InsideTech

Seven Self-Marketing Tips for IT Pros

Allan Hoffman/Monster Tech Jobs Expert — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:06:00 -0800

Photo: mugley/Flickr (CC)

During the boom, techies with in-demand skills might have been offered a job after a perfunctory interview. Now employers are increasingly selective, so technology professionals - even those with years of experience - must face facts. To get hired you need to become a pro not just at coding Java or .Net, but at selling yourself to companies inundated with resumes.

This is no easy task for those who have forgotten how to pitch themselves to employers. "A lot of people are brand new to this," says Patti Wilson, owner of The Career Company, a Silicon Valley career-management firm.

Here's our crash course in the art of selling yourself, with seven tips to help you cope with the job market's new realities.

Assess Your Soft Skills

In 1999, two years of experience as a systems administrator might have gotten you hired. No longer - not when you are competing against hundreds of candidates with skills similar to yours. Candidates must now assess their soft skills. "This is about doing a little bit of soul-searching," Wilson says.

Ron Peterson, branch manager at the St. Louis office of IT staffing firm Bradford & Galt suggests techies ask themselves about core competencies, especially mentoring and team-building. "Intangibles are going to sell this individual," Peterson notes.

Photo: Brainsonic/Flickr (CC)

Develop an Elevator Pitch

The elevator pitch is a brief self-marketing statement to be delivered at job fairs, conferences or other networking events. The pitch should echo the summary of a resume, according to Wilson, focusing on four key points designed to attract employers' attention. The pitch should sound informal and unrehearsed. To practice, deliver it to your answering voice mail, Wilson advises.

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Photo: Eastern Washington University/Flickr (CC)

Learn to Network

As any salesperson understands, who you know is essential to finding leads. Networking is about being able to connect from person to person to person, Wilson says. "It's about building a web of relationships, until you meet someone who's looking for what you do," he adds.

That means attending technical conferences, classes, job fairs, IT organizations and professional networking events designed for IT professionals. Even civic organizations, such as arts groups and other nonprofits, can be useful. Plan lunches or after-work meetings with former colleagues, recruiters and others.

"Try to be out there and make an effort to be known," says Wesley Jost, who has retooled his networking efforts after being laid off. "If you sit around and wait for something to happen, you're going to be disappointed."

Photo: enfad/Flickr (CC)

Seek a Support Structure

In order to learn, or relearn, networking and interviewing skills, look to organizations offering workshops or classes, such as NOVA, a one-stop career-development organization.

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Photo: Andrew Feinberg/Flickr (CC)

Know Your Audience

Selling yourself effectively means learning everything you can about a company, from the time you write a cover letter to interview day. Tech job seekers "need to have researched the company, be able to speak intelligently about the company and offer their skill set to solve the company's problems," says Barry Mills, national recruiting director for MATRIX Resources, a national IT staffing company.

Be a Closer

Mills suggests techies use a traditional sales tactic for closing the sale. At the end of an interview, ask the interviewer, "Based on this interview, is there anything that would keep you from hiring me for this position?" As Mills notes, "It's very much a sales-type question." What's more, send a follow-up note to the individuals you've met at the company, thanking them for their time.

Photo: piermario/Flickr (CC)

Practice Patience

Finally, don't be discouraged if finding a job takes weeks or months. "Practice patience each and every day," Jost says. "You won't be handed your job like you were a year ago." Put it this way: If you stop looking, you're out of the game. As any salesperson knows, perseverance is essential to closing the sale.

Answers to InsideTech's Microsoft Windows History Quiz

Jose Fermoso — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:32:00 -0700

InsideTech created The Microsoft Windows History Quiz to help you learn more about the history of the world's most popular operating system. We listened to our users' feedback and are providing the answers so you can learn from the quiz.

h4. Don't cheat! If you haven't taken InsideTech's Microsoft Windows History Quiz, go take it first.

See answers on the next page...

