Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Bouncing Back from Job Loss: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Job Hunters
By Margie Warrell
A friend recently shared with me how
her husband fell into yearlong depression after he was laid off from his
finance job during the global economic meltdown in late 2008. He’d worked hard
all his life, thrived on the pressures and challenges of his work, and enjoyed
the money he earned. Becoming unemployed for the first time in his midforties
was a huge kick in the gut, and one he didn’t cope with very well.
There’s no two ways about it: Losing your job is hard. Whether it
has everything to do with your performance, or nothing at all, it’s still hard.
However, if you look at job loss, like any setback from an enlarged
perspective, you realize that success in life is measured far less by our
opportunities than by how we respond to life’s setbacks and challenges.
The story of my friend’s husband is one I’ve heard many times. The
challenge people in that situation face is how they handle not only the loss of
their job, but the many emotions that can arise. These range from a sense of
humiliation, failure and vulnerability, to anxiety, resentment and self-pity.
Sure, losing your job can be a blow to your back pocket, but it’s often an even
bigger blow to your ego and self worth.
Over the last few years, millions of people have found themselves
involuntarily out of work—too often through no fault of their own. This
year, many will again. But whether the reason you lost your job has
everything to do with your perceived performance, or absolutely nothing, it’s
how you respond in the wake of it that will set you apart from others when it
comes to finding a new job. When it comes to a successful job hunt, attitude is
everything. A proactive and positive mindset will differentiate you from
the masses, making all the difference in how “lucky” you get in an unlucky
economy. It will even determine whether you one day look back on this time with
some measure of gratitude for what you gained from it—whether it was the chance
to re-evaluate your life, spend extra time with your family, teach your kids
about budgeting, or to simply re-affirm what matters most.
Confucius
said that our natures are alike (i.e. no one likes being sacked), it’s our
habits are that separate us. Below are seven habits to separate yourself from
the pack, move your job application to the top of the pile, and land yourself
not only back into a job, but perhaps an even better one than before.
1. Stay future-focused.
It’s easy
to get stuck in the past and what shoulda-woulda-coulda happened, but didn’t.
Doing so only perpetuates destructive emotions that fuel anger, self-pity and a
sense of powerlessness. Focus on the future, and on what you need to do to set
yourself up as well as possible on the job front, in how you are budgeting your
money, and in your relationship with those who can help you find a new job.
What you focus on expands, so focus on what you want, not on what you don’t.
2. Don’t let your job
status define you.
Sure,
losing your job is a very personal experience, but don’t take it too
personally. Who you are is not what you do. Never was. Never will be. Research
by psychologist Marty Seligman found that the biggest determinant between those
who succeed after setbacks of any kind is how they interpret them. People who
interpret losing their job as a sign of personal inadequacy or failure are less
likely to ‘get back on the horse’ in their job hunt than those who interpret it
as an unfortunate circumstance that provided a valuable opportunity to grow in
self-awareness, re-evaluate priorities and build resilience. You define who you
are, not your job or a company’s decision whether or not to employ you. Don’t
take it as a personal rejection against you. It may well be due to economic
forces far beyond your control that you found yourself out of work. Potential
employers will be more attracted to people who have proven their ability to
stay positive and confident despite a setback/job loss.
3. Prioritize self-care.
When
you’ve lost your job it is all too easy plant yourself on the couch, remote in
one hand, beer or bag of chips in the other, and wallow in self-pity. Many do!
But mental and emotional resilience requires physical resilience. So be
intentional about taking care of YOU and doing whatever it takes to feel strong
and fit. (After all, you now have no excuse that you don’t have time for
exercise.) Studies have found that exercise builds resilience, leaving you more
immune to stress. Get outdoors, go for a run, do some gardening, or just do
something that lifts your spirits – whether building your kids a cubby house or
taking your dog to the beach – and helps to shift the negative emotions that
have the potential to keep you from being proactive in your job hunt.
4. Surround yourself with
positive people.
Emotions
are contagious. The people around you impact how you see yourself, your
situation and what you do to improve it. Be intentional about who you hang out
with and don’t get sucked into the vortex of those who want a marathon pity
party. It wastes precious time and energy far better spent getting back into
the workforce. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and avoid those
who don’t. Read positive books, watch inspiring movies, and remember that your
family will take their cue from you. Let them know that while you may not have
chosen your circumstances, you are confident that with time and effort, you
will all pull through together, and be all the stronger and wiser for it.
5. Tap your network.
The more
people who know what you want, the more who can help you get it. The vast
majority of jobs are never advertised. So the adage “Your network is your net
worth” is particularly relevant when it comes to finding those jobs that are
filled via word of mouth. Reach out to people you know and enlist their support
in making any introductions or connections that could help you. Whatever you
do, never underestimate the power of your network to open up opportunities and
land you that “lucky break” you were hoping for.
6. Treat finding a job as a
job.
If you
feel the need, and can afford to do it, give yourself a break for a few days or
week or two. But assuming you can’t afford a year sailing the world on the
Queen Mary, don’t take too long before returning to your familiar routine.
