You NEED These Skills for Your Next IT Placement

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IT is an ever-changing world; those with the most in-demand skills will find themselves in an excellent position in the current job market. But understanding which skills will be given the most priority can seem like a difficult task. To help you ensure you have the right credentials for your next IT placement, consider concentrating on the following areas.

Big Data

Big data analysis provides information that can allow the company to make better business decisions as well as implementing more effective marketing strategies. As the volume of data available continues to grow, organizations want to be able to use these pieces of information to their advantage. Whether you are dealing with semi-structured or unstructured data, being able to collect, work with, and analyze this information will continue to lead to job prospects for the next few years.

These knowledge areas are often needed regardless of your business’ chosen industry, making it an ideal skill for those looking to break into the IT field.

Cloud Computing

Cloud-based computing and storage have provided organizations with a more cost-effective option for a variety of tasks that used to be managed in-house. Candidates specialized in the ability to organize and utilize these services, and work in hybrid environments that still support certain on-premises deployments will have a leg up on the competition which is only familiar with traditional networked internal options.

Mobile

Mobile technology is becoming a staple in most business environments. Whether offering simple solutions to access business email while on the go or providing full access to internal resources through a portable device, mobile technology cannot be ignored. Combine those functions with access to cloud-based resources, and it may even be difficult to continue to justify a need for the traditional desktop computer form factor.

Skills related to mobile operations are varied. You may choose to focus on app development and deployment, device management and security, as well as troubleshooting and service issues. Familiarity with multiple mobile platforms is also helpful even when an organization tends to be brand loyal.

Coding

Coding isn’t a new skill for many IT professionals. Since creating practical, custom solutions for internal or external use is still a standard requirement in strong IT departments and technology-based businesses, the ability to code will continue to have a place when considering the most in-demand skills.

However, certain programming languages may offer better opportunities than others. Java is still in high demand, as well as PHP. Perl, C, Objective-C, Javascript, Ruby, Python, CSS, and R all still have a place in today’s IT work environment. Depending on your precise career goals, you can determine which options are best for you.

Project Management

While not an IT exclusive, project management skills also increase your employment opportunities. Being able to coordinate the activities of multiple groups, create and maintain project budgets, and manage the complexity of large-scale projects within an IT environment can open be a lucrative direction to explore.

If you are looking for ways to improve your odds of placement in the IT field, the professionals at Resolution Technologies are here to help. With a focus in technical staffing, they know which skills are in demand with today’s employers. Contact Resolution Technologies Today!

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Want THAT HR Job? 3 Tips to Crush the Interview

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Even human resources professionals have to interview for their positions. While it is easy to assume your expertise means you will automatically crush every interview, neglecting certain steps can cause a less than stellar performance. Here are three tips to make sure your next interview is your best ever.

1. Take Time to Prepare

Human resources professionals are often accustomed to being in the position of interviewer, but being an interviewee requires different skills. Additionally, your method of interviewing potential candidates may not reflect the direction other organizations choose to take. That means, no matter your amount of experience in the field, it is important you prepare properly.

Make sure you have multiple copies of your resume available, especially if a panel may be part of the interview process. Confirm your relevant credentials are current and be prepared to provide supporting documentation. Review information about the company at which you are interviewing and familiarize yourself with the challenges related to their industry. Also consider any recent accomplishments or challenges you have faced, as it is common to receive questions on those topics.

With thorough preparation, you will be better equipped to handle traditional and unexpected questions more effectively.

2. Expect Hypothetical and Situational Questions

Human resources leans heavily on a person’s sense of ethics to accomplish job duties. Many candidates have the traditional education and training; however you also have to perform to the highest standards at all times. Some organizations will pose hypothetical or situational questions during the interview to challenge your ability to make appropriate decisions when faced with uncommon situations.

Understand any requirements regarding the keeping of confidential material within the organization, as well as any employment laws that may be unique to the industry in which the business operates. While many employment laws are standard at the state or federal level, certain industries have unique properties that require different actions. Review this information to prepare for questions regarding the differences.

Similarly, if the business has a position covered by a union, gather introductory information about any current contracts, if possible. That way, when asked how you would proceed when faced with a situation, you can relate your actions to the standards set at that company correctly.

