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There are over 100,000 IT companies in the United States and over 2 million people working in IT. Every year, this industry continues to grow. According to SelectUSA.gov, the industry has been increasing revenues by four percent the past 10 years. There are many benefits in working in Informational Technology.

Always a need/ High Demand

There is no doubt that there will always be a need for IT professionals. They keep the company going smoothly and are the only people who really know the ins and outs of technology. Whether it’s a Network Engineer who looks at the company’s network or a Web Developer who designs and develops website and applications, these jobs are always in demand and growing.

Constant Change

In the technology world, everything is constantly changing. This makes your job more interesting. You will always be updating your skills and changing with the industry, which allows you to always be learning and discovering your strengths.

Good wages

IT is so important to maximize productivity and efficiency in a company, that many are willing to pay well to build a great team. Entry level positions can often start at $45,000 to $50,000. As you grow in the industry and gain more experience, the more firms are willing to pay. Senior .Net Developers can go up to $100,000 in salary depending on experience.

Great opportunity for growth

There are many different facets of an IT department, which often provides people with a lot of growth opportunities. Whether it’s moving up to a higher position, or going from one area of IT to another, there’s a range of interesting career paths you could take. As long as you’re working for a company that allows for growth, moving to different positions or getting promoted in IT is rarely a problem.

Information Technology is the new “it” industry. It’s constantly growing and changing, making it exciting every day. With the right skill sets and the right passion, this can be the industry for you. Good Luck.

p.s. If you join us on Facebook from now through January 31, 2012, you could WIN a Kindle Fire! Just like our page and sign up on the Happy New Year tab! Thanks for helping us build our online community!

-By Layla Nourahmadi

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According to a survey conducted by careerbuilder.com, more than one in five employers search social media networking sites for candidate screening purposes. Although lawyers advise against it, as it could open doors to discrimination lawsuits, the proof is the pudding. Employers are doing it anyway, and the question is: What are you doing to ensure a positive impression?

Career Builder also asked employers which internet behaviors took the most potential candidates out of the running.

List and percentages courtesy of careerbuilder.com

• Information about alcohol or drug use (41% of managers said this was a top concern)
• Inappropriate photos or information posted on a candidate’s page (40%)
• Poor communication skills (29%)
• Bad-mouthing of former employers or fellow employees (28%)
• Inaccurate qualifications (27%)
• Unprofessional screen names (22%)
• Notes showing links to criminal behavior (21%)
• Confidential information about past employers (19%)

Employers are looking at everything from Facebook pages and groups, to general message boards, and in this realm you really are “guilty by association.” Something as ostensibly insignificant as slang or improper grammar can convey a negative image to your potential employer. Generally, people (not just employers) stick to the old adage, “birds of a feather flock together,” so be sure to keep your website clear of any inappropriate comments or pictures, whether or not you are the author!

For these reasons, some may wonder why job seekers don’t just avoid social media altogether. The answer is, simply, because social media is not all bad! Social networking sites provide an excellent opportunity to play up your positive attributes and showcase your skills. So make social media work for you by using an employer’s interest in your internet persona to your advantage!

As a job seeker, the most important thing you can do for your digital image is display yourself in the most positive light imaginable. Update your statuses frequently, even casually mentioning your latest accomplishments, i.e., “It feels so good knowing that I built that software from the ground up, and saved the company millions of dollars!” Let your friends and family in on the deal too! A simple “good job on that last project…” from a friendly commenter will shine light in your favor. There’s no such thing as too many positive comments. Another resource which can be used in your favor are professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. Create a profile there, and link with other professionals in your same field. Professional networking sites are designed to make you look good, so be sure to take advantage of that!

If you already have a few spots on your digital image that don’t seem to want to disappear, don’t stress! There are a few things you can do to lessen the chances that a potential employer may stumble upon them. The most recent and relevant postings will always show up at the top of a traditional search engine results page. By increasing your recent internet presence, you in turn push the older (and possibly negative) search results to the bottom of the page. If you follow the steps above, the only thing a hiring manager will set eyes on is what you want them to: positive Facebook statuses, professional networking sites, intelligent conversations in IT forums, and complimentary comments from friends and family.

Think of social media as a fluid resume, of sorts. It enables you to express a more casual and personal impression, while still delivering your skills and qualifications in a neat little package. You can only win half the battle when you do not maintain a spotless digital image. Be sure to land your next big role with the help of a perfectly manicured message board!

p.s. If you join us on Facebook from now through January 31, 2012, you could WIN a Kindle Fire! Just like our page and sign up on the Happy New Year tab! Thanks for helping us build our online community!

