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Finding an IT Job Quickly

In the current job market, it can be tough to find any job, let alone one in your chosen career field. As an IT specialist, you might initially find it difficult to locate open positions. But this may simply because you're looking in the wrong places. In fact, IT jobs are on the rise, and if you seek out positions in smaller companies first, the odds are in your favor of finding something fast.

Beyond this, you need to make sure you're bringing the right skills to the table. It's vital that you have the right kind of technical training to competently complete the job. No one is going to train you on-the-job in specific software or technology unless it is company-specific. You need to know what companies are currently using so you can study up and make sure you have something useful to offer.

Typically, you need to know all the major programming languages. Even better, get certification in these areas to outright prove your skill. There are many programming languages and it can be tough to master them all. To start, look at several job postings from top companies seeking IT professionals. What skills do they require? What program knowledge? This will at least give you a place to start in your training or in bolstering your resume.

Don't limit yourself to just technology companies, either. Numerous industries require IT professionals from telecommunications to financial companies. Look at any and every opportunity available. There's bound to be something out there that's right for you.

Additionally, you need to read the job postings carefully. While some jobs will only require you to sit at a desk and work on technical aspects of the field all day long, others require significant skills in communication, both written and verbal. Unless you can improve in these areas, it may be best to stick to the more technical-oriented jobs if you're not good with interpersonal communication.

Finally, it may be tempting to reduce your resume down to a single page. After all, that's what all of the job help sites say to do, right? But this probably isn't the best idea as an IT professional. You have a lot of technical training that needs to be emphasized. If you leave off a programming language due to lack of space, the hiring manager will assume you don't know it, not that you ran out of room.

Be smart about how you present yourself and the jobs you choose to apply for. With that in mind, you should see an increase in your success.

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Veterans Find Lucrative Careers in Information Technology

Making the switch from military to civilian life can be difficult, but now there are more veterans choosing information technology careers because they know they are going to find a job that will place them in a comfortable income bracket. Plus, information technology can be rewardingly challenging with its intensity, creativity, and need for good problem-solving skills.

One area that a lot of veterans are turning to in the IT field is cyber security. There are jobs available with private defense contractors or in protecting the sensitive information of businesses from hackers. This is in line with a soldier’s desire to serve and protect. There are also veterans whose military jobs were cyber security and those skills can be taken into the civilian world. It is fair to say that veterans have a thorough understanding of how to safeguard information. The natural fit tends to be veterans who had federal security clearances.

Another area that veterans are turning to is Geospatial Information Systems. Mapping technologies are a big deal. Infrastructure, demographics, and satellite imagery are all components of this field and it is a major skill area right now. Veterans from the intelligence community tend to enter into this field. They have experience evaluating drone data and using that information in mission creation. There are also some divisions that land surveying is all that they do. Most of all, municipalities rely on Geospatial Information Technology to monitor infrastructure and to keep the public informed.

A third field that veterans are breaking into is health care information technology. Since health care is the fastest-growing career sector in the country, it is in need of IT professionals. Health care IT is very hot because of the computerized medical devices and the need for desktop support in a health care setting. Veterans that worked in medical units are perfect for these jobs since there are some employers that require prior health care experience, but not all of them have this requirement.

Fourth is logistics. Many veterans acquire logistics experience while they are in the field and this experience can be used to learn new logistics systems. Since logistic systems are proprietary, so vets will need to continue training in order to transfer their experience to a civilian IT job. One way to continue the training is to get a bachelor’s in IT.

Last is network administration. Many veterans have experience setting up battlefield communication networks. This experience can be applied to computer networking careers. If you have a Cisco Networking Fundamentals Certificate, you can easily prepare yourself for the Cisco Certified Network Associate exam and land a very promising career.

Overall, technology is always changing and technology is a major player in the military, resulting in many soldiers acquiring experience that they can use in the civilian world. If you are a veteran with information technology experience that was gained in the military, then you have a good chance of finding the perfect information technology career in the civilian world. Then again, putting yourself out there may result in that career finding you.

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Tech Trends Transforming IT Careers – And Creating New Jobs

Technology impacts the lives of practically everyone in the world at some point and it is this fact that is changing the face of the labor market. It is this change that is increasing the need for workers to have specific sets of skills to adapt and succeed in their careers. IT careers are growing up to three times faster than other careers in the United States.

Here are some of the tech trends that are leading to new IT jobs:

  1. Mobile hardware and software services

There is no doubt that the mobile industry is going to continue to evolve, which is going to create a great deal of careers. It will not be long before every phone is a smart phone and that the primary computer people will use will be tablets.