Create structure in your day. Sure you have more time on your hands than you
had before, but you will be amazed at how little you can do in a day if you
aren’t intentional about what you want to get done. Create a job search plan
with goals and small manageable steps. Then prioritize, structure your day and
treat finding a job as a job.
7. Extend kindness.
It’s
pretty simple really: extending kindness toward others makes us feel good. It’s
not just a nice thing to do something for others – whether helping a neighbor
or volunteering in a local soup kitchen – it’s actually a helpful thing to do
for ourselves. Yes, scientists have found that acts of kindness produce some of
the same “feel good” chemicals in the brain as anti-depressants. In addition,
when we give our time to help others, it helps us stop dwelling on our own
problems, and makes us realize how much we have to be thankful for. It can also
can be an effective way to build your network, and show potential employers you
are not sitting idly by waiting for work to come your way. There’s no better
mood booster than making a difference for someone else, even when you wish your
own life were different than it is.
Friday, May 18, 2012
The 8 Things You Do Wrong On LinkedIn
Some years ago, I was chatting with
a prospective employer, sharing tales of my experiences and selling him on the many
reasons he should hire me, and doing it by using very specific examples. At one
point in the conversation he turned quickly around in his chair and started
furiously typing. As it turned out, he was Googling me mid-interview to learn
if what I was telling him was true (it was true, and I snagged the job).
If this hasn’t happened to you in an interview,
don’t think it hasn’t happened in one shape or form. Because even if you don’t
witness them doing it, I can almost guarantee they do indeed, Google you.
What are they looking for? Not your Facebook page (although if you
don’t have that blocked, they will definitely enjoy the read). Not your dating
profile (if they did, that‘s actually über creepy). Instead, what they’re
looking for is your online professional presence. And in today’s world, you
need to have one out there for them to find.
For many (and I dare say, most) professions, an online
professional profile will only help you. And until someone rolls in with
something better, the best place to go to build one is LinkedIn.
If you have a profile on LinkedIn already, kudos! But this isn’t
really about that. You should have already created one of those years ago. If
you haven’t, you should Google around for some tips and tricks for building a
great page. Then circle back over here.
This is about using your profile correctly — and to your
advantage. Because in the corporate world, people read into things. Including
the things you’re doing on sites like these. So here are the top eight things
you might be doing wrong on LinkedIn.
1) You don’t have any
recommendations. If a hiring
manager is scoping out your LinkedIn profile and doesn’t see a recommendation,
they might think, “Hmm…no one likes their work,” or “They must not have
impressed anyone,” or even, “Umm, this is a dud networker.”
The Fix: Get some recommendations, duh. If you
haven’t tried it yet, that’s your homework for today. Send out a request for a
recommendation to at least five people you’ve worked with or currently work
with (check your company policy). You’ll be surprised at how willing, honest
and complementary people will be of your work (granted, that’s if you’ve
impressed them in the past – I don’t recommend you sending a request to an
enemy).
2) You get a flood of
recommendations. One word.
Shady. If you get a flood of recommendations one day, we’re all going to know
you’re looking for a job. More often than not, job searching occurs under the
radar. Well, broadcasting a bunch of recommendations all at the same time is
the complete opposite of that.
The Fix: I know what you’re thinking, “I need
recommendations to get a job, but you’re telling me not to get a bunch of
them!” The trick is to always be looking for recommendations, even
when you’re satisfied with your job. That way, when you’re not satisfied,
you’re already set. If you’ve done great work for a client, ask them for a
recommendation via LinkedIn as soon as the project is completed. If you leave a
job for another, ask all your former colleagues to give you a shout out. There
are lots of ways and reasons to get recommendations, get creative.
3)
You lie. This one is pretty self-explanatory, and yet, for
some it’s hard to follow. In all business settings, if you lie, you will
eventually get caught.
The Fix: The best fix
to this one is to just simply not to do it. Karma is…well…you know.
4) You flirt. I don’t think women have a problem with this
one, but men seem to. I know it’s hard to date a modern woman, I get it. We
tend to know exactly what we want, when we want it and how to avoid you if
you’re not offering how or what we want. On the one hand, the LinkedIn profile
might look so juicy and attractive – how could you not write her? But on the
other hand, approaching said modern woman in their professional setting (albeit
an online one), isn’t ok. Even if you craft a message that would blow even
Shakespeare out of the water (although, it’s questionable why you would choose
that route), you probably won’t get a call back. If she’s serious about being
on the site for business purposes, you will have a hard time chipping away at
that. In simpler terms, don’t be a creep.
The Fix: Take your party elsewhere. If you see someone on
LinkedIn that you find attractive, find another way. Or connect to them and
actually be professional and strike up a real networking relationship (I
realize you’re doing this with ulterior motives, but you’ll get better results
and a business acquaintance in the process). There are better places to go to
find someone to date.
5) You don’t describe your job. Hmm, “specialist.” That means so many different
things. And when you don’t describe it, we have no idea what you’re talking
about or what you do from 8-5 p.m. every day. The main point here is that you
don’t want a blank piece a paper with job titles, it doesn’t help you at all.
