How do you keep your LinkedIn network engaged,  so you can leverage it for your next job opportunity? Let’s look at a few network building activities and how they can be leveraged on LinkedIn.

Set the Settings Right

Before we get started on the tips section, it’s important to make sure your effort gets the results you want. First, go to your Privacy settings and select ‘YES” for ‘Sharing Profile Edits’ and ‘Notifying Connections When You’re in the News.’

Now your network will see your updates, news, and postings.

Profile and Pictures

Next step to managing your LinkedIn network is updating your profile. LinkedIn pictures should be headshot only, directly looking at the camera with a smiling and inviting look.

How current is your profile? Even if you think it’s current, still update it! Additionally, update it monthly. This is easy to do by adding new skills or adding a bullet on a new project you are involved with.

Each time you update your profile, whether it be your photo, adding a skill or changing your summary, your network gets updated (as long as you followed ‘Set the Settings Right’ instructions).

This is your network ‘awareness’ management. You are now staying top of mind in your networks’ news feed.

Advance Search for People

Use the advanced search function to identify companies you would like to work for. LinkedIn will provide you a list of all the people in your network that are associated with that company (past and present). Start connecting with them and be honest about your intention. A simple, quick statement, “I admire your work at XYZ company and would like to connect.” or “We share the same interest of Growing Atlanta’s tech community, let’s connect.”

Additionally, follow the company page and interact with their postings. You can start by liking posts and as you become more familiar with the company’s goals and mission you can begin adding comments so your name becomes familiar to them.

Groups

When you identify people at companies’ that are in roles to that could help you get a job, find out what groups they belong to and join those groups. Connected group members can direct message other group members. When you do connect, be genuine and get to know their involvement in the group and the group rules. Often, sales-type messaging is forbidden and you can become banned.

Moving Forward

LinkedIn is a valuable social channel for finding and connecting contacts that can help facilitate your next career move. Equally important is connecting with recruiters that specialize in the technology, IT or engineering job market.

At Open Systems, our technical recruiters can help with your next career move, our nationwide network can connect you with job opportunities that work best for you. Learn more today.

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In most cases, a candidate will do very little evaluation on a prospective employer beyond some moderate research to prepare for an interview. However, in limiting their research, a candidate may be preventing themselves from making fully informed career decisions. Instead, a candidate should view a prospective employer as they do any unknown entity, and conduct a well thought out evaluation before making any decisions.

Evaluation Steps for Candidates

Contact Your Network

Contacting first and second-degree connections can be an excellent way to find either current or former employees of a prospective employer. Utilizing this approach, a candidate can get first-hand information directly from people familiar with a potential employer.

Review the Company’s Website Carefully

The second place to go for information on a prospective employer is their website. However, when doing this research, go beyond the superficial. Don’t gloss over their site but take an in-depth look. Study the biographies of company officers, current, and past work projects, and company blogs. Gather information and take notes in preparation for your next step, more in-depth research.

Research their Clients and Subcontractors, along with their Top Competitors

With your research gathered from a prospective employer’s website, it’s time to add more sources. Head to sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor to research company officers, clients, and subcontractors.

While looking at a prospective employer’s overall business, it’s essential to include top competitors. Evaluating competitors allows a candidate to better gauge the actual market of their potential employer. This information can help a candidate feel assured that they are making a sound decision.

Use Social Media

When researching a prospective employer, social media is an invaluable resource. In a social media search, look not only at an employer’s official accounts but also to platforms run by current and former employees (found via LinkedIn). When browsing the official accounts of a prospective employer, how do they interact with followers and what is the tone of their comments? Are they respectful, cold, or superficial? Concerning accounts run by current or former employees, zero in on reviews, complaints, and workplace concerns. However, keep in mind to not read too much into negative reviews by former employees since these can be biased and come from a place of resentment.

Contact a Professional Recruiter

The best way to get honest, in-depth information on a prospective employer is to contact a recruiter. A professional recruiter knows industry employers in their market. A recruiter can best gauge if a potential employer is a good match for a candidate and may even be able to connect a candidate with a current employee of a prospective employer.

Moving Forward

For candidates to make informed career decisions, it is essential that candidates research, review, and evaluate all prospective employers. By doing in-depth research, a candidate can begin a relationship with a potential employer with their eyes open. If a candidate still has questions regarding a prospective employer, it’s best to reach out to a professional recruiter. At Open Systems, we have the market knowledge and industry connections to help our candidates succeed in their job searches. Contact us today to learn more.

