The HeadHuntress Blog

Bring on the Attitude Shift

Let’s consider this: Responsibility + Positive Focus = Progress.

Responsibility: Respect your financial situation, respect your money. In a flush economy, money is free flowing and often spent without thorough consideration. Times like this are a great opportunity to revisit how we spend money. Do we respect the outflow? How much do we spend on dry cleaning, maid service, a pair of jeans? Do we have enough in savings to weather these types of storms? Where is our money invested, is it invested properly? With so many auto pay options – are you keeping track? I am the last person to offer advice on budgeting, but it is a wise practice, for us all, to look a little closer at whether we respect our hard earned cash.

Positive Focus: Why perpetuate the media's trend toward negativity when clearly there are positive strides being made nationwide. If everyone adopted an attitude of recovery, wouldn't we then recover? The old cliché "Perception is Reality" does have a foundation of truth to it after all. So buy a new car, if you are capitalizing on a great deal and have the financial stability to merit the cost, but don't refinance your mortgage hoping the government will bail you out. If you are flush in this economy, consider the real estate opportunities, buy those bargain stocks (buy low sell high?!), and invest in the upswing. Most importantly – share the positive shifts.

 

We have seen more activity in business this week than we have all year, the sales are increasing, the hiring resuming…despite the DOW, the right now reality is, we’re on our way back….and until we arrive more fully ensconced, I say the best way to encourage the strength of our economy, is to act as if we have already regained that strength.

Keeping it Together

There is no one more aware of the economic challenges than your recruiter, except perhaps Obama. But we run a very close second. Here’s some of the information we have at our fingertips:

1.    A running list of layoffs in the New England marketplace – both who has already laid off, and an additional list of who we’ve “heard” will be laying off.

2.    An up-to-date understanding of who in our network is hiring and what roles are closest to profitability for them and will therefore move quickly.

3.    A spreadsheet depicting what companies are hiring when – for instance: Client A is not currently hiring but has XYZ roles they will open in (insert month).

Because we’ve opted to build relationships with our clients, we have the trends in front of us – we know when the bottom came (last week) and we know how long your search will take and what you need to do to keep putting yourself in front of the right people.

So, call your favorite recruiter and make sure I (shameless grin) know what you’re up to and what help you might need. Connections and networks are the key to remaining grounded. Make sure they’re working for you.

Things to remember:

1.    We’re trending at the 3-4 month mark for finding a new job. The higher on the food chain, the longer the time period.

2.    Companies ARE still hiring, its selective but not dead.

3.    Taking a pay cut is fine, chopping your salary down by more than 5% is not necessary and transparent to the hiring company…they know, when the market improves, you’re gone…so don’t try to convince otherwise unless you’ve got circumstances that are believable. (At a start up who over paid, you knew it and now they’re losing funding)

4.    Networking remains THE best way to find the information you’re looking for. Whether hiring trends, lay off rumors, who’s great, or not, to work for – get out from behind your desk and start talking.

Make it Happen.

Why an economic downturn has to occur directly in tune with the toughest Winter New England has seen in years, who knows. I’ve heard more about Ice Dams than I ever wanted to, not to mention chipping away at my own. Good Times (insert sarcastic tone here).

Reality:

1.    Even Microsoft is laying off.

2.    There remain, a respectable amount of new job opportunities present in the greater Boston Marketplace – as well as Nationally – focused particularly on New York, Houston, San Fran, and the Carolina’s.  Its out there, go find it.

3.  Looking at your 401k could induce heart palpitations.

4.    You need Crampons to walk around outside right now.

5.    There are damn good rates on trips to Vegas, South Beach, Puerto Rico, and Montego Bay – GO. I am.

6.    T.V. MUST sensationalize everything to “entertain” (there is a whole philosophical discussion here about why continuous bad news is entertaining, but let’s skip that) – Is there a financial crisis. Absolutely. Is it as bad as they paint – maybe…but there is the good news, the work of our politicians and every day people like you and I, who are working hard every day to shift this economy positively. And it will happen. So – we hang in there and keep working our (beep) off and leave the whining to someone else.

Never, ever, ever – let it get to you. This is reality my friends, and the ones who survive it are the ones who believe they will. Whether you are one of the many laid off - the few looking, concerned about impending lay offs - or the rare who just don’t like where they are and are open to a new challenge – approach your search strategically – do something everyday, and no matter what you hear out there – Remember YOU still control your piece of this world. Make it happen.

