Bad behavior is always at the top of the list of killer project behaviors. It could be poor communication, passive-aggressive behavior or an unwillingness to accept change. Whatever it is, project managers need to be equipped to handle any type of situation, including bad behavior from team members. Start with consulting with your human resource department on what employee tools you have available, such as an employee handbook, documentation and even disciplinary action.

Poor project timelines happen when project managers are not realistic about tasks as well as not adding contingency time to projects. Unexpected surprises happen. It’s the project managers job to anticipate this with backup vendors, staffing, equipment, etc.

Ignoring Problems. It’s never the problem that kills a project. It’s how the problem is handled that is the killer. Don’t put issues and red flags off until later. Instead, work through each problem as it arises. This will keep the team moving ahead and keep your project on time. You’re likely to learn valuable insight along the way when addressing problems head on.

Miscommunications – or no communication – it doesn’t matter who it’s between: you and your team, or you and your boss. Frequent communication in a variety of forms is critical. With today’s project management software such as Trello, JIRA, etc., there is no reason not to have everyone working on the same page.

Don’t over promise if you can’t deliver. Never promise deliverables without checking with your team. It’s better to turn down a project or delay the start until you have time to gather and review all the facts.

By being able to identify these common project killers, you’ll be able to anticipate issues and avoid potential pitfalls.

Move Your Projects Forward

As your company starts planning for its upcoming projects, reach out to OSI to consult on the best workforce solution for your project. Whether it is permanent, short- or long-term contract work or anything in between, Open Systems will streamline the hiring process, allowing your company to work on its growth. Give us a call 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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The Top Benefits of Working with a Recruiter 

Expert Advice on Resume and Interview Preparation

“More than 250 resumes will be submitted for every corporate job opening. From this pile of over 250 resumes, 4 to 6 candidates will be interviewed, and 1 will be offered the job.” With statistics like these, it’s imperative that your resume is in the best possible shape to stand out from the competition. A recruiter can provide a candidate with valuable resume tips. Tips include the proper industry format and right buzzwords that will make a resume truly shine. Also, a professional recruiter can help prepare candidates for interviews. This preparation can significantly increase the chances the interview will be successful.

The Ability to Help Candidates Find the Right Placement

Professional recruiters have the necessary industry knowledge and expertise which allows them to match a candidate with a company correctly. Recruiters take the time to read a candidate’s resume and learn about a candidate’s background including future aspirations ensuring that the position a candidate is placed in will move their career forward in the future.

Industry Connections: Access to Jobs Not Publicly Posted

Many companies today are forgoing in-house recruiting divisions, instead opting to seek outside recruiting services. This shift away from in-house recruiters is occurring for two reasons. The first, companies want recruiters who have a diverse reach. Secondly, in-house recruiters can cost a lot in overhead, cutting into corporate budgets. By utilizing outside recruiters, organizations can better budget recruiting and hiring expenses. Due to this change in recruiting strategy, many job openings now go straight to contracted recruiters, thus ensuring that many job postings never find their way to a corporate website or job board. This is especially true for more senior IT and IT executive level positions.

Market Knowledge To Ensure Smooth Negotiations and Top Compensation

Compensation negotiations are challenging events, which if not executed correctly can cause negative results. Since these negotiations are so crucial to success, it is best to have a professional negotiating on your behalf. Recruiters know how to handle negotiations properly and how to keep them on track if they hit a snag. Also, with their years of experience placing candidates, coupled with their industry knowledge, recruiters know their market. Thus, candidates who work with professional recruiters are much more likely to receive offers that are in-line with market conditions.

Moving Forward

A job search is a long, complicated process. One of the best ways to combat this laborious process is to have a professional recruiter in your corner.  At Open Systems, we are experts in working with and placing candidates in the tech industry, at all stages of their careers. Contact us today to learn more!

