Here are three skills to brush up on for a future in IT work.

1. Creativity: IT workers might not be seen as creative as graphic designers but being creative is a very important part of working in information technology. Not only does creativity help drive problem solving, it also is the foundation for innovation. Creativity can help you launch the next tech innovation – or help you understand how new technology developed elsewhere can be used to better your company.
2. Emotional intelligence: Drones may be a very real part of our future, but technology is always meant to serve people and enhance the lives of people living in society. That means designers, developers, programmers, and helpdesk employees always have to have the end user in mind. Empathy and emotional intelligence is an important part of keeping technology usable and relatable.
3. Flexibility: Because technology is always changing, adaptability is important. Embracing change is how companies remain innovative and competitive. But just as important is the flexibility to let go of ideas or solutions that won’t work. It’s easy to get very excited about a promising new technology only to find out later it’s not the right fit or it’s not as capable of delivering on its promise as you were led to believe. Being flexible means being dedicated to the business mission and not just loyal to a brand or product.

IT careers will continue to grow in the foreseeable future, and remaining relevant in your field will depend on you. If you’re ready to take your skills to a company that will help you realize your potential, contact our team today.

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Yes! Reference Checks Are Important.

As the one, last final step before presenting a job offer to a candidate, checking references shouldn’t be overlooked.

References checks offer additional insights about the candidate, other than what is discussed at the interview. This is an opportunity to corroborate prior responses, verify roles,  learn how they worked with others, and understand their career goals.

4 Things You can Learn from a Reference Check:

Corroborate  Prior Responses – It’s an unfortunate truth that people exaggerate and mislead during the interview process. During a reference check, now is the time to verify the candidate’s prior responses, such as a role as project leader, accomplishments, and questions on supervision.

Verify Roles  – This seems like common sense, but at Open Systems we have found that verifying job titles, responsibilities, and dates of employment is best done with a triple-check methodology.

✓ Check the resume, confirm with the candidate
✓ Check social media profiles
✓ Check with references

How they Worked with Others – Perspective matters when considering how the candidates works with others. The candidate will tell you how they got along with others. It is in your company’s best interest to ask the candidates manager and direct reports how they interacted with the candidate.

What are their career goals – Candidates have the answer to this question practiced to perfection. But when you ask a former colleague or supervisor this question about a candidate it’s not expected and you can find out if the candidate may be a short hire, instead of a long-term investment.

The Best Way to Conduct Reference Checks

If your company is waiting until just before the final offer to conduct a reference check, you are too late. If the candidate’s social profile or references have variations from the interview process you could be back at square one. Reference checks, social profile verification, skill verification and salary alignment need to occur prior to in-person interviews to ensure you have a quality candidate.

Moving Forward

Working with Open Systems for your professional recruitment needs will streamline your recruiting process, and save you time and money by ensuring only candidates with the skills and approved salary range are being considered. Let’s talk about how Open Systems can streamline your hiring process today.

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IT Outsourcing: Common Mistakes You Need to Know

Outsourcing the Wrong Services, Instead of the Right Ones

Before an organization seeks out an IT provider to outsource a portion of its environment or services, they should complete an internal assessment to determine if the areas defined for outsourcing are appropriate. Will outsourcing this service really improve the performance or create a better user experience?

The New Latest, Greatest Service Offering May Not Be the Best Solution

If an organization makes their outsourcing decisions based on the latest and greatest and not what is best for the organization, the results that are achieved may not align with what the organization actually needs. Thus, it is best to avoid the lure of the newest, greatest technology. Instead, choose a technology suite and provider that suits your organization.

Musical Chairs: Not Addressing Foundational Problems, Just Changing Players

When organizations start to experience problems with their outsourcing agreements, many decide to simply change providers. While this can seem like a simple solution to the problem it usually doesn’t change much other than the address on invoices. Before companies switch providers, they should do an honest intake of the issues that they are experiencing and examine if a change in provider would actually resolve them. In the majority of cases, the issues and problems are foundational. Thus, these issues are best addressed internally and in cooperation with the current service provider.

Not Properly Evaluating the Level of Service

A business must ensure that the outsource provider is capable of providing the level of service required to support their organization. This includes being able to serve all office locations as well as being able to respond within the required time. If a provider is not capable of providing the appropriate level of service issues can occur. For example, the loss of productivity can be detrimental.  Ensure that there are target service level agreements (SLAs) in place. These SLAs guarantee that the provider is contractually bound to protect against this productivity loss.