The Fix: When I chose
this as one of the eight “wrongs,” I actually got conflicting feedback from some
folks about how best to share details about your experience. Some said it was
ok to list job titles only, and then put the description in the summary at the
top of the overall profile. Some said it was best to describe each job, as if
building a résumé. When it comes down to it, either of these works, you just
have to do one of them so people know you actually work.
6) You don’t post a picture. No, it’s not a beauty contest (and actually, if
you use a glamour shot-esque photo, you may get laughed off the interwebs). But
a picture is definitely worth a thousand words. We’re not going to judge you,
we just want transparency from you. If visuals weren’t important in the
business world, you would get every job by simply going through a telephone
interview (wouldn’t that be nice?). LinkedIn is very much the same way. Because
it has the photo feature, you should be using it. We want to see who we’re
working with, networking with and introducing ourselves to – we are visual
creatures.
The Fix: Ask a talented amateur photographer friend to
snap a few pictures of you. Trust me, they’ll be more than willing and you’ll reap the rewards. While you’re at it,
go ahead and use those pictures to create an About.me page. It’s a lesser-known
site, but one where you can make some great connections while also showing off
a bit more personal flair than LinkedIn will allow.
7) You don’t have any “stuff.” You don’t
have to be a renaissance corporate-America person with tons of medals, awards
and lots of extra-curricular activities, but it helps add a little personality
to you if you’ve got some extra “stuff” listed in your profile. Everyone has
something they can add to their profile, a hobby, an award they’ve won, school
organization they led, put something there. If reading this has made you
suddenly realize you don’t have anything to put there because you work too much
– you need to change that. Having a life outside of work makes you marketable.
The Fix: This one is easy. Think about your hobbies, your
organizations, what you do for fun, and list them. It shows that you’re human
and that you enjoy life. Then list any awards you’ve won at work and any
professional affiliations you may have. Then go out and join a few LinkedIn
groups (like this one), start a few discussions and get active.
LinkedIn is an amazing way to network if you take advantage of its offerings.
8) You change your profile top to
bottom. This falls
in line with the recommendations. If you’re making massive changes to your
LinkedIn profile all at once, that tech-savvy employer will get suspicious.
What’s worse, is that anyone you’re linked up to will get a notification that
you’ve changed your profile drastically – so if they don’t notice it when you
do it, they’ll notice it then.
The Fix: Don’t do any major fixes to your profile all at
once, be strategic about it. Make changes gradually and smartly. You have
colleagues who keep an eye on your profile regularly (I promise). If you really
are job searching, don’t give them something to gossip about.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Survey: Half of IT workers eyeing greener pastures
Improving IT job market has employees feeling more confident and motivated -- but still considering new work opportunities
By Ted Samson | InfoWorld
With the IT job market steadily improving, tech employees are feeling more engaged with their jobs and more loyal to their organizations. However, companies ought not to confuse that commitment with unyielding devotion. More than half of IT employees are ready and willing to entertain better job offers as they arise, more so than employees from any other sector. Organizations would be well-served loosening the IT salary purse-strings and finding other ways to keep their IT staff satisfied.
Such are the findings of a study released today by Randstad Technologies and Technisource, which found that 53 percent of IT workers plan to explore new job opportunities as the market picks up. At the same time, some 76 percent of those workers say they're proud to work for their organizations -- a 6 percent increase over last quarter.
"Our results underscore that IT workers are more apt to consider leaving their current jobs than employees in any other industry sector," said Bob Dickey, executive VP of technologies at Randstad. "This speaks volumes on the need for employers to truly understand what motivates this talent and how to carefully balance the desire to scale back on various workplace incentives with the need to have a workforce that wants your business to succeed just as much as you do."
Importantly for employers, IT workers appear keenly aware that the job market is improving, with IT security jobs ranking among the hottest prospects, as well as mobile development and hybrid jobs: 80 percent said they feel secure in their current jobs (5 percent higher than employees overall). What's more, nearly 60 percent said that the job market will pick up this year; only around 48 percent of employees shared that view last quarter.
Employers don't necessarily need to worry about their IT staffers running for the door immediately: 60 percent of IT employees report feeling satisfied with their salaries and benefits, and just 39 percent fear a cut in benefits, representing an 11 percent drop since last quarter. Fifty-five percent even expect a pay increase in the near future, while 64 percent said their company is making the right investments now in their workforce for the future.
Further, organizations don't need to worry about their IT employees slacking off as they job market improves: Three-quarters of IT employees said they feel inspired to do their best each day. Sixty-eight percent said they feel their efforts are recognized and valued, 5 percent higher than employees surveyed overall. Additionally, 67 percent indicate they trust their company leadership to make good decisions for the workforce, up 4 percent from the previous quarter.
Despite those heartening figures, more than half of IT employees said they weren't so satisfied with their jobs that they won't entertain better offers, for more than a couple of reasons. Among them, only 55 percent of respondents said their employers ensure a good work-life balance, a 6 percent drop since last quarter. Just 45 percent said their employers are doing a good job keeping employees motivated, a 6 percent decrease since Q4 of 2011. Finally, 63 percent of IT employees indicated that they enjoy going to work every day, 5 percent less than employees surveyed overall.