-By Megan Oldag

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In the technological community, the value of IT Certifications has long been a topic of debate. In an effort to resolve the question of whether certifications play an integral role in career advancement or if they are of limited value, the job search website Dice, which services only the IT field, conducted a survey.

Dice polled 17,000 IT professionals to see which certifications proved to have the most “bang for your buck”. With many certifications staying current only a couple years, Dice wanted to know if the expense of recertifying would be an investment, with the return reflected as a salary increase, or if your recertification efforts would be in vain. The findings illustrate that certifications do not generate a guaranteed advancement up the company ladder. Employers want the entire package. Neither experience nor certifications alone will be enough to achieve your compensation goals. It’s the combination of both qualities which makes a successful employee. The Director of Dice Learning, Evan Lesser confirms, “When you combine in demand skill-sets and proven salary impacts, specific certifications become valuable to individual tech professionals.”

There are thousands of certifications available in the technological field, and some will have very little effect on your value to a company. “Not all certifications are created equal in terms of paycheck impact.” states Lesser. Additionally the survey noted that while many IT professionals possess certifications, few of them found a correlation between having multiple certifications and pay increases. So which certifications are the most beneficial to acquire and maintain throughout your career? Dice has created a comprehensive list of the Top 10 in demand certifications, and the certifications most likely to sky rocket your salary and career!

This list of top tech certifications, along with descriptions, courtesy Dice :

PMP
By earning the Project Management Professional certification, technology professionals prove they have the knowledge and skills necessary to shepherd projects to a successful conclusion, on-time, on-budget, and using the resources allocated. It’s a particularly important job today, when companies are beginning to resurrect projects they’d shelved during the downturn, but want them completed as cost-efficiently and quickly as possible. There are currently 1,400 jobs on Dice with PMP certification requested.

MCSE
Microsoft’s Certified Systems Engineers have shown they can design, implement and administer technology infrastructures using Microsoft 2000 Windows Server and other Windows server platforms. Sought by systems engineers, technical support engineers, system analysts, network analysts and technical consultants, the MCSE is for professionals who spend their time maintaining the basic platforms on which so much business is conducted. Nearly 1,000 available career opportunities request this certification.

A +
This vendor-neutral certification from the trade group CompTIA is a standard for tech-support technicians. By earning it, they’ve shown they can install networks, conduct preventative maintenance, secure them and troubleshoot them.

CNA
Cisco Certified Network Associates demonstrate their ability to install, configure, run and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. They’ve also proven themselves with security and wireless basics, and their ability to work with a number of protocols. Slightly more than 650 available job opportunities request the CCNA designation.

MCP
Microsoft Certified Professionals include developers, trainer, system architects and other tech professionals who want to spotlight their expertise with a range of Microsoft technologies.

Network
Another certification from CompTIA, the Network+ proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructures. It’s included in certification programs of tech leaders like Microsoft, Novell, Cisco and H-P.

CISSP
Security is a growing concern for businesses around the world, and this is the certification anyone truly interested in field wants to earn. Globally recognized as a standard for expertise, five years of experience in information security are needed before a professional can earn this certification. Nearly 750 open available career opportunities request this certification.

MCSA
The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification allows tech professionals to show off their expertise in systems administration and troubleshooting networks that use the Windows Server operating environment. It’s earned by systems administrators, network administrators, information systems administrators, network operations analysts, network technicians, and technical support specialists, among others.

ITIL
The three-tier ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) certification demonstrates the expertise of professionals in tech management. Public and private organizations use the ITIL as compendium of IT operational best practices. The Foundation Certificate shows a basic knowledge of ITIL terminology, Service Support and Service Delivery. The Practitioner Certificate demonstrates an understanding and ability to apply specific processes within IT Service Management. The Manager’s Certificate is obtained by demonstrating expertise in overseeing service management functions.

Security +
The CompTIA Security+ certification demonstrates knowledge of system security, network infrastructure, access control and organizational security – all important areas at a time when companies are investing real money to keep their technology platforms safe from cybersecurity threats.

p.s. If you join us on Facebook from now through January 31, 2012, you could WIN a Kindle Fire! Just like our page and sign up on the Happy New Year tab! Thanks for helping us build our online community!

-By Megan Oldag

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A plethora of online tests claim a link between our personalities and our preference of snack foods, animals, and even colors. Those kinds of tests consist of questions that only you would have the answer to. There is a less conspicuous personality marker that many employees may not be aware of. One that shouts loud and clear to your co-workers, prospective clients, and bosses about what kind of person you are. With most Americans spending longer days at the office, and more time away from home, it’s easy to see why the desk has become such a magnet for self-expression.

