One of the more recently accepted truths that now seems obvious to most people is that more minds working together create better ideas. People with different backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets are needed to create real innovation. Businesses discovered that when they hired from the same colleges or worked with only one creative agency, a lot of their results were too similar, or worse, boring, unappealing, or not truly useful.

This concept goes beyond just hiring a more diverse IT department, but also is meant to encourage people working across departments with more regularity – letting marketing have conversations with product designers who will have meetings with technology teams – all meant to inspire and think creatively rather than just kickoff a project or discuss a timeline. The open sharing of ideas and the gathering of input from disparate groups seems to be crucial for businesses to truly create and innovate.

This is the beauty of open source solutions. While open source software is not a new way of developing, it is becoming a more mainstream solution for businesses looking to solve problems or disrupt an industry. It’s narrowly defined as “something people can modify and share because its design is publicly accessible” with Linux and Firefox being popular examples, but has come to designate something greater. Open source solutions create partnerships between organizations, each with a certain set of skills, resources, or knowledge, working together to solve a problem or identify a gap and develop an answer. The principle of open source assumes that more ideas from smart people are better than less, because more collaborative thinking, as opposed to competitive thinking, provides more win-win solutions for everyone. HP and Ikea made news by joining forces with Next Wave Plastics to develop sustainability solutions, with each business bringing a unique strength to the table to create something greater.

What are your thoughts on open source, either as it’s related to software or larger scale business innovations? No matter what kind of industry you work in, businesses need smart people capable of creating and executing good ideas. And that’s where we come in. Let us help you fill your team with smart, resourceful people to help take your business to the next level.

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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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Ways to Find and Hire the Best Software Architects

Engage Social Media

For companies trying to find software architects, it is a good idea to go where they are: social media. Try connecting with some social media spaces that cater to the software architect community such as StackOverflow. The best social media strategy involves engaging the community long before you need to hire a new software architect. Participating in group discussions and contributing to the community is always preferable to blindly soliciting community members. By gaining name recognition you raise your firm’s profile in the industry as well as with interested software architects.

Contact a Professional Recruiter in the Tech Industry

Professional recruiters are one of the best ways to reach tech talent, especially software architects. Recruiters can also identify talent who are open to new opportunities even if they aren’t actively looking. This expanded talent pool ensures a diverse set of prospective candidates.

Attend Conferences Geared Toward Software Architects

Sending a company representative to an industry conference is a great way to meet some potential candidates. One such conference would be the O’Reilly Software Architecture Conference. The O’Reilly conference takes place in New York City in February 2019.

Conferences also allow companies to network with the community which helps to raise their profile for the future candidates.

Set Up a Company Employee Referral Program

Sometimes the best way to hire new employees is through those already within your organization. By establishing an employee referral program, you incentivize your employees to bring their friends and former co-workers into your company. Hiring employees via referral has a high success rate as people like working with people they know. A company can stimulate their referral program by posting current needs (such as Software Architects) with a reminder to employees of the incentives available (a spot bonus, referral fee, extra vacation, etc.) if their friends are selected for an interview or are hired.

Establish Relationships with Universities

Universities turn out graduates every year who hold degrees in computer science who are looking to become software architects. While these new grads may not be seasoned professionals, they do know the latest and greatest in industry technology. This exposure to new tech makes them valuable to any organization. When a company establishes a relationship with a university career office or academic department, they have access to a new crop of grads every year.

Moving Forward

Recruiting and hiring in today’s employment market can be a challenging task. This is especially true for specialized roles such as software architects. When an organization is looking to recruit and hire software architects, there are a few strategies they can utilize to achieve this goal. Activities such as engaging in social media, attending conferences, using an employee referral program, and establishing relationships with universities can be beneficial. However, one of the best strategies for recruiting and hiring software architects is to contact a professional recruiter.  At Open Systems, we have a long track record of recruiting proven tech professionals who deliver results. Contact us today to learn more!

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The Top Signs It’s Time for A Change

 You Have More Bad Days than Good Days

If you’re having more bad days than good days, then it may be time for a change. There are many times when a professional becomes dissatisfied with their position or job responsibilities. When this occurs, most of the time the only resolution is moving on. Before moving on, however, make a list of what really makes you unhappy with your current situation. What would improve your mood and career satisfaction? By performing this intake, you will ensure that your next job will improve your happiness and will not just be a temporary placebo of being ‘something new.’

You Aren’t Being Promoted 

While the sting of being passed over for a promotion hurts, it may be a sign that you need a change. Whether the reason is based on skills or personal relationships, it is best to accept that this situation probably won’t improve and now is the time to find something new. If your skills are at the heart of the issue, participate in some training and possibly earn certifications to get your skills up-to-date. With updated skills in hand, it’s time to get your resume out and start finding a new role where the slate is clean.

A Robot May Soon Be Filling Your Chair

With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), many companies are automating some positions. Roles in cloud and platform technologies are especially vulnerable. For professionals who find themselves competing with AI, it may be time to invest in some new training. It is also best to do a little research and discover new roles that are in-line with your past experience and which have a bright future ahead without too many robots in the competition pool!

Moving Forward

A professional’s career is a long and varied road. At times, there are signs that a big move could increase personal happiness and professional growth. When the times comes to make your next big move, contact the experts at Open Systems. At Open Systems, we place tech professionals in all stages of their careers. 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..

Strategies to Prepare Your Staff for Temp Employees

Notify Your Staff Ahead of Time

When adding temporary employees to the roster, it is critical to notify permanent staff ahead of time. Notification can be in the form of a memo, an all-hands meeting, or an email. Make sure to lay out the reasoning behind the addition of temporary employees and provide your staff with a timeline for their arrival and departure. Also, explain what business areas temp employees will be supporting within your organization.

