.7 million.
The TechAmerica Cyberstates 2009 report found tech jobs are no longer restricted to Silicon Valley. In 2008’s state-by-state comparison, the largest number of new jobs - 14,700 -were added in Texas. The state with the fastest growth, at 8.1 percent, was Kansas. Virginia led the nation with the highest concentration of tech workers - 92 of every 1,000 private-sector workers in the state were employed in the tech industry. Virginia was followed by Massachusetts and Colorado.
Read more...
Labor market forecast remains bleak
From Austin Business Journal, April 8, 2009...
Confidence in the U.S. job market remains weak among employers, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resources Management.
SHRM’s Labor Market outlook report for the second quarter of 2009 found that 70 percent of employers are concerned to some extent about the job market, down just 3 percent from the previous quarter.
Of the concerned respondents, 49 percent are somewhat pessimistic about job growth and increased job losses, and 21 percent are very pessimistic.
Read more...
Confidence in the U.S. job market remains weak among employers, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resources Management.
SHRM’s Labor Market outlook report for the second quarter of 2009 found that 70 percent of employers are concerned to some extent about the job market, down just 3 percent from the previous quarter.
Of the concerned respondents, 49 percent are somewhat pessimistic about job growth and increased job losses, and 21 percent are very pessimistic.
Read more...
Dallas Fed: 10% unemployment possible
From Austin Business Journal, April 8, 2009...
U.S. unemployment could surpass 10 percent by year’s end, Richard W. Fisher, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, said Wednesday before the Japan Center for Economic Research in Tokyo, Japan.
Fisher said there are 13.2 million people without jobs, and the nation is grappling with an 8.5 percent unemployment rate.
While the housing market has compounded the problem, he attributes declines in employment to a crisis in confidence that is driving business leaders to cut heavily.
Read more...
U.S. unemployment could surpass 10 percent by year’s end, Richard W. Fisher, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, said Wednesday before the Japan Center for Economic Research in Tokyo, Japan.
Fisher said there are 13.2 million people without jobs, and the nation is grappling with an 8.5 percent unemployment rate.
While the housing market has compounded the problem, he attributes declines in employment to a crisis in confidence that is driving business leaders to cut heavily.
Read more...
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Twitter To Find A Job
From Forbes, April 7, 2009...
If you're among the millions of people looking for work, there's one more social networking site you may have to join: Twitter.
If the thought of signing on to yet another online network makes you shudder, consider Kyle Flahety's story. He left his marketing position in Boston last spring determined to find an in-house public relations job. He tweeted (Twitter lingo for posting a message) about his decision and included a link to his professional blog, where he described the kind of work he was looking for. Within days his tweet was retweeted. That is, an acquaintance forwarded it--to his current boss.
"I don't think I would have gotten this if not for Twitter," says Flahety, who moved from Boston to Austin, Texas, for the new job last year with his then-pregnant wife and 2-year-old son.
Read more...
If you're among the millions of people looking for work, there's one more social networking site you may have to join: Twitter.
If the thought of signing on to yet another online network makes you shudder, consider Kyle Flahety's story. He left his marketing position in Boston last spring determined to find an in-house public relations job. He tweeted (Twitter lingo for posting a message) about his decision and included a link to his professional blog, where he described the kind of work he was looking for. Within days his tweet was retweeted. That is, an acquaintance forwarded it--to his current boss.
"I don't think I would have gotten this if not for Twitter," says Flahety, who moved from Boston to Austin, Texas, for the new job last year with his then-pregnant wife and 2-year-old son.
Read more...
Metropolitan area saw 1,300 new jobs in February
From Impact News, April 7, 2009...
Out of the largest 50 metropolitan areas in the United States, only Austin saw overall job growth in February, according to a Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce news release.
Austin gained 1,300 non-farm payroll jobs in February, representing a nominal gain of 0.2 percent. The second best job market was San Antonio, which saw a job loss of 0.1 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In all, five of the top 10 job markets on the list were in Texas.
Read more...
Out of the largest 50 metropolitan areas in the United States, only Austin saw overall job growth in February, according to a Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce news release.