3. Always Ask Questions

Interviews traditionally end with an opportunity for you to ask questions. This is an opportunity to gain additional insight into the position, as well as demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the work. Consider creating a few options to help you get a more well-rounded view of the business. Inquire about the company’s culture and what career progression looks like within the department. You can even ask the interviewer about their personal experience in their position.

Further, ensure you have a strong closing question to address the interviewer’s concerns regarding your fit for the job. For example, “Is there anything we discussed that prevents me from being a top candidate for this position?”

Interviewers often use a standard set of questions, and may even be legally required to stick to a particular script. However, this question opens the door for additional inquiry on their part. If they have concerns, they can address them individually through the subsequent dialogue, giving you a chance to better position yourself as the right choice.

If you are looking for more tips to help land your next HR position, or are interested in finding new opportunities to explore, the professionals at Resolution Technologies are here to assist. Contact Resolution Technologies today to see how they can help your career more forward.

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Stand Out in the Tech World: Diversity is the Key

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Many organizations attempt to promote diversity in the workplace by looking at what makes us different on paper. While gender, age and ethnicity are often highlighted when diversity is discussed, it is actually the diversity of thought that brings the most benefits to an organization. Aside from the traditional points that are examined for diversity, you also want to look for people with varying backgrounds, cultures and even personalities to create the most innovative environment possible.

Diversity and Groupthink

One of the most damaging situations a business can find themselves in involves a prevalence of groupthink among team members. Since these systems function based on conformity, they often yield less than desirable results over time. Groupthink removes the creative component from the workplace and replaces it with a desire to fit in and reach a consensus.

While creating an environment where employees are willing to compromise is helpful, it is important that it does not come at the expense of innovation and the ability to speak one’s mind when they have new ideas.

Locating Diversity of Thought

Finding appropriate candidates when the diversity of thought is a priority seems like a tall order. However, it isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Often, this involves finding applicants who may represent an unconventional choice for your organization.

Once you have identified a few candidates that have the skills necessary to complete the work, consider what separates these options from your current team. Look for applicants with talents that are not currently a part of your business, and consider how these difference could create a more efficient team.

For example, if your team is predominantly made of people with strong analytical thinking skills, consider adding an individual who offers strong creative thinking. By ensuring your team members have unique skills to offer, you can leverage that knowledge when making assignments and bring more perspectives to group-oriented work.

Create a Safe Environment

To make the most of a diverse workforce, you have to create a workplace where everyone feels safe to discuss their ideas. While not every idea has to be used, it is vital that employees feel confident that their suggestions will be received with respect. It is also important that every team member feels they can discuss these proposals openly regardless of whether the stance is for or against what is being proposed.

By allowing new ideas to be discussed thoroughly and transparently, you are more likely to tap into what makes each of your employees unique in their own right. You may also enjoy the advantage of your employee’s insights into different cultures and their priorities, allowing you to create products and services that address the individual needs of the various groups.

When they feel their input is valued regardless of the final decision, your employees will be more likely to take risks when it comes to finding new solutions.

When it comes time to add a new employee to your team, Resolution Technologies has the experience needed to help you find the best candidates to bring a diversity of thought into your operations. Contact Resolution Technologies, and enjoy the benefits of greater workplace diversity today.

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3 Interview Questions That Will Help You Hire Top Talent

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Interviewing potential candidates gives you information you won’t get from a resume or application alone. You can dive deeper into a person’s skills, abilities, interests and personality. Finding top talent goes beyond the hard skills they possess. You also need to consider whether they will excel in the position and environment in which they are working.

To help get to the bottom of these concerns, here are three questions designed to give you more information than you may have initially realized.

1. Describe Your Ideal Workplace and Supervisor

While this is more of a prompt than a question, it can provide significant insight into how the candidate prefers to work. The answer can cover information about their preference for working as part of a team or individual, the amount of direct supervision they prefer and other cultural or environmental clues that can help determine whether they are an ideal fit.

For example, if the employee prefers more direct supervision, they might not flourish in an environment that promotes employee empowerment.

Often, there is no specific right or wrong answer to this question. It just provides an avenue to understanding how the applicant views working in the position and how well that matches the reality of the work.

