Staff Recruiting and Retention, Staff Training, Workforce

Worldwide recruiting firms, often analyze hiring statistics from a pool of hundreds and thousands of job listings to determine the top information communication jobs for the year. In conjunction with these allege positions are the digital technology skill sets that accompanies many of these jobs. According to the recruitment firms, companies search for candidates that offer a well-balanced background in areas such as mobile development and open source web based applications.

Basically, the recruiters often imply "It is a candidate's market, if the technical candidate has the right background, they are in a great position. The demand to hire digital technology ready staff is high and the supply is low.”

After reviewing the following resources and reflecting on my 24 years in the industry, it becomes obvious why a recruiter might make the aforementioned type of statement. Share a comment about your experience with recruiters or if you are a recruiter - share how your method actually works for candidates.

11th St Bridge Project is a $300 MILLION DOLLAR project - local workers?

A project of this size should have at least 15 digital technology oriented jobs opening. In order to assure that local residents have access to the employment opportunties, perhaps it would wise to monitor and evaluation the project from the start. Allowing residents access their captured information would be a good employment opportunties for residents with digital technologies experience. In addition, workforce development training should be expected to graduate participants directly into new file. Share your experience with this process with other groups or members of this blog.  

“Pay It Forward” : courtesy of D&A Industries Ltd (Part 6 of 6)

SCHEDULED CAREER FAIRS & OPEN HOUSES
(Metro Washington/Baltimore – Mid-Atlantic Area)
February 13, 2011

Computer and Engineering Workforce Shortage

Each year more and more American workforce is considered ineffective in addressing American digital challenges. Often the source of information promotes the need for foreign-born workforce to address the challenges. The following was discovered during a routine seach of workforce strategies for American urban communities and we would appreciate your comments on the issue.


ABSTRACT
This report presents projections of the foreign-born computing and engineering (C&E)  workforce that recent Senate legislation could admit in the next one, two, five, and ten years. Most public controversy has focused on the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act’s (S.2611) process for resident undocumented aliens (passed last May 25, 2006). But there also are numerous reforms to highly skilled admissions. The projections suggest that the legislation could admit an immigrant computing and engineering workforce that is just more than 5 times greater than today’s levels of admission. And the projection of immigrants under S.2611 exceeds the total foreign-born labor force in C&E that is consistent with projections of future employment demand by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The legislation could admit foreign computing and engineering workers in numbers much greater than historical trends or casual assumptions about future employment. (Read more)

For other sources of information please consider the following;

Digital Security employment hype from the top down..

 "America's economic prosperity in the 21st century will depend on cybersecurity."  was stated when, by whom and at what location?

The same person stated "cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face"

Can we really believe a lawyer turned politician?
According to the data extracted from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following career choices would provide present and future employment opportunities but my years of experience will not allow me to agree.

A) Computer systems analyst
Reviewing the requirements and needs of a organization to determine the best digital infrastructure seems great when the organization is getting started. But how does this position sustain relevant over time?

Common responsibilities include choosing software and equipment, customizing applications, and configuring networks. Last but not least, it's often their job to protect their company's electronic information from threats such as viruses, spyware and unauthorized access. Since 2008, computer systems analysts earned an average annual salary of $80,300. Employment is expected to increase by 20 percent between 2010 and 2016.

B) Software engineer

Whether it's available to consumers or custom-designed for a specific organization, security software protects data, creates firewalls and detects malicious code but many companies have built a business model to give businesses and the government a false sense of security. Don't expect money to continue to be poured into security software development. That's where software engineers need to avoid unless they plan to exploit the shortcomings of the major security software providers. To get into the field, you can join a good gray market company or seek a  bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or some information communication technology oriented discipline. If you want to specialize in security software, take courses on topics like systems design, information security, database systems, cryptography, intrusion detection and computer ethics.  Software engineers salaries have dropped over the years but some media outlets are still estimating a growth in coming years.

