1. Take advantage of office perks: Don’t let things like on-site gyms, stipends for fitness classes, or mental health benefits like employee assistance programs (EAP) go to waste. Many employers offer these benefits to help you prioritize your health, so try to make time to get the most of out of them.
2. Try a standing desk: Sitting all day can not only lead to fatigue and distraction, it can have an effect on your health over time. Using a sit-stand desk to move more and sit less can not only help you burn more calories, it can also increase focus and clarity and reduce the risk of disease.
3. Take your PTO: One of the best ways to stay healthy in the office is to take a break from the office. Busy schedules and expectations can make it difficult to consistently take time off, but prioritizing it can help you reset, so you can feel refreshed and recharged.
4. Hydrate: You spend a good amount of time at the office every day and between meetings and emails, it can be hard to remember to take a water break. Set a timer on your desktop or phone to remind you to refill your water bottle – taking a few minutes to walk to the water cooler can also get you moving more throughout the day, which is an additional health bonus.
5. Manage stress: Your mental health is every bit as important as your physical health. Stress can take a toll on your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Everyone has their own way of dealing with stress, so find what works for you. Yoga, meditation, exercise, and journaling are all effective ways to manage in-office and other life stressors, as well as building good relationships with your co-workers and peers.

If you want your career to be healthy, you have to keep yourself healthy. Reducing your risk of illness and burnout can help you stay effective and productive at work and increase your overall engagement and enjoyment at work.

If your employer doesn’t prioritize your wellness or you’re looking for a healthier workplace, give us a call. We can help match you with an opportunity that can help you feel your best and do your best work.

The post 5 Tips to Stay Healthy at the Office appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

Continuous Engineering Recruitment

One of the main differences of using an engineering recruitment agency compared to using your company’s internal human resources or corporate recruiters is professional engineering recruiters like Open Systems are continually identifying and cultivating new engineering career talent.

Our engineer recruiters are an integrated part of professional, industry and trade organizations where we meet talent at all career levels for all types of engineers, such as electrical, applications, software, network, civil and manufacturing.

For internal human resources or corporate recruiters, the recruitment process doesn’t begin until positions and budgets are approved. This is a significant disadvantage because it delays the candidate identification process by several weeks.

Recruiters are Ready When You Are

By already having a qualified and varied applicant database, engineering recruiters can quickly move to the qualifying stage of matching engineer candidates to your company’s specific job description in just a matter of days.

Internal hiring processes typically take two months or longer for high-demand fields like engineering. Often, by the time the interview process is ready to start, the candidates have been placed elsewhere. In a competitive career like engineering, immediacy is critical.

Efficiency in Hiring Engineering Candidate

Professional engineering staffing firms like Open Systems have proven recruitment processes that ensure the most efficient use of your hiring manager’s time. Here’s an example of Open Systems’ recruiting process.

This five-step best practice recruiting process all happens BEFORE each candidate is submitted for requisition:

• Skill evaluation
• Reference checks
• Right to represent from the candidate
• Negotiate rate
• Social profile verification

Moving Forward

Recruiting and hiring for technical positions, like engineering, can be a challenging task, especially in today’s competitive job market. One of the best strategies is to align your company with professional recruiters that are an integral part of the engineering profession.

At Open Systems, our senior engineering recruiters are involved participants in the engineering communities. Contact our engineering recruiters today!

The post Why Use a Staffing Agency for Engineering Hires? appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

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!

The post When is the Right Time to Make a Career Move? appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

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..

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!

The post Job Search Strategies for Engineers That Get Results! appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

The Top Tech Skills

When looking at the most desired tech skills by recruiters and employers, there are a few trends that stand out. The first is the importance of new tech in the marketplace. Practice areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data are really starting to take hold. At the same time, while new tech areas are emerging, more established practice areas such as Cloud and Security are continuing to grow and evolve.

It’s all about the data: Big Data Experience

Data is king in 2018. Companies have always had to deal with vast amounts of data but until recently were unable to easily put their data to work for them. Now, with Business Intelligence (BI) and Business Analytics (BA), organizations are harnessing their data and using the information to make predictions about the future and enhance their bottom lines.

Hiring managers are looking for professionals who have experience with both BI and BA as well as experience with data mining, modeling, and visual analytics.

Security: the vital and essential business requirement

Security is at the forefront of the minds of business leaders in 2018. No company is safe from a cyber-attack whether you are a corporate giant or a small business. Because of this, employers are looking for professionals with strong security backgrounds. Sought after skill sets include offensive and defensive security, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. Tech professionals can enhance their security bona fides through certifications such as the CISSP (Certified Information Security Systems Professional) and the CISM (Certified Information Security Manager).