2. How Do Your Skills Further the Company Goal and Mission?

This question serves two purposes. First, it allows the candidate to discuss their skills openly along with how they intend to apply those skills if they are selected for the position. Second, it allows you to see if the candidate reviewed any information about your company prior to their interview.

Since basic information about your organization is readily available online, there is little reason for a candidate to not review this content prior to their arrival. Additionally, it provides insight regarding how they see themselves fitting into this larger objective. It demonstrates a basic level of interest and consideration when related to the position, and may help separate the most passionate candidates from those who are less concerned about taking these simple steps to prepare.

3. Why Are You Looking for a New Opportunity?

This question can be adjusted to address candidates who are or are not currently employed. While normally serving as a test of the candidate’s overall attitude, it can also speak volumes about their career-related priorities.

For example, a currently employed applicant who cites an interest in additional training and advancement opportunities is interested in learning and progressing in the field. However, those who specifically speak negatively of their current employer may not have an ideal attitude for your organization.

Unemployed candidates can also reveal much about what is important to them with this question. While the primary reason for applying to the position may be they need a job, they will often add additional information about what sort of job they are hoping to find. This allows you to consider how their career goals match the position, and whether a good fit exists.

By looking beyond the hard skills that an applicant possesses, you increase your odds of finding top talent who will exceed expectations at your company. If you are looking for your ideal employee, contact Resolution Technologies today. Their experience and expertise can help create a more efficient hiring process, letting you find the best talent available faster than ever.

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The Number-One Reason Resolution Technologies Is Not Your Average Staffing Company

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If you ask most staffing companies what sets them apart from everyone else, the first words out of their mouth will probably refer to customer service. While customer service is important and is certainly something we pride ourselves on, we know there is more to being an effective staffing company than simple customer service.

What truly sets Resolution Technologies apart from other staffing companies is our focus on building relationships, and not just having customers.

Relationships with Candidates

When we interview candidates to prepare them for placement, we take the necessary time to get to know who they are today, and how they imagine their career developing into the future. We look beyond the resume, experience, and education; this allows us to help match candidates to available positions based on their intrinsic qualities and their hard skills.

We understand that being a successful employee is only partially about being able to perform the job duties. Finding a workplace culture that suits your needs is just as important. That’s why we get to know our candidates, so we can help them find a position in which they can excel and not just get by. We listen to their frustrations and look to provide long-term opportunities that meet their needs professionally and personally.

Every candidate is unique, and we value that. By working with us, we can help find that ideal position based on what makes you uniquely “you”.

Relationships with Companies

Without our client companies, we would not be able to do what we do. To provide the best service possible, we look to form long-term relationships with every business we have the pleasure of serving. We take the time to understand the idiosyncrasies that make your organization unique, allowing us to recommend candidates who are the most likely to be compatible.

While we know that current technical skills are a priority, we also want to provide your company with more than just a shopping list of competencies when we locate candidates. Our process looks to learn about more than just the hard skills you need. We work to discover the right soft skills that allow employees to be successful in their employment with you, and make sure that candidates will integrate into your current culture with ease.

Just as no two candidates are the same, no two companies are alike either. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We Get to Know You First and Then Work to Exceed All Expectations

Whether you are an IT candidate or a company needing IT employees, we will make sure to get to know you first. Then, we will take our IT staffing experience and put it to work for both candidates and clients.

Let our firm focus our dedication to IT staffing on your needs. We have gotten to know some of the greatest candidates and companies in the area. and are prepared to meet the demands of today’s job market. We are committed to excellence every step of the way.

Contact Resolution Technologies. We look forward to getting to know you.

5 Best Practices for Hiring Your Next IT Rock Star

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Finding top tech talent is a goal for every company. Often, these roles are critical to the functioning of other business areas. With that in mind, you want to make sure you find the best candidates possible. But, how do you separate the rock stars from the rest of the pack?

While traditional mechanisms, like resumes and educational qualifications, can provide a good start, they only provide a fundamental understanding of their capabilities. Essentially, you are testing a top-of-the-line graphics card by observing the picture on a CRT monitor.

If you want to see who can shine in the position, consider these five best practices to get you the kind of information you need to make a better hiring decision.