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Know What Jobs Are In-Demand

For tech professionals, preparation is critical. Tech workers should be aware of current market trends such as in-demand jobs and coveted skill sets. Once a tech professional knows where the market is going, they can prepare themselves to meet these future demands and set themselves apart from the competition.

The Top Tech Jobs of 2018

Top Tech Job # 1 – Business Intelligence Analyst

Range from $83,750 to $175,750

Business Intelligence (BI) is on fire. Many companies, across multiple industries, are embracing this crucial business tool. Furthermore, tech professionals who wish to be BI analysts should have knowledge of data models and experience in structured language queries such as SQL.

Top Tech Job # 2 – Data Scientist

Range $100,000 to $168,000

The demand for data scientists is due in large part to the emphasis on Artificial Intelligence. Many AI platforms and tools require an in-depth knowledge of data manipulation and data mining to operate. Tech professionals who would like to pursue data scientist positions should have excellent analytic skills and knowledge in some programming languages. Additionally, graduate-level education is also required.

Top Tech Job # 3 – Database Developer

Range $97, 750 to $175, 750

For database developers, employers are looking for experience with enterprise databases. Thus, hiring managers tend to put weight on certifications such as the Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional or the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator.

Top Tech Job # 4 – Help/Support Desk Technician

Range $32,000 to $81,500

Help desk support roles can range from very junior to senior positions. Based on the level of the help desk position, job requirements can vary from customer support to troubleshooting and problem-solving.

Top Tech Job # 5 – Network Administrator

Range $55,000 to $104,750

With such a focus on network design and an understanding of underlying security protocols, network administrators are also on a recruiter’s watch list. For this role, experience with troubleshooting and in-depth knowledge of network configurations is required. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree plus relevant certifications.

Top Tech Job # 6 – Data Security Administrator

Range $100,000 to $168,750

With businesses so influenced by security concerns, many employers and recruiters are actively looking for data security administrators. Hiring managers are looking for data security admins to have both programming and engineering experience. A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or computer science as are security certifications.

Top Tech Job # 7 – System Administrator

Range $64,500 to $102,500

For system admins, experience with both hardware and software is necessary. Also, employers look for system admins who have excellent problems solving skills. Experience in large enterprise environments is a huge plus. Also, system admins who hold certifications are sure to stand out among their peers.

Moving Forward

Currently, the tech industry is experiencing substantial growth. Coupled with new employment models and record levels of employment, it can be a challenge to navigate the job market, especially for tech professionals. Successful tech professionals are aware of market trends and stay on top of in-demand jobs and sought-after skills. When it comes time to evaluate your professional path, its best to consult a recruiter. At Open Systems, we work with tech professionals who are looking to move their careers forward. Let us put our connections, knowledge, and expertise to work for you!

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The Year Ahead: The Top Jobs for 2018

Per a CIO.com article regarding the Robert Half Technology 2018 IT salary report these are the top IT positions for the year ahead.

1: Database Developer (Range $97,750 to $175,750)

For Database Developers, a bachelors’ degree in Computer Science or related field is usually preferred. Experience with Oracle and SQL are required. Certifications can also be of great value especially Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDA).

2: Help/Support Desk Technician (Range $32,000 to $81,500)

General requirements vary greatly depending on the level of the role. For entry-level roles, a few years work experience, or an associate’s degree is passable. More senior roles require a bachelor’s degree. Certifications such as the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) can also be useful and will often lead to higher pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% increase in computer support specialists from 2014 to 2024. There will be 88,000 net new jobs during this period.

3: Network Administrator (Range $55,000 to $104, 750)

For network administrators, a bachelor’s degree is preferred. However, in lieu of a degree, significant years of related work experience or certifications can often substitute. The most sought-after certifications include Comp TIA A+ certification, Cisco CCNA certification, and the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate).

4: Data Security Administrator (Range $100,000 to $168, 750)

Data Security Administrator is the highest paying role on the list for 2018. It’s no wonder with all the breaches and hacks plastering the news in 2017. However, this role also often requires the most experience and advanced certification. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field is often required, and certifications such as MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) and CISSP are either required or a great plus.

5: System Administrator (Range $65,500 to $102,500)

For system administrators, candidates with certifications such as MCSA and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) are highly sought after. Also, in many cases, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field is preferred.

Looking Beyond 2018: Future Predictions for the IT

When planning for a long-term career, it’s valuable to be aware of future trends that extend beyond the next twelve months. Per Gartner’s Top Ten Predictions for IT in 2018 and Beyond:

• In 2020, AI (Artificial Intelligence) will become a positive net job motivator, creating 2.3 million jobs while eliminating 1.8 million jobs
• By 2021, 40% of IT Staff will be versalists, holding multiple roles, most of which will be business rather than technology related.