Austin gained 1,300 non-farm payroll jobs in February, representing a nominal gain of 0.2 percent. The second best job market was San Antonio, which saw a job loss of 0.1 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In all, five of the top 10 job markets on the list were in Texas.
Read more...
April Business Seminar to highlight IT opportunities
From Impact News, April 7, 2009...
The City of Austin’s Small & Minority Business Resources Department invites minority and women small business owners in the information technology industry to take part in the April business seminar. The seminar is designed to educate IT business owners on working with local public and private sector organizations. SMBR’s Business Seminar: “Information Technology Opportunities” will be 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, Room 325.
Representatives from the City of Austin Communications and Technology Management Department and Austin Energy will navigate business owners through the procurement process and highlight upcoming opportunities. Other panelists include Texas Department of Information Resources and IBM who will also educate business owners on their purchasing processes and point out technology opportunities.
“This month’s business seminar will focus on informing IT-based businesses about technology needs around the city and areas of opportunity for minority- and women-owned business participation,” said Stephen Elkins, SMBR director. “Workshop attendees will also meet the new communications and technology director, Gail Roper.”
Read more...
The City of Austin’s Small & Minority Business Resources Department invites minority and women small business owners in the information technology industry to take part in the April business seminar. The seminar is designed to educate IT business owners on working with local public and private sector organizations. SMBR’s Business Seminar: “Information Technology Opportunities” will be 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, Room 325.
Representatives from the City of Austin Communications and Technology Management Department and Austin Energy will navigate business owners through the procurement process and highlight upcoming opportunities. Other panelists include Texas Department of Information Resources and IBM who will also educate business owners on their purchasing processes and point out technology opportunities.
“This month’s business seminar will focus on informing IT-based businesses about technology needs around the city and areas of opportunity for minority- and women-owned business participation,” said Stephen Elkins, SMBR director. “Workshop attendees will also meet the new communications and technology director, Gail Roper.”
Read more...
Technology job losses mount in 2009
From Austin Business Journal, April 6, 2009...
In 2009, technology companies have been cutting jobs at a rate not seen since the fallout from the dot.com bubble.
Companies in the technology sector announced planned job cuts totaling 84,217 in the 2009 first quarter, according to the report released Monday by global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. That’s up 27 percent from 66,312 in the previous quarter, and the largest quarterly job-cut tally for the sector since the fourth quarter of 2002, when 133,511 layoffs were announced.
First-quarter tech sector job cuts were nearly five times higher than the 17,345 cuts announced during the same period a year ago. Job cuts in the sector, which includes telecommunications, computer and electronics firms, have increased in each of the past five quarters, growing by an average of 42 percent every three months.
Read more...
In 2009, technology companies have been cutting jobs at a rate not seen since the fallout from the dot.com bubble.
Companies in the technology sector announced planned job cuts totaling 84,217 in the 2009 first quarter, according to the report released Monday by global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. That’s up 27 percent from 66,312 in the previous quarter, and the largest quarterly job-cut tally for the sector since the fourth quarter of 2002, when 133,511 layoffs were announced.
First-quarter tech sector job cuts were nearly five times higher than the 17,345 cuts announced during the same period a year ago. Job cuts in the sector, which includes telecommunications, computer and electronics firms, have increased in each of the past five quarters, growing by an average of 42 percent every three months.
Read more...
Yes, There's Still a Talent War
From BusinessWeek, April 3, 2009...
Maybe it's unseemly to speak of talent shortages when so many people are job-hunting. Maybe it's inconsiderate to talk about how desperate employers are for skills when every other news story highlights gargantuan unemployment numbers. And yet, it's true: Employers are bemoaning the shortage of qualified applicants. For job seekers, that's good news.
A common misconception is that every hiring manager and résumé-screener is deluged with résumés from highly qualified candidates vying for jobs far below their level of expertise. Yes, there are numerous candidates for almost every job, but the qualification gap remains.
What are employers looking for? Smarts, top-notch English skills, intellectual curiosity; these are highly sought-after attributes, along with the ability to work easily with people and experience solving thorny business problems. Now more than ever, employers need the sorts of employees who can wade confidently into a messy business situation (a bollixed-up database integration, a disintegrating tech-support function, or a six-months-delayed product launch) and clean it up.
Read more...