The post The Importance of Working with a Recruiter in Your IT Job Search appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

Benefits of Remote Work

Exploration Beyond Geography and Time

When companies are open to remote workers, the potential pool of candidates opens beyond the normal geographical or time boundaries. Many professionals are unable or unwilling to relocate yet will gladly work remotely. For example, in Silicon Valley and other high-priced cities, many companies are opting to hire remote workers since it is hard to find local employees that don’t require exceedingly high salaries to keep up with the rising cost of living. Additionally, some companies may want (or need) to keep workforce operations going beyond the local workday hours. Hiring remote workers in various time zones allows for this capability without having to worry about paying overtime or additional compensation for the “night shift.”

Save Money on Physical Office Space

By utilizing remote workers, it allows employers to spend less on physical office space. This lack of demand for physical space also contributes to lowered facilities costs for utilities, equipment, food, and janitorial expenses. Over time, these savings can really add up, especially when a company is in a growth stage and adding remote workers prevents the need to move or purchase additional office space.

Ability to Hire and Retain Top Tech Talent

Hiring and retaining talent can be a real challenge.  For the tech industry, where employee turnover is higher than in other sectors, remote work policies can be a real game changer for hiring and retaining top talent. Remote work allows employees to control work-life balance. This better control provides employees with the ability to confront issues such as child-care and commuting costs with more flexibility. This engenders good will on the part of the employee that could lead to longer tenures. In some cases, employees have been known to accept a lesser salary in order to work for a company that has a flexible, mature, remote work policy in place.

Happier, More Productive and Creative Employees

When employees have a better sense of work-life balance, they are oftentimes happier and more productive. Also, in remote work situations, employees tend to be more productive since workplace social distractions are limited.  A 2-year study from Stanford found that remote employees were highly productive and worked a full shift compared to onsite employees who were either late to work or would leave early multiple times a week. The study also found that retention rates were higher for remote workers than onsite workers and that remote workers took shorter breaks and used less sick days than their onsite counterparts.

Considerations Before Implementing a Corporate Remote Work Strategy

While there are many benefits to remote work, it’s essential that a company’s remote work strategy is thoughtful and organized to ensure success. Haphazard remote work programs can be detrimental to a workplace leading to lost productivity and reduced morale.

Ensure there is Set Policy in Place and In Writing

Before hiring a remote workforce, it’s best to have a policy in place with clear, concise regulations and guidelines. Making sure that a plan is in place will prevent confusion and headaches down the road. Include in your policy what type of employee can work remotely, when, and how. In some cases, remote work just may not be practical to get the best performance out of an employee. Make sure to include who can approve remote work. Also, what are the procedures regarding disciplinary actions when remote work issues occur such as missing deadlines or not fulfilling work hours?

Is Your Technology Up to the Challenge?

When you have a remote workforce, it’s vital that your company’s technology is up to the task. Do you have video conferencing platforms that are dependable and easy to use? What VPN technology can your remote workers use and is it secure?

Moving Forward

Remote work will only increase in the years ahead as both employees and employers see the many benefits it provides. For remote work arrangements to be successful, organizations should have clear, concise policies in place. When the time comes to craft your remote work policy, contact a personnel management specialist. At Open Systems, we are experts in recruiting and retaining tech professional, especially remote workforces. Let our experience and expertise help you create successful workplace strategies.

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What are the top IT certifications?

When looking at the top IT certifications it’s important to remember that certifications are not only time consuming to obtain, they are also expensive, so before making the commitment to earn one, make sure you are making a sound investment.

The Top 6 IT Certifications for 2018

1. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Average Salary: $127,507

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Average Salary: $122,448

3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Average Salary: $119,085

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Average Salary: $118,179

5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Average Salary: $110,634

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Average Salary: $105,324

The Industry Trends for the Top 6 IT Certifications: It’s All About Security and Risk 

When looking at the top six IT Certifications, it’s not hard to spot a trend: Security and risk management is in high demand, and it’s no wonder why. With headlines detailing the latest breaches of company and personal data, security spending is at the highest level in history. Furthermore, it is fair to say this trend will continue in the years ahead. Thus, IT certifications in information security would be a good investment.

