Since the 1960s software engineers, lawyers, and academics have been arguing over the pros and cons of software patents, and to this day no resolution has been reached as to how to legally secure intellectual property rights of formulated lines of code. With the inception of mobile applications utilized by smart phone and tablets – made by software giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Motorola – patent-eligibility once again finds itself center stage in nationwide and international debate. (more…)

Conditions may differ around the country but there’s no doubt about it: temperatures are definitely on the rise, heavy winter coats are finally being mothballed, and summer is almost here! You may be tempted to put your job search on hiatus in favor of grilling, picnicking, biking, swimming, vacationing, or any number of other things that bring you out into the beautiful summer weather. By all means, make time for those activities but don’t neglect your job search until autumn. You may miss out on a great window of opportunity. (more…)

Everyone’s familiar with the old computer nerd stereotype: the code monkey with his eyes glued to the screen, tapping away at his keyboard, and awkwardly avoiding interaction with anyone else in the office.

But as the IT field becomes evermore ubiquitous in every workplace, this stereotype has become grossly outdated. And while even the best IT folks may geek out over the hottest new tech releases, the truth is that the emotional intelligence – the capacity to both identify and regulate emotions in yourself and others – is an increasingly important trait for those in Information Technology. (more…)

Whether you are working in or looking to break into the Information Technology industry, possessing excellent writing skills is important. But with so much focus on math and sciences in college it is easy to brush off English courses, and most universities only require math and science majors to take one or two classes. However there are not many jobs in any industry that do not require good writing skills, and poor skills may even leave you at a disadvantage when searching for employment.

Why are writing skills even necessary?

If you have ever struggled to write a cover letter, resume, or anything related to your career you should know the importance of good writing. Every career path requires its workers to write notes, memos, emails, and reports, all of which require good writing skills to effectively communicate a certain set of ideas. Poor writing skills can be a red flag to employers that you are not fit for management positions, and are often read as signs of lower intelligence. (more…)

Writing a resume, though not always fun, can be enlightening for job seekers. It can help us recognize which skills are razor sharp and which are choked up by rust. Think of your skills as a faucet controlling the flow of water into a sink. When a talent is regularly used, your output flows quickly and cleanly. When a talent sits idle for a while, your output can sputter to a start with a slow, yellow tinted flow before getting back to that 100% effort. (more…)

So you’ve finished tailoring your cover letter to a particular company and position and now you are ready to email it to a potential employer, but you’re not exactly sure how to go about it. It isn’t like folding a piece of paper in thirds and stamping an envelope. The digital age may have changed how we send resumes, but there are still guidelines that you can follow to help your chances at impressing a hiring manager in the digital age.

Fix your email address

It’s shocking how many people still make this mistake, so it must be said. Hiring managers will open resumes from Yourname@website.com. Resumes from BeerChugger@website.com will get your application sent to the trash. Keep your work and social life separate. (more…)

The tactics involved in searching for a job are not much different from those used in war, and there are certain bits of wisdom that can be taken from military engagements that can help you reach your goal.

In The Art of War, the renowned Chinese tactician Sun Tzu breaks down the strategy of going to war into thirteen parts, each of which can be interpreted as steps to helping you land a job.

Laying Plans/The Calculations

Whether you are a first time job seeker, recently unemployed, or just looking for a better opportunity it is important to take a moment to consider the journey you are about to embark on. Prepare yourself, focus on your goals, and then set out to accomplish them. Most importantly, remember to think of the companies you will be applying for as allies who present great opportunities, not as enemies who must be defeated. The real enemy is the stress, confusion, and difficulty of finding a job. (more…)

Sure, children are stubborn, whiny, and often hard to deal with. They also possess some of the most fearless and creative minds in the world, a trait that should be made second nature to anyone in the workforce. Strange as it may sound, there are many traits that children have that can be useful when applied correctly to your work, and they don’t involve throwing tantrums or picking your nose.

Children do not take no for an answer

If you have ever told a child they can’t do something you will know that they rarely take no for an answer. This stubborn trait can prove useful at work. “It cannot be done” and “It’s just not possible” are the two worst replies you can hear when you put forth an idea at work, but they are not always binding. Stubborn determination helps when trying to perfect an idea, and refusing to take no for an answer allows for future breakthroughs. It may not be possible now, but with some dedication you can make it possible down the road. (more…)

The other day, I had two interviews scheduled with two promising candidates. On paper, they both had a good deal to offer and going into the interview, I was eager to hear their responses to my questions. In fact, I didn’t even think that I was going to be able to decide after only one interview.

Both arrived on time, were well dressed, and were friendly with everyone they met. Back in my office, we exchanged small talk and both seemed to be genuine, pleasant people. Then, we jumped into the meat of the interview. I started by asking both, “What are you most proud of in your career?” (more…)

Finding a new job can be a long and arduous process that most people want to endure only if they absolutely have to.  No one frequents job interviews purely for the fun of it.  Because of this many people who are unhappy with their current positions are often hesitant to seek out other opportunities.  Sure it is hard to find, apply for, and adjust to a new job, but doing so can be the best move for not only your career but your personal happiness as well.

There are many signs that your current position may be either holding back your career or causing you to be unhappy at your job.  Recognizing them could be just the motivation you need to find a better niche for yourself in the work force.

Your quality of work decreases

Boredom or disinterest should be the number one sign that you are unhappy at your job.  You should have a vested interest in your work.  Most importantly, you should like what you do.  You know it is time for a change when the quality of your work is decreases because you have little interest in your assignments.  Pay attention to how you conduct yourself at work.  Do you find yourself procrastinating or vigorously working?

Motivation is the number one key to proving your worth to a company, and the lack of it could cost you your job.  Companies are not interested in holding on to someone who merely completes their work just to get it done.  Make it a point to seek out a job that compels you complete the work to the best of your ability. (more…)