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Explore essential insights for navigating the IT job market successfully. Learn what employers seek, top skill sets in demand, hot industries, resume and interview tips, and follow-up strategies. Stay ahead with Robert Half's expertise.
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Navigating Today’s IT Employment Market ((George Ford)) ((Branch Manager Consulting Services))
Company Overview • Robert Half International Inc. • Founded in 1948 • Listed as one of the best big companies, nationally and globally • Pioneer in specialized staffing services • Robert Half Technology • Provides highly skilled IT professionals • Conducts ongoing research on IT workplace trends • Respected resource on IT hiring and employment
What You Need to Know to Succeed • What Employers are Looking for • Developing a Winning Resume • Acing the Interview • Follow-up Strategies
Top Skill Sets in Demand Infrastructure • Help Desk • Desk Top Support / PC Tech • Systems Administrator (Windows/Unix) Development • .NET Developers (VB.net, ASP.net, C#) • Java / J2EE • SQL Developer / DBA
Skills and Abilities in Demand • Communication skills • Business fundamentals • Interpersonal skills • Bottom-line contribution
Hot Industries • Industries projecting strong growth in 2006: • Real estate • Manufacturing • Business services • Banking and financial services
What Employers Are Looking For • A good “fit” • The ability to multitask • Strong soft skills
Strong Soft Skills • Teamwork • Listening skills • Diplomacy and tact • 97% of CIOs said that, when hiring, they look for well-developed communication skills and business acumen
Resume Tips • Do your homework • Address resumes to specific individuals • Customize your resume to match job requirements
Preparing a Resume • List the technologies you know • Summarize your education • List awards and recognition • Include non-industry work experience • List internships, experience
Preparing a Resume • Avoid misrepresenting your education or experiences • Don’t list references • Don’t give the reason for leaving a previous job • Keep resume and cover letter professional
Crafting the Cover Letter • Research the firm thoroughly • Tailor the letter to the specific job and company • Explain how your background meets the firm’s needs • Highlight your knowledge of the field and the position requirements
Acing the Interview • Research the company • Organize the day before • Arrive a few minutes early • Make a good first impression • Dress Professionally
Common Interview Questions • Tell me a little about yourself • What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses? • How well do you work as part of a team?
Avoid Interview Blunders • Answering (or even bringing in) your cell phone • Appearing too relaxed or casual • Extremely brief or overly lengthy responses • Appear confident, but not overly confident • Show Interest
Follow-Up Strategies • Write a follow-up letter that: • Expresses gratitude • Reinforces interest in the job • Recaps your strong points • Continue your search • Make a follow-up call • Don’t pester
Tips / Offerings from RHT • What if I have no work experience? • Stay Current – develop new skills • Free Online Training Courses • Salary Guide
Navigating Today’s IT Employment Market ((George Ford)) ((Branch Manager Consulting Services)) www.rht.com