Another trend that can be found on the list is the emphasis placed on management as the PMP certification appears in the top six. While not an IT certification itself, it does hold high value for employers since it speaks to a candidate having knowledge of fundamental project management principles.

How Do I Know if a Certification is Right for Me?

Looking at trends is useful, but one should make sure a certification aligns with their career objectives. For example, a PMP, while a great certification, may not provide immediate benefit for a junior IT professional. However, a more senior IT professional may benefit greatly from a PMP certification as they look to move into a management position.

Something else you must consider is that many of the listed certifications require professionals to have a minimum number of years of work experience. For example, the CISM and CISSP both require candidates to possess at least five years of work experience in the area covered by the certification. This criterion may rule out these certifications for most junior IT professionals.

Moving Forward

When in doubt about what certification may be best for you and your career, it’s best to contact an industry expert, a professional recruiter. A recruiter will be able to advise you on the best certification for your current situation and for your future.

The post Will a Certification Earn You More Money in Your IT Role? appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

The Positives of A Social Media Presence Driven by Employees

Branding and Messaging

Having employees add organizational content to social media can be a great way to increase brand recognition. For example, if employees post photos from a recent company volunteer project, the world can now see the importance that the company puts on giving back. It also allows for the public to see what charities and projects a firm promotes which can provide a window into a company’s values.

Advertising Employee Perks and Work Environment

If employees talk about their great work environment and corporate perks, this can enable recruiting. Most social media users are friends with people of similar backgrounds. These social media connections allow companies to tap into a significant group of potential candidates when trying to fill new roles. Allowing employees to discuss things like parental leave, vacation policies, and work from home protocols can make a business very enticing to prospective employees. As a result, this “subliminal” advertising technique can become a powerful tool for recruiters and HR teams.

Driving Sales

Employees posting corporate news items on social media can often drive unexpected sales. Allowing employees to post about new platforms, products, or service offerings can influence and broaden corporate reach and drive interest. For example, if an employee posts about a new service offering, it organically increases the visibility of the offering to a wider range of eyes. This increased profile can make a significant impact on sales numbers.

Considerations Before Recruiting your “Social Media Army”

Clear Guidelines on What Material is Acceptable

While social media can be a great tool, it can also be a headache if not properly managed. Making sure that employees know the rules and regulations regarding corporate social media policy are critical. Having clear and specific procedures are necessary for a positive experience for both the employee and company. Ensure that employees don’t post polarizing or offensive material to maintain a healthy social media program.

Establishing a Social Media Program & Training

Companies like Starbucks, Zappos, and Twitter have active social media programs in place. For example, Zappos has a specific training program just for Twitter. When employees are appropriately trained on the use of social media the company can ensure proper use of this vital marketing asset.

Moving Forward

When looking to embrace a corporate social media strategy its best to recruit the right social media army and that starts with a professional recruiter. Using a professional recruiter ensures an excellent foundation for a successful social media program.

The post How Your Employees Can Use Social Media to Benefit the Company appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

The Top 5 Programming Languages

1. Java

Over two decades old, Java is still a dominant language. Java is the underlying platform for all Android apps, accounting for much of its modern popularity. Java is reportedly used by 90% of the Fortune 500. However, it appears Java may be experiencing a decline in demand in 2018 as the number of job postings for Java has decreased from 2017.

2. Python

The popularity of Python has been growing rapidly over the last five years. It’s most significant portion of growth comes from an increase in the number of Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects that include data mining and other scientific computing applications that utilize Python.

3. JavaScript

One of the older languages, JavaScript is still a favorite. Currently, over 80% of developers use JavaScript. Furthermore, 95% of websites utilize it as well. Due to its popularity in website development, this language is critical for web developers.