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1. Microsoft Windows 2.0 was released on December 9, 1987. How much was it?

O $50

O $100 - Correct answer!

O $150

O $200

2. Windows 95 was released before Windows NT 3.51. True or False?

O True

O False - Correct answer!

3. What was the original name of Microsoft "Windows"?

O Real-Mode Memory System (RMMS)

O Microsoft Work System (MWS)

O Microsoft Interface Manager- Correct answer!

O Microsoft Leopard

4. Microsoft worked with Apple when building its first version of Windows, licensing some of the Cupertino company's UI innovations for its Macintosh system. One of the things Windows was NOT allowed to use was the following:

O A desktop clipboard

O Trash can to delete files- Correct answer!

O Run-Time versions of Excel or Word

O Virtual Memory

5. What was the year that Microsoft changed the name of its main operating system from OS/2 to Windows NT?

O 1990

O 1991- Correct answer!

O 1992

O 1993

6. What was the first version of Windows to use 'Plug + Play'?

O Windows NT

O Windows 95- Correct answer!

O Windows 98

O Windows ME

7. Everyone was scared of the Millennium Bug before the year 2000. What was the first MS system to include the Y2K patch?

O Windows 98

O Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) - Correct answer!

O Windows CE 3.0

O Windows ME (Millennium)

8. What was the original code name of Windows 95?

O Philadelphia

O Seattle

O Chicago- Correct answer!

O Little Bill

9. Launching applications from the desktop was made easier when Windows moved from the MS-DOS Executive file manager/program launcher to the easier to see and use icon-based Program Manager and the list-based File Manager. Which Windows system first brought this up?

O Windows 2.0

O Windows 3.0- Correct answer!

O Windows NT

O Windows 95

10. Multimedia Extensions were released as an addition to the Windows 3.0 system. Which of the following did they support?

O CD-ROMs- Correct answer!

O USB

O Recorders

O Faxes

11. Microsoft used the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" as the main anthem for the Windows 95 marketing campaign. Who wrote and performed the song's parody, "Windows 95 Sucks"?

O Paul McCartney

O Weird "Al" Yankovic

O Bob Rivers- Correct answer!

O Phil Hartman

12. Remote Desktop Functionality was first used in which of the following systems?

O Windows ME

O Windows XP- Correct answer!

O Windows 95

O Windows 3.1

13. The Windows Vista OS was not well received by critics. In order to combat what the company thought was an anti-Microsoft bias in the media, the company created ads surrounding user tests of Vista while faking the name of the operating system. What was the name of the fake system?

O Austin

O Wyoming

O Utah

O Mojave- Correct answer!

14. Which operating system included a hidden "bonus" video of the Windows team, along with Microsoft campus pictures?

O Windows 3.1

O Windows 98- Correct answer!

O Windows 3.0

O Windows 95

15. How many versions of Windows 2000 were released? (Hint: There were a lot of them).

O 4

O 6 - Correct answer! (Professional, Server, Advanced Server, Datacenter Server Limited Edition, Advanced Server Limited Edition, Datacenter Server)

O 8

O 9

16. Windows XP was the first version to:

O launch at 64-bits for the Intel IA-64 platform

O Include specific Media Center programs

O Get officially ported for tablet PCs

O All of the above - Correct answer!

17. Windows 95 introduced several user interface innovations that have lasted all the way through this year's Windows 7. Which of the following UI features from Win 95 did not survive?

O The Start button and menu

O The Windows Explorer file manager

O The Taskbar

O Network Neighborhood Desktop Icon - Correct answer!

18. In 2002, Time Warner sued Microsoft because of what part of the Windows suite?

O Over innovations in the new Windows Media Player. Time Warner was working with a start-up on an early version of a media-player and they believed Microsoft appropriated its own media player innovations.

O Over Word. Time Warner was working with a start-up on an early version of a web-based email system and they believed Microsoft appropriated its own word processor innovations.

