Navigating Today

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Navigating Todays IT Employment Market
((George Ford)) ((Branch Manager Consulting
Services))

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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

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What You Need to Know to Succeed

• What Employers are Looking for
• Developing a Winning Resume
• Acing the Interview
• Follow-up Strategies

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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

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Skills and Abilities in Demand

• Communication skills
• Business fundamentals
• Interpersonal skills
• Bottom-line contribution

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Hot Industries

• Industries projecting strong growth in 2006
• Real estate
• Manufacturing
• Business services
• Banking and financial services

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What Employers Are Looking For

• A good fit
• The ability to multitask
• Strong soft skills

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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

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Resume Tips

• Do your homework
• Address resumes to specific individuals
• Customize your resume to match job requirements

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Preparing a Resume

• List the technologies you know
• Summarize your education
• List awards and recognition
• Include non-industry work experience
• List internships, experience

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Preparing a Resume

• Avoid misrepresenting your education or
  experiences
• Dont list references
• Dont give the reason for leaving a previous job
• Keep resume and cover letter professional

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Crafting the Cover Letter

• Research the firm thoroughly
• Tailor the letter to the specific job and
  company
• Explain how your background meets the firms
  needs
• Highlight your knowledge of the field and the
  position requirements

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Acing the Interview

• Research the company
• Organize the day before
• Arrive a few minutes early
• Make a good first impression
• Dress Professionally

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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?

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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

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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
• Dont pester

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Tips / Offerings from RHT

• What if I have no work experience?
• Stay Current develop new skills
• Free Online Training Courses
• Salary Guide

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Navigating Todays IT Employment Market
((George Ford)) ((Branch Manager Consulting
Services))

www.rht.com