Maybe it's unseemly to speak of talent shortages when so many people are job-hunting. Maybe it's inconsiderate to talk about how desperate employers are for skills when every other news story highlights gargantuan unemployment numbers. And yet, it's true: Employers are bemoaning the shortage of qualified applicants. For job seekers, that's good news.
A common misconception is that every hiring manager and résumé-screener is deluged with résumés from highly qualified candidates vying for jobs far below their level of expertise. Yes, there are numerous candidates for almost every job, but the qualification gap remains.
What are employers looking for? Smarts, top-notch English skills, intellectual curiosity; these are highly sought-after attributes, along with the ability to work easily with people and experience solving thorny business problems. Now more than ever, employers need the sorts of employees who can wade confidently into a messy business situation (a bollixed-up database integration, a disintegrating tech-support function, or a six-months-delayed product launch) and clean it up.
Read more...
Will your references sabotage your job hunt?
From Fortune, April 7, 2009...
Don't take your recommendations for granted. If the people you list are anything but easy to reach, and highly enthusiastic, you could lose out on an offer.
Read more...
Don't take your recommendations for granted. If the people you list are anything but easy to reach, and highly enthusiastic, you could lose out on an offer.
Read more...
Using instinct to make business, career decisions
From Computerworld, April 7, 2009...
When CIOs discuss the worst candidates they've ever hired for jobs, as they often do in CIO.com's Hiring Manager Interviews series, their hiring mistakes almost always come down to this: I didn't trust my gut. The CIO knows deep down that the candidate isn't right for the position or the IT organization, ignores his instincts and hires the individual anyway. The hire ends up being a waste of time and money, confirming the CIO's instinct on some level that it wouldn't work out.
It is through this school of hard knocks that managers learn to trust their guts when it comes to hiring and other business and career decisions.
For more stories on decision-making, see:
Read more...
When CIOs discuss the worst candidates they've ever hired for jobs, as they often do in CIO.com's Hiring Manager Interviews series, their hiring mistakes almost always come down to this: I didn't trust my gut. The CIO knows deep down that the candidate isn't right for the position or the IT organization, ignores his instincts and hires the individual anyway. The hire ends up being a waste of time and money, confirming the CIO's instinct on some level that it wouldn't work out.
It is through this school of hard knocks that managers learn to trust their guts when it comes to hiring and other business and career decisions.
For more stories on decision-making, see:
Read more...
Managing Your References
From DICE, April 7, 2009...
The care and feeding of references has taken on greater importance in today’s market. As reported in the The Wall Street Journal, you’ll enhance your chances of getting a job if you go the extra mile when you’re preparing them:
Most job hunters grasp that basic maxim (”Seek references from someone besides the boss who fired you”), yet many still fail to make the most of their references. As unemployment soars and hiring shrivels, you must carefully cultivate your endorsers. Businesses looking to hire are pickier than ever
Read more...
The care and feeding of references has taken on greater importance in today’s market. As reported in the The Wall Street Journal, you’ll enhance your chances of getting a job if you go the extra mile when you’re preparing them:
Most job hunters grasp that basic maxim (”Seek references from someone besides the boss who fired you”), yet many still fail to make the most of their references. As unemployment soars and hiring shrivels, you must carefully cultivate your endorsers. Businesses looking to hire are pickier than ever
Read more...
Inquiring Recruiters Want to Know
From DICE, April 7, 2009...
Working with recruiters is part of a comprehensive search strategy. But when they ask candidates to reveal sensitive information right off the bat, it can violate the candidate’s trust, which is crucial to building a successful relationship.
It’s possible the recruiter is looking for leads (companies and managers in hiring mode) when inquiring about where you might have interviewed. He could also be using the information to assess the prospects of placing you. If you’ve already progressed to second or third interviews with companies, for example, the recruiter may prefer to wait for those opportunities to play out, before submitting you to additional employers.
The recruiter also needs to determine whether you’re a serious candidate. While it’s less likely to happen in today’s market, sometimes candidates go on job interviews just to kick the tires. They may be willing to change jobs, but only if they receive an offer that’s substantially higher than the going market rate. In that case, the recruiter would be better off working with more flexible candidates.
If a recruiter asks where you’ve been interviewing, consider this before responding:
Read more...