Moving Forward

Utilizing IT outsourcing can be a considerable advantage to a business. However, there are several common mistakes that can occur when implementing IT outsourcing. Though, with proper planning and execution, common outsourcing mistakes can be prevented. The best way to ensure proper planning and implementation is to turn to a proven solutions provider. At Open Systems, we help large and small businesses as they implement business solutions to drive results. Contact us today to learn more!

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Data Trends to Watch for in 2018

Data Trend # 1: It’s all About Privacy and Data Management

With recent news headlines regarding the misuse and management of data by Facebook and Cambridge Analytica, data privacy has become a considerable concern. Additionally, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) goes into effect on May 25, 2018. The GDPR requires most companies with personal data of persons in the EU to have data privacy officers (DPO.) These DPOs are responsible for the oversight and protection of PII (personally identifiable information) and will become more prevalent as other countries strengthen their privacy regulations.

Data Trend # 2: Using Unstructured Data

Up until recently, unstructured data got lost. This was in large part due to this information being too vast and complicated to process. However, with new tools such as Hadoop Appliance, businesses now have the necessary capabilities to process this unstructured, once lost, data.

Data Trend #3: New Corporate Roles Being Created

The data trend is driving the creation of new corporate positions, such as a Chief Data Officer (CDO) and a Data Curator.

The CDO is a newer C-level role. CDO’s are in charge of creating an organization’s digital strategy. It’s the CDO’s job to oversee the policies and utilization of data within their organizations.

The Data Curator reviews how organizations are using data and what type of analysis is being conducted. Their role is to prevent multiple, similar projects with the same data occurring over several business segments in the same organization.

Data Trend # 4: Data Goes Mobile

Data is everywhere, even on the go. Furthermore, new mobile apps, especially for data practice areas such as Business Intelligence, have grown significantly over the last year. Companies who use mobile data apps get their information in a more timely, organized fashion. Thus, they can harness data and drive results within their organizations more quickly.

Moving Forward

Data is becoming a significant business driver. The ways companies are collecting and using data are changing rapidly. When the time comes to re-think the way your organization uses data or to hire professionals skilled in the art of data, consult the experts at Open Systems. At Open Systems, we have the connections and talent to deliver our clients candidates who can help harness their organization’s data and drive results.

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Question 1: What is your current security infrastructure? 

In many recent headline-generating attacks (Sony for example), it was reported that hackers were inside of these networks undetected for weeks and months. While common, this scope of infiltration can be limited through the use of effective security tools and monitoring. Finding hackers as soon as they breach your network allows damage to be minimized.

Question 2: Have you had an independent, 3^rd party penetration test done?

Conducting independent, 3^rd party penetration test (pen test)  can be a real eye-opener. These tests allow organizations to see where their vulnerabilities are and address them (hopefully) before hackers can exploit them.

Question 3: Do you have a diverse and well-trained Info Sec Team?

One of the best ways to prepare for cyber attack is to make sure that you have a good in-house team to address Information Security. If an in-house team isn’t in the budget, it’s best to have qualified managed service providers or security consultants on retainer. Having the assistance of experts is vital in the development of security and incident response plans, and you’ll need someone to reach out to in the event of a confirmed breach.

Question 4: Are you looking at third-party risk?

Third party risk is becoming a huge part of an organization’s security program. Corporations both large and small are investing heavily in this new area of information security. Though even if you have a gold star security program, that doesn’t mean that your third-party partners do. Ensuring that all corporate partners and subcontractors who have access to your data or your network are engaging in good security practices is crucial.

Question 5: Do you have an incident response plan in place if hackers do get in?

History has shown that a well-motivated attacker can always get in. Making sure that you have a process in place to identify, remediate, and learn from an attack is key to preventing future attacks. This plan should include contacts for both state and federal law enforcement should your organization find itself the victim of ransomware or theft of sensitive customer information (personal data or financial information) or intellectual property.

Question 6: Do you make employees participate in yearly information security training?

Many of the largest hacks in recent news cycles have been as a result of successful phishing attacks. Training employees to identify potential social engineering or phishing efforts is crucial to prevent attacks. Making sure that employees receive yearly training which covers the most up to date information is vital. They are your first line of defense in the great cyber battle.