By Ted Samson | InfoWorld
With the IT job market steadily improving, tech employees are feeling more engaged with their jobs and more loyal to their organizations. However, companies ought not to confuse that commitment with unyielding devotion. More than half of IT employees are ready and willing to entertain better job offers as they arise, more so than employees from any other sector. Organizations would be well-served loosening the IT salary purse-strings and finding other ways to keep their IT staff satisfied.
Such are the findings of a study released today by Randstad Technologies and Technisource, which found that 53 percent of IT workers plan to explore new job opportunities as the market picks up. At the same time, some 76 percent of those workers say they're proud to work for their organizations -- a 6 percent increase over last quarter.
"Our results underscore that IT workers are more apt to consider leaving their current jobs than employees in any other industry sector," said Bob Dickey, executive VP of technologies at Randstad. "This speaks volumes on the need for employers to truly understand what motivates this talent and how to carefully balance the desire to scale back on various workplace incentives with the need to have a workforce that wants your business to succeed just as much as you do."
Importantly for employers, IT workers appear keenly aware that the job market is improving, with IT security jobs ranking among the hottest prospects, as well as mobile development and hybrid jobs: 80 percent said they feel secure in their current jobs (5 percent higher than employees overall). What's more, nearly 60 percent said that the job market will pick up this year; only around 48 percent of employees shared that view last quarter.
Employers don't necessarily need to worry about their IT staffers running for the door immediately: 60 percent of IT employees report feeling satisfied with their salaries and benefits, and just 39 percent fear a cut in benefits, representing an 11 percent drop since last quarter. Fifty-five percent even expect a pay increase in the near future, while 64 percent said their company is making the right investments now in their workforce for the future.
Further, organizations don't need to worry about their IT employees slacking off as they job market improves: Three-quarters of IT employees said they feel inspired to do their best each day. Sixty-eight percent said they feel their efforts are recognized and valued, 5 percent higher than employees surveyed overall. Additionally, 67 percent indicate they trust their company leadership to make good decisions for the workforce, up 4 percent from the previous quarter.
Despite those heartening figures, more than half of IT employees said they weren't so satisfied with their jobs that they won't entertain better offers, for more than a couple of reasons. Among them, only 55 percent of respondents said their employers ensure a good work-life balance, a 6 percent drop since last quarter. Just 45 percent said their employers are doing a good job keeping employees motivated, a 6 percent decrease since Q4 of 2011. Finally, 63 percent of IT employees indicated that they enjoy going to work every day, 5 percent less than employees surveyed overall.
Friday, March 30, 2012
The 10 Best IT Certifications: 2012
By Erik Eckel
Takeaway: The certification landscape changes as swiftly as the technologies you support. Erik Eckel looks at the certs that are currently relevant and valuable to IT pros.
When it comes to IT skills and expertise, there are all kinds of “best certification” lists. Pundits are quick to add the safe bets: Cisco’s CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), Red Hat’s RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer), and other popular choices.
This isn’t that list.
Based on years of experience meeting with clients and organizations too numerous to count, I’ve built this list with the idea of cataloging the IT industry’s 10 most practical, in-demand certifications. That’s why I think these are the best; these are the skills clients repeatedly demonstrate they need most. In this list, I justify each selection and the order in which these accreditations are ranked.
1: MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
I love Apple technologies. The hardware’s awesome, the software’s intuitive and their systems make it easy to get things done fast while remaining secure. But it’s a Windows world. Make no mistake. Most every Mac I deploy (and Mac sales are up 20 to 25 percent) is connected to a back-end Windows server. Windows server experts, however, can prove hard to find.
IT pros who have an MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional): Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 accreditation demonstrate significant, measurable proficiency with Active Directory, configuring network and application infrastructures, enterprise environments, and (if they’ve chosen well) the Windows 7 client OS.
That’s an incredibly strong skill set that everyone from small businesses to enterprise organizations require. Add this line to your resume, and you may be all set to find another job should your current employer downsize.
Honorable mentions for the top spot include the MCITP: Virtualization Administrator on Windows Server 2008 R2 and MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator on Exchange 2010. Microsoft Exchange owns the SMB space. Virtualization initiatives are only getting started and will dominate technology sectors for the next decade at least. Administrators who can knowledgeably navigate Microsoft’s virtualization and email platforms will only grow in importance.
2: MCTS
Not everyone has time to sit as many exams as an MCITP requires. The MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) certification is among the smartest accreditations an engineer can currently chase. As mentioned above, it’s a Windows world. Adding an MCTS certification in Exchange, SharePoint, Virtualization, Windows Client, or Windows Server will strengthen a resume.
There is no downside to any of these MCTS accreditations. Each of the above tracks provides candidates with an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency with specific technologies that organizations worldwide struggle to effectively design, implement, and maintain every day.
3: VCP
Virtualization is all the rage. It makes sense. Hardware manufacturers keep cranking out faster and faster servers that can store more and more data. Tons of servers sit in data centers using just fractions of their capacities. Virtualization, which enables running multiple virtual server instances on the same physical chassis, will continue growing in importance as organizations strive to maximize technology infrastructure investments.