1. Put Their Skills to the Test

Just because an applicant looks like they have the right stuff on paper doesn’t mean they can put that knowledge into practice. Remember, you don’t have to be a straight-A student or employee of the year to have these items show up on a resume. If you want to know what they are made of, consider a test.

Now, this doesn’t mean you need to give everyone access to critical systems to see what they can do. Instead, see if there is an adequate simulation that can do the job. If that isn’t available, even having them provide solutions to problems on a whiteboard can help. This will help you see what they can do, as well as how passionate they are about doing it.

2. Always Check References

Contacting references allows you to see how the candidate’s previous work was perceived by others. It gives a resume context and can give you insights you would otherwise miss. Even though most applicants wll list references that will say the most positive things, it can still be valuable.

When references are limited in what they can say, and the candidate no longer works with the reference, consider asking them if the person would be eligible for rehire into the same department or position, or if they would work with the applicant again. This can give some people an opening where a simple yes or no response can mean more.

3. Consider the Content of Cover Letters

Thanks to the internet, it is easy to design a professional-looking resume. So don’t pay too much attention to the format and really zero in on the content. Their cover letter should be engaging and designed to market them as an ideal candidate. Standard copy-and-paste jobs can be a sign of a rushed job or an assumption the content didn’t matter. Applicants who craft individual letters targeting the position to which they are applying, are likely more passionate about the work and more engaged when doing their work.

4. Focus on Things You Can’t Teach

Given the opportunity, most people can learn any hard skill a job requires. However, soft skills are harder to pass along. If someone has the enthusiasm, desire and drive, but only has fundamental skills, they may be in the perfect position to be molded into exactly what you need. In contrast, someone with all of the skills but no excitement about the work may remain disinterested over the long term.

5. Don’t Rush

As challenging as it is to be without a body in that chair, rushing could lead to less desirable results. Take your time to complete every step of the process well. If you don’t find a great candidate from the first batch, consider advertising the position in different ways to attract new interest.

For those times when you can’t sort through the sea of resumes alone, consider working with a staffing company to help narrow the field. Resolution Technologies has the industry-specific experience you need to help you make a more intelligent choice. Contact Resolution Technologies today, and you can have a new IT rock star employee before you know it.

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Check Out These 4 IT Management Best Practices

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IT management is a broad term that can apply to any of your IT systems, expenditures and plans. To make sure you have all of your bases covered, you need to focus on best practices in four key areas: strategic planning, enterprise architecture, asset management and security. By addressing concerns within these core functional areas, you can make sure your overall IT management strategy is designed to produce optimal results.

IT Strategic Planning

To create a robust IT strategic plan, you need to have input from a diverse group of employees and managers. This helps create a big picture plan for the direction of IT in the organization and ensures all key stakeholders have input into large-scale decisions. Get everyone committed to regular meetings and status updates, and use the overall framework to drill down into individual milestones.

Regardless of anything you do, trying to manage IT needs without a plan will likely run into trouble. However, the program can be flexible enough to allow for changing priorities or new technological advancements of interest.

 

Enterprise Architecture

Your enterprise architecture is the backbone of all of your IT operations. Without sound architecture, you can encounter many functional frustrations that can otherwise be avoided. Understand your current technical capabilities and limitations, and consider how to address the constraints in the future.

Further, make sure your infrastructure is prepared to grow with the needs of the business. This can require a significant commitment of resources, but failing to keep pace with the speed of business today, you will find your organization suffering as a whole.

 

IT Asset Management

Outside of your primary infrastructure, you are surrounded by a variety of other IT assets that must be managed appropriately. Determine the lifecycle of current equipment and software solutions, and create a method for addressing equipment needs before a solution becomes obsolete.

Additionally, make sure there is a solidified process for managing broken and outdated equipment. If confidential information is contained on machines, you need a disposal process that accounts for the destruction of this data, even if it means shredding components. Failure to manage this side of your IT assets can lead to information being found by someone out of the organization, which can pose a significant risk to internal operations.

IT Security

Securing your network and assets is critical in today’s connected workplaces. Make sure that all equipment meets current security standards at all times. Automate security software updates for employee devices and restrict access to the network to only company-approved devices. Failure to have security protocols in place puts you at greater risk of intrusion or infection. This can compromise the quality of your data, allow information to be viewed by unauthorized personnel and render systems unusable.