Working with recruiters is part of a comprehensive search strategy. But when they ask candidates to reveal sensitive information right off the bat, it can violate the candidate’s trust, which is crucial to building a successful relationship.
It’s possible the recruiter is looking for leads (companies and managers in hiring mode) when inquiring about where you might have interviewed. He could also be using the information to assess the prospects of placing you. If you’ve already progressed to second or third interviews with companies, for example, the recruiter may prefer to wait for those opportunities to play out, before submitting you to additional employers.
The recruiter also needs to determine whether you’re a serious candidate. While it’s less likely to happen in today’s market, sometimes candidates go on job interviews just to kick the tires. They may be willing to change jobs, but only if they receive an offer that’s substantially higher than the going market rate. In that case, the recruiter would be better off working with more flexible candidates.
If a recruiter asks where you’ve been interviewing, consider this before responding:
Read more...
For Some, It’s Time to Hire
From DICE, April 7, 2009...
While March’s unemployment numbers showed companies continue to slash workers, there are some firms viewing the wave of talented, skilled workers looking for jobs as an opportunity to bolster their business. Says The Wall Street Journal:
To bolster its information-technology department, Family Dollar contacted managers at Circuit City Stores Inc., which recently liquidated. Family Dollar ultimately hired four IT specialists from the defunct electronics retailer. Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk A/S, boosted by sales of new diabetes treatments, is hiring salespeople and researchers in the U.S., as many pharmaceutical companies shed jobs. Novo Nordisk employs 27,000 people worldwide, including more than 3,000 in the U.S. Novo Nordisk drew more than 4,000 applicants for 80 positions at a new research facility in Seattle, opened in October, including research directors laid off elsewhere.
Read more...
While March’s unemployment numbers showed companies continue to slash workers, there are some firms viewing the wave of talented, skilled workers looking for jobs as an opportunity to bolster their business. Says The Wall Street Journal:
To bolster its information-technology department, Family Dollar contacted managers at Circuit City Stores Inc., which recently liquidated. Family Dollar ultimately hired four IT specialists from the defunct electronics retailer. Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk A/S, boosted by sales of new diabetes treatments, is hiring salespeople and researchers in the U.S., as many pharmaceutical companies shed jobs. Novo Nordisk employs 27,000 people worldwide, including more than 3,000 in the U.S. Novo Nordisk drew more than 4,000 applicants for 80 positions at a new research facility in Seattle, opened in October, including research directors laid off elsewhere.
Read more...
IBM to Employees: You Pay for Internet Now
From eWeek, April 3, 2009...
InformationWeek is reporting that IBM workers who work out of home offices will no longer be reimbursed for Internet access. While this trend may not surprise most of you who already pay for Internet access at home and happen to work there, it's been a longstanding practice at IBM since before the Internet was your source for everything. The new rules go into effect for IBM employees on May 1.
From the article (InformationWeek obtained an internal IBM memo):
"Today Internet access has become pervasive around the world and in-home Internet contracts have become commonplace along with cable and other telephony services," IBM said in the note, dated March 30. It added that it "remains fully committed to mobility and flexible work arrangements."
IBM officials declined to comment, but the move is likely a cost-cutting measure -- and it could mean big savings for the company. Of its 115,000 U.S. workers, about 46,000 are based at what IBM calls "alternative workplaces," a definition that includes home offices. Assuming each worker pays about $30 per month for a broadband connection, IBM stands to save up to $16 million annually from the move in the United States alone.
Read more...
InformationWeek is reporting that IBM workers who work out of home offices will no longer be reimbursed for Internet access. While this trend may not surprise most of you who already pay for Internet access at home and happen to work there, it's been a longstanding practice at IBM since before the Internet was your source for everything. The new rules go into effect for IBM employees on May 1.
From the article (InformationWeek obtained an internal IBM memo):
"Today Internet access has become pervasive around the world and in-home Internet contracts have become commonplace along with cable and other telephony services," IBM said in the note, dated March 30. It added that it "remains fully committed to mobility and flexible work arrangements."