VMware is a leading producer of virtualization software. Tech pros earning VCP (VMware Certified Professional) certification give employers (both current and future) confidence they can implement and maintain VMware-powered virtual environments. And if you talk to the techs responsible for maintaining data centers, you’ll frequently hear that VMware remains a favorite over Microsoft’s Hyper-V alternative, although most sober IT pros will have to admit Hyper-V is improving and closing the gap.
4: CCNA
The next politically correct certification to list is the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert). However, that’s a massive exam that few professionals realistically will ever have an opportunity to obtain. And while Cisco equipment frequently composes the network backbone, fueling numerous medium and large organizations, most organizations don’t need a CCIE and don’t have the resources to pay one.
That’s why I believe the more fundamental CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is a smart bet. A CCNA can help technology pros better familiarize themselves with the network OS’s fundamentals, while simultaneously strengthening their resume. Particularly motivated candidates can proceed to earn a CCNA Security certification, as the network security focus is a critical component of enterprise systems.
5: CSSA
In early 2012, Dell announced its pending acquisition of SonicWALL. There’s a reason Dell is buying the hardware manufacturer: SonicWALL has made great strides within the SMB unified threat management market.
Someone needs to be able to configure and troubleshoot those devices. The CSSA (Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator) certification not only proves proficiency in installing and administering the company’s devices, certified professionals receive direct access to tier two support staff and beta testing programs.
Organizations are always going to require network devices to fulfill firewall, routing, and threat management services. SonicWALL has carved out quite a bit of market share — so much so that it will now have the marketing might of Dell helping fuel additional growth. Knowing how to configure the devices will help IT pros, particularly those who support numerous small businesses.
6: PMP
Too many chiefs isn’t an IT problem I hear or read much about. Instead, it seems there’s a lack of IT pros capable of sizing up a project’s needs, determining required resources and dependencies, developing a realistic schedule, and managing a technical initiative.
The Project Management Institute is a nonprofit group that administers the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. The exam isn’t designed to earn a profit or motivate IT pros to learn its product and become unofficial sales cheerleaders. The PMP certifies candidates’ ability to plan, budget, and complete projects efficiently, on time, and without cost overruns. Those are skills most every medium and large business needs within its IS department and such ability isn’t going to be replaced by an app or third-party developer in our lifetimes.
7: CISSP
If you want to specialize in security, the (ISC)² (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.), which administers the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) accreditation, is your organization. Its vendor-neutral certification has a reputation as one of the best vendor-neutral security certs.
Organizations’ data, networks, and systems are increasingly coming under attack due to the value of personal, corporate, customer, and sensitive proprietary information. So individuals who demonstrate measurable success and understanding in architecting, designing, managing, and administering secure environments, developing secure policies, and maintaining secure procedures will stand out from the pack. In addition, the knowledge gained while earning the certification helps practitioners remain current with the latest legal regulations, best practices, and developments impacting security.
8: ACSP
There’s more to the energy surrounding Apple than pleasant tablet devices, intuitive smartphones, and a stunning stock price. The company continues chewing up market share and shipping computers at rates 10 to 12 times greater than PC manufacturers.
The ACSP (Apple Certified Support Professional) designation helps IT pros demonstrate expertise supporting Mac OS X clients. Engineers, particularly Windows support pros and administrators increasingly encountering Macs, will be well served completing Apple’s certification rack for technical support personnel. Benefits include not only another bullet for the resume but an understanding of Apple’s official processes for installing, setting up, troubleshooting, and maintaining Mac client machines.
9: Network+ / A+
Yes, CompTIA’s Network+ and A+ designations are, technically, two separate certifications. But they’re both critical certs that test absolute fundamentals that every IT pro needs to completely understand.
In fact, there’s an argument to be made that all IT pros should have both of these accreditations on their resumes. CompTIA is a well-respected, vendor-neutral (though vendor-supported) organization that continually develops and administers relevant certifications. The network, hardware, and software skills tested on the Network+ and A+ exams are basics that every self-respecting tech professional should master, whether they’re performing budgeting tasks, deploying client machines, managing site-wide migrations, overseeing security, or administering networks and servers.
10: CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician
With an aging population, U.S.-based IT pros (in particular) should consider earning CompTIA’s Healthcare IT Technician credential. Obviously, if you work in manufacturing, the credential may be a stretch. But manufacturers frequently lay off staff. And many others produce material for health-related purposes.
See where I’m headed?
The interest surrounding health-related technology is almost unparalleled. Look around the city where you live. During the recession, where have you seen growth? Are there lots of new bookstores opening? How about new single-family home developments?
Seeing lots of new manufacturing centers?
Doubtful. Like many, you’re probably seeing new medical services offices, immediate care centers, hospitals, outpatient facilities, dental practices, and similar health-related businesses.
They all need IT support. Support technicians, administrators, engineers, managers, and especially consultants who want to position themselves well for the future will do well to demonstrate their proficiency with health care technology’s regulatory requirements, organizational behaviors, technical processes, medical business operations, and security requirements. IT pros could do worse with their time, that’s for sure.