4. C++

C++ is a general-purpose language used by many large companies, especially with enterprise software. A highly versatile language, C++ powers both Google Chrome and Microsoft Windows as well as the backend of Amazon.com.

5. C#

C# is designed to run on the Microsoft. NET platform so, it is behind many web-based enterprise software platforms. It’s also widely used by game developers and has applications in mobile environments as well.

Programming Languages of Honorable Mention

While not in the top five, languages such as Swift, R, and PHP are also highly relevant and have their place in the programming language ecosystem.

Swift

Swift was developed by Apple in 2014 to run on their iOS-based devices. It is open source, user-friendly, and easy to learn. Considering the worldwide popularity of Apple products, it can be a valuable skill if you’re looking to expand your horizons.

R

An open source programming language, R is primarily used in data science and machine learning. R is widely used, including by companies like Facebook, Google, Trulia, and the National Weather Service.

PHP

The oldest language on the list, PHP is still widely used in server-side scripting for websites. It also forms the basis of many custom created languages such as ‘Hack’ from Facebook.

Planning Ahead

When considering expanding your programming skill set, it’s important to know which languages are used in your practice area. Additionally, it is helpful to know which languages are most in demand. When in doubt, it’s best to consult a professional recruiter who can provide you with advice and guidance on where to focus your efforts.

The post 5 Programming Languages to Make You a Better Web Developer appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

Soft Skills for 2018

Recruiters will be looking for candidates who excel in communication and cross-team functionality. While these soft skills aren’t an area where certifications can demonstrate expertise (with the possible exception of the Program Management Professional (PMP) certification), candidates can provide relevant examples of these soft skills when interviewing.

Communication

The skills to interface and interact with others will always be necessary, no matter the industry. Those candidates who can effectively and efficiently communicate ideas and processes will stand out. Not only must a candidate express ideas well, but they must also listen.

Cross-Team Functionality

In today’s tech industry, much work is done across an entire organization. Now more than ever, tech professionals are engaging with divisions outside the IT department. Tech professionals who have some basic familiarity with other business disciplines like HR, marketing, finance, and operations are highly valued.

Technical Skills for 2018

For 2018 and beyond, employers are looking for high tech skills that range from AI, Cloud, and SaaS to unique programming languages. These skills can be demonstrated with certifications but, in many cases, hands-on experience is also required.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is all the rage in 2018. Experience with data analytics, machine learning, coding, mobile app development, and innovation are critical. For example, in Silicon Valley, currently, there is an intense “arms battle” for top “engineering talent with a focus on AI and machine learning.”

Cyber Security

Following another year of high profile breaches, security will stay front and center for 2018. Candidates that are well versed in information security principles and protocols are in high demand. Knowledge of network security, firewalls, and penetration testing are key. In this area, certifications such as the CISSP and CISM are useful. Also, the area of offensive security is becoming a more significant part of the practice. As such, one of the most sought-after certifications is the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). The expected employer search rate for OSCP professionals in 2018 is expected at 34%.

Cloud Computing and SaaS

Cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS) will continue their growth into 2018. Jeremy Williams from Vyudu, of the Forbes Technology Council, states that “virtualization skills in Amazon AWS, Microsoft Hyper-V, and VMware for private cloud hosting will, without a doubt, help you stand out from the crowd. Experience with DevOps, containers, the entire cloud stack, and IPv6 will also benefit your chances for a top job tremendously.”

Programming Knowledge

Popular programming languages are influenced by the latest trending frameworks and platforms. For example, Spark is an open source cluster computing platform that is used by industry leaders such as Netflix and eBay. Languages such as Java, Scala, Python, and R are used on the Spark platform. R is an open source programming language that supports statistical work and is used extensively in the areas of data mining.