IBM officials declined to comment, but the move is likely a cost-cutting measure -- and it could mean big savings for the company. Of its 115,000 U.S. workers, about 46,000 are based at what IBM calls "alternative workplaces," a definition that includes home offices. Assuming each worker pays about $30 per month for a broadband connection, IBM stands to save up to $16 million annually from the move in the United States alone.
Read more...
Afraid of losing your job to a younger, cheaper IT worker?
From Computerworld, April 7, 2009...
You've been in the IT industry for 30 years, gaining knowledge and experience that's valuable to you and your employers at every step. Now we're in a recession and a new crop of younger, perhaps techier, and definitely less-expensive employees are entering the workforce. Should you be worried about losing your job? (Read a Network World story about five things Gen Y'ers can do to survive recession.)
(Read a Network World story on the top 10 tech skills.)
It's a fair question, but asking it doesn't mean resigning yourself to getting laid off. There are plenty of advantages older IT workers bring to the table that can help ensure they stay employed through the recession and beyond.
Read more...
You've been in the IT industry for 30 years, gaining knowledge and experience that's valuable to you and your employers at every step. Now we're in a recession and a new crop of younger, perhaps techier, and definitely less-expensive employees are entering the workforce. Should you be worried about losing your job? (Read a Network World story about five things Gen Y'ers can do to survive recession.)
(Read a Network World story on the top 10 tech skills.)
It's a fair question, but asking it doesn't mean resigning yourself to getting laid off. There are plenty of advantages older IT workers bring to the table that can help ensure they stay employed through the recession and beyond.
Read more...
How Gen Y job seekers can stand out in the job market
From Computerworld, April 7, 2009...
Generation Y job candidates have a lot of selling to do these days. Thanks to the recession, these young workers are competing not only with one another, but also with older, more experienced candidates. Below are a few ways Gen Y'ers can fill the gaps in their résumés to put them on more equal footing.
[Read Network World stories on how the economy is forcing "spoiled" generation to grow up and how older workers can survive.]
• During an interview, shift the conversation away from lack of experience to demonstrable skills. If you were involved in a technology project, even if it was while at a university, during an internship, or as unpaid work for a nonprofit, the skills required to complete the project still count. Focus on the project completed instead of the lack of corporate experience.
[Find out what the hot tech skills are.]
Read more...
Generation Y job candidates have a lot of selling to do these days. Thanks to the recession, these young workers are competing not only with one another, but also with older, more experienced candidates. Below are a few ways Gen Y'ers can fill the gaps in their résumés to put them on more equal footing.
[Read Network World stories on how the economy is forcing "spoiled" generation to grow up and how older workers can survive.]
• During an interview, shift the conversation away from lack of experience to demonstrable skills. If you were involved in a technology project, even if it was while at a university, during an internship, or as unpaid work for a nonprofit, the skills required to complete the project still count. Focus on the project completed instead of the lack of corporate experience.
[Find out what the hot tech skills are.]
Read more...
Friday, April 3, 2009
Avoid Using Generic Cover Letters
From DICE, April 3, 2009...
With competition so fierce, job applicants need to pay attention to every detail. Take cover letters. I’ve always found them to be tedious - to write and read - but they’re necessary. And be warned: Generic cover letters aren’t going to do you much good in this market.
TechCareers argues against the use of generic cover letters mainly because they’re so, well, generic:
Read more...
With competition so fierce, job applicants need to pay attention to every detail. Take cover letters. I’ve always found them to be tedious - to write and read - but they’re necessary. And be warned: Generic cover letters aren’t going to do you much good in this market.
TechCareers argues against the use of generic cover letters mainly because they’re so, well, generic:
Read more...
The web’s next killer app? One Austin company is on the trail
From Austin Startup, April 3, 2009...
The quest for the “killer app” is like the search for the Holy Grail: irresistible and never-ending. Of course, like website UIs and Michelle Obama’s wardrobe, everyone has an opinion about what it will be. Many think the answer is communications. I enjoyed a recent interview with Tim Bray, Director of Web Technologies at Sun, on this subject. You can watch (or read) his full interview. Here’s the relevant excerpt:
“One thing though: every killer app on the Internet, every success story on the Internet entirely without exception has been about communication. The killer app of the Internet is people there is always people I don’t think any reason to think that it is not going to be people, email, the web, lightweight publishing, chat, IM, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo, Flick, Youtube, it’s all about finding new ways of sharing with other people. We have got all these communication channels and a couple of centuries ago to talk and be in the same room and the phone came along and then eventually email came along, and then chat came along and IRC and IM and Twitter and until Twitter existing nobody could have predicted that you needed a thing like that. But now for many of us it’s an essential part of our daily work environment and how many other communication channels that we don’t know we need are going to be invented and quick become essential. So I think that we can safely predict that as long as the Internet grows, its primary effect will be to facilitate easier and richer communications between human beings, the infrastructure we use to build that effect is to be invented.”