Talk to Your Project Teams to Get Their Input

Once you have notified your staff about the addition of temp employees, it is now time to build these employees into your organization. Assign temp employees to your project teams. Speak with the receiving project teams directly to provide them with information on how the temp employees will support them. Also, ask for input from your project teams on their thoughts regarding the role of temp employees on current tasks. Furthermore, share with your project teams the backgrounds of assigned temp employees and show them where the skills of the temp employees can be helpful.

Designate Supervisors for Temp Employees

Once temp employees are placed, designate some of your staff to serve as supervisors. Share with your supervisors what the expectations are for your temp employees. Items such as working hours and specific deliverables must be clearly outlined. Also, let your supervisors know who to reach out to should there be an issue with the work product or behavior of your temp employees.

Reassure Staff that Their Jobs Are Safe

When temp employees come on board, it can make staff feel threatened. With this in mind, it’s best to assure your staff that the arrival of temp employees is not a threat. Assure your staff that their jobs or positions within your organization are safe. This helps eliminate unnecessary fear and worry allowing your staff to be more welcoming to temp employees.

Moving Forward

Temporary staffing can be a great support to any business. However, the potential exists for disruption to existing staff if they are not prepared for the arrival of temp employees. It is best to plan for the arrival of temp employees by notifying your staff ahead of time. Specifically, define the roles and functions of temp employees in your organization. Also, make sure to let your staff know that these new temp employees are just that, temporary, and not a threat to their jobs.

At Open Systems, we are experts in temporary staffing. Want to learn more about the possibilities of temp staffing for your organization? Contact Open Systems today!

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IT security teams include a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) and other senior and junior level IT security professionals. Furthermore, when building your IT security team, it is essential to think about assembling a group of professionals who have diverse experience in all areas of IT security.

Skills Your New IT Security Team Should Bring to the Table   

IT Security is a broad discipline with multiple and varied components that complement each other. While there are many unique and niche IT security skills out there, a company can build a successful IT security team with a core group of primary IT security skills.

Just the Basics: The Core IT Security Skills

Security Architecture

Security architecture is one of the foundations of a good IT security program. A security architect must know how enterprise networks are built and function. They must be able to design security controls and gateways to protect sensitive data. A good security architect should also know a wide array of security tools and how to use them effectively.

Vulnerability Management

With most network breaches stemming from unpatched systems, having someone in charge of managing vulnerabilities and patching strategies is essential. A good vulnerability manager will have expert level knowledge about vulnerabilities as well as strong business risk acumen. They will know that not all vulnerabilities are equal and will be able to define a risk-based approach to remediation that considers the business impact.

Security Operations: The CISO and Security Operations Personnel 

Security operations is a critical component of any IT security program. A CISO must know what is going on in their networks. They must also be able to identify abnormal behavior that may be indicative of an intruder. Security operations personnel should know the signs of an attack. They should also be able to develop alerting and response procedures to counteract this activity. Security operations professionals should also have a basic incident response capability such as log collection and correlation and basic forensics analysis.

Nice to Haves: Penetration Testing and Incident Response

While essential to an IT security program, penetration testing and incident response are areas that don’t need to be in-house. While the first three critical components (security architecture, vulnerability management, and security operations) are full-time, year-round operations, penetration testing and incident response are typically point-in-time activities that (hopefully) don’t take place more than a few times a year.

Moving Forward

IT security is an integral part of running a business today. By building a well-rounded IT security team, you can enhance your current security posture and prevent future incidents.

In today’s environment, it can be very difficult to hire IT security professionals as they are in high demand. In the IT security world, there is negative unemployment with more jobs available than there are IT security professionals to fill them. It is projected that in 2019 there will be 1.5 million IT security job openings. Given this challenging hiring market, it’s best to consult a professional recruiter. At Open Systems, we are experts in the recruitment of IT security professionals. Contact us today to learn more!

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The Top Job Search Strategies for Engineers 

Use Your Network

When starting your job search, your first step should be reaching out to your network. Contacting members of your professional network is a great way to get referrals and find out about unposted jobs. Using this approach, you already have a “foot in the door” with a prospective employer due to an existing relationship with one of their employees. Many engineering professionals find jobs through their professional and personal connections.

Attend Conferences

For an engineer, conferences can be a great way to gain knowledge and possibly find their next job. By attending conferences, engineers not only meet peers but also prospective employers. Many engineering companies either sponsor or attend industry conferences. Make sure that if you do meet contacts at conferences to always follow-up with them by either email or LinkedIn.

Use Social Media

Today, social media is a driving force in the business world. Many employers and recruiters are present on social media, whether they are sharing company news or posting job openings. Come up with a list of several employers and recruiters that you are aware of and follow them on social media. The moment you see a job posting that interests you, reach out and make contact. When making contact, make sure that you have some posts on your social media account that show your industry knowledge or background.

Join Professional Associations

Within the engineering industry, there are many professional organizations that are very active. They host monthly meetings, hold happy hours, and lectures. Not only do these events provide networking opportunities, but many organizations also provide members with access to a directory of members and supporting businesses. These directories can be a great way to start making contacts to fuel your job search.

Reach Out to a Professional Recruiter

For an engineer, a relationship with a professional recruiter can be a significant advantage in their job search. When looking for a recruiter, make sure that they specialize in engineering roles. By doing this, you are assured to get an expert in your market who has the right connections and knowledge to help you find the perfect job.

Moving Forward

For engineers about to embark on a job search, it’s best to have some simple strategies on hand to help ensure success. Strategies that range from reaching out to your network to attending conferences can aid in your search. For additional help, consult a professional recruiter. At Open Systems, we are experts in the placement of engineering professionals. We have the relationships and market knowledge to help our engineering candidates find success. 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!

The post What Jobs are in High Demand in the Tech Industry? 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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