The picture someone’s desk paints can also be an important clue into how your office and team members function together in the workplace. When an employer can deduce their team’s personalities from their desks, they can get a better idea of how to increase performance and productivity.

As innocent as family photos and bobble head frogs may seem, you need to be certain of what your desk is saying to the people around you. We subconsciously judge a person within the first thirty seconds of setting eyes on them. See which category below you fall in to, and what you can do to rid yourself of the “Detrimental Desk”!

“Post-It-Palooza”
Desks covered in post-it’s show a certain level of disorganization. But don’t get discouraged, it also shows that you’re trying! Rather than advertising that you don’t have the best memory, try using a task list or another digital equivalent of a string around your finger.

“Photo Frenzy”
Pictures of family and friends can convey that this person is more of a “people’s person,” and is motivated by relationships in and out of the office. Photographs of yourself and your significant other from last summer show the viewer that you have a stable work-life balance. While pictures of your children show that you have roots. It is possible, however, to over document the happenings of your personal life. Too many family photos could look like you are distracted and would rather be at home than at work. Even if you’d rather be, it’s best that you don’t flaunt it!

“Fanatical Fan”
Sports paraphernalia may be one of the most “dangerous games” you can play in an office environment. By plastering images of your favorite sports team on everything from mugs to mouse pads, you could be inadvertently creating an instant office rivalry. A sports background does show an inherent ability and understanding of how to work on a team. But sporting mascots from a different city can cause tension in the workplace. If you choose to personalize your space with sports teams, just be sure you represent the city you are in!

“The Sweetest Thing”
Employees whose desks are laden with overflowing bowls of candy are generally very giving. They like to make people happy and are conscientious of others. Candy bowls can also show that you like to socialize, and the negative connotation of socialize is the “office gossip.” If you genuinely like to have “visitors” swing by and chat while picking up their sweets, just be sure to keep it professional. Don’t talk about other co-workers or confidential business practices. You don’t know who is privileged to what information, and more importantly who is not. When someone spills the “jelly beans” that you are the information source, it could be disastrous to your career!

While personality analysis via Desktop Décor is a fun and fascinating topic, it actually proves to be quite a serious way for employers to gather information of who we really are. By following the tips in each category and making small adjustments to your surroundings, you will be able to maintain a positive work station portrayal, and still express your individuality.

- By Megan Oldag

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Social networking is growing each and every day, but there are still a lot of job seekers out there who are avoiding it, saying it’s confusing, a passing fad, or not worth the time. But the truth is, there are so many opportunities in this world, and social networking helps us to reach a larger audience and make the world a smaller place. And ultimately, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Meetups, and more can really make a huge difference in the job search.

But why? Why put the time into social networking during your job search?

Simply, because there are a lot of hidden opportunities out there that only surface in the world of social media. Surprisingly, very few companies actually advertise their open positions on typical online job boards. Instead, they may tweet about it, or post it on another social network.

The fast paced world of social media caters perfectly to an employer’s sense of urgency in filling a position. Plus, those job seekers who effectively and efficiently use social media in their job search are typically more tech-savvy than their job-board-dwelling counterparts.

For these reasons, it’s important to stay on top of your social networking sites. The world is constantly changing and growing, and social networking is becoming more and more useful and common. Who knows, maybe your next opportunity is only a tweet away.

-By Tina Lopez

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Finding a new career opportunity can be frustrating, but working with a recruiter can help take some stress off your shoulders. Once you’ve found a good recruiter to help you, it is important to maintain a good relationship with them. When there is a positive connection between you and your recruiter, the better the outcome will be. Here are a few basic rules:

Two heads are better than one. – Basically, your recruiter is your second head. They are devoted to finding you a position that will be your best fit in a great company. Does that goal sound familiar? Most likely, that is exactly what you want as well. In aiming for the same goal, it is best to create a partnership. They are here to help you, so keep lines of communication open. Ask any questions you have, and always return their phone calls and emails.

Tell them the good, bad and ugly. – As difficult as it may sometimes seem, the more information you give your recruiter, the better insight they will gain. This even includes any details you may typically avoid, like what you did during your 3 month gap of unemployment or what your current salary is. Also, give honest and detailed feedback about any interviews your recruiter send you on – even if you disliked the company or are afraid you messed up. Remember, you both have the same goal, so every piece of information helps.