Takeaway: The certification landscape changes as swiftly as the technologies you support. Erik Eckel looks at the certs that are currently relevant and valuable to IT pros.
When it comes to IT skills and expertise, there are all kinds of “best certification” lists. Pundits are quick to add the safe bets: Cisco’s CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), Red Hat’s RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer), and other popular choices.
This isn’t that list.
Based on years of experience meeting with clients and organizations too numerous to count, I’ve built this list with the idea of cataloging the IT industry’s 10 most practical, in-demand certifications. That’s why I think these are the best; these are the skills clients repeatedly demonstrate they need most. In this list, I justify each selection and the order in which these accreditations are ranked.
1: MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
I love Apple technologies. The hardware’s awesome, the software’s intuitive and their systems make it easy to get things done fast while remaining secure. But it’s a Windows world. Make no mistake. Most every Mac I deploy (and Mac sales are up 20 to 25 percent) is connected to a back-end Windows server. Windows server experts, however, can prove hard to find.
IT pros who have an MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional): Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 accreditation demonstrate significant, measurable proficiency with Active Directory, configuring network and application infrastructures, enterprise environments, and (if they’ve chosen well) the Windows 7 client OS.
That’s an incredibly strong skill set that everyone from small businesses to enterprise organizations require. Add this line to your resume, and you may be all set to find another job should your current employer downsize.
Honorable mentions for the top spot include the MCITP: Virtualization Administrator on Windows Server 2008 R2 and MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator on Exchange 2010. Microsoft Exchange owns the SMB space. Virtualization initiatives are only getting started and will dominate technology sectors for the next decade at least. Administrators who can knowledgeably navigate Microsoft’s virtualization and email platforms will only grow in importance.
2: MCTS
Not everyone has time to sit as many exams as an MCITP requires. The MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) certification is among the smartest accreditations an engineer can currently chase. As mentioned above, it’s a Windows world. Adding an MCTS certification in Exchange, SharePoint, Virtualization, Windows Client, or Windows Server will strengthen a resume.
There is no downside to any of these MCTS accreditations. Each of the above tracks provides candidates with an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency with specific technologies that organizations worldwide struggle to effectively design, implement, and maintain every day.
3: VCP
Virtualization is all the rage. It makes sense. Hardware manufacturers keep cranking out faster and faster servers that can store more and more data. Tons of servers sit in data centers using just fractions of their capacities. Virtualization, which enables running multiple virtual server instances on the same physical chassis, will continue growing in importance as organizations strive to maximize technology infrastructure investments.
VMware is a leading producer of virtualization software. Tech pros earning VCP (VMware Certified Professional) certification give employers (both current and future) confidence they can implement and maintain VMware-powered virtual environments. And if you talk to the techs responsible for maintaining data centers, you’ll frequently hear that VMware remains a favorite over Microsoft’s Hyper-V alternative, although most sober IT pros will have to admit Hyper-V is improving and closing the gap.
4: CCNA
The next politically correct certification to list is the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert). However, that’s a massive exam that few professionals realistically will ever have an opportunity to obtain. And while Cisco equipment frequently composes the network backbone, fueling numerous medium and large organizations, most organizations don’t need a CCIE and don’t have the resources to pay one.
That’s why I believe the more fundamental CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is a smart bet. A CCNA can help technology pros better familiarize themselves with the network OS’s fundamentals, while simultaneously strengthening their resume. Particularly motivated candidates can proceed to earn a CCNA Security certification, as the network security focus is a critical component of enterprise systems.
5: CSSA
In early 2012, Dell announced its pending acquisition of SonicWALL. There’s a reason Dell is buying the hardware manufacturer: SonicWALL has made great strides within the SMB unified threat management market.
Someone needs to be able to configure and troubleshoot those devices. The CSSA (Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator) certification not only proves proficiency in installing and administering the company’s devices, certified professionals receive direct access to tier two support staff and beta testing programs.
Organizations are always going to require network devices to fulfill firewall, routing, and threat management services. SonicWALL has carved out quite a bit of market share — so much so that it will now have the marketing might of Dell helping fuel additional growth. Knowing how to configure the devices will help IT pros, particularly those who support numerous small businesses.
6: PMP
Too many chiefs isn’t an IT problem I hear or read much about. Instead, it seems there’s a lack of IT pros capable of sizing up a project’s needs, determining required resources and dependencies, developing a realistic schedule, and managing a technical initiative.
The Project Management Institute is a nonprofit group that administers the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. The exam isn’t designed to earn a profit or motivate IT pros to learn its product and become unofficial sales cheerleaders. The PMP certifies candidates’ ability to plan, budget, and complete projects efficiently, on time, and without cost overruns. Those are skills most every medium and large business needs within its IS department and such ability isn’t going to be replaced by an app or third-party developer in our lifetimes.
7: CISSP
If you want to specialize in security, the (ISC)² (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.), which administers the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) accreditation, is your organization. Its vendor-neutral certification has a reputation as one of the best vendor-neutral security certs.