Coding and Engineering Experience

Experience with engineering principles and hands-on experience with coding is crucial going into 2018. According to Chalmers Brown, from Due, of the Forbes Technology Council “an engineering mind and coding skills are now essential for the high-tech industry. Everything is about new ways to build and use products and services that are more intuitive.”

Mobile Application Development

The demand for mobile application development in 2018 will continue to rise. Scott Stiner, of UM Technologies, states that “successful developers should be fluent in multiple programming languages including Java, HTML5, Objective-C, C++, C#, Python, and Swift. Also, app developers with UX and UI design skills can offer much more value for project management.”

Moving Forward

As job seekers find themselves preparing for 2018 and possible job searches in the new year, it’s best to consult a professional recruiter. Furthermore, a professional recruiter can use their expertise and connections to help guide a potential candidate and provide advice on how to best present the top skills a candidate possesses.

The post Here Are The Top Skills Companies Are Looking For in 2018 appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

More and more organizations are turning to ERP systems to assist in the growth and reach of their businesses. The ERP market size is expected to exceed $49 billion dollars by 2020. This cements ERPs worth and value to the business community. Looking ahead, growth rates of ERP will be between 6.9% to 7.2% in the coming years. 

Since ERP systems are becoming crucial assets, it’s important that an organization’s ERP system is functioning at peak efficiency. Thus, providing the most return on investment (RoI). The best way to ensure RoI on an ERP system is to avoid common mistakes that can take a great system and turn it into a costly headache.

The Top 5 ERP Mistakes to Avoid

Per a CIO.com article here are the top 5 ERP mistakes to avoid.

Mistake Number 1: Not doing careful requirements gathering

It’s critical that processes that will be controlled by an ERP system are the right processes for an organization. Specifically, automating inefficient and outdated procedures will merely highlight the deficiencies that much more.

Mistake Number 2: Not Including End-users in the decision-making process

Many times, when ERP systems are being developed, actual end users are not being brought into the conversation early enough. Oftentimes, the designers of the ERP system won’t have the first-hand knowledge that users have, and simple tweaks can increase user productivity. Feedback should be elicited from end users early in the process to obtain buy-in and stave off potential user disruption.

Mistake Number 3: Poorly Executed Implementation

Implementation can be a very challenging time. Implementation must be well thought out and, where possible, phased in gradually so as not to overwhelm users and disrupt productivity. A gradual phase-in also allows problems to be identified early and with much less impact.

Mistake Number 3: Not properly budgeting for technology staff or outside support services

Not having staff within your organization who are well trained in aspects of your ERP system can cause many issues. If an in-house staff isn’t an option, make sure that you have at the ready consultants or solutions providers who can assist with any issues that occur during not only the implementation phase of your system but for the entire lifetime of your ERP system.

Mistake Number 4: Not thinking about how your entire organization will interact with your ERP system

Today, many organizations live and breathe on mobile devices and apps. Furthermore, these devices and apps allow them to conduct business while on the go. In this regard, the way these mobile devices and apps are used and how they will interact with an organization’s ERP system must be considered. ERP systems must be tested for compatibility with favored mobile devices and solutions need to be identified if there are any compatibility issues.

Mistake Number 5: Not having a Maintenance Plan

Many IT executives get so focused on the ‘end goal’ of implementing an ERP system, that they forget to think about the long-term impact of such a system; making sure there is a schedule in place for updates, testing, and enhancements are key. This ensures having a fully functioning ERP system at the ready, 24/7/365. Without regular, scheduled maintenance, these systems can lose efficiency and can suffer major deficiencies, especially in the areas of security.

Prevention is Key

The best measure against ERP mistakes is to ensure an organization’s system has been designed thoughtfully. Secondly, an implementation must be well planned and executed. Lastly, the job isn’t over once implementation is complete. A system needs careful guidance and maintenance to reach its full potential. The best way to prevent mistakes at all critical junctures is to seek the guidance and assistance of professional solutions providers to reduce the chance of lost productivity and to prevent headaches along the way.

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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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