Stephen Van Vreede (http://www.ittechexec.com/) and Jennifer Hay (http://www.itresumeservice.com/) have joined forces to launch Tech Career Forum.
Tech Career Forum is designed to provide advice to IT and technical professionals in all career areas, particularly those related to personal branding, the technical resume, and the job search process. Tech Career Forum also assists resume writers and career services professionals in expanding their knowledge base to enhance their engagements with IT and technical clients.
Tech Career Forum has initiated a LinkedIn group (http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Tech-Career-Forum-4395590) with interactive discussions, which is available for all members. Tech Career Forum will be hosting live Twitter chats on Wednesdays at 3pm Eastern, with the first in the series beginning Wednesday 5/2. To view or join in the discussion, follow or post tweets at #TCFchat.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
4 IT Resume Tips for Project Managers and Program Managers
Reblog from Ezine Article by Stephen Van Vreede
As I speak with IT project managers, IT program managers, and even PMO directors, I am amazed by how many think or know they do a great job but are unable to communicate it effectively. This is true with their resume, on their LinkedIn profile, in their cover letter, and in their face-to-face interviewing skills. Why is it such a struggle for PMs to talk about their successes?
The main reason that most PMs are unable to articulate why a company should hire them is that they lack a focused brand message. Wait! I know what you're probably thinking now. And, no, this doesn't need to be some highly complex process in which you need to do focus groups or polls to gain "customer insights." Creating a personal brand is relatively simple when approached with the proper mindset.
What you want to do is consider how your actions as an IT project manager impact the business. Obviously, the specific projects that you lead are intended to benefit the company in some way. So you've got to describe those projects on your IT resume. However, the focus of the discussion is not the project itself or the technology solution deployed. The key element has to be about value.
What do I mean by value? Think benefit. If the company did not benefit in some way by the project you led, what was the point? Benefits come in many different forms, including:
Listing these benefits is a great start, but they may be things that any project manager could have contributed to. To truly differentiate yourself in the job market, you've also got to communicate how you are distinct from other project managers...and not just because you have the PMP. Lots of project managers and program managers have the PMP certification. The real focus here should be on how you lead teams, transform projects, streamline project delivery, and get things done where others could not. Gearing your information in this manner will communicate the unique you and help you to avoid becoming just a commodity.
The final step is in creating a clear, consistent, and compelling message across all the job search forums. This includes the resume, the LinkedIn profile, the cover letter, your bio, your Twitter profile, Google+, and any other forum in which a prospective employer may find your information. Just use some caution here, as you don't want to simply paste the information from your resume into these other platforms. The style in which you communicate on LinkedIn is different than on Twitter or Google+.
IT Resumes for Project Managers
As I speak with IT project managers, IT program managers, and even PMO directors, I am amazed by how many think or know they do a great job but are unable to communicate it effectively. This is true with their resume, on their LinkedIn profile, in their cover letter, and in their face-to-face interviewing skills. Why is it such a struggle for PMs to talk about their successes?
Personal Branding for the IT Project Manager
The main reason that most PMs are unable to articulate why a company should hire them is that they lack a focused brand message. Wait! I know what you're probably thinking now. And, no, this doesn't need to be some highly complex process in which you need to do focus groups or polls to gain "customer insights." Creating a personal brand is relatively simple when approached with the proper mindset.
Think Business Value
What you want to do is consider how your actions as an IT project manager impact the business. Obviously, the specific projects that you lead are intended to benefit the company in some way. So you've got to describe those projects on your IT resume. However, the focus of the discussion is not the project itself or the technology solution deployed. The key element has to be about value.
What do I mean by value? Think benefit. If the company did not benefit in some way by the project you led, what was the point? Benefits come in many different forms, including:
- cost savings
- revenue growth
- process improvements
- system or application enhancements
How to Achieve Distinction
Listing these benefits is a great start, but they may be things that any project manager could have contributed to. To truly differentiate yourself in the job market, you've also got to communicate how you are distinct from other project managers...and not just because you have the PMP. Lots of project managers and program managers have the PMP certification. The real focus here should be on how you lead teams, transform projects, streamline project delivery, and get things done where others could not. Gearing your information in this manner will communicate the unique you and help you to avoid becoming just a commodity.
Creating a PM Package
The final step is in creating a clear, consistent, and compelling message across all the job search forums. This includes the resume, the LinkedIn profile, the cover letter, your bio, your Twitter profile, Google+, and any other forum in which a prospective employer may find your information. Just use some caution here, as you don't want to simply paste the information from your resume into these other platforms. The style in which you communicate on LinkedIn is different than on Twitter or Google+.
Stephen is the ITtechExec, a "Go To" Personal Branding Strategist for IT, engineering, manufacturing, telecommunications, call center, medical device, and other STEM/technical specialty professionals. By translating technical activities and leadership achievements into a clear, consistent message that's meaningful to business executives and recruiters, Stephen generates at least a 5x return on investment. The ITtechExec offers a proprietary career lifecycle management approach that includes resumes, cover letters, online profiles and bios,
interviewing preparation, job search strategy development, and online brand management. Contact Stephen today at (866) 755-9800, http://www.ittechexec.com, or stephen@ittechexec.com.