C) Computer forensic investigator

Computer forensics is the science of extracting and analyzing evidence from computers, networks, hard drives, disks and other digital storage media. Some computer forensic investigators work in police departments, while others are independent consultants or part of a private detective agency. In addition to recovering data, they prepare reports and testify in court about their methods and findings. The job opening does not appear to match the hype and the stories told about serial killers being captured after 10 to 20 years based on digital technologies used are merely stories to justify law enforcement seizure of criminals assets. The criminal worlds is using the same technology as the rest of society is using with the same bugs, viruses, worms, encrpytions and coding so don't believe all that you read on this subject.



D) Computer security specialist

You'll have to undergo a rigorous background check if you apply for a government position, so now might be a good time to bid your peer-to-peer network. Because technology is constantly evolving and new threats are always on the horizon, even the most seasoned computer security specialists should get up to speed periodically through continuing education. Many online education programs offer relevant courses.

Otherwise, you can prepare with a bachelor's degree in computer science or even accounting, since computer-based investigations often involve fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and other illegal transactions.

These days, companies, individuals and government agencies are becoming increasingly misguided with cybersecurity. Criminal activity on the Internet, including identity theft and illegal downloading, continues to proliferate. Unfortunately these reasons are used to lure people into believing computer security employment is a future trend for employment.

It seems everyone is suggesting that new recruits will be spread across the various agencies of the Department of Homeland Security, where they'll protect government Web sites and networks from viruses, espionage and other cyberattacks. Many recruits will be need in the utilities sector due to the digital technologies being employed and projected.

“Pay It Forward” : courtesy of D&A Industries Ltd (Part 5 of 6)

SCHEDULED CAREER FAIRS & OPEN HOUSES
(Metro Washington/Baltimore – Mid-Atlantic Area)
February 13, 2011

“Pay It Forward” : courtesy of D&A Industries Ltd (Part 4 of 6)

SCHEDULED CAREER FAIRS & OPEN HOUSES
(Metro Washington/Baltimore – Mid-Atlantic Area)
February 13, 2011

“Pay It Forward” : courtesy of D&A Industries Ltd (Part 3 of 6)

SCHEDULED CAREER FAIRS & OPEN HOUSES
(Metro Washington/Baltimore – Mid-Atlantic Area)
February 13, 2011

“Pay It Forward” : courtesy of D&A Industries Ltd (Part 2 of 6)

SCHEDULED CAREER FAIRS & OPEN HOUSES
(Metro Washington/Baltimore – Mid-Atlantic Area)
February 13, 2011

Career Choices: Decide early or pay a higher price later

During your last year of high school, the most common question is "what are you going to do moving foward". For many, a span of a few months is suppose to be enough time  figure out who you are and what career you'll have for the rest of your life.


Unfortunately, an even bigger surprise awaits the new college graduate. After studying for years, they come to grips with the reality of working. Often what is taught in school doesn't ready the student for the job.

The authors of these books have varing approaches be each must have interviewed a number of professionals in a variety of popular occupations and asked the things that we all wish we could have asked before committing to a four year degree program. Information includes employment levels, academic requirements, average salary levels, college vs reality, the biggest surprise, hours and advancement, how they spend a typical day, and whether they'd do it all over again.
 
Instead of going to college and changing majors several times, purchase these books and get a jump of your career development strategy. 

“Pay It Forward” : courtesy of D&A Industries Ltd (Part 1 of 6)

SCHEDULED CAREER FAIRS & OPEN HOUSES
(Metro Washington/Baltimore – Mid-Atlantic Area)
February 13, 2011

A word of caution: check with both the sponsor and the hosting facility for listed Career Fairs and Open Houses before leaving home. Also, see Special Notes at the end of the listing for additional sponsors of Job Fairs across the nation and other relevant career and search web listings. This listing is a “pay it forward” contribution of my firm, D&A Industries, Ltd. When attending Career Fairs be sure to bring plenty of resumes, more than you plan to distribute. When attending an Open House be sure to bring a half-dozen copies of your resume. Please feel free to forward this listing to others you feel can benefit from the information and ability to plan ahead. If you would like to receive your own copy of the listing please request such at jimditt@verizon.net.

