You NEED These Skills for Your Next IT Placement

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IT is an ever-changing world; those with the most in-demand skills will find themselves in an excellent position in the current job market. But understanding which skills will be given the most priority can seem like a difficult task. To help you ensure you have the right credentials for your next IT placement, consider concentrating on the following areas.

Big Data

Big data analysis provides information that can allow the company to make better business decisions as well as implementing more effective marketing strategies. As the volume of data available continues to grow, organizations want to be able to use these pieces of information to their advantage. Whether you are dealing with semi-structured or unstructured data, being able to collect, work with, and analyze this information will continue to lead to job prospects for the next few years.

These knowledge areas are often needed regardless of your business’ chosen industry, making it an ideal skill for those looking to break into the IT field.

Cloud Computing

Cloud-based computing and storage have provided organizations with a more cost-effective option for a variety of tasks that used to be managed in-house. Candidates specialized in the ability to organize and utilize these services, and work in hybrid environments that still support certain on-premises deployments will have a leg up on the competition which is only familiar with traditional networked internal options.

Mobile

Mobile technology is becoming a staple in most business environments. Whether offering simple solutions to access business email while on the go or providing full access to internal resources through a portable device, mobile technology cannot be ignored. Combine those functions with access to cloud-based resources, and it may even be difficult to continue to justify a need for the traditional desktop computer form factor.

Skills related to mobile operations are varied. You may choose to focus on app development and deployment, device management and security, as well as troubleshooting and service issues. Familiarity with multiple mobile platforms is also helpful even when an organization tends to be brand loyal.

Coding

Coding isn’t a new skill for many IT professionals. Since creating practical, custom solutions for internal or external use is still a standard requirement in strong IT departments and technology-based businesses, the ability to code will continue to have a place when considering the most in-demand skills.

However, certain programming languages may offer better opportunities than others. Java is still in high demand, as well as PHP. Perl, C, Objective-C, Javascript, Ruby, Python, CSS, and R all still have a place in today’s IT work environment. Depending on your precise career goals, you can determine which options are best for you.

Project Management

While not an IT exclusive, project management skills also increase your employment opportunities. Being able to coordinate the activities of multiple groups, create and maintain project budgets, and manage the complexity of large-scale projects within an IT environment can open be a lucrative direction to explore.

If you are looking for ways to improve your odds of placement in the IT field, the professionals at Resolution Technologies are here to help. With a focus in technical staffing, they know which skills are in demand with today’s employers. Contact Resolution Technologies Today!

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Want THAT HR Job? 3 Tips to Crush the Interview

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Even human resources professionals have to interview for their positions. While it is easy to assume your expertise means you will automatically crush every interview, neglecting certain steps can cause a less than stellar performance. Here are three tips to make sure your next interview is your best ever.

1. Take Time to Prepare

Human resources professionals are often accustomed to being in the position of interviewer, but being an interviewee requires different skills. Additionally, your method of interviewing potential candidates may not reflect the direction other organizations choose to take. That means, no matter your amount of experience in the field, it is important you prepare properly.

Make sure you have multiple copies of your resume available, especially if a panel may be part of the interview process. Confirm your relevant credentials are current and be prepared to provide supporting documentation. Review information about the company at which you are interviewing and familiarize yourself with the challenges related to their industry. Also consider any recent accomplishments or challenges you have faced, as it is common to receive questions on those topics.

With thorough preparation, you will be better equipped to handle traditional and unexpected questions more effectively.

2. Expect Hypothetical and Situational Questions

Human resources leans heavily on a person’s sense of ethics to accomplish job duties. Many candidates have the traditional education and training; however you also have to perform to the highest standards at all times. Some organizations will pose hypothetical or situational questions during the interview to challenge your ability to make appropriate decisions when faced with uncommon situations.

Understand any requirements regarding the keeping of confidential material within the organization, as well as any employment laws that may be unique to the industry in which the business operates. While many employment laws are standard at the state or federal level, certain industries have unique properties that require different actions. Review this information to prepare for questions regarding the differences.

Similarly, if the business has a position covered by a union, gather introductory information about any current contracts, if possible. That way, when asked how you would proceed when faced with a situation, you can relate your actions to the standards set at that company correctly.

3. Always Ask Questions

Interviews traditionally end with an opportunity for you to ask questions. This is an opportunity to gain additional insight into the position, as well as demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the work. Consider creating a few options to help you get a more well-rounded view of the business. Inquire about the company’s culture and what career progression looks like within the department. You can even ask the interviewer about their personal experience in their position.

Further, ensure you have a strong closing question to address the interviewer’s concerns regarding your fit for the job. For example, “Is there anything we discussed that prevents me from being a top candidate for this position?”

Interviewers often use a standard set of questions, and may even be legally required to stick to a particular script. However, this question opens the door for additional inquiry on their part. If they have concerns, they can address them individually through the subsequent dialogue, giving you a chance to better position yourself as the right choice.

