How Do You Find a Job That Matches Your Skill Set?

/in /by

When it comes time to find a new job, you can’t just apply to anything that tickles your fancy; you need to find options that match your current skill set. But how do you manage a search with that in mind? By using the right methods.

Depending on where you are in your career and what you’re hoping to do in your next position, this process may be fairly intuitive. However, if you are looking to head off in a slightly different direction, you might not know exactly where to begin. To help you manage the process, here are some tips to help you locate a job that matches your skill set.

Evaluate Your Core Skills

The first step you need to take is to analyze what you have to offer. Often, the easiest way to do this is to list your core skills on paper. Include anything you feel confident in using on a daily basis, and don’t forget to record soft skills as well as hard skills during your evaluation.

This exercise is designed to help you understand what your current skill set includes. If you need help, review your latest job description or resume for guidance. If you’ve recently completed additional education or training, reference those details to fill out your list.

The length of the list isn’t particularly important. You just want to be honest about what you know, so you can match it to job openings.

Search Using Skill-Oriented Keywords

Now that you have a list of core competencies, you can begin searching using keywords selected from the included skills. Start with those you enjoy most and hope to use in your next job. As you begin sorting through the results, review the other skills the employers require and see if it is a match.

If a competency can go by multiple names or be referenced as an acronym, don’t be afraid to run the search using the variations. You also don’t have to limit your search to one skill. Focus on your top few preferred capabilities and see what shows up in the results.

By taking a skills-based approach instead of focusing on job titles, you may find more options than you would otherwise. In many cases, titles vary from one business to the next, so focusing on those designations may lead you to miss out on opportunities. Skill-oriented keywords are fairly universal, so you might find something interesting by concentrating on those details instead.

Work with a Recruiter

One of the simplest methods to see how your skills translate into new opportunities is to work with a skilled recruiter. Often, they have an idea of where a particular skill set can fit within organizations and may be able to connect you to opportunities you’d otherwise miss. Typically, they can help you assess your core competencies as well, helping you identify what you bring to the table.

Are you looking for a new IT job?

If you are interested in working with a talented recruiter during your search, the team at Resolution Technologies can help you find the right match for your skill set. Contact us today to see how working with a professional recruitment firm can help you reach your goals.

Resolution_CTA_Banners_FindNextJob

3 Tips That Will Make You a Successful Remote Worker

/in /by

Many tech professionals see the opportunity to be a remote worker as a dream come true. You can eliminate costly and tedious commutes, working in a comfortable environment, and enjoy an additional level of flexibility most office-based employees don’t receive.

However, working remotely comes with different challenges, and it isn’t necessarily the right move for everyone. To help ensure you are successful in a remote position, here are three tips you can begin using today.

1) Discuss Expectations Early and Often

You can’t be successful if you don’t understand what your manager or the company is expecting of you. When you work remotely, there isn’t as much direct oversight regarding your job, making it easy for something to filter if you don’t understand exactly what you need to accomplish.

To begin, you need to make sure you and your manager are on the same page regarding your schedule. This can involve set hours or something more flexible, such as the completion of specific tasks or making a certain amount of progress on a daily or weekly basis. To meet these requirements, you may need to establish a check-in system or schedule times to provide updates regarding your work.

You also need to clarify if there are certain team-oriented activities, such as meetings or planning sessions, for which you must be virtually present. If so, determine how you will participate, such as if you need to attend over the phone or using video conferencing and make sure you keep the details in the calendar invite or somewhere else highly accessible.

2) Establish Methods for Communication

When you are a remote worker, it’s easy to feel disconnected from co-workers. Much of this can be alleviated if the right communication and collaboration tools are in place. Discuss all of the available solutions with your manager and determine which methods are best for which activities. You may also need to find out if your co-workers have certain preferences for communicating, so you know how to reach the people you need whenever the need arises.