Read more...
The quest for the “killer app” is like the search for the Holy Grail: irresistible and never-ending. Of course, like website UIs and Michelle Obama’s wardrobe, everyone has an opinion about what it will be. Many think the answer is communications. I enjoyed a recent interview with Tim Bray, Director of Web Technologies at Sun, on this subject. You can watch (or read) his full interview. Here’s the relevant excerpt:
“One thing though: every killer app on the Internet, every success story on the Internet entirely without exception has been about communication. The killer app of the Internet is people there is always people I don’t think any reason to think that it is not going to be people, email, the web, lightweight publishing, chat, IM, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo, Flick, Youtube, it’s all about finding new ways of sharing with other people. We have got all these communication channels and a couple of centuries ago to talk and be in the same room and the phone came along and then eventually email came along, and then chat came along and IRC and IM and Twitter and until Twitter existing nobody could have predicted that you needed a thing like that. But now for many of us it’s an essential part of our daily work environment and how many other communication channels that we don’t know we need are going to be invented and quick become essential. So I think that we can safely predict that as long as the Internet grows, its primary effect will be to facilitate easier and richer communications between human beings, the infrastructure we use to build that effect is to be invented.”
Read more...
Defense Jobs And Where To Find Them
From Forbes, April 2, 2009...
If you've got the right kind of technical ability and can be eligible for security clearance, there's work waiting for you.
Read more...
If you've got the right kind of technical ability and can be eligible for security clearance, there's work waiting for you.
Read more...
5 successful job seekers share their secrets.
From Fortune, March, 2009...
David Stevens, 28
I was nervous about losing my job, so I joined the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce and started going to networking events. I'd meet 40 or 50 people, make notes on their business cards, and then when I got back to a computer, I'd search for them on LinkedIn. When the time came, I updated my status to "I'm up for grabs." I got a call with a lead that led to my job.
Read more...
David Stevens, 28
I was nervous about losing my job, so I joined the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce and started going to networking events. I'd meet 40 or 50 people, make notes on their business cards, and then when I got back to a computer, I'd search for them on LinkedIn. When the time came, I updated my status to "I'm up for grabs." I got a call with a lead that led to my job.
Read more...
The Top 10 Tech Skills
From DICE, April 3, 2009...
Network World has talked to hiring experts to come up with a current list of the top 10 tech skills in demand. All the usual suspects are listed, but take note of the analysis that Network World has provided for each category. Some subspecialties are in far more demand that others.
1. Business Process ModelingIn particular, companies are willing to pay for workers with ITIL IT best practices and CobiT IT governance experience.
2. DatabaseCompanies are looking for IT workers with experience in Microsoft SQL Server and the Oracle Developer Suite.
3. Messaging/CommunicationsCompanies are particularly interested in hiring employees with experience in unified communications and messaging systems.
4. IT architectureCompanies are looking to hire enterprise architects as well as system, network, application, data, information and security architects.
Read more...
Network World has talked to hiring experts to come up with a current list of the top 10 tech skills in demand. All the usual suspects are listed, but take note of the analysis that Network World has provided for each category. Some subspecialties are in far more demand that others.
1. Business Process ModelingIn particular, companies are willing to pay for workers with ITIL IT best practices and CobiT IT governance experience.
2. DatabaseCompanies are looking for IT workers with experience in Microsoft SQL Server and the Oracle Developer Suite.
3. Messaging/CommunicationsCompanies are particularly interested in hiring employees with experience in unified communications and messaging systems.
4. IT architectureCompanies are looking to hire enterprise architects as well as system, network, application, data, information and security architects.
Read more...
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Some Common Trends in IT Jobs
From DICE, April 2, 2009...
