TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

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The Certification Question

If you’re just beginning your career in IT, you’ve probably heard about technical certifications. Unlike attorneys or accountants, who are required to obtain certifications as part of their ongoing education, IT designations are optional. And with hundreds of certifications available and more continually emerging in the IT field, it’s hard to know if it’s worth pursuing a designation and, if you do, which one would aid you in getting a job.

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Generation Now: How to Attract and Retain Millennial Workers

They don’t remember a time without computers, they actually like to ask their parents for advice, and the idea of “paying your dues” seems antiquated to them. Millennials, also known as Generation Y, is a group that consists of more than 80 million individuals born approximately between 1979 and 1999. Many are already out of college and in the business world, while others are still in elementary school.

IT Careers Podcast Series

Welcome to Robert Half Technology’s new Podcast series for IT professionals. Listen for some information about IT skills in demand, why a small company might be a good place to cut your teeth and how your interests outside of work can differentiate you from the pack.

Managing Your Digital Imprint

The line between personal and professional life has become increasingly blurred: We frequently work from home, send off our dry cleaning from the office, and, if we want to find out about a colleague’s favorite restaurant or music genre, we simply log onto Facebook or MySpace. The rise of social networking sites such as these, along with the fuzzy lines between public and private, make it easy to assume that the more information you have out there about yourself, the better.

Hiring Outlook 2008: IT’s “Most Wanted” Skills

No matter where the overall economy is headed, the outlook for IT professionals remains bright as 2008 gets underway. Indeed, despite some signs of economic uncertainty in the past few months, the IT industry continues to thrive. In a September 2007 poll by CIO.com, 58 percent of IT executives said the current credit crunch would not affect their budgets.

For Sale: Skills That Can Help Your IT Career

When you consider the skills that contribute to your success as an IT professional, “sales” is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, as investments in technology and new regulatory requirements have raised the visibility of those working in IT, more skills and knowledge are required of a typical practitioner.

Improving Communication With Different Types of Coworkers

There are few things that can make your job more frustrating than a miscommunication between you and someone you work with on a daily basis. As an IT professional, you likely interact with a wide variety of individuals – from a colleague in the accounting department to your CFO – and your ability to communicate effectively can affect your future job prospects.

Developing Your Soft Skills

While technical know-how has always been integral to career success, today’s workplace requires that the most successful IT professionals possess excellent interpersonal skills as well. These so-called “soft skills” play a key role in your ability to excel at your job.

Knock ‘Em Dead Your First Month on the Job

You’ve just accepted a job as a network administrator at a large company after spending five years in a similar position at a small firm. The position is likely to be more challenging than your last one, and the people, policies and procedures will be unfamiliar to you.  

Navigating a Career Crossroads

It’s not uncommon for IT professionals, having reached a certain level of career success and experience, to find themselves at a crossroads, feeling disengaged or uninspired. This can happen for a number of reasons: It can be a result of the responsibilities of being in management, no longer working hands-on with technology, a work-life balance issue, or frustration with office politics, to name a few.

Start Your IT Career at the Help Desk

Whether you’re a recent college graduate, an entry-level professional or transitioning from another profession, it’s often challenging to figure out how to break into the IT field.

Researching Target Employers

You’ve been reading about a local company’s expansion plans and would love to work for it. But after searching the firm’s website, you don’t find any job listings for IT professionals. So how do you go about getting a job there?  

An Experienced Job Seeker? Here’s How to Move Your Career Forward

As a baby boomer, you may have colleagues and friends who are already beginning to retire, causing you to examine your own career path and potential next steps. The good news is that many businesses are launching critical IT initiatives and need experienced professionals like you to guide these projects. If you possess the right skill set, you may be in demand.   

How to Start Your IT Career on the Right Foot

There’s good news for entry-level professionals looking to break into IT. According to the Robert Half Technology 2007 Salary Guide, average starting salaries for technology professionals across the United States will rise 2.8 percent in 2007.   

Ten Ways to Make Your Cover Letter Count

Sending a resume without a cover letter is like arriving to an employment interview in torn jeans and flip-flops: Chances are you won’t make it to the next stage in the hiring process.

Are Employers Looking for You?

There’s good news for those searching for jobs in the technology field now and in the year ahead. Business expansion and increasing investments in technology are driving demand for skilled information technology (IT) professionals across North America. 

The Benefits of a Consulting Career

If you’re ready to make a change in your career, now may be the time to take action. As the economy improves and businesses begin investing in technology once again, job opportunities for information technology (IT) professionals are increasing.

Five Mistakes to Avoid During Informational Interviews

Informational interviews can be a tremendous resource if you’re looking for a new job or trying to learn more about a company, industry or information technology (IT) specialty. By talking to people about their line of work, you can gain valuable firsthand insight.

Acquiring New Skills

For most IT professionals, working with constantly changing technology is one of the most exciting aspects of the job. But keeping up with new developments can also be one of your biggest challenges. Nonetheless, it’s essential to regularly refresh your knowledge in the field to ensure your skills remain in demand.

Networking for the Non-Extrovert

If you’re not outgoing by nature, the idea of networking probably creates the same level of anxiety that speaking before a large crowd or delivering a high-level presentation generates. You would likely prefer to avoid the experience altogether.

Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. The company has more than 100 locations worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.rht.com.