You also need to make sure your written and phone-based communication skills are up to par. In most cases, you’ll spend most of your time speaking with managers and co-workers through email or using instant messaging systems. With that in mind, you need to be prepared to convey critical information concisely while maintaining a professional tone. You also need to ensure you’re able to speak clearly over the phone, especially if you are on speaker phone in a conference room. When you communicate in writing or through voice-only options, people don’t have visual cues to help them understand you, so you must take that into consideration.

3) Get Regular Face Time

It is easier to connect with people when you can see them, at least occasionally. Luckily, video conferencing technology is more robust than ever, so it is fairly easy to schedule time to see your manager and co-worker on a regular basis. Consider having key conversations using video chat or attend team meetings using the technology. That way, you can feel like a more cohesive part of the team, and everyone else will feel the same.

Are you looking for a new job?

If you are interested in learning more about working as a remote worker or would like to explore job opportunities in your area, Resolution Technologies can connect you with some of today’s leading employers. Contact us today to see how our services can help you be successful in your next position.

Resolution_CTA_Banners_FindNextJob

Fresh Out of College (or Just About)? How Do You Stand Out from the Crowd?

/in /by

The end of the school year is upon us, and that means a plethora of college grads are about to hit the job market. With so many people jumping in at the same time, and with similar credentials, it can be hard to figure out exactly what you need to do to stand out from the crowd. If you are a recent graduate looking to make a strong impression, here are some tips to help you rise to the top.

Use Your College’s Resources

Most major colleges and universities have career centers that provide services to soon-to-be and current college graduates. Often, they have dedicated staff members that can assist you with creating a resume and reviewing potential job opportunities based on your degree. They also have strong professional networks and are familiar with companies in the area that are willing to give freshly minted graduates a try.

Whether they can connect you to your ideal post-college job or not, they do have expertise that is worth having on your side.

Build the Right Profiles

While most college graduates have experience creating profiles on social media, you need to take a different approach if you intend to use these services to find employment opportunities. First, if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, now is the time to build one. Make sure your photo is professional and that all of the sections are properly filled out. Create a summary statement that references the kind of position you are hoping to land and make sure all of the other content is based on your professional life and goals, and not your personal ones.

Then, start building your network. You can connect with other graduates as well as professionals you meet that can help you start a career. Finally, make sure to stay active on the site and use it as a resource for job hunting and career advice.

Start Networking

It is never too early to start networking. If you have an opportunity to attend job fairs, relevant conferences, meet and greets, or volunteer in the field, then take advantage of these chances to meet other professionals. Connections you make today may help you find your ideal position, or they may simply help you learn important information about your chosen career path. Either way, you have a lot to gain if you start networking now instead of later.

Work with a Recruiter

Sometimes the easiest way to stand out is to work with a professional recruiter. They can help you explore open positions, build a strong resume and LinkedIn profile, and connect with employers who are looking for candidates just like you.

Are you a new grad and looking for an IT job?

Staffing firms often have deep connections in the local area, so their network can be a significant advantage when you are looking for a job. If you are interested in getting assistance from a skilled recruiter, the professionals at Resolution Technologies can help you on your journey. Contact us today and see how our services can help you stand out from the crowd.

3 Ways to Continue Your Education While You Have a Full-Time Job

/in /by

The idea of juggling higher education with a full-time job is intimidating. Often, it can feel as though there is barely enough time for the life you have today, let alone if you decide to add schooling to your schedule. But there are ways to pursue your dreams of more education while keeping your current paycheck. To help you weigh your options, here is an overview of three ways you can continue your education while working 40+ hours a week.

1) Night and Weekend Classes

Many brick and mortar colleges and universities offer certain programs that can be finished using only night or weekend classes. Often, this is an ideal solution for people who need to work full-time but are interested in a degree that is best served by being in an actual classroom (or who simply prefer this approach).

In some cases, you can actually finish a degree in the same length of time as those taking courses during the day. In others, you may find a part-time school schedule is more conducive to your needs. Either approach will help you earn your degree, so choose the time commitment that works best for you.