O Over Outlook. Time Warner thought the embedded application in the most-used OS killed its partnerships with other email clients, including AOL.

O Over Explorer. They thought its inclusion in Windows killed any competition, including TW's Netscape browser. - Correct answer!

19. The first web-based "Windows Update" was announced during which system's main life cycle?

O Windows 95

O Windows 98 - Correct answer!

O Windows ME (Millennium)

O Windows NT

20. Windows 95 was released on CD-ROMs and floppy disks. How many DMF- formatted floppy disks come with the original, iconic Windows 95 package?

O 5

O 9

O 13 - Correct answer!

O 16

21. Did the original Windows 95 release come with USB hardware support?

O Yes

O No Correct answer!

22. When the first Windows Vista OS Service Pack came out, there were instances where it introduced bugs to the system, including endless reboot cycles. How long did MS let this update last before it was pulled and fixed the bugs?

O Less than a month - Correct answer!

O Two months

O Three months

O Four Months

23. Windows 3.1 had a few key products but most feel that the following feature was one of the most important:

O Included a TCP/IP protocol stack, which for the first time allowed easy access to the Web through corporate networks. - Correct answer!

O Included support for 255-character mixed-case long filenames

O Included the Explorer browser, which allowed people to go on the web for the first time.

O Included the first object-oriented GUI, the Workplace Shell (WPS)

24. The Product Unit Manager of the failed Microsoft Bob Windows software project was:

O Alyssa Constantine

O Biz Stone

O J Allard

O Melinda French - Correct answer!

25. Windows XP was at first most lambasted by consumer critics because:

O It was a far inferior product than Windows Millenium

O It came with a program that popped up web ads, without permission.

O It had steep system requirements, including a 300MHz processor - Correct answer!

O It blocked competing web browsers

26. Windows 3.0 was the first MS system to come pre-installed in a PC. Which manufacturer was the first one to pre-install it in their computers?

O Hitachi

O IBM

O Zenith - Correct answer!

O Compaq

27. Window's Flight Simulator became infamous because of this event:

O It was the most expensive PC game of the era.

O David Letterman played it on air with guest John Travolta and noted how inaccurate the controls of the simulation were compared to real flying

O The Flight Simulator for Windows 95 version included nudity, found through a user hack

O September 11 hijackers used the program to learn their flight routes - Correct answer!

28. Microsoft ended its official support of Windows XP's OEM and Retail License Availability in 2008 and its System Builder License Availability early in 2009. For how many more years will Microsoft support THIS system?

O 4 years, until 2013

O 5 years, until 2014 - Correct answer!

O 1 year from the date of the Windows 7 launch

O It will never stop supporting this operating system

29. In 1998, Apple sued Microsoft and Hewlett- Packard for allegedly copying Apple's Lisa and Macintosh operating systems. The result of this case was:

O It was dismissed within three years

O It forced Bill Gates to admit that he had indeed appropriated Apple's system for Windows

O It was eventually taken to the Supreme Court, where it was dismissed -Correct answer!

O Microsoft paid Apple an amount nearly $150 Million

30. The first cross-platform PC browser was the following:

O Internet Explorer 1.0

O Internet Explorer 2.0 - Correct answer!

O Internet Explorer 7

O Firefox

31. What is the name of the gaming API that Windows released in 1995?

O 3D Audio API

O DirectX API- Correct answer!

O TextureX API

O Texture3D API

32. Windows Vista came out with an Aero feature that flips between open windows. How do you speed up this feature?

O Disable the Windows Minimize/Maximize Animation- Correct answer!

O Disable the Media Center

O Clean up the hard drive

O You can't speed it up

33. In 2003, the European Union fined Microsoft for anti-competitive practices in its Windows systems. What was one of the terms of the fine?

O Microsoft had to allow an independent third-party investigator to oversee anti-trust compliance.

O Microsoft had to pay nