If you’re going to take the time and energy to learn a new language to help boost your job prospects, what language should you learn? Most studies will say that Spanish is worth the investment. How can Spanish help you?

• Spanish is a global language, with speakers in the US, Mexico, South America, and Europe. Spanish is already the most spoken non-English language in America, with over 37 million people in the US speaking Spanish as their first language, and the Hispanic population of the US is estimated to be 30% by 2050.
• Spanish is easier than some other language. It’s phonetic, with basic grammar that’s relatively straightforward and it has many vocabulary words that are similar to English, making it an easier language to master for native English speakers.
• Spanish makes it easier to move. Learning Spanish means you’ll be better prepared to interact with customers and communities in certain parts of the US, and also allow you to move through international travel situations easier, which is important for business or personal travel.

Learning Spanish can open many doors for you, personally and professionally. Communication is the key to success in business dealings in any industry and having an additional language to be able to communicate with can help you move up in your career and feel confident in more situations.

Our language is staffing, which means that we’re fluent in finding qualified candidates their next job. If you’re looking to make your next career move, call our team today. Our experts can help you find your next role.

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So exactly what is quantum computing and why does it seem to be on the rise?

Free Code Camp offers this simple and straightforward definition: “A quantum computer is a type of computer that uses quantum mechanics so that it can perform certain kinds of computation more efficiently than a regular computer can.” In an increasingly innovative and competitive business landscape, this sounds like a great step forward that will help businesses immensely. But exactly how does a quantum computer create these computations more efficiently?

Non-quantum computers – like the laptops that most professional business people use every day at their jobs – store information in bits, expressed as a 1 or 0. A quantum computer does not use bits to store information, but uses quibits instead. A quibit can not only be set to 1 or 0, but it can also be set to 1 and 0. It’s a huge step forward in the technology of computing and processing, on the level with the original binary system that created the foundation for modern computing as we know it.

IBM notes that quantum computing will be able to provide the processing technology that will enable better research in drug discovery and application, the optimization of complex systems, and artificial intelligence. While quantum computing is still very early in its development and application, most businesses know that watching tech and adopting promising technology earlier can give them a competitive edge.

Does your business have the talent to keep up? Not only should your IT professionals be able to analyze what trends will be important and applicable to your organization, they should have the working knowledge of how to make that a reality – or at least be able to connect with someone who does. If you’re looking to secure the best IT staff for your organization, get in touch today. Our top talent is in touch with the trends that can help grow your business.

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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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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.

The post 4 Important Things You Can Learn From Reference Checks, and the Best Way to Conduct Them. 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.

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The Must Ask IoT Questions

When considering IoT inclusion in your environment, you must consider the following questions.

What ways can you utilize IoT in your organization?

Before deploying IoT technology, it is best to get an idea of how it can influence your business. Look at current IoT trends to see where it might best fit in your organization. Furthermore, a key item to consider is how it can impact employee productivity. Finally, make sure you’re also considering future use potential. This helps ensure that the focus remains on the business aspects of IoT and not just the technological points.

What are the biggest risks associated with your use of IoT?

The use of IoT can create some specific vulnerabilities, most importantly security. It is critical to consider the security impacts of IoT and update your company information security plans to accommodate it.

Can your network handle the additional workload?

This question directly correlates to scale. How many devices are connected to your network now and how many do you foresee being connected in the future? Will you need to upgrade and grow your network to fully support the use of IoT devices and the higher data transmission requirements that that comes with it?

Advice from Industry Experts for Business Leaders

McKinsey & Company, in a series of videos, spoke with industry experts regarding IoT. These experts provided insightful advice for business leaders. For example, Renee DiResta, VP of business development at Haven states “identify your differentiators. What are you doing? What is your plan? How do you plug into the ecosystem? There’s a much higher bar for impressing a customer at this point then there was five years ago.” Additionally, Jon Bruner, editor-at-large of O’Reilly Media states “think very freely. Imagine something, and then find the right people to execute it. It doesn’t take a lot of resources anymore to start dealing with this stuff. It just takes a couple of really smart people.”

Moving Forward

IoT is an exploding area of technology today. Business leaders and industry professionals are just starting to gauge IoT’s impact on business and operations. If an organization is uncertain of its use and implementation of IoT its best to consult a professional solutions expert. Additionally, a proven solutions provider will be able to offer guidance and create a strategy to tackle IoT challenges for both the near term and years ahead.

The post Are You Asking the Right Questions Regarding Internet of Things (IoT)? appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

Moving Forward: Keep Learning and Growing

IT professionals should be utilizing a blend of training, certifications, and mentorship to reach their goals. While these actions require work, they are an investment in the future.

Training

Training is arguably more critical in the IT field than any other field given the pace at which technology changes. IT training can stem from both online and in-person training programs. It’s best to look for programs that will not only strengthen current skills but also broaden skill sets for future applications.  Additionally, learning new programming languages or hardware types is crucial. Technical training is not cheap. When deciding on which training to take, it’s best to think about the future and look at the skills that people in your desired job possess. Also, looking to trends is vital. For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a considerable force in IT so one should consider brushing up on data mining and analytics which are at the heart of AI.