Yea it's tough out there, so what are you going to do about it?

I remember a quote I read some time ago – in the last down market……"I know it's a tough market. But did you ever play sports? When the other team is tough, you play smarter and you block your ears to their taunts. But you never let them psych you out, and you certainly don't do it to yourself."

I don’t remember who originated the quote – but man does it apply to today.

We have two choices and two choices only – bad attitude or good attitude. That pretty much follows true for every outlook in life – yes it’s a tougher market, yes it’s the middle of Winter and we’re gloomy, yes the talk of recession is everywhere. But the bottom line is technology is still hiring in Boston and Nationally – it may not be the smooth road it was six months ago, but break out the four wheel drive and let’s go.

Tips:

1.    Work WITH your recruiter. Now more than ever is a great time to remember that Recruiters are only as good as your ability to partner with them. Let them know where you are interviewing, what companies/roles interest you, and be overt about your comp and benefit requirements. This market is not flexible enough for games – so let’s play straight and save everyone a little bit of time.

2.    Keep a sense of humor – hard to do when you’ve been laid off and, oops, forgot to plan for it financially – but there are options to consider while you interview…most of you will have some sort of package, don’t squander it – give yourself a couple of months to interview…and don’t panic – no matter where the economy is, the right job is still out there for you and you WILL find it.

3.    Do not post your resume. I know I know…What?? Seriously…right now your best bet is dependant on two sources: 1. Your network, call everyone you know and have a conversation. Let them know what you’re looking for and if they know of anyone you should be talking to. And make sure you browse your LinkedIn – but don’t depend on 3^rd’s to get you in any door. 2. Your friendly neighborhood recruiter. Guess what, if we’re worth a damn thing, we know people, we have relationships, we have placed at least a couple of dozen people in the last year, and we network like can’t live without it…use us…call, email, reach out and partner with one you trust.

Ok; So we have a new President.

While everyone breathes a deep sigh of relief – there’s still the question of what the heck is going on out there? Here’s my perspective:

1.    There are still tons of opportunities out there in the IT market – we haven’t slowed down – we still have over 25 roles we have labeled as “very active” and over 100 roles we are searching for across the Development, Infrastructure, QA and Product Management niches.

2.    We have heard language from clients that goes like this: “We are most interested in hiring for the roles that are closest to profitability” and “We have XYZ openings, but here are the ones we need the most, the rest can wait until Q1 of 09” and “We’re holding off on hiring until after the election” (ok, well, that’s over and the calls are coming in)

3.    Networking, Data (either database or datawarehousing), System Admins, Information Systems, CRM, ERP, Product Management, Java Engineers, and QA Engineers are the hottest positions companies are looking to fill right now.

4.    Your layoff could extend from one month to four on average – hiring time periods have extended as client have become selective.

5.    Networking, socializing whether online or in person – both preferably – with recruiters and colleagues and peers and in groups of like minded folks – never more important than right now.

6.    People currently working are as selective as companies who want them – We’re more careful when considering making a change – evaluating risk is an individual decision – some risk more than others. So consider your options and jump if you believe in the opportunity.

Keep an eye out for events FootBridge is Sponsoring in the next month – I will post those events here shortly.

The keywords for searching in this economy are: Patience, Respect (for the process), Networking and Organization. Utilize the people you know, have conversations, introduce yourself to new people – this will benefit you beyond your job search and well into the next steps in your career.

Facebook and a Favor!

Find me on Facebook! I’ve created a page on Facebook that offers insights and marketplace forums, etc…like this blog, but with the ability to chat about certain topics of interest in our niche. If you are on Facebook, make me a friend and become a fan of the FootBridge Page – would love to evolve it to suit you and what you’re looking for!

In the meantime, I am working with a friend of mine – Director/VP level Engineer guy – outstanding background and just starting to look around the market. Do you know any companies out there looking for this level? I’ve love to open a few doors for him, Let me know! I'd love the help.

JT

Online Research and Great Sites – Get on it.

When it comes to technology, I love finding new, cool sites to explore and evaluate – Twitter, Vumber, Glassdoor – all new sites I’m keeping an eye on - varied product and focus - all new technology.

Moving forward, I’ll post here with any new sites I find that you might enjoy puttering around on – today’s find is NetShare.com. A site for senior level IT people – It works like Ladders, only with IT as a specific focus. It’s been around for a bit, and I’ve seen increased success with it.