Organizations’ data, networks, and systems are increasingly coming under attack due to the value of personal, corporate, customer, and sensitive proprietary information. So individuals who demonstrate measurable success and understanding in architecting, designing, managing, and administering secure environments, developing secure policies, and maintaining secure procedures will stand out from the pack. In addition, the knowledge gained while earning the certification helps practitioners remain current with the latest legal regulations, best practices, and developments impacting security.
8: ACSP
There’s more to the energy surrounding Apple than pleasant tablet devices, intuitive smartphones, and a stunning stock price. The company continues chewing up market share and shipping computers at rates 10 to 12 times greater than PC manufacturers.
The ACSP (Apple Certified Support Professional) designation helps IT pros demonstrate expertise supporting Mac OS X clients. Engineers, particularly Windows support pros and administrators increasingly encountering Macs, will be well served completing Apple’s certification rack for technical support personnel. Benefits include not only another bullet for the resume but an understanding of Apple’s official processes for installing, setting up, troubleshooting, and maintaining Mac client machines.
9: Network+ / A+
Yes, CompTIA’s Network+ and A+ designations are, technically, two separate certifications. But they’re both critical certs that test absolute fundamentals that every IT pro needs to completely understand.
In fact, there’s an argument to be made that all IT pros should have both of these accreditations on their resumes. CompTIA is a well-respected, vendor-neutral (though vendor-supported) organization that continually develops and administers relevant certifications. The network, hardware, and software skills tested on the Network+ and A+ exams are basics that every self-respecting tech professional should master, whether they’re performing budgeting tasks, deploying client machines, managing site-wide migrations, overseeing security, or administering networks and servers.
10: CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician
With an aging population, U.S.-based IT pros (in particular) should consider earning CompTIA’s Healthcare IT Technician credential. Obviously, if you work in manufacturing, the credential may be a stretch. But manufacturers frequently lay off staff. And many others produce material for health-related purposes.
See where I’m headed?
The interest surrounding health-related technology is almost unparalleled. Look around the city where you live. During the recession, where have you seen growth? Are there lots of new bookstores opening? How about new single-family home developments?
Seeing lots of new manufacturing centers?
Doubtful. Like many, you’re probably seeing new medical services offices, immediate care centers, hospitals, outpatient facilities, dental practices, and similar health-related businesses.
They all need IT support. Support technicians, administrators, engineers, managers, and especially consultants who want to position themselves well for the future will do well to demonstrate their proficiency with health care technology’s regulatory requirements, organizational behaviors, technical processes, medical business operations, and security requirements. IT pros could do worse with their time, that’s for sure.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
by ANGEL L. RAMOS
Do you want to know the truth or what I think you want to hear?
How many times has this question come up in your mind during a job interview? The majority of job interviews consists of “pat questions” that you can find answers to in one of those job interview books or yahoo career articles from so called job experts on the best way to give a pre-canned answer. Speaking of which, here’s a great one to check out-
Would it be best to just pre-answer these questions via email and save everyone a lot of time?
Let’s cut to the chase…
Employers want to know three things:
Can you do the job?
Will you fit in?
How much will it cost me?
Interviewee should want to know:
What are your needs?
How can I help you?
What is your long-term vision?
Unfortunately, part of the job interview process is having to sit through these often uncomfortable interviews and be prepared to answer questions like: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I always wanted to answer this question with something like “sitting in your seat” or “CEO of the company”. Realistically you’re taking a huge risk with these answers. On the other hand, I have lost out on job opportunities because I didn’t give this answer.
So how do you answer a question like this? I really can’t tell you the right way to answer this question. I do know that some approaches work better than others.
I took this question to my good friend Derek Sudduth, a Career Transition Counselor at a local USMC installation.
This is what he had to say:
First, to answer the question you have to understand what the potential employer is really asking. They want to know, “Are you worth the initial investment? If I hire you, will I have to hire again in six months to a year? Or are you looking for something long term?”
It can also be said that they are looking for someone with ambition.
There are several ways the question could be answered but a safe bet is to provide a realistic, professional goal-oriented answer; one that shows interest in the business and how that business fits your long-term goals.
As an example, you may say, “Professionally, I am interested in advancing my knowledge of the financial industry. My goal is to be working as a professional financial planner. The experience your company offers will be extremely beneficial.”
Adding to this, it’s also a good idea to show flexibility in your plan, “Although this is my goal, I am open to opportunity and flexible with my plan.”
If your answer shows personal and professional growth, and openness to opportunity, you can’t go wrong.
This question also lends an opportunity to show the potential employer what we know about their company. For example, “Well, I understand that your organization has a case management department that assists client with their benefits. I would like to prove my capabilities, and with time, earn a spot on that team. I am however always open to opportunity.”
Again, ensure your goals are positive; show progression, and openness to new opportunities.
Do you want to know the truth or what I think you want to hear?
How many times has this question come up in your mind during a job interview? The majority of job interviews consists of “pat questions” that you can find answers to in one of those job interview books or yahoo career articles from so called job experts on the best way to give a pre-canned answer. Speaking of which, here’s a great one to check out-
Would it be best to just pre-answer these questions via email and save everyone a lot of time?
Let’s cut to the chase…
Employers want to know three things:
Can you do the job?