Do You Have the Right People for the Job?

If your organization does not have critical skill sets available, some of these practices may be challenging to institute. That’s where Resolution Technologies can help. Contact Resolution Technologies for all of your IT staffing needs and make these best practices a reality for your organization.

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Unplug: Easy Ways to Achieve Your Work-Life Balance (And Keep It!)

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Maintaining work-life balance is a priority for many workers across all industries. At times, it can seem it is easier said than done. With some many employees being connected to their work lives through the smartphones and computers, it can feel like work follows you everywhere.

However, finding the right balance is important. One of the easiest ways to help maintain balance (and your sanity in general) is to simply unplug during your time off. Instead of giving in to the urge to check your email while checking out at the store, or reviewing your calendar before bed, consider shutting it all down after hours.

Why Unplugging is Important

When you bring your work with you wherever you go, you are never really off the clock. You stay in the mindset that the incoming emails and phone calls should be a priority, even when you should be focused on yourself and your family. While maintaining constant contact and availability may seem as though you are more productive, the opposite may be true.

Research suggests that being distracted by email and other messaging systems may functionally lower your IQ. Your judgment may become clouded, and you may switch to a more reactive approach to information. The constant notifications can also make it nearly impossible to focus, which can also lower the quality of your work.

The feeling as though you can’t get away from work also leads to burnout. Instead of being more productive and feeling accomplished, you may find yourself irritable and frustrated. Over time, this can lead you to leave a job simply to get away from the constant feeling of pressure, even if it is self imposed.

How to Unplug for Work-Life Balance

To unplug successfully, you need to set boundaries regarding how and when you will work, and when you won’t. Designate certain days or times when using devices is simply off limits. For example, make dinner time device free, and avoid checking devices within two hours before bed. Give yourself a chance to wind down in the evening, and avoid the negative effects screen light can have on sleep patterns.

If time is set aside for a family activity, don’t let your device ruin that time. Keeping connected to your loved ones will help you survive stressful times when they arise, so take the time necessary to nurture those relationships on a regular basis, and give them your full attention.

Weekends and vacations should also include substantial time away from the constant barrage of email, texts, and other notifications. Try to go without looking at work communications for entire weekends, or the length of a vacation. If you absolutely must check in, limit your availability as much as possible. For example, you may decide that between 9:00 and 10:00 am is ideal for reviewing what has come in. Once that time passes, unplug again.

Even in cases where you must handle issues, don’t feel compelled to manage anything that can wait until the next day at work. Just because an email came in at 6:30 pm doesn’t mean that the answer can’t wait until 8:00 am. Give yourself permission to manage work at work, and leave it there as often as possible.

What If Your Job Won’t Let You Unplug?

Some businesses set an expectation that employees be available 24/7 regardless of the harm. While some people may thrive in that kind of environment, many don’t. If you find yourself unable to get away and are beginning to burn out, it may be time to look for new employment opportunities.

If that is the case, Resolution Technologies is here to help. Contact Resolution today to see what opportunities may be available in your field, and reclaim your right to a balanced life.

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Smart Interview Tips to Land That Perfect IT Job

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Every professional knows that submitting a quality resume is only the beginning. Once you are contacted for an interview, you are presented with an opportunity to allow more than your skills and experience do the talking. If you want to give yourself the best chance of landing your perfect IT job, consider the following tips to make your interview memorable for all of the right reasons.

Dress Appropriately, but with a Hint of Personality

While everyone knows that dressing properly for an interview is critical, many professionals assume this means that you must adhere to generic standards in every choice. Instead of blending in with the interviewing masses, express your personality in a subtle, tasteful way. Consider a unique lapel pin, an interesting (but appropriate) tie, or a subtle earring that pays homage to something close to your heart.

Not only can this provide a natural conversation starter, it can help you be seen as a whole person and not just an automaton there to perform.

Tell the Story of How You Ended Up in the Interview Seat

When faced with the inevitable, “Tell me about yourself,” at the beginning of the interview, consider it an opportunity to do more than recite your resume. Include a brief explanation of what piqued your interest in the field, if there was a particular event or person who helped you decide to take this path, and what led you to believe this job is ideal for you.