2011 Job Fair Series

Please visit http://washingtondc.employmentguide.com/browse_jobfairs.html to look-up job fairs that are near your location. Please share your experience by commenting on this blog. Hopefully, there will be some optimistic stories to share.

Good Luck!

Job Search Books: Quick Overview

Job search books are great while you wait on job opportunities to arise, but don't believe everything you read. Be prepared to feel even more depressed about your unemployed status,  your increasing debt and the uncomfortable feeling you get when others include you in plans that are no longer affordable. Some books will make you so angry because you notice  content repetition in different chapters, and  typographic errors after you have spent your last bit of income in hope of finding a new way.

But let's talk about bigger issues. All books will focus on YOU!
Scenario 1. Sales emphasis.

YOU are the product, YOU must sell yourself, YOU are ''your own sales, marketing, and operations team.

Scenario 2. Trickery

Don't allow some of the self-selling techniques offered in the books make you appear to be a trickster to a employer. Proceed with caution when you are instructed "how to get through to an executive on the phone", "how to avoid the office gatekeepers" or "how to skip to the front of the interview line" for these techniques are insulting to anyone.

Scenario 3. One size fit all approach

None of the books are written by ordinary job seeker, so don't expect them to know your circumstance better than you. In fact, they may not be written by an ordinary recruiting industry veteran. Basically, consider the author's experience when selecting a book because some are executive level search professionals who don't have a clue about entry or middle level job search struggles.

Scenario 4. The Internet Hype (i.e Social Network, Internet 2.0, or Web 2.0)

Most books will make you feel like a "dumb ass" if you are not web-savvy job seeker. I have reviewed many job search sites and the developers should revisit their design specifications so that job seekers are less frustrated by the system shortcomings. The authors of the books that include online search techniques are normally writing based on literature hype and not actual experience with the job search sites. Basically, don't be discouraged if you trouble following the advice of the books on what to do advertising/networking/selling yourself online, you can contact us for help (mailto:dml.e3d@gmail.com). In fact, we have checked the highly recommended URLs and  discovered that:
- most web sites belong to the authors' industry peers who are so eager to sell you their own services.
- some of the suggested advanced Google queries don't work.
- a few of the referenced web resources no longer exist due to no fault of the authors;

In closing, the books and authors are attempting to improve your chances of employment. Each is absolutely correct in emphasizing time and again the importance of sales and marketing in the job search.

Using your credit score against you

Some organization will tell you that your credit score is synonymous with your rating. Whether you agree or not, your potential employer can use this score as a dis-qualifier for a job opening. Accepting this a legal trend can make the difference between wasting time and getting a job. Although there are numerous ways to determine a persons credibility and ability to manage finances, and lazy personnel becoming dependent on scores as a tool for measuring the managerial ability of fresh young graduates or people who are just looking for a change of job. Even worst, managers even use your report as one of the criteria to determine your progression within a organization.

Your report will even be more needed by employers if they're considering you for a job in their digital oriented department (i.e. accounting, financial, retail) or the company itself is a digital-based one such as an auditing firm, insurance, mortgage, banking, stock-brokerage and asset management firms. It is wise to start addressing the challenge and have information regarding your progress in case the subject surfaces during your job pursuits.

The self-help method is recommended and agency repair method is recommend over ignoring the challenges. There are numerous restoration kits that contain detailed steps and the do-it-all strategies that will pull you out from bad accounts. If you opt for the repair agency method, they will more than likely use a restoration kit also and include its cost in your bill. Most repair agencies will require a down payment of the total cost before they can start anything.

Some inexpensive restoration kits are including for those courageous enough to endure self-help methods.

1. Fix-It-Yourself Credit Restoration: A Complete Credit and Debt Management System
2. Second Chance: Credit Restoration Book
3. Life After Debt: The Complete Credit Restoration Kit
4. The Inside Secrets of Credit Restoration
5. Financial Dynamics - Advanced Strategies for Credit Restoration and Debt Crisis Intervention
6. A proposal for the restoration of public wealth and credit, in a letter to a truly honourable member of the House of Commons.

Share your challenges with other blog readers and followers!