Certifications

Depending on the role, certifications may be essential for some IT professionals. For example, for IT security professionals the CISSP and CISM are practically required for most positions. If an IT professional seeks a management position within the IT world a PMP (Program Management Professional) may be a worthwhile certification to obtain. While certifications are time-consuming and expensive, they can pay out in the long run. However, it’s important to note that preparing for certification exams is like any other test and people should stick with the method that works best for them and this can include lesser expensive tools such as books, podcasts, and YouTube videos.

Seek Out a Mentor

Professionals who seek out mentors do better than those who don’t. When looking for a mentor, it’s best to look for someone who occupies your desired future role. This formula allows for career modeling. Having a mentor also provides a professional with a great industry resource, one with whom they can confer on difficult situations. When looking for a mentor, keep in mind that many companies have in-place mentoring programs that will make a match and introduction among employees.

Keeping Up to Date on Industry Practices

In order to advance in IT, one must possess the most up-to-date industry knowledge possible. Attending industry conferences is a great way to stay connected to the latest developments in the industry and is also a great networking opportunity. In addition to industry conferences, spending some time reading publications and blogs can help sharpen any professional’s skills and keep them abreast of future trends.

Career Assessment – A Look Toward the Future

IT professionals must always know where they want to go in the future. Where do they see themselves in the next 5, 10, 15 years? In addition to regular promotions, consider lateral moves and possible industry transitions (going from retail to financial) in the future to maximize your possibilities.

Planning Ahead

When in doubt about outlining the path ahead, it’s a great idea to consult a professional recruiter.  Industry-specialized recruiters are well-positioned to see the future of your practice area. By sharing your career goals and objectives, recruiters can take your career path plan and set you on the right course for long-term success.

The post How to Advance Your IT Career appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

Before starting to circulate the resume and hit the job boards, it’s best to do a self-inventory on strengths and weakness not only with your resume but your overall career and profile.

Networking

Like it or not, networking is critical in professional development. Activities can include attending seminars and conferences. Also, social functions, such as happy hours and mixers, can also be valuable. If a job seeker isn’t a natural at networking, there are several books available to help an introvert job seeker tap their full networking potential.

Adding Certifications to Your Resume

While adding certifications to your resume isn’t easy or inexpensive it can add significantly to a resume. Look at job openings in your field to get a better idea of required versus preferred certifications for your next role. This research will go a long way when looking at the time and financial investment that certifications require.

Establishing Your Online Brand and Cleaning-up Your Online Profile

LinkedIn, whether you love it or loathe it, is a tool widely used in business today. Ensuring your profile puts your best foot forward is crucial when navigating the waters of social media. First, invest in a professional headshot. Your profile photo is one of the first things recruiters see and leaves a lasting impression. Also, spend some time cleaning up your profile and ensure that it is free of typos or grammatical errors. Finally, doing a quick google search of yourself isn’t a bad idea either. Make sure that your social media identity doesn’t contain anything that can be offensive or polarizing. Remember, if you can find it, so can employers and recruiters!

Using LinkedIn to Make a Competition Comparison

Another great way to use LinkedIn is to compare your resume with peers and with people in the jobs that you aspire to. Spend some time researching profiles and getting a good idea how people in your industry mapped their own careers. Use their experience as inspiration for your own career path.

Volunteering Your Time to the Greater Good (and improving skills too!)

In today’s business world, there is an emphasis on giving back to the greater good. If a candidate has existing volunteer experience, this is a huge plus. This is especially true since many corporations encourage their employees to volunteer their time and have well-established programs to ensure this. Also, if this volunteer work expands a candidate’s skill set all the better!

Brush Up on Skills and Read Industry Journals to Stay Current

Self-study is inexpensive and can be done around your daily life. If you are a programmer, take some time to improve your existing language skills or learn others. Stay on top of current developments in your field by using your daily commute to listen to podcasts or read blogs or other trusted online publications if your commute allows it. Not only will this serve as a valuable resource in your current role, but it is excellent preparation for future job interviews.

Establish a Relationship with a Professional Recruiter

For every professional in today’s business world, it’s best to establish a relationship with a professional recruiter. Even if a job search isn’t in the plan in the near term, a recruiter can help prepare a future candidate for when the time comes to consider new opportunities. It’s best to reach out to a recruiter who has experience in your industry and/or job role.

Moving Forward

Staying ahead of other candidates can feel like a full-time job. Spending a little time each day to brush up on skills or stay current with industry news can be a huge help. Also,  teaming up with a professional recruiter can be one of the best strategies for staying ahead of the pack.

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The Year Ahead: The Top Jobs for 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking Beyond 2018: Future Predictions for the IT

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

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

Ensuring You Make the Most of out of 2018

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

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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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