2) Online Programs

Thanks to the rising demand, getting a degree online has never been easier. A range of schools, including some of the most reputable institutions in the nation, offer degree plans that can be finished entirely from the comfort of your own home. And, in most cases, you can complete your assignments at any time of day and on any day of the week as long as you meet the deadlines.

For students who are relatively self-motivated, don’t need a lot of direct instruction, and require some flexibility, an online degree program can be ideal. You can also choose from full-time and part-time class schedules, just as you would if you attended classes in person.

3) Certifications

Sometimes, you don’t need a full college degree to keep your career moving forward. There is a range of IT-related certifications that can elevate your resume and assert you have the right skills for your target position.

In some cases, certifications function as proof of knowledge you already have, meaning all you need to do is study and take the test. Others accompany specific classes or programs, but they usually require fewer courses to complete than a formal degree.

In either case, you can formalize your knowledge without having to commit to a multi-year degree plan, which can be ideal for full-time employees looking to advance in their current field and not necessarily start a new one.

Are you looking for a new job?

By using one of the methods above, it is possible to continue your education will maintaining a full-time job. If you are interested in learning how additional education can change your career options or are looking for a new position, the team at Resolution Technologies has the industry expertise to guide you forward. Contact us today to see how education and employment can work together for a brighter future.

 

What to Expect in an IT Interview

/in /by

While many job interviews involve variations of the same questions, IT interviews often include specific technical questions to help assess your skills and capabilities. Hiring managers typically need more details to make sure you possess the experience they need to complete their teams, ensuring you can properly handle the duties of the position.

Even though it can seem like preparing for these questions is difficult, there are ways to anticipate what may lie ahead.

<<< Search new IT Jobs Here >>>

To help you get ready for your next IT interview, here are some tips for managing the process.

Review the Job Posting

The job posting is your biggest source of information as it outlines the key skills and abilities the ideal candidate must possess. Specific programming languages, systems, software or other knowledge areas listed in the announcement will likely be covered by the hiring manager’s questions, so be prepared to speak about each of them.

To show you are a strong candidate, relate each skill to a specific example from your prior duties or educational experiences. That way, you can provide details beyond just confirming you are not only familiar with the skill, but you know how to use it in a practical way.

Pay Attention to the Interview Type

When most job seekers think of interviews, they imagine sitting across from the hiring manager and answering questions. However, many IT recruitments include a technical interview as well as a traditional variant, and they aren’t managed the same way.

A traditional interview typically matches the image candidates have in their head. Technical interviews can be somewhat different, as they involve more demonstrations and less talk. For example, you may be asked to write some code on a whiteboard during a technical interview to show how you would solve a particular problem.

If you are coming in for a technical interview, it is important to review any fundamental skills related to the position that may be demonstrable. Be prepared to write out responses by hand and give explanations regarding why you took a particular approach.

While you might not know the exact question until it is asked, understanding the format is somewhat different during a technical interview can make it less of a shock when you are asked to write out a response.

Get Up to Speed on Recent IT Developments

Few fields change as quickly as IT, and many hiring managers want employees who stay up to date on new developments on their own. This not only shows you have an interest in the work outside of a formal job setting, but you understand how a role can change over time as new technologies emerge.

Before going into your interview, look up recent announcements and new products that relate to the job specifically. That way, when the interviewer asks if you have an interest in anything upcoming, you have specific examples to provide.

Are you looking for your next IT job interview?

If you are looking for more tips regarding IT interviews or are seeking new opportunities in your field, Resolution Technologies can help. Contact us to discuss your employment needs today.

Resolution_CTA_Banners_FindNextJob

Staying Positive During a Difficult Job Search

/in /by

Being a job seeker isn’t always easy. Whether you are newly unemployed or looking for new opportunities outside of your current employer, dealing with feelings of worry, frustration or rejection can take a toll over time and make it hard to remain positive about what the future may hold.

However, giving in to negative feelings can hurt your job search, making it less likely you’ll find the kind of opportunity you need. While staying positive doesn’t sound like a simple task, there are methods that will help you keep your chin up even during the toughest of times.

<<< Find a new IT Career Here >>>

Here are some tips to get you started and keep you going regardless of the length of the journey.

1) Don’t Give Up

When we get frustrated, the idea of giving up can be pretty inviting. But, if you let yourself succumb to the urge, you are guaranteed not to reach your goal. If you want a new job, remind yourself you can push through and don’t give up. While it might sound easier said than done, remembering you can make it through the challenge can you keep moving. And any forward momentum can keep you focused on the target.

2) Remember Past Triumphs

It’s likely you’ve faced some notable challenges in the past, possibly even when you secured your most recent job. Take time to remember these moments and reflect on what it took to see it through to the other side. You may discover previous activities to help you alleviate any stress resulting from your job search or a reminder of a resource that helped you before.

Look back at your strategies, mental pep talks and other activities to see which can help you stay positive today. Sometimes, when we are faced with what feels like insurmountable odds, it’s hard to remember we’ve faced challenges before and lived to tell about it. A simple reminder may be all you need to get back on track.

3) Take Control of Things You Can

A lot of the process of finding a new position is out of your hands. You can’t force a company to call you for an interview, and you can’t make the perfect job posting appear. Focusing on these points will do nothing but suck your energy and kill your motivation.

Instead of getting lost in what you can’t control, focus on the things you do have the power to change. For example, maybe today is the day to learn how to use LinkedIn more effectively, to sign up for a class to improve your skill set or reach out to a staffing firm in your area.

We can help you land an IT career!

By concentrating on the things you have the power to change, you can find a new point of focus while increasing the chance your future efforts will be successful. If you are interested in exploring new opportunities, the recruiters at Resolution Technologies have the industry expertise to help you move forward. Contact us today and see what our services can do for your career.

Resolution_CTA_Banners_FindNextJob

How to Use Your Experience to Get the Job You Want

/in /by

As you move through your career, the experience you’ve gained along the way becomes a valuable asset. But your experience can only help you if it is used properly during the hiring process. You need to cover key pieces of information in your resume while being prepared to cover the details during the interview.

To help you make the most of your experience and increase your odds of getting the job you want, here are some tips to get you started.

Highlight Accomplishments

When you create your resume, it is important to draw attention to your accomplishments on the job. Focus on achievements that match the needs of the company you are applying to if you want to make the biggest impact.

Typically, accomplishments provide a starting point to show and discuss your experiences and how they’ve made you an ideal candidate. Being able to list metrics about successful projects or initiatives demonstrate your ability to take your knowledge and effectively apply it in the workplace.

While you can’t go into detail on a resume, a list of applicable accomplishments gives you talking points that can be expanded during the interview.

Plan for Stories

Before you go into an interview, take the time to practice relaying details that demonstrate your experience, especially in relationship to the accomplishments you included on your resume. Review the information to create a narrative, and make sure to include information about how you completed the task, including skills you used and new ones you learned along the way.

This approach lets you give context to your achievements, showing what you have to offer during various work-related situations.

Also, prepare responses to some of the more common interview questions you may encounter. This includes prompts focused on how you handle conflict, deal with failure, find answers when you hit an impasse and your preferred management style. That way you have a solid base to pull from when some of the inevitable questions arise.

When crafting your responses, be concise and focused. While you want to include details that complete the picture, make sure you don’t wander into unrelated territory along the way.

Include Soft Skills

Often, your experiences show your soft skills better than your education. Teamwork, leadership and communication skills are easier to relay to hiring managers as part of a story, so include verbiage about these when you craft your interview responses. This helps show you developed more than technical aptitude while on the job, which can make a positive impression on an interviewer who is looking for more than a list of hard skills for their employees.

 

Are you looking for a new opportunity in the IT field?