If you are looking for more tips to help land your next HR position, or are interested in finding new opportunities to explore, the professionals at Resolution Technologies are here to assist. Contact Resolution Technologies today to see how they can help your career more forward.

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Stand Out in the Tech World: Diversity is the Key

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Many organizations attempt to promote diversity in the workplace by looking at what makes us different on paper. While gender, age and ethnicity are often highlighted when diversity is discussed, it is actually the diversity of thought that brings the most benefits to an organization. Aside from the traditional points that are examined for diversity, you also want to look for people with varying backgrounds, cultures and even personalities to create the most innovative environment possible.

Diversity and Groupthink

One of the most damaging situations a business can find themselves in involves a prevalence of groupthink among team members. Since these systems function based on conformity, they often yield less than desirable results over time. Groupthink removes the creative component from the workplace and replaces it with a desire to fit in and reach a consensus.

While creating an environment where employees are willing to compromise is helpful, it is important that it does not come at the expense of innovation and the ability to speak one’s mind when they have new ideas.

Locating Diversity of Thought

Finding appropriate candidates when the diversity of thought is a priority seems like a tall order. However, it isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Often, this involves finding applicants who may represent an unconventional choice for your organization.

Once you have identified a few candidates that have the skills necessary to complete the work, consider what separates these options from your current team. Look for applicants with talents that are not currently a part of your business, and consider how these difference could create a more efficient team.

For example, if your team is predominantly made of people with strong analytical thinking skills, consider adding an individual who offers strong creative thinking. By ensuring your team members have unique skills to offer, you can leverage that knowledge when making assignments and bring more perspectives to group-oriented work.

Create a Safe Environment

To make the most of a diverse workforce, you have to create a workplace where everyone feels safe to discuss their ideas. While not every idea has to be used, it is vital that employees feel confident that their suggestions will be received with respect. It is also important that every team member feels they can discuss these proposals openly regardless of whether the stance is for or against what is being proposed.

By allowing new ideas to be discussed thoroughly and transparently, you are more likely to tap into what makes each of your employees unique in their own right. You may also enjoy the advantage of your employee’s insights into different cultures and their priorities, allowing you to create products and services that address the individual needs of the various groups.

When they feel their input is valued regardless of the final decision, your employees will be more likely to take risks when it comes to finding new solutions.

When it comes time to add a new employee to your team, Resolution Technologies has the experience needed to help you find the best candidates to bring a diversity of thought into your operations. Contact Resolution Technologies, and enjoy the benefits of greater workplace diversity today.

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3 Interview Questions That Will Help You Hire Top Talent

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Interviewing potential candidates gives you information you won’t get from a resume or application alone. You can dive deeper into a person’s skills, abilities, interests and personality. Finding top talent goes beyond the hard skills they possess. You also need to consider whether they will excel in the position and environment in which they are working.

To help get to the bottom of these concerns, here are three questions designed to give you more information than you may have initially realized.

1. Describe Your Ideal Workplace and Supervisor

While this is more of a prompt than a question, it can provide significant insight into how the candidate prefers to work. The answer can cover information about their preference for working as part of a team or individual, the amount of direct supervision they prefer and other cultural or environmental clues that can help determine whether they are an ideal fit.

For example, if the employee prefers more direct supervision, they might not flourish in an environment that promotes employee empowerment.

Often, there is no specific right or wrong answer to this question. It just provides an avenue to understanding how the applicant views working in the position and how well that matches the reality of the work.

2. How Do Your Skills Further the Company Goal and Mission?

This question serves two purposes. First, it allows the candidate to discuss their skills openly along with how they intend to apply those skills if they are selected for the position. Second, it allows you to see if the candidate reviewed any information about your company prior to their interview.

Since basic information about your organization is readily available online, there is little reason for a candidate to not review this content prior to their arrival. Additionally, it provides insight regarding how they see themselves fitting into this larger objective. It demonstrates a basic level of interest and consideration when related to the position, and may help separate the most passionate candidates from those who are less concerned about taking these simple steps to prepare.

3. Why Are You Looking for a New Opportunity?

This question can be adjusted to address candidates who are or are not currently employed. While normally serving as a test of the candidate’s overall attitude, it can also speak volumes about their career-related priorities.

For example, a currently employed applicant who cites an interest in additional training and advancement opportunities is interested in learning and progressing in the field. However, those who specifically speak negatively of their current employer may not have an ideal attitude for your organization.

Unemployed candidates can also reveal much about what is important to them with this question. While the primary reason for applying to the position may be they need a job, they will often add additional information about what sort of job they are hoping to find. This allows you to consider how their career goals match the position, and whether a good fit exists.

By looking beyond the hard skills that an applicant possesses, you increase your odds of finding top talent who will exceed expectations at your company. If you are looking for your ideal employee, contact Resolution Technologies today. Their experience and expertise can help create a more efficient hiring process, letting you find the best talent available faster than ever.

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