Will you fit in?
How much will it cost me?
Interviewee should want to know:
What are your needs?
How can I help you?
What is your long-term vision?
Unfortunately, part of the job interview process is having to sit through these often uncomfortable interviews and be prepared to answer questions like: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I always wanted to answer this question with something like “sitting in your seat” or “CEO of the company”. Realistically you’re taking a huge risk with these answers. On the other hand, I have lost out on job opportunities because I didn’t give this answer.
So how do you answer a question like this? I really can’t tell you the right way to answer this question. I do know that some approaches work better than others.
I took this question to my good friend Derek Sudduth, a Career Transition Counselor at a local USMC installation.
This is what he had to say:
First, to answer the question you have to understand what the potential employer is really asking. They want to know, “Are you worth the initial investment? If I hire you, will I have to hire again in six months to a year? Or are you looking for something long term?”
It can also be said that they are looking for someone with ambition.
There are several ways the question could be answered but a safe bet is to provide a realistic, professional goal-oriented answer; one that shows interest in the business and how that business fits your long-term goals.
As an example, you may say, “Professionally, I am interested in advancing my knowledge of the financial industry. My goal is to be working as a professional financial planner. The experience your company offers will be extremely beneficial.”
Adding to this, it’s also a good idea to show flexibility in your plan, “Although this is my goal, I am open to opportunity and flexible with my plan.”
If your answer shows personal and professional growth, and openness to opportunity, you can’t go wrong.
This question also lends an opportunity to show the potential employer what we know about their company. For example, “Well, I understand that your organization has a case management department that assists client with their benefits. I would like to prove my capabilities, and with time, earn a spot on that team. I am however always open to opportunity.”
Again, ensure your goals are positive; show progression, and openness to new opportunities.
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Number One Mistake People Interview Are Making These Days
Jessica Liebman
I'm the Managing Editor of Business Insider, in charge of all our editorial hiring.
I wrote a post last week about the number one mistake people I interview are making these days: They don't send thank you notes.
If I don't get a thank you note, I assume the person doesn't want the job, is disorganized, and I'll likely forget about them.
The thank you should say a few things:
• Thank you for meeting (or talking) with me.
• I really want this job.
• Quick plug about why I'm perfect for it.
Since my post went up, I've gotten scores of emails asking the same question: Should I send a handwritten or electronic thank you note?
While it varies depending on the industry, I'd strongly suggest going with the email. Here's why:
Dangers of the handwritten thank you:
• There's a delay. I'm a firm believer in following up with a thank you note less than 24 hours after the interview, while you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind.
• The letter might never get to your interviewer. It could get lost in the mail, the secretary could throw it out, it could end up in a pile of envelopes that don't get opened for months.
• It feels old. It's 2012. Sending a handwritten note just feels ancient to me. Especially if you're up for a job in the Internet industry. Be current.
• The chances of the interviewer writing back to you are less. The letter feels more final.
Why the email thank you works:
• You can send it the day of your interview to show just how eager you are.
• You know it will at least find its way into the interviewer's inbox. Whether they read it or not is a different story.
• If the interviewer ever searches for your name in their email, the note will pop up and remind them that you followed up and really want the job.
• You can easily tailor it to the vibe of the interview. It can be as casual or as formal as you decide. Handwritten notes always feel too formal to me.
• The interviewer might write back to you. The email will be open on their computer, and there's a bigger chance they'll respond, or ask you a follow-up question, or continue the conversation.
I'm the Managing Editor of Business Insider, in charge of all our editorial hiring.
I wrote a post last week about the number one mistake people I interview are making these days: They don't send thank you notes.
If I don't get a thank you note, I assume the person doesn't want the job, is disorganized, and I'll likely forget about them.
The thank you should say a few things:
• Thank you for meeting (or talking) with me.
• I really want this job.
• Quick plug about why I'm perfect for it.
Since my post went up, I've gotten scores of emails asking the same question: Should I send a handwritten or electronic thank you note?
While it varies depending on the industry, I'd strongly suggest going with the email. Here's why:
Dangers of the handwritten thank you:
• There's a delay. I'm a firm believer in following up with a thank you note less than 24 hours after the interview, while you're still fresh in the interviewer's mind.
• The letter might never get to your interviewer. It could get lost in the mail, the secretary could throw it out, it could end up in a pile of envelopes that don't get opened for months.
• It feels old. It's 2012. Sending a handwritten note just feels ancient to me. Especially if you're up for a job in the Internet industry. Be current.
• The chances of the interviewer writing back to you are less. The letter feels more final.
Why the email thank you works:
• You can send it the day of your interview to show just how eager you are.
• You know it will at least find its way into the interviewer's inbox. Whether they read it or not is a different story.
• If the interviewer ever searches for your name in their email, the note will pop up and remind them that you followed up and really want the job.
• You can easily tailor it to the vibe of the interview. It can be as casual or as formal as you decide. Handwritten notes always feel too formal to me.
• The interviewer might write back to you. The email will be open on their computer, and there's a bigger chance they'll respond, or ask you a follow-up question, or continue the conversation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