If you like this post, please +1 it, share it, tweet, like it, digg it, etc. Thanks so much!
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Van_Vreede
If you like this post, please +1 it, share it, tweet, like it, digg it, etc. Thanks so much!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
IT Infrastructure Resume Tips
IT Resume: IT Infrastructure Manager
Technical resumes can be a challenge to write effectively. For IT infrastructure managers, this problem is compounded immensely. You have a specific skill set that is difficult to communicate. If you elect to seek a professional resume writer, you will quickly realize that most do not have a technical foundation. As a result, they typically don't know where to begin and which questions to ask. So what do you do?
Read more to find out specific strategies for an IT Infrastructure Management resume, including what infrastructure technologies to discuss and how to make the resume focus on creating value from infrastructure solutions.
The "Go To" Expert for all things related to resumes, cover letters, online profiles and bios, interviewing, and the job search for executives and professionals in the IT, engineering, manufacturing, telecommunications, call center, and other technical specialty areas. The difference? We Speak Geek! We understand how to translate your technical activities and achievements into information that's meaningful to the business and to recruiters and HR reps. We help you generate a 5x return on your investment or more! Contact us today at (866) 755-9800, visit us at http://www.ittechexec.com, or email me at stephen@ittechexec.com.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
CIO Technology Focus: Revenue Growth
A recent poll of CIOs conducted by Gartner has identified revenue growth as the primary driver of the technology organization. This represents a noticeable shift from the past several years in which cost containment or cost reduction has been the main goal.
See the full post by me here (ITtechExec) to learn more about it and to understand how this trend impacts communication of the CIO or CTO personal brand and their resume documents.
See the full post by me here (ITtechExec) to learn more about it and to understand how this trend impacts communication of the CIO or CTO personal brand and their resume documents.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Government, Resume, and Job Search: They Just Don't Mix
I have long held that the government should not in any way be involved in the job search process, except when they are hiring for governmental positions. Every time they get involved, things seem to go awry. What, in theory, should be a relatively simple process becomes convoluted and fraught with pitfalls and sudden twists and turns. Not to mention the fact that government has a tendency to throw good money after bad...and then some.
So I could only shake my head in frustration when reading about how government used part of an $11 million grant designed to help 400 job seekers in Detroit obtain job interview clothing and support. According to a FoxNews report (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/03/07/stimulus-money-meant-to-help-400-detroit-job-seekers-reportedly-helped-2/?test=latestnews), the program provided clothing for only 2 candidates.
So either some serious fraud was involved here or the program isn't really necessary--or some combination of the two. Regardless, you shouldn't wait to let someone else, particularly the government, take over your job search for you. To get control over your career, contact ITtechExec today at www.ittechexec.com or by phone at (866) 755-9800.
If you enjoyed this post, please "Like" it, "Tweet" it, or "Repost" it on StumbleUpon, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Thanks so much!
So I could only shake my head in frustration when reading about how government used part of an $11 million grant designed to help 400 job seekers in Detroit obtain job interview clothing and support. According to a FoxNews report (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/03/07/stimulus-money-meant-to-help-400-detroit-job-seekers-reportedly-helped-2/?test=latestnews), the program provided clothing for only 2 candidates.
So either some serious fraud was involved here or the program isn't really necessary--or some combination of the two. Regardless, you shouldn't wait to let someone else, particularly the government, take over your job search for you. To get control over your career, contact ITtechExec today at www.ittechexec.com or by phone at (866) 755-9800.
If you enjoyed this post, please "Like" it, "Tweet" it, or "Repost" it on StumbleUpon, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Thanks so much!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Executive Job Market Trends & Analysis
ExecuNet recently released some excerpts from their upcoming Job Market Intelligence Report for 2012. With a 14% increase in job placements (assignments) expected throughout 2012, the Top 3 growth industries or sectors are projected to be 1) Healthcare, 2) Technology, and 3) Manufacturing. Of course, the number of technology-related positions in the healthcare and manufacturing segments has grown tremendously. So, for IT and technical candidates, this is a good sign for the upcoming year.
For executive-level candidates, just more than half (52%) thought about a job change over the past 12 months. For those candidates that are conducting a job search now or have taken part in a job search over the past year, the expectation was that it would take nearly 6 months to complete the job search but that it would yield a salary or total compensation package increase of about 13%. The 6-month time frame is consistent with the results over the past several years, so there weren't any apparent "breakthroughs" during 2011, which confirms what most job seekers have believed about the job market in 2011.
Finally, 70% of executives anticipated low or relatively low turnover for the remainder of this year. This statistic cuts two ways. First, the most common view, is that people view this figure as a favorable indication that the economy and the job market (and unemployment) have stabilized. So, we shouldn't expect to see major layoffs or large-scale downsizing initiatives across the board--although some are going to occur regardless of how high or low the market goes. Of course, one can point to the fact that most organizations have gone through their exercise of "right-sizing" to flesh out the dead weight, get lean, cut costs, etc. As a result, there is little need to do more cutting in 2012 unless the economy takes a major turn for the worse.