  1. Social business enterprise management

This sector is expected to grow rapidly as businesses continue to sift from “informing” to communicating and engaging their customer base. Social software is rapidly growing, giving businesses a method to better communicate with their customers.

  1. Cyber security

Every person who uses a mobile device, laptop, or desktop needs more security. However, businesses need security experts to help them keep their information secure.

  1. Computer forensics

Police departments, prosecutors, and many others need computer forensic experts to retrieve data from a computer during criminal investigations. Since computers are being used as tools to commit certain criminal offenses, this is a growing field.

  1. Cloud services and virtual

Many people now store important documents on a cloud server because they can access it from anywhere. Plus, information is protected if a computer crashes and there are no drives to carry around. Students, professionals, and the common user are turning to cloud storage more every single day.

  1. 3-D Web

The Internet experience is about to change into a 3-D experience, which is very similar to some of the video game systems and 3-D televisions that are out on the market today. This new experience will allow you to virtually walk into a room and look around it so that you can listen to and see everything that you would see if you were there.

  1. E-personal assistants

Apple’s Siri changed the way that people use their mobile devices. Think of it as a personal assistant that takes a lot of the work out of using a mobile device. While Siri does have its issues, the technology is going to continue to improve because people want it. This is going to be a major area for information technology jobs. The technology is expected to evolve as everyone from retailers to handymen will have an assistant like Siri.

  1. Intelligent objects

Microsensors, chips, and wired and wireless network are quickly creating an Internet of objects. This is because data can be shared in real-time, diagnostics can be performed, and repairs can be done remotely. Many more jobs are going to be created as transportation departments install sensors on bridges and roads and construction companies place sensors on buildings and homes. It is expected that by the year 2020, there will be over one billion machines communicating with each other, but they need people to install them.

These are just some of the trends that are being seen now. New trends are always popping up. By keeping yourself informed, you will know which direction to take your IT career, your continuing education, and where you need to place yourself within the field so you can continue to evolve with it.

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The Number One Thing Companies Are Looking for in IT Pros

When applying for IT jobs, you're probably wondering what you can do to set yourself apart from the competition. That is, what can you put on your resume that really makes you stand out and look impressive? While the solution is not always so straightforward, recent information has shown that recruiters and hiring managers are definitely looking for specific things in IT employees.

Having a well rounded resume is good for showing that you have a lot of experience and that you know a variety of programming languages. However, it's easy to overwhelm a hiring manager with information. For instance, a recent report released by the job site, Dice, showed that hiring managers were most interested in hiring people with experience in Java/J2EE or .NET or those who are developers in both of these areas. Other high ranking requirements included Sharepoint, project managers, and business analysts.

While any individual company you apply to will vary in terms of what they want or need, this report showed a definite trend in IT wants from companies. Likewise, even though overall job numbers were down, the need for IT professionals in these areas went up. That's an encouraging sign for people currently in school or just about to graduate. There is a position out in the real world for you!

Where you live may also play a role, however. While some IT jobs are telecommute, most require that you be on-site to perform your daily duties. The recent Dice report showed that IT job listings were once again on the rise in major metro areas including New York, Washington DC, Silicon Valley, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Of course, this is only considering jobs listed with Dice and may not provide an overall accurate representation of the current job market. Even with that said, this is still encouraging news to those who are looking to enter the job market, who are out of the job, or looking to change jobs.

So what does all of this mean for you? It means look at each job ad carefully and see what the position requires. If you have the skills, emphasize them on your resume, don't let them get buried in irrelevant information. Finally, it may be worth looking into bolstering your .NET and Java experience since these seem to be what hiring managers are most on the lookout for these days.

There's no real way to predict what will be "in trend" tomorrow in terms of IT, but you can at least prepare yourself for the unexpected by having a robust resume and making your job applications as specific as possible.

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Most Desirable Skills in IT Careers

If you’d like to pursue a career in IT, consider this: you need to be well-rounded and possess a particular set of skills that propel you forward in the industry. While general training is good, there are some things every IT professional needs to know before they can find employment, pretty much anywhere.

Let’s take a look at some of the skills most relevant to IT recruitment professionals today.

For starters, application developers are in high demand. Apps are where it’s at. To develop apps, you need to be able to work with a variety of programs and languages including Microsoft . NET, Android, Java, J2EE, VMware, and Silverlight. Possessing skill in these areas should help you find employment more easily.