Honesty is the best policy! – Holding information from your recruiter will only hurt you in the long run. Recruiters are here to help you, and they value someone who is being honest. For example, it may be tempting to embellish how well you know a certain skill set, but any technical screening a company may conduct will reveal the truth. Or, if at any stage in the process you land another interview or receive a job offer for somewhere else, tell your recruiter. This will give them a good direction of what you’re looking for, should you continue to use their services. Plus, it helps save both their and your time.

As long as you follow these basic guidelines, your relationship with the recruiter will be strong, and great opportunities will follow. Just remember that they are here to help you. Good Luck!

-By Layla Nourahmadi

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It’s a tough job market out there. Even in industries that have plenty of jobs to offer, like in IT, hiring managers are so inundated with resumes that your job search seems tougher than ever. If the weeks or even months seem to be dragging on forever, here are two essential tactics to unemployment survival.

1. Evaluate your job search approach. If you’re not seeing any results from your job search, it may be time to really look at what you’re doing to see where your methods need improvement. Maybe you’re not customizing your resume to each company. Maybe your online presence isn’t as cleaned up as it should be. Maybe you’re lured in by the job boards and haven’t tried any other approaches. Whatever your situation, it may be time to take a long hard look at your job search techniques and see where you can improve.

2. Take care of yourself. It’s easy to get desperate during long-term unemployment, and it’s then when you easily forget that if you’re burned out and depressed, your job search is going to suffer, too. You must put yourself before your job search, so focus on getting healthy in body and mind. This of course includes good nutrition practices and exercise, but also, activities like your hobbies, side projects, and volunteering all help boost your spirits.

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There is a recent trend towards telecommuting that seems to be growing steadily, the reasons for which range from a sense of environmentalism to work-life balance and more. It appears like a great perk to any job, but the problem is, not everyone is cut out for it, and if you’re new to the practice of telecommuting, it may be harder than you first thought. If you find yourself faced with the option of working from home, make sure you consider the following points.

Dealing with Distractions. Sure, you no longer have to deal with that annoying coworker hanging over your shoulder, but now you have your pets, kids, dishes, mailman, neighbor’s music, and the tempting TV to distract you. Make sure wherever you’re working is a quiet space that keeps you as far from those distractions as possible.

Keeping Communicating. Telecommuting means less face-time with your coworkers and less supervision from your boss. This lack of interaction can be a problem for some people who are motivated by a team environment. For others, a quiet, distraction-free space is best. Either way, make sure you keep in frequent contact with your boss or team members. Some companies implement frequent Skype sessions for those who work from home, but even just frequent emails and especially phone calls can help.

Drawing the Line. Once you start working from home, you no longer have a strict boundary between where work and home life begin and end. It’s important for both to make a clear distinction. If you start doing chores while you’re on a conference call or watching the kids while in the middle of a project, your work will suffer. Likewise, finishing up that project at the dinner table or working all hours of the night may become a problem in your home life. Make yourself a work schedule you can stick to and draw the line between home and work activities.

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There are many reasons for a break in your career, whether personal or professional. But no matter why you left your last job, the real challenge is in conquering that employment gap and picking up your career where you left off. Here are a few tips.

1. Evaluate your career goals. Are your professional goals really the same as they were months or years ago? People change, and whatever occurred to result in that employment gap may have changed you even more. Do you view your career in the same light, or are you heading in a new, unknown direction? Even defining a loose framework for your future goals will help you in jumping back into your career.

2. Stay up to date. While some industries move faster than others, it’s a good idea either way to refresh yourself with industry news and trends. Look into industry publications, online news, and company websites. Also, keep networking with people and leaders in the industry, whether at events or online via social networking platforms.

3. Be confident. It’s natural to be nervous when you start searching and interviewing and even when you start your first day after all that time off. But if you have confidence in yourself and your ability to pick your career back up effectively, the more quickly you’ll be re-oriented and comfortable in your career path.

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So you made the decision to quit, and now you have to make it official. Writing a letter is the best way to make your resignation official, even if your company happens to be a little more informal. A letter, given to both your HR department and your supervisor, makes miscommunication unlikely and your intentions clear. So what should your letter say?

First, explain the reason for your letter, detailing any weeks notice and your general intention to leave. Next, if you desire, you can briefly explain the next step in your career path. For example, a statement as simple as “I have decided to accept another position” works just fine. Feel free to briefly mention that the decision was difficult but in your best interests (be honest).

It’s a good idea to give your assurance that you want to help your company make a smooth transition over your leaving, as well as thanking them for their time and opportunity and wishing them the best in the future. Ultimately, keep your letter brief and to the point, avoiding negativity or blame-placing.

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