Moving Forward

To help ensure that your organization has the best defense to cyber attack, it’s best to contact a professional solutions provider. They can assist you with safeguarding your data and networks from the menacing hands of hackers.

 

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1: Skills Enhancement and Development of New Skills

Temporary assignments can expose job seekers to new skills and help enhance their existing skills. For example, if a job seeker is pursuing an IT certification (CISM, CISSP, etc.) and doesn’t meet some of the requirements such as time in a certain role or specific skills a temporary assignment can offer such exposure.

2: Networking

Like it or not, networking is a vital activity for a job seeker at any stage of their career. A temporary assignment can provide a job seeker with greater access to new connections that can then broaden their reach. This is especially true when talking about forming “loose” connections with other peers. Studies show that in most cases, it’s these loose connections that lead people to their next jobs.

3: Moving to a Different Practice Area

If a job seeker is looking to transition to another role but doesn’t have the necessary experience to catch the eye of a recruiter for a full-time position, temporary assignments may be to their benefit.

An example of this type of transition would be a data administrator who is looking to transition to information security taking on a temp position in a Security Operations Center. A temporary placement like this allows the job seeker to expand their skill set and get exposed to the industry while getting paid at the same time!

4: Business Specific Experience

In some cases, job seekers wish to make lateral movements within different industries. For example, an information security professional decides to go from a retail organization to a financial institution. While there are some similarities in these verticals, there are also huge differences. For example, in retail, aspects around ERP and supply chain management vary greatly from a financial institution. In a financial institution, there are many government banking regulations and rules that a very specific and don’t apply to other environments.

5: Experience with A New Technology

Finally, temporary assignments offer the ability to work for various companies all doing things in different ways utilizing different tools. Temporary placements allow a job seeker to gain exposure to new technology and tools that might not have been possible by having pursued a more traditional role.

Thinking Ahead

In conclusion, temporary assignments may not be ideal for everyone, but they can benefit a job seeker in numerous ways. They can provide many advantages such as networking and development of new skills. If a job seeker is interested in learning more about temporary assignments, its best to consult a professional recruiter. A recruiter can assist a job seeker in developing a career plan and find the best temporary assignment for them and their career.

 

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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.

The post Do You Know The Highest Paying Jobs in IT Right Now? appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

The Controversy Regarding IT Certifications

The importance of IT certifications depends on who you talk to. Organizations that provide training and conduct exams will tell you that they are absolutely necessary. HR professionals will tell you that certifications make their jobs easier by being a tool to validate candidate skillsets. Finally, technical professionals will say that while certifications can help, they are not a good gauge of a candidate’s knowledge base and that hands-on experience will always be more vital. So, what is a job seeker to do?

Employer Opinion: By the Numbers

First, it’s important to look at the numbers regarding IT certifications and employer value.

• 72% of employers require IT certifications for certain job openings.
• 67% of employers use certifications to measure a candidate’s willingness to work hard and meet a goal
• 60% of employers use certifications to confirm subject matter expertise.

Source: CompTIA 5 Reasons Why Employers Look for IT Certifications

In looking at the numbers, it’s important to point out that not only are certifications being used to validate skills but they are also used to determine a candidate’s drive.

IT Certifications: Let’s Get Personal

Secondly, IT certifications and their value are dependent on the person obtaining them. For example, if you are a low-level security professional and you obtain a CISSP it may be a huge benefit since it demonstrates capability. In certain parts of the IT industry, such as the security arena, certifications are quickly becoming essential.

Return on Investment (ROI)

When deciding on whether to pursue a certification, a job seeker must think about the ROI associated with the certification in question. Since certifications can run thousands of dollars, it’s important to determine if the investment will be able to be recouped in a reasonable time frame through salary improvement or increased opportunity. This greatly depends on your industry, your experience, your geographic location, and future career goals.

Planning Ahead

Finally, when deciding if a certification is best for you, research is key. One good practice is to look at the LinkedIn profiles. View the profiles of professionals who have the jobs you are aiming for and see what their certifications are. View open job postings to help you get a better idea of required certifications versus desired or preferred certifications. When in doubt, consult a recruiter, preferably one that specializes in your field, to get an idea of what certifications are setting candidates apart in the current market.

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