The further you progress in your career, the more your experiences will matter when looking for new positions. If you are looking for more information regarding how your experience can help you land your ideal job or are interested in finding new opportunities, Resolution Technologies can help. Contact us to discuss your career goals today.

Resolution_CTA_Banners_FindNextJob

Finding a Tech Job in a Competitive Market

/in /by

Today’s job market generally favors tech candidates over the companies looking for new employees. While this sounds ideal for job seekers, it actually presents a situation with unique benefits and drawbacks. Your approach to finding a position may need to be adjusted including anything from the jobs to which you apply and how you handle negotiating an offer.

To help make sure you are prepared to find a tech job in a competitive market such as this one, here are some tips to get you started.

Know Your Worth

When companies compete for the same candidates, compensation tends to improve. That means you may be able to get a higher salary today than you would have been offered for the same work only a few years ago. Before you get too deep into your job search, it is important to know what your skills can get you today.

Start by doing some research. Information about salaries is widely available online, so seeing what people earn when working in your target position is fairly simple. Just make sure you limit the search based on the location where you would like to work, as the salary offered in one city might not equal what you get in another. Additionally, make sure you have comparable education and experience before setting your heart on a specific dollar amount.

Remember Benefits

Your salary is only part of the total compensation package. Benefits like a flexible work schedule, paid time off, access to training and many other items are also involved in determining the full value of a job offer.

Since the market is favoring job seekers, many businesses are improving their benefits packages as well as salary. And these points can also be negotiated. If you find yourself with a job offer that doesn’t quite measure up, and there’s no room to budge on salary, consider whether other benefits can address the difference. You may find yourself happy to accept a position with additional paid vacation or the ability to work from home instead of seeking out a job with the highest salary.

Consider Growth

While the job market favors candidates today, there is no guarantee it will stay that way. Selecting a position with a company that also offers the opportunity to develop professionally and potentially be promoted can offer additional security as well as the chance to move your career forward. In the end, the ability to learn new skills and gain valuable experience can make a slightly lower pay rate a non-issue, especially when compared to an offer that leaves you stagnant.

You May Not Get an Offer

Even if the job market favors job seekers, that doesn’t mean you are ideal for every position. Factors like cultural fit, personality and soft skills also play into hiring decisions. Not everyone fits into every environment even if they appear to have the right hard skills. So, don’t let a “no” from one company stop you from considering opportunities elsewhere.

Are you looking for a new IT job?

If you are interested in finding out about new tech positions in your area, Resolution Technologies can help you explore your options. Contact us to see what today’s job market can do for you.

Resolution_CTA_Banners_FindNextJob

What Are Effective Ways to Follow-Up After Good or Bad Interviews?

/in /by

Following up after an interview is important regardless of how you think it went. There are obvious benefits to following up after a good interview, including potentially increasing your odds of getting an offer, but making an effort after a less-than-stellar showing can also yield positive results.

To help you choose an effective method for either situation, here are some tips to make your follow-up efforts as valuable as possible.

Good Interviews

Whether you feel like you nailed the interview or just feel it went as well as it could have, it can be considered a good interview. Often, following up after these interviews provides an opportunity to give thanks while also getting more information about the next steps involved in the process.

In most cases, your initial follow-up should be managed quickly. Typically, this involves sending an email thanking the interviewer or the interview panel for their time. You can also assert you are still interested in the opportunity and you look forward to hearing back from them.

As you craft the message, focus on being polite and concise, and don’t press for information about the decision (yet). These messages should generally be sent within 24 hours of the interview, so this isn’t the time to pry too deeply. This is especially true if you were given a timeframe regarding when a decision would be reached and that time has yet to pass.

If an initial deadline for a response has elapsed, and you have not received any additional information, further follow-up can be appropriate. This is another situation where sending an email is fine, but make sure the message is only delivered to the hiring manager.