Ensuring You Make the Most of out of 2018

In conclusion, if you are a job seeker who is brushing off the resume and starting to look toward the future, it’s important to do a little legwork to determine what roles are the best fit for your background and experience level. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to consult a professional recruiter to create a plan to move forward with your goal of future employment.

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1: It’s All About the Cloud

Cloud computing has brought a major shift to ERP systems. With the advent of cloud computing, companies no longer need to make enormous investments in architecture, multi-year licenses, and operations and maintenance. Today’s ERP systems are moving towards a Software as a Service model. This allows smaller companies to purchase only what they need and offload all of the heavy lifting to firms that have the required expertise to manage these complex systems.

2: Mobile

More and more firms use mobile devices and apps to do business. As a result, it’s imperative that ERP systems can be viewed on small screens and on compatible mobile technology platforms (Andriod, iOs). It’s also necessary that certain mobile workforce apps can be utilized and can integrate with an ERP system.

3: Internet of Things

IoT is an emerging field that needs to be considered when planning for a new ERP system. Every device your ERP system interacts with should be evaluated to ensure tighter integration. Furthermore, if an ERP system can’t fully integrate with all of an organization’s various devices, including IoT, it may be time to upgrade.

4: Security

Information security is making headlines every day with things like ransomware attacks freezing critical ERP systems (like the recent NotPetya outbreak that impacted Maersk and other large global logistics companies among others.) If an ERP system lacks security awareness and enhanced security measures, the system may be vulnerable to attack. Thus, newer ERP systems are better positioned to guard against new threats.

5: Integration

An ERP system is only as strong as its ability to integrate with other applications or software. If an ERP system can’t fully support certain modern-day applications (such as CRM software, new PoS implementations such as Square or other mobile PoS platforms, etc.) or software, it may be time to re-think the existing system.

Implementation Concerns: Learn from Under Armour

The above notwithstanding, an organization needs to thoroughly think about implementation when considering a new system. In October 2017, Under Armour reported less than desired earnings. They blamed their poor numbers on the implementation of a new ERP system. Due to issues with deployment, their ERP system negatively affected change management. This caused ripples through their supply chain and severely impacting their bottom line.

A Critical Assessment: Room for Improvement

When in doubt, consult a solutions provider for an assessment to determine if it’s time to invest in a new ERP system.  They will be able to provide guidance on the best fit for your organization. In addition, a solutions provider will also craft a successful implementation strategy. This will assure the most cost-effective and best solution for your situation.

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The Top Jobs

In the current market, tech jobs are hot and in-demand. As a result, In March 2017, Business Insider listed the ten highest paid IT jobs in the market right now. The top ten salaries range from $95,167 to $112,045.

1. Applications Development Manager: $112,045
2. Software Engineering Manager: $109,350
3. Information-technology Architect: $105,303
4. Software Architect: $104,754
5. Solutions Architect: $102,678
6. Data Architect: $102,091
7. Information-technology (IT) Program Manager: $98,883
8. User Experience (UX) Manager: $98,353
9. Systems Architect: $97,873
10. Scrum Master: $95,167

Location, Location, Location!

In addition, it’s important to remember that these are median averages and as with real estate, compensation is all about location, location, location. New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC all have a very high cost of living, so salaries tend to be higher in these areas to compensate.

Any Room in the Cubicle? Is there a Vacancy?

Finally, among the top jobs, available positions vary greatly. As a rule, vacancy drives demand. Therefore, higher demand typically means higher compensation. Business Insider listed the number of open positions for the top ten tech jobs.

1. Applications Development Manager: 516
2. Software Engineering Manager: 1,011
3. Information-technology Architect: 250
4. Software Architect: 1,147
5. Solutions Architect: 4,174
6. Data Architect: 1,438
7. Information-technology (IT) Program Manager: 250
8. User Experience (UX) Manager: 263
9. Systems Architect: 1,167
10. Scrum Master: 2,072

Moving Forward – A Plan to Ensure Top Dollar  

Most of all, when looking at the top IT positions, a job seeker must devise a game plan to secure one of these high paying positions successfully. Can a job seeker benefit from adding a certification to their resume? Should a potential candidate re-work their resume to highlight applicable job experience?

A job seeker who finds themselves unsure of the best plan forward should team up with a professional recruiter. A professional recruiter can guide the job seeker in the best direction for their career and make sure that they are set to achieve the highest salary possible.

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