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Taking the Impossible and Making It Possible

AI is becoming an essential part of emerging technology. Once a purely theoretical idea, AI is now becoming a vital business tool. Businesses are using AI and AI driven tools to improve many business functions. These functional areas include human resources and business strategy (BI and BA). Professionals should be familiar with data analytics, coding, and machine learning.

Everything is in the Cloud

Everywhere you go today, everyone talks about the Cloud. As more companies move to a cloud-first strategy, changes in cloud platforms are occurring rapidly. Most of these changes are to support AI and machine learning. Hiring managers are looking for professionals with cloud skills such as applications design, devops, and security architecture.

Moving Forward

2018 will be a year of significant advancements in the tech industry. Professionals who keep an eye on current trends can better position themselves for the market and their future. If a tech professional is uncertain how these current market trends affect them, they should reach out to a professional recruiter. At Open Systems, we leverage our up-to-date industry knowledge to help our candidates plan for the future. Contact us today to start your career moving forward.

The post Top Tech Skills That Employers are Hiring for Now! appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

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.

The post Data Trends You Will Want to Consider appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

Though the main benefit of a good mentoring program is it allows more senior professionals to share their unique skill sets that can bridge skills gaps in more junior employees. Bridging these skill gaps can create a more productive workforce that can drive organizational improvements.

What Successful Mentoring Programs Have Mastered: Matching

Mentoring programs are only as strong as the relationships they help foster. Here are several ways to create positive, long-term mentor and newbie relationships.

Identify Skills Gaps Before Making a Match

Identify the gaps you are trying to fill in your mentees skill sets and match the mentees with executives who can help fill those areas. For example, if an employee needs to improve in reporting or presentations, ensure they are matched with a mentor that excels in those areas.

Ensuring mentor and newbie aren’t in the same management chain

When a relationship exists outside the bounds of a management relationship, there is a higher probability the relationship will be more productive. The chance for open, honest dialogue dramatically increases when the mentee does not have to worry about repercussions to either them or their boss. On the other hand, mentors can also provide more direct feedback when the mentee isn’t their employee which could strain their professional relationship.

Match newbies with mentors who are in roles they aim for  

Asking newbies what career goals they foresee for themselves in the future can help make mentor matches. For example, if a junior IT professional wants to be more security-focused, setting them up with a mentor who is a cybersecurity expert would work best.

Try to find some common ground for the match   

Relationships that start out with some common ground tend to be more successful. For example, matching employees who have attended the same college or have similar interests outside of the office is highly beneficial in yielding a robust and productive relationship. This common ground can help bridge the initial awkwardness and create the beginning of a positive relationship.

Moving Forward

Mentoring programs are only as strong as the matches they make. By producing successful mentoring partnerships, many companies can bridge skills gaps that exist in their organization. When the time comes to add these new employees and future mentees, it’s best to reach out to industry experts, professional recruiters. A professional recruiter will be able to identify top industry talent whose involvement will be able to enrich your mentoring program.

The post How to Match Newbies With Mentors to Bridge the Skills Gap 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..

Since employee data will always be necessary, how does a company safeguard this critical data not only to protect employees but also to prevent lawsuits and violations of federal regulations such as HIPAA?

Separate Personal Employee Data from the Rest of Your Network

Where possible, use segregated networks for employee data and for business operations. This segregation can prevent many headaches and can isolate damage in the event of a breach.

Evaluate Third Party Risk for Vendors

Many breaches occur from outside an organization through subcontractors and vendors. Subcontractors or vendors that have access to your network and those that process highly sensitive data (such as health insurance providers) must especially be vetted and evaluated regarding their security practices.

Perform Penetration Testing Annually

Conducted annually, penetration testing can be a real eye-opener. When done correctly, penetration tests can find vulnerabilities before a hacker can, allowing your organization to address vulnerabilities before they become breaches. One caveat is that testing should be performed by an independent third party with verifiable credentials.

Encrypt Data When Possible

Encrypting data is an extra safeguard to limit the damage caused by breaches. Today’s technology makes properly encrypting data easy and cost-effective. There’s very little reason not to encrypt highly sensitive data such as employee Personally Identifiable Information.

Address Breaches Quickly and Inform Employees

If an organization does experience a breach, it’s best to address it quickly. Having an in-place incident response plan is vital in this situation. Additionally, it’s best to notify affected employees as soon as possible. If you experience a breach, it’s a good idea to provide affected employees with credit monitoring services for at least 12 months. This shows that an organization is concerned with employee protection and is a gesture of goodwill. It can also serve to insulate an organization from potential legal issues down the road.

Planning Ahead

It’s best to plan ahead and have reliable and tested security practices in place to prevent the breach of employee data. When in doubt consult a professional solutions provider to aid in the creation and implementation of security plans and protocols.

The post How Are You Protecting Your Employee Data From Cyber Fraud? appeared first on Open Systems Inc..