Are you already working within IT?

We are now into 2006 and it seems that most people have a little pep in their step! The economy, job market, and most industries have vastly improved compared to the recent recession of 2001-2003.

It may be obvious to some, but people that have been overlooked for promotions and compensation raises during their most recent review are ready to test the waters. Companies are more profitable now and they are ready to start spending money again, after tight budgets over the past 3 years. The market is becoming much more "job seeker" friendly and companies had better treat their star performers as such or they will soon lose them to the competition! This is music to my ears as a recruiter.

The only downfall is that people are starting to get multiple offers and aggressive counter-offers from their employers when they go resign. Does this ring any bells or remind anyone of 1999? Recruiting firms are once again asking for 25-30 percent fees and retainers. Some recruiting firms may even have to stop working with clients that have yet to realize the market is back to being a "Candidate Driven" market. I suspect it is only a matter of time before companies are throwing parties again on Friday and giving away tons of free incentives reminiscent of the dot-com era.

How do you know when it is time to dust off your old resume from the floppy disk of 1999 and have your best interviewing suit dry-cleaned?

Below are some signs that it may be time to consider making a move:

1. Company culture is terrible. Some of the main reasons might include: recent downsizing, no more bonuses, no raises, and no more free coffee.

2. There is talk of another downsizing in the near future and your company is not at the TOP of its industry.

3. A recent merger or acquisition, or perhaps a hostile takeover is rumored or imminent. Recent examples in Information Technology include JD Edwards, PeopleSoft, and most recently ReTek. Larry Ellison has been a busy man.

4. Do a Salary Survey (ITToolbox.com, IT salary survey or Salary.com) or pick up the phone and call your favorite recruiter. Are you feeling underpaid and undervalued?

5. If your office has moved to the basement and you can't find your RED low cost stapler, it may be time to make a move.

6. If you have had a pink slip on your desk and no longer receive your paychecks, it may be time to make a move.

7. Finally, and perhaps the TOP reason people might make a move….you are sick and tired of long commutes, high travel, and you are overworked for the amount of pay you receive. Companies have been squeezing their employees and like an orange, there is only so much juice.


Below are a few ideas on how to get started:

1. Make yearly career progression goals and plan towards them. Some people do a one-year, two-year, and a ten-year plan. Audit your plan each year in December or January, if you don't want to run the holidays. If you are not progressing and you feel it is because of the company or manager you work with, it is time to make a move!

2. If the only motivating factor to move is £££, I encourage you to build a case for a raise and speak with your supervisor before starting the interview process.

3. Getting another offer and resigning simply to get the counter offer is not the best way to get a raise. Your loyalty will be in question from that point on. You are much better off going in like the professional you are!

Good luck to you if you are among the many considering a career change in 2005. The market is great and I believe there are many opportunities for top performers. Be confident in your abilities, create a dynamic resume showcasing the quantitative value you deliver, and start networking with the TOP ten companies you'd love to work for! Talent Scout!

Networking + Security Career

With security being so high on the agenda for many companies, is there much demand for dedicated IT security professionals, and is there a certification or qualification in this area that is worth pursuing? Yes The most common route to success in this field would be to mix some networking certification often the MCSE is the most recognized to prove proficiency in Microsoft Networking technologies, and the CCNA for the first step on the Cisco certification path for networking. Then from there you can move into ISA security on Microsoft as most businesses operate on a Microsoft platform it is the most obvious place to start to secure a plentiful career with opportunities. Cisco certification advancements into security like the CISSP can prove extremely lucrative and also proving you as a Cisco Security Professional.

Is it expensive and where can I find them?

Any professional IT Training usually is not the cheapest thing to approach but being well versed on the common pitfalls and negative appeal of Training Providers in the UK will help. www.myitcareer.co.uk is an unbiased Training and Career advice site, they use many of the leading IT Training providers and have power buying and internal channel partnering links that assure you a better price than even going direct to any of the source suppliers, this is great as you can be advised from online training courses to public scheduled courses in London, Reading, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester in fact anywhere in the UK and distance learning to the world. Independent advice from Training professionals (who are not paid commission) can really help not only to get you the best deal but to advise on the options, rather than being dictated to buy the sales rep of any 1 solo training provider.

If you are starting from scratch and looking to get into a career in IT the "beware the follow claims”

Hi my name is Steve Rowan I have worked for 3 of the Leading IT providers in the UK over the last 10 years, I would to bring something very important to your attention regarding the various "guaranteed job offers” which are available in the UK through certain training providers. No one can guarantee you a job, as it comes down to the individual to win that position no matter what any training company may say. Industry certification and experience are the 2 main factors which will win you the IT position you are looking for. Listed below are a few of the offers which when looked into are nothing like they appear to be!

"Guaranteed Job”

It is actually a legal mine field to guarantee a job! But many providers flaunt the rules in this area claiming to hold a plentiful supply of "Job Ready Positions" and all you need to do is PAY first, beware this bold claim as after carefully or expert advice on terms and conditions this is often a far cry from reality

"We pay you to train then place you into a full time job"
The reality of this offer is you apply for often between 8-10 thousand pounds, via a CDL or career development loan, they only need to take 7 thousand which is more than you should pay for a certification track anyway, then give you a thousand pounds a month for 3 months back of YOUR OWN MONEY.

"Don't pay anything until you are in your job! or pay when you pass!"

This again is just a career development loan, yes you will still owe the money, it just gives you the flexibility to attend training and not have to pay up front for any cost, we offer the CDL in fact we were the very first company to be allowed to offer the CDL due to our long standing establishment in the training into work area.

What should I look for?

Real job's
The truth of today's IT market place is that there are actually more jobs for certified professionals than there has been for years, many companies now understand there very growth depends on there IT department being well oiled as it were. You don't even need any of today's unrealistic guarantees that once looked into in-depth are floored with many "break clauses” making it actually impossible to get what you were promised at the point you joined your training company.

Training quality
Any respectable Training company should at least be a member of the institute of IT training. We hold the highest accreditation you can obtain "Gold standard”

Expert Support
Support throughout your training period

Do they include all exams? Re-attendance? or additional training all within the price you pay?

Test exams or MOC exams
Helping your preparation without spending fortunes on re-sitting the actual exams

How long have they been established?
Proof of how and with whom they place you into work

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Thanks  to Steve Rowan for this independent appraisal of Career IT Training offers (www.myitcareer.co.uk) the independent career advice and training needs analysis site

We advise the following companies for online computer training and Classroom based IT courses

Online Learning: www.learnitonline.co.uk

Classroom Based Training solutions www.myitcareer.co.uk