The second view--which still allows for the opinion above to be true--is that the expectation for little or low turnover is proof of just how tenuous the economy and job market really are. In my experience as a resume writer and hiring director, when the economy is strong, people are more assertive in the job search. They hire resume writers to help them prepare the best possible document so that they reach for new heights and stretch for the dream job. When things are not looking strong, human nature is to hunker down, be cautious, play it safe, and weather the storm. People are more satisfied trying to hold on to what they have. In other words, for their own security, they decide to stay in their current job, thus reducing employment turnover expectations.
To develop a resume that helps to distinguish you from the rest of the competition in this tough market, go to www.ittechexec.com or call us today at (866) 755-9800 to schedule an appointment.
If you enjoyed this post, please "Like" it or "Tweet" it. Thanks so much!
For executive-level candidates, just more than half (52%) thought about a job change over the past 12 months. For those candidates that are conducting a job search now or have taken part in a job search over the past year, the expectation was that it would take nearly 6 months to complete the job search but that it would yield a salary or total compensation package increase of about 13%. The 6-month time frame is consistent with the results over the past several years, so there weren't any apparent "breakthroughs" during 2011, which confirms what most job seekers have believed about the job market in 2011.
Finally, 70% of executives anticipated low or relatively low turnover for the remainder of this year. This statistic cuts two ways. First, the most common view, is that people view this figure as a favorable indication that the economy and the job market (and unemployment) have stabilized. So, we shouldn't expect to see major layoffs or large-scale downsizing initiatives across the board--although some are going to occur regardless of how high or low the market goes. Of course, one can point to the fact that most organizations have gone through their exercise of "right-sizing" to flesh out the dead weight, get lean, cut costs, etc. As a result, there is little need to do more cutting in 2012 unless the economy takes a major turn for the worse.
The second view--which still allows for the opinion above to be true--is that the expectation for little or low turnover is proof of just how tenuous the economy and job market really are. In my experience as a resume writer and hiring director, when the economy is strong, people are more assertive in the job search. They hire resume writers to help them prepare the best possible document so that they reach for new heights and stretch for the dream job. When things are not looking strong, human nature is to hunker down, be cautious, play it safe, and weather the storm. People are more satisfied trying to hold on to what they have. In other words, for their own security, they decide to stay in their current job, thus reducing employment turnover expectations.
To develop a resume that helps to distinguish you from the rest of the competition in this tough market, go to www.ittechexec.com or call us today at (866) 755-9800 to schedule an appointment.
If you enjoyed this post, please "Like" it or "Tweet" it. Thanks so much!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Resume and Your Personal Brand
So many career services and resume writing professionals talk about "personal branding" today. It is so overused and cliche at this point...I must rebel. I understand the thrust of the argument and, at a certain level, agree. However, the advice regarding personal branding within a resume typically results in a sanitized version or account that doesn't depict the true nature of the individual.
Think about it! We all have unique strengths, flaws, passions, drivers, attitudes, and motives. Your "personal brand" needs to include these elements. Most do not...they simply state how you are just like everyone else. To successfully engage your audience, you must tap into these critical areas and harness them to help communicate how you are distinguished from all others.
Maybe the problem is that most resume writers and career services professionals have it in mind that the bulk of candidates they work with will be conducting the lion's share of their job search using job boards and submitting resumes through company websites. As a result, the candidate needs to "play it safe" and take the cookie-cutter approach. I propose that you showcase what makes you, well, you! And then suggest that you take that individuality and put it to work in your job search so that you don't simply become an applicant number of one among hundreds or thousands for each job you apply to.
To develop a resume that helps to distinguish you from the rest of the competition in this tough market, go to www.ittechexec.com or call us today at (866) 755-9800 to schedule an appointment.
If you enjoyed this post, please "Like" it or "Tweet" it. Thanks so much!
Think about it! We all have unique strengths, flaws, passions, drivers, attitudes, and motives. Your "personal brand" needs to include these elements. Most do not...they simply state how you are just like everyone else. To successfully engage your audience, you must tap into these critical areas and harness them to help communicate how you are distinguished from all others.
Maybe the problem is that most resume writers and career services professionals have it in mind that the bulk of candidates they work with will be conducting the lion's share of their job search using job boards and submitting resumes through company websites. As a result, the candidate needs to "play it safe" and take the cookie-cutter approach. I propose that you showcase what makes you, well, you! And then suggest that you take that individuality and put it to work in your job search so that you don't simply become an applicant number of one among hundreds or thousands for each job you apply to.
To develop a resume that helps to distinguish you from the rest of the competition in this tough market, go to www.ittechexec.com or call us today at (866) 755-9800 to schedule an appointment.
If you enjoyed this post, please "Like" it or "Tweet" it. Thanks so much!
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