Don’t point out they failed to contact you within the timeframe provided. Instead, consider the prompt for the additional inquiry. Considering using a phrase like, “I know you had hoped to reach a decision by [timeframe in question], so I wanted to follow up and see if the timeline has changed.” This gives them an opportunity to provide the level of information they are comfortable with, ranging from a new tentative decision date to a full explanation regarding what has occurred.

However, if this message receives no response, you might want to resist additional inquiries. Sometimes, companies do not follow up with candidates that weren’t chosen, and continuing to follow up won’t change that fact.

Bad Interviews

First things first, it is easy to assume an interview was bad when it actually wasn’t. Often, we are our own harshest critic, so your perception of a bad showing may have been seen differently by an interviewer. You should send a quick email thanking them for their time just as you would when you think the interview went well. This helps you leave a positive final impression, and if you don’t get selected for this position, may make it easier to score additional interviews with the company in the future.

If you receive notice you weren’t selected, consider following up based on the opportunity to learn from the experience. Many interviewers are open to providing feedback about why you weren’t selected, so don’t be afraid to ask what you could do next time to be a stronger candidate.

As with other messages, keep this one polite and concise. You are actually asking them for a favor, so approach it from a place of humbleness and appreciation. That way you can turn a poor showing into a great learning opportunity.

If you are looking for additional tips regarding interview follow-ups or are looking for a new position, the professionals at Resolution Technologies are here to assist. Contact us to speak with one of our recruitment specialists today.

Resolution_CTA_Banners_FindNextJob

Use Big Data More Effectively!

/in /by

Big data is now a staple of many business models. But figuring out how to use the information effectively can be a challenge. Often, the costs of implementing strong solutions for data analytics requires a significant investment, so getting usable information, and putting it to work the right way, needs to be a priority. Luckily, there are some approaches that help you realize the benefits of these implementations quickly and efficiently.

Listen to the Data

It isn’t uncommon to have preconceived notions regarding what the data will say, but it is important to keep an open mind about any results. Don’t let your ideas about what you should find prevent you from seeing what is really there.

Being open to what the data shows requires a bit of trust. The point is to identify potential changes that can advance your business, which often means change is needed. However, that doesn’t mean a complete overhaul needs to be done. Instead, consider how you can use the recommendations to shift the way certain aspects of business are done based on a step-by-step implementation plan. Don’t be afraid to combine changes based on the results of these predictive models with tried-and-true approaches to business.

Increase Customer Excitement

Part of using big data more effectively is ensuring your data sources are comprehensive. This can mean finding methods for getting your clients excited about supplying their data as part of larger customer service initiative.

If you can get the customer on board with providing information in the name of improved products and services, you can collect further details from a larger number of individuals. Help them see how their data leads to improvements in their lives.

When customers see their data provides them with a benefit they can experience quickly, this can encourage them to connect in more meaningful ways and may increase customer loyalty. Ultimately, every customer wants to get the most for their money. Show them how their input can make that easier, and they’ll be more inclined to participate.

Solve Problems by Identifying Pain Points

Pain points exist for both businesses and customers, and in many cases, companies are acutely aware of where these problems lie. After you identify top pain points in your internal processes as well as the customer experience, determine the kind of information you need to find a solution.

Sometimes, the simple ability to remove obstacles that negatively impact products or service delivery can lead to increases in customer satisfaction and lower costs of doing business. Both of these have the potential to create increased profits, though there are additional benefits as well.

Employees will appreciate having barriers removed that make their jobs more difficult than necessary, and this can lead to higher productivity both procedurally and through increased morale. Additionally, improvements in the customer experience can increase loyalty and your company’s reputation.

Hire Properly

The potential for big data in your organization is directly related to the skills of your employees working in the area. Top big data specialists will help you find new information in raw data more effectively. Without the right people, your business may never fully realize what big data has to offer.

If you are looking for an IT professional with the big data skills you need to get ahead, Resolution Technologies has the hiring expertise to find the right candidates quickly. Contact us and speak with one of our recruitment specialists today.

Resolution_CTA_Banners_Contact