Let me know if you have a site I should explore!

One and Done

It’s a good thing - holding out for the right opportunity. You don’t settle and you end up giving yourself a high five because you did wait for the one that felt right. So, if it doesn’t feel right, hit the pause button before you sign that offer and see if there is another opportunity to explore.

Signs you’ve landed in the right role:

1.      No regrets – You come in, day one, ready to go, excited – sky’s the limit.

2.      That feeling doesn’t change after day two…

3.      or three.

4.      You don’t wish you asked for more money, or more vacation time.

5.      After the first month – you still see yourself there in a few years, productive and on a strong growth tract.

6.      You wake up Monday looking forward to heading in, and the commute doesn’t change your mind.

7.      You like the people you work with, even on that occasional Monday where, you know what; you just wanted one more day to that great weekend.

8.      No one quit in your first week and looked at you like you wouldn’t last longer than a month.

9.      Your boss rides that line between, happy to have you on board and “oh thank god you’re here” well enough that you are not concerned that you're missing something.

10.  Your instincts aren’t telling you otherwise.

The right job is the only job to have - gone are the days we have to plod along in an unsatisfying work environment - there is, despite the economy riding the times like a rollercoaster - a great deal of new activity in the information technology sector - Development and Infrastructure, Product Management, QA, Professional Services - all have openings to explore.

Of course, this means you have to connect with me - so put down the Miller Lite and send me an email. Then finish your beer, cause I am not calling you until Monday.

Be good, and enjoy the rest of your weekend - while the sun is actually out....for once.

JT

Have You Checked Out.....

In my work I often come across new resources and associations or niche sites - I bumped into these two recently:

ITGigs and Beyond.com

I would be interested in hearing from you if you have experience with these sites - Let me know what you think!

JT

Habits of a Successful Job Hunter

1. Optimally you’re currently employed – gives you a platform to negotiate from that doesn’t exist otherwise.

2. Unless you have no other choice – have care with your longevity. The trend over the last ten years has shown a steady decrease in the length of time a candidate remains with his/her company – not a good trend. Ten years may not be the norm any longer – but 1.5 shouldn’t be either.

3. Especially noted in IT resumes – listing every technology you’ve ever touched – a turn off. Highlight your strongest skills – and if you must list C++ even if you haven’t programmed in the language in over four years, parse it out clearly:

          Top Skills: Java, J2EE, Linux

Touched: C++ (4 years ago – 6 years total experience), SCRUM (in previous role for three projects over six months)

4. If you have a degree, place it front and center – especially in tech – experience can out weigh the degree preference – still, most clients initially request a degree. So, if you have it – highlight it. This includes certifications like MCSE and CCNP.

5. Obviously I’m going to highlight engaging a recruiter – find one you can partner with – they’re out there. There’s a ton of recruiters who will call when they have something and fergetcha when they don’t – and you’ll get fifty calls a day in this market – often for roles that don’t even come close to matching your background – so get strategic. Pick one or two who specialize in what you do – if another recruiter calls with an opportunity, share it with your recruiter – you miss nothing and you deepen the relationship with someone you trust to help you find that next challenge. Let your recruiter know what companies interest you – give them the opportunity to help you open a door – the more you collaborate the harder a good recruiter will work for you.

6. Be honest about compensation – combining your base, bonus, what you received in reimbursements, and your 401k matching into one big fat base fools no one. If you are looking for higher than a 5-10% increase in your next role – be prepared to back it up with a good strong why. It’s been done successfully, make sure you prepare.

7. Social Networking – LinkedIn, Facebook, Plaxo, Meetup.com – find an online or social networking venue that works for you. Create a profile, answer questions, make requests. Built a community with one or more of these portals – they have high success rates and are increasingly popular – providing access to a community of professionals you might otherwise not have access to.

8. Posting. Posting is a whole separate topic. To touch on it – Two pet peeves: One, if you’re going confidential – make sure you insert your resume confidentially – you look pretty silly posting confidentially only to have a recruiter – in-house or not – click on the link and see all your information. Two, specify your citizenship. If you are a citizen, you do not require sponsorship – if you require sponsorship, make that clear – saves time and frustration on both ends – digging for any pertinent information is a waste of time and doesn’t win you that phone call you’re waiting for.

9. Indeed.com – fabulous resource – Go play.

10. Spell your stuff – I don’t care if your job is 100% programming – spell check that resume. Careless resume, careless code.

JT