Additionally, you need to have skills beyond the technical. That is, you need to be able to function as a business professional as well. Having skill with project management could seriously come in handy and put you above the competition when going in for interviews. This can help you to stand out and show yourself as a one-stop-shop for a company’s IT needs.

Now, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for IT. Not every company is going to want the same thing. Some companies will want Ruby on Rails and others will want Java. You get the idea. It just depends on the company and their preferences. You may not be suited for every single position out there and that’s okay. Develop a well-rounded set of skills and you’ll appeal to most companies. That’s all you can really hope for and it will substantially increase your chances of getting hired.

Being an IT professional makes for an exciting career. However, it requires keeping up with the latest training so you’re always at the top of your game.

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IT Salaries are Expected to take a 5.3 Percent Jump

A company’s ability to recruit and keep a team of skilled information technology employees is becoming a top priority throughout the industry. Those companies unable to secure the qualified IT professionals that they need to support their businesses risk the efficiency of their operations, which can keep them from exploring new and exciting initiatives.

Right now, demand is exceeding the supply of qualified candidates to fill the many information technology jobs that are out there. This is according to a study conducted by the Robert Half Technology 2013 Salary Guide. That is very good news for the many IT professionals looking for their first IT job or those sitting at their current job wishing they could move on to something bigger and better.

Pay Scales Will Keep Going Up

In order for companies to improve their odds of securing the best IT employees out there, they are now ramping up their pay scales. They know that money attracts the best talent. While some companies realized this fact a long time ago, some have been somewhat slower on the uptake, but they are catching up and it is resulting in an industry-wide trend.

This trend has led Robert Half Technology to come up with an industry-wide number that reflects the jump in pay and that number is 5.3 percent.

This number reflects the starting pay that an information technology professional can expect. What’s more is that Robert Half surveyed chief information officers and it is expected that in 2014 it will be determined that the information technology industry will be the one in 2013 that saw the greatest boost in average starting salary. From here, the pay scale is going to continue to rise with the demand for talent.

High in Demand Jobs

There are some jobs that are expected to grow in demand. They include:

  1. Mobile application developing

The number of mobile Internet users is expected to grow by 16.6 percent by 2015, according to IDC. This is going to result in more companies wanting to expand their mobile presence and build mobile websites and applications that will expand their reach. The starting pay for mobile applications developers can expect to start out between $92,750 and $133,500, which is an increase of 9 percent over 2012.

  1. Business intelligence analysis

Companies are looking to get more from the data that they generate and gather so that they can use it in decision-making processes. However, turning raw data into info that can be used to advance their businesses requires a certain set of skills. Big data is used to identify the big picture. Without a big picture, a business may not entirely know what is going on.

  1. Wireless network engineering

It is estimated that the number of mobile devices that are connected to the Internet exceed the number of people on the planet. This is because most people use more than one or two devices with some people using both mobile phones and tablets. This has increased the demand for people who can build and maintain the vast wireless networks that keep information flowing. From this point, it is expected to increase and so s the salary, which now starts between $85,500 and $117,000. That is a 7.9 percent increase over 2012.

As the needs of consumers and businesses continue to evolve technologically, more information technology positions are going to open up. As the demand grows, the salaries are expected to increase so that businesses can stay on top of their game.

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There Are High IT Salaries To Be Had At Tech Startups

When looking at information technology positions, it is probably best to not write off the tech startup. The word “startup” can be a major turnoff because startup businesses do not always survive their first two years. Tech startups, on the other hand, have a better survival rate than startups in other industries and they are offering killer salaries.

But how can a tech startup offer highly competitive salaries and survive? Here’s your answer:

Tech startups need everything from administrative positions and IT professionals to account mangers and sales engineers. They need people who can help them develop their businesses, software engineers, and marketing specialists. The list goes on and on. The problem, however, is that individuals with the skills they are looking for are in short supply. To pull professionals out of the woodwork that have the skills they need, they offer them a salary that they may not be able to refuse.

For example, a tech startup has a number of information technology positions open. However, the most skilled within the industry may already be working for other companies. If the startup offers $10K, $20K or more per year, then the IT professionals may leave their current positions to take those with higher pay.

When a company is able to attract highly skilled IT professionals like this, it is those skills that will help them survive and thrive. They are able to secure the best of the best within the field and that gives them an edge over the companies that pay their employees less. This is one of the reasons why we have all seen brand new companies become household names within a short period of time.

In fact, many information technology careers have started through startups looking for individuals with a specific set of skills and some of these individuals have moved up through the ranks to work in higher paying positions.