Recruiters are telling me about some common trends they’re seeing in the IT job market.
First, more orders for contract positions rather than permanent hires. Where there is demand for full-time workers, companies are being very, very selective and taking their time with the hiring process.
Next, many clients are combining several job descriptions under one position - and the integration isn’t always logical. They want workers at cheaper rates and salaries. If they’re going to commit to a permanent hire, they want to make absolutely sure the person is the right “cultural” fit.
Read more...
Recruiters are telling me about some common trends they’re seeing in the IT job market.
First, more orders for contract positions rather than permanent hires. Where there is demand for full-time workers, companies are being very, very selective and taking their time with the hiring process.
Next, many clients are combining several job descriptions under one position - and the integration isn’t always logical. They want workers at cheaper rates and salaries. If they’re going to commit to a permanent hire, they want to make absolutely sure the person is the right “cultural” fit.
Read more...
How To Deal With Recruiters Who Want To Change Your Resume
From LetsTalkTurkey, April 1, 2009...
I’m on my final round of a resume for a digital marketing client who is at a Director level. As we wrap up the project, she has asked me if I could create a one-page version of her resume because co-workers have told her that some recruiters are insisting on this. I was pretty surprised, and here’s why.
Read more...
I’m on my final round of a resume for a digital marketing client who is at a Director level. As we wrap up the project, she has asked me if I could create a one-page version of her resume because co-workers have told her that some recruiters are insisting on this. I was pretty surprised, and here’s why.
Read more...
Who's Getting Hired in Tech?
From ReadWriteWeb, April 1, 2009...
Rapleaf's Auren Hoffman says that hiring is harder in a downturn because the noise goes up but the quality stays the same. That's a pretty strong statement to make, but if it's true then it's all the more remarkable to see which companies are making hires now.
Our site ReadWriteHire covers new hires in tech and new media. Today we're publishing our aggregate numbers for the first 3 months of 2009. Who's hiring? Software and IT companies, social media and social networking companies and marketing and advertising firms.
Read more...
Rapleaf's Auren Hoffman says that hiring is harder in a downturn because the noise goes up but the quality stays the same. That's a pretty strong statement to make, but if it's true then it's all the more remarkable to see which companies are making hires now.
Our site ReadWriteHire covers new hires in tech and new media. Today we're publishing our aggregate numbers for the first 3 months of 2009. Who's hiring? Software and IT companies, social media and social networking companies and marketing and advertising firms.
Read more...
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tips on Using Resume Keywords
From DICE, April 1, 2009...
The issue about embedding the right keywords in your resume has been written about before. But a recent post on TechCareers had an interesting perspective.
The bad news is that there are as many, if not more keywords as there are job openings. You can find many different keyword lists online with possible words that are highly searched for, but that doesn’t necessarily mean those particular keywords will match the position for which you are seeking. Just like performing a search on an internet search engine, no one person, or hiring manager, searches for the exact same phase each time.
So here are a few ways to manage these issues:
Read more...
The issue about embedding the right keywords in your resume has been written about before. But a recent post on TechCareers had an interesting perspective.
The bad news is that there are as many, if not more keywords as there are job openings. You can find many different keyword lists online with possible words that are highly searched for, but that doesn’t necessarily mean those particular keywords will match the position for which you are seeking. Just like performing a search on an internet search engine, no one person, or hiring manager, searches for the exact same phase each time.
So here are a few ways to manage these issues:
Read more...
Gartner: IT Spending To Slow, With Cloud Computing An Exception
From ChannelWeb, March 31, 2009...
Overall worldwide IT spending is expected to decline by 3.8 percent in 2009, but certain parts of the market such as cloud services could see explosive growth, according to reports from IT analyst firm Gartner.
Gartner, Stamford, Conn., this week said total worldwide IT spending would reach $3.2 trillion, down about 3.8 percent from the $3.4 trillion spent in 2008.
Of the four key parts of IT spending identified by Gartner, hardware is taking the biggest hit, with total spending expected to fall by 14.9 percent this year to $381 billion.
Spending on telecom is also expected to drop by 2.9 percent to $1.9 trillion, and spending on IT services should drop by 1.7 percent to $809.5 billion, Gartner said.