While you don’t need to cover every detail of your childhood, explaining the origin of your interest in the field can indicate your level of passion for the work. It also provides an indication as to what continues to drive you to move forward in your career.

Your Greatest Weakness Should Include an Action Plan

When asked about your greatest weakness, many candidates end the conversation after identifying the issue. Instead of leaving your weakness hanging awkwardly hanging in the air, immediately follow it up with an action plan.

In this context, the action plan should be a brief overview of any steps you have taken, or plan to take, to turn this weakness into a strength or, at least, a non-issue. For example, if you are not comfortable speaking in front of large groups, you may include information about how you are intending to take a public speaking course from a local college or university, or have decided to join an organization that helps professionals learn to speak more comfortably in front of groups. While the answer to the question is covered, you have also demonstrated that this is not a weakness you intend to keep.

If You Don’t Have an Answer, Explain How You Would Find It

It is not uncommon for technical interviews to ask you about your understanding of specific terms or procedures. If you are faced with a question that you do not know the answer to, do not be afraid to admit that you don’t know.

Often, it can be more beneficial to admit a lack of knowledge in a specific area than try to fake your way through an answer (and possibly be completely off base).

With that, stating your lack of understanding should not be the end. Instead, explain what steps you would take to find the answer should the specified issue arise during the flow of a normal workday. Not only can this show your humility, it also demonstrates how you tackle issues for which you do not already have an answer.

Are you looking for you next job?

If you are looking for more tips to help you excel in your next IT interview, or are interested in finding a new position, the professionals at Resolution Technologies can help get your career in gear. Contact Resolution Technologies today to see their experience can work for you.

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You Need Top Performers: 3 Things to Look For in Your Next Hire

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While the goal of every hiring is to find the best candidate for the position, it can be challenging to determine which characteristics are most valuable.  While an ability to perform the tasks associated with the position will always be a key, additional traits can take an employee from mediocre to excellent within a workplace.  Before you send an official offer out to your next hire, consider these three signs of a top performer in the making.

Emphasis on Their Craft

While all technical employees are expected to understand their area of expertise, top performers push to excel at the technical aspects of their job.  Often, they keep up-to-date with industry trends for their own benefit, and may even pursue outside training to keep pace with the evolving industry.  While they may also possess generalist skills in other technical areas, they demonstrate a true passion for their specific area, and will likely bring an increased level of energy to the position.

This level of focus often accompanies a tendency to take the initiative in regards to their work, as well as the development of their skills.  These workers generally seek out new assignments when the opportunities arise, and are open to exploring new and different ways to handle tasks as they are assigned.  They tend to believe that challenges within their work provide them an opportunity to grow when others may see it in a less positive light.

Respect for Organizational Priorities

Regardless of the personal preference, top performers understand that respecting a business’s bottom line is essential to overall business success.  With that in mind, they are willing to contribute to whichever tasks best support the business, and will always make critical tasks a priority.  Additionally, they treat business priorities as their own, making the success of these tasks a personal priority worthy of extreme care and attention.

While adequate employees may hem and haw about taking on responsibilities outside of their core focus, top performers will accept responsibilities that are within their capacity in times of need.  This often makes them a go-to employee in moments of crisis, and ideal candidates for future development, as their flexibility can make them easy to work with during times of change.

Relationship-Oriented

Top performers know how to network.  They are comfortable working with personnel from within all of the levels of an organization, and handles external contacts with ease.  Additionally, they are often willing to jump in and lend a hand to coworkers who may be struggling or overwhelmed by current tasks

Relationship-oriented employees often have large support networks outside of their current organization, allowing them access to additional sources of knowledge in cases where assistance is needed quickly.

Often, top performers are also seen as emotionally stable, and brings a level of consistency to their work and their environment.  They are willing to compromise, and have an open mind when it comes to hearing the concerns of others with a stake in a project or issue.

Are you looking for top performers?

By focusing on candidates who bring these traits to the table, you increase your odds of finding the kind of employee who will be a top performer for your business.  If you would like assistance in locating your next superstar employee, contact Resolution Technologies today and let their experience guide you along the way.

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