It should also be noted that you do not necessarily have to be someone who is currently working at another company to land one of these high paying information technology jobs. If you have the skills and you can prove it, you could very well land yourself in a position that pays higher than average.

Just to give you an idea of the numbers that some IT professionals are seeing on their paychecks, there are some companies that are paying upward of $70,000 to their IT professionals. Depending on the company, that number goes as high as $90,000. As the company moves forward and it becomes more profitable, raises are given over time. This results in a very comfortable lifestyle and a satisfying job.

Those who land these jobs ensure they have polished resumes and that they are prepared to further highlight their skills verbally during the interview. Learn everything you can about the company and what they are looking for and make sure your applicable skills are noticeable so they do not pass you by.

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Employers Need IT Workers – Make Yourself Shine

You may have found yourself having some difficulty finding that perfect information technology job. When you entered the field, you were optimistic because others around you landed jobs left and right. However, you have sent out resume’ after resume’ and you are still waiting on that call.

 

The positions are out there; you just have to make your skills shine above the rest.

 

Every day there are information technology jobs waiting to be filled, but why every IT professional isn’t employed is because there is an increased emphasis on “skills.” The companies that are hiring are seeking experienced individuals that have a specific set of skills and the skills demand is going to vary from employer-to-employer.

 

If your experience or skill set does not align with what information technology recruiters are looking for right now, it doesn’t mean that you are never going to work in the IT field. All you may need to do is confirm that you are doing everything you possibly can to give yourself the edge that you need in a highly competitive marketplace.

 

Here is a little advice to give you that boost and make yourself shine before the eyes of an IT recruiter:

 

  1. Make Your Resume’ Sparkle

 

You have most likely sent your resume out a dozen or more times, but you have to ask yourself if it is any good? Does it truly highlight your skills and your talents? Does it make you marketable? If you have employment gaps, does it clarify them? What are your achievements? All of this is relevant information.

 

One item that employers are specifically looking for in a resume’ is how the applicant solved a critical problem, saved an organization from headaches, and increased efficiency for past employers. Take the time to explain such situations when highlighting past job duties.

 

Use the top of the resume’ to highlight specific qualifications and accomplishments as they pertain to that employer’s needs. You may need to tweak your resume’ for each job you apply for so that you can answer that specific employer’s questions.

 

  1. Evaluate Your Credentials

 

You are an information technology professional, so you know the importance of having up-to-date certifications and skills. Despite how good your credentials are, you do need to make sure that yours are the best for the information technology positions you are applying for. If you don’t have the right qualifications and credentials, you may not get the first interview or a second interview.

 

To solve this problem use your existing professional network to learn about what credentials your peers have that has landed them lucrative information technology careers.

 

You may find that today’s firms are looking for IT professionals who understand the challenges that businesses are facing. They want their employees to harness big data, seize mobile opportunities, and embrace the rapidly changes in the technological world.

 

  1. Expand Your Network

 

You already have a network of IT professionals that you can consult with, but you can always expand it. There are online forums and resources that will inform you of the trends within the industry so that you can evolve with it. By evolving with the industry, you can sign up for continuing education, seminars, and other learning opportunities so that you can expand your skill set to include what employers are looking for.

 

Overall, having a great resume’, staying educated, and remaining in the loop by building a strong network can pay off for you when you apply for an IT position that you want.

 

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Top 6 Information Technology Careers

Information technology careers have been around for a very long time and the number of positions an IT professional can fill has grown as technology has exploded all around the world. Now businesses need IT pros to take care of their computer systems, interpret data, design websites, and much more. Here are the top 10 information technology jobs that are out there today:

  1. Cloud architect – You have most likely heard of cloud computing and may even have some data stored on a cloud server somewhere. While the storage space that exists in that cloud out there in techno-land cannot be literally touched, it has to be given architecture and it has to be organized. The required education for this job is a bachelor’s degree and the salary is around $112,000 per year.
  2. IT consultant – This is one of the oldest professions in the IT industry. CNN ranked the IT consultant as number 13 on its list of the Best Jobs in America. The name itself is rather vague, but the talents that an IT consultant possesses are very useful. They help startups figure out the most economical and fastest ways to run their systems. They also evaluate systems and do the necessary research that not everyone really understands. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is typical, but it is recommended that IT consultants specialize in a specific niche to help them focus their career goals. The salary is around $96,400 per year.
  3. Computer forensic investigator – Think of this person as a computer investigator. It is also an interesting profession in that it involves identifying and evaluating information on computer systems that can be used for evidence. The required education is a degree in information security, cyber security, or computer forensics. Obtaining a certification from a computer examiner board is also useful. The salary is around $64,000
  4. Mobile app developer – This job is getting a lot of attention because businesses want to expand their reach to Internet users. Reaching mobile users is the way to do that. Practically everyone with a smart phone uses applications very heavily. Now businesses are relying on IT professionals with experience in this area. The required education is a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or mobile computer fields. The salary is around $90,000 or more.
  5. Health IT specialist – This is a very important and blossoming field, especially with the health care system undergoing very large changes now and for the next year or so. Many hospitals and doctor’s offices are gradually moving toward electronic recordkeeping and this is increasing the demand for IT professionals. The required education usually does not require more than an associate decree or certification. Supervisor positions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The salary is around $45,000 per year.
  6. Web Developers – Web developers have been around for a very long time and they are considered the jacks of all trades. They create web applications, web pages, web content, but their skill set requires them to determine what the average web surfer wants and what makes a website operate well. They also must know how to optimize websites for mobile technology and much more. Many web developers are self-taught and win positions through their portfolios. Some of them have degrees. The average salary is around $90,000 per year.

These are just some of the jobs that IT professionals are finding success in and the demand for these positions is growing. Other popular information technology careers include software engineer, data modeler, and information technology vendor manager. As the demand for technology grows, so will the popularity of the many IT careers that are out there.

Phone-Interview

Why you should listen if an IT recruiter calls

Your cell-phone vibrates in the middle of a meeting, a number that isn’t in your contacts. After your manic day of rushing around, conference calls, paperwork and endless coffees; you finally find time to retrieve your voicemail.

An IT recruiter has called you and is keen to talk. You’re feeling angry, how has this dude got your number? There is no way you’re calling him back and if he calls again you will…

Stop there! Don’t give this guy hell. For all you know, this call could be the most important call you will ever take. Here are five reasons why you should listen if an IT recruiter calls.

 

1.     ‘My job is safe’

How do you know? The USA has been hit hard by the global economic crisis and millions of Americans have been affected. People who have been safe in employment for years; even decades have lost their jobs. Even some of the most skilled and educated workers have found themselves unemployed. You may not need the services of an IT recruiter now, but it’s always best to have a back-up plan. Be honest with him/her and tell them you aren’t looking to move, but keep their number anyway; you never know what’s around the next corner…

 

2.     ‘A new IT job won’t be as good as the one I already have’

How do you know? IT recruiters work for some of the most prestigious clients in the world and are responsible for some of the most significant hiring. The biggest and best companies use the services of an IT recruiter for many reasons, including industry knowledge and contacts. The best client’s want the best people and offer some of the most lucrative remuneration packages to make sure they get what they want. If you are being called by an IT recruiter, then the chances are you have been researched very carefully; not only for your experience, talent and qualifications, but for cultural fit also. For all you know, this could be your perfect job…

 

3.     ‘My salary is average for the IT role I am doing’

Maybe it is. But then again, maybe it isn’t. When was the last time you checked what you are worth? Some IT skills are becoming more sought after with the explosive rise of new technologies. Data Analysts for example are now in more demand than ever before. As talent gaps widen, clients are keen to hire the people equipped to do these roles. And with these roles often comes an awesome salary. What your role was worth a few years ago is not necessarily what it is worth now. An IT recruiter knows this. After all, it’s their job to negotiate pay packets. So, if an IT recruiter calls, give them a few moments of your time. You never know, you could be thousands of dollars a year better off for it!

 

4.     ‘I am happy and I really don’t want to move’

OK fair enough and that’s fine, but what about your friend who has been stuck in the same job for what seems like forever? His salary is poor, his boss is an ass, and he isn’t using any of his IT skills. He would just love to be offered a decent job… Wait, this IT recruiter on the phone might just be able to help him! You might not want another job, but your friend might. Why not take the IT recruiters number and pass it on, you might just be able to help your pal out by doing so…

 

5.     ‘Recruiters are just out to make a few bucks’

No, no and hell no! Recruiters do get a bad press. Like any industry, there will always be positive and negative (just like good cop, bad cop). Truth is, recruiters are well paid and so they should be. They don’t just work 9-5. They often work 12 hour days, seven days a week. They are some of the hardest working people you will ever meet. Their work ethic is unrivalled with most industries and that’s what makes them the best person to fit you with the right job. They are paid well to work hard and spend a lot of time researching the best people in the IT industries (you!).

So there you go, just some of the reasons why you should listen if an IT recruiter calls. You may not need one now, but you never know when you might do…

 

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