Only software spending will rise, but by a mere 0.3 percent to $221.9 billion. However, that estimate could be revised to negative growth if the economic downturn continues, Gartner said. The analyst firm expects no upturn in software sales until the first half of 2010.
Read more...
Overall worldwide IT spending is expected to decline by 3.8 percent in 2009, but certain parts of the market such as cloud services could see explosive growth, according to reports from IT analyst firm Gartner.
Gartner, Stamford, Conn., this week said total worldwide IT spending would reach $3.2 trillion, down about 3.8 percent from the $3.4 trillion spent in 2008.
Of the four key parts of IT spending identified by Gartner, hardware is taking the biggest hit, with total spending expected to fall by 14.9 percent this year to $381 billion.
Spending on telecom is also expected to drop by 2.9 percent to $1.9 trillion, and spending on IT services should drop by 1.7 percent to $809.5 billion, Gartner said.
Only software spending will rise, but by a mere 0.3 percent to $221.9 billion. However, that estimate could be revised to negative growth if the economic downturn continues, Gartner said. The analyst firm expects no upturn in software sales until the first half of 2010.
Read more...
Forrester says '09 U.S. IT spending to drop 3.1%
From Computerworld, April 1, 2009...
Forrester Research is predicting that U.S. IT spending will drop by 3.1% this year, shattering its previous projection of a 1.6% increase.
In revising its forecast, Forrester cited the drop in gross domestic product during recent quarters. However, Forrester is also predicting that IT spending will pick up late this year, and continue growing strongly in 2010.
Meanwhile, computer equipment sales will be hardest hit in 2009, with a 6.8% decline, followed by a 7% jump next year, Forrester said.
Read more...
Forrester Research is predicting that U.S. IT spending will drop by 3.1% this year, shattering its previous projection of a 1.6% increase.
In revising its forecast, Forrester cited the drop in gross domestic product during recent quarters. However, Forrester is also predicting that IT spending will pick up late this year, and continue growing strongly in 2010.
Meanwhile, computer equipment sales will be hardest hit in 2009, with a 6.8% decline, followed by a 7% jump next year, Forrester said.
Read more...
Technology and Engineering Career Fair in Austin - 4/9
Thursday, April 9, 2009
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark
4140 Governor’s Row
Austin, TX 78744
Meet hiring managers from companies hiring technology and engineering candidates. Network with industry professionals. Even land an interview. You can do it all at the upcoming Dice Career Fair in Austin. Career fairs are FREE, and they are a great way to build your network and explore job opportunities.
Make sure to bring several copies of your resume to the event.
To pre-register visit here.
Austinites looking for work can attend 2 job fairs Wednesday
From KEYE, April 1, 2009...
[Ed note: I'm sorry for the late notice on these... not sure how applicable these job fairs are to technology professionals.]
Central Texans looking for work will have two job fair opportunities on Wednesday.
Liberty National will be holding a job fair for over 100 sales and sales management positions available. The job fair is being held at the Crown Plaza hotel on 6121 North I-35 in North Austin. Interviews happen at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
More information on that job fair can be found here or by calling (512) 467-0293.
American Career Fairs will also be holding a job fair at Northcross Mall’s Norris Conference Center starting at 10 a.m. They say there will be about 15 employers at the event looking to hire, and applicants are encouraged to dress professionally and bring many copies of their resume.
Northcross Mall is located at 2525 West Anderson Lane, and more information can be found at this Web site.
Read more...
[Ed note: I'm sorry for the late notice on these... not sure how applicable these job fairs are to technology professionals.]
Central Texans looking for work will have two job fair opportunities on Wednesday.
Liberty National will be holding a job fair for over 100 sales and sales management positions available. The job fair is being held at the Crown Plaza hotel on 6121 North I-35 in North Austin. Interviews happen at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
More information on that job fair can be found here or by calling (512) 467-0293.
American Career Fairs will also be holding a job fair at Northcross Mall’s Norris Conference Center starting at 10 a.m. They say there will be about 15 employers at the event looking to hire, and applicants are encouraged to dress professionally and bring many copies of their resume.
Northcross Mall is located at 2525 West Anderson Lane, and more information can be found at this Web site.
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