Working in the World of Information & Technology by Branding Yourself

1. Working in the World of Information & Technology by Branding Yourself

2. Agenda What you can do to be prepared if something were to happen to your current position; BRAND YOURSELF! • Network/Involvement • Certified • Interview Skills • Resume Layout

3. Networking Networking /Involvement • Participate in as many industry-related networking events that you can. • User Group Meetings (.NET, SQL Server, Linux, Oracle, Macintosh, etc.) • Linked In @ www.linkedin.com (build your network, see job postings, meet others within your industry, Facebook for the work industry) • Create your own personal branding blog by using free sites such as www.blogger.com • Converse real time with others in your industry anywhere in the world free of charge on www.twitter.com • Utilize Job Boards, such as Dice, Career Builder, Monster, Craig’s List, or one job board that combines them all at www.indeed.com (These would be for job openings, but you can utilize them for job fairs as well.) • Create Saved Searches for yourself on Indeed.

4. Brand Yourself By Getting Certified Education It is important to work on continuing education, whether Associates, Bachelors, Masters or technical trade college at either a university, community college, trade college. Training Take advantage of getting continuous training on your skills. You could even utilize a site such as www.accelebrate.com. Learn new technologies. If you are working with Classic ASP or .NET 1.1, then lets extend our future to learning more of the updated versions. Certifications This allows you to be further marketable. If you are working in the Networking/Systems field, this is a requirement! Check out certification possibilities at www.microsoft.com/learning. Example: MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer) Years of Experience in a particular type of position or specialty Having long-term years of experience in a particular type of position or specialty, makes you more marketable. Branding Exercise on Certified: “My expertise is in….in my capacity I handle all….I have worked on $....projects, deals….I am fluent in….broad range of experiences in….including analyzing,,,evaluating….I am knowledgeable about….I use this knowledge to….I also have a strong sense…..”

5. Preparation BEFORE the Interview Because companies have so many candidates to choose from they are interviewing more people so that they can select the “best”. You need to be ready to sell yourself – what makes YOU unique, what makes YOU a “remembered” person – what added value can YOU bring to the position? Your goal is to leave behind an impression of your “brand”! Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 What personal traits make you unique? Maybe you never miss deadlines, or perhaps you are willing to do above and beyond what is asked, or perhaps you have a great attitude. Know Thyself: What is your area of expertise? What are your strengths? What is your work ethic? What would your co-workers or former bosses say about you? Previous performance appraisals? What does your past say about you? Think about your work ethic, loyalty, integrity and overall disposition in the office. Do you get along well with most coworkers? How many years did you stay in your last job? Know why you left. What are your Strengths? These can be viewed as your “soft skills” – your communication and people skills, your time/project management, ability to build strong relationships or the ability to influence others.

6. Interview Skills • Always be honest about salary base, bonus, commissions, benefits, etc. • Be prepared to talk about any gaps in your work experience. Businesses look for longevity in current position. • Have references readily available. • Don’t ramble, take notes, no cell phones ringing, dress professionally, be on time, prepare to fill out an application and always remember to get a business card. • Ask Questions about possible advancement, working conditions, work environment and responsibilities. • Always end with a question such as: Do you have any questions for me? When are you needing someone to start?

7. Resume Layout Ideas Resume Ideas for yours to stand out when there are so many other candidates looking at the same job! • Don’t worry about the one page resume • Always provide all contact info: cell phone, home phone, home address, email address, published website, blog link • Add Certification Abbreviations or Education Abbreviations after name • Have Education/Certifications/Training listed • Have Technical Skills Listed • Experience Listed; most recent on the top • If stated, References Available Upon Request-Have the readily available at the interview • Make sure to have key words or acronyms listed throughout work experience or technical skills. So when HR looks through resumes, they will notice those listed and pull your resume.

8. Benefits of Working with a Recruiter Temporary – Candidate works for Staffing Company. This may be for short or long term project needs. You would be on the Staffing Company’s Health Benefits, 401K and Holiday/Vacation Pay. Temp-To-Hire– This allows you to observe working for a company while on Staffing Company’s payroll before becoming a part of their staff. You would be on the Staffing Company’s Health Benefits, 401K and Holiday/Vacation Pay. Career Hire– This is where you work directly with a recruiter in finding your next career! You would be on the hiring company’s benefits and payroll. Staffing Services give candidates… …Free Services. …Peace of Mind from dependable service.

9. 10 Things That Require NO Talent! • Being On Time • Work Ethic • Effort • Body Language • Energy • Attitude • Passion • Being Coachable • Doing Extra • Being Prepared

10. To learn more about our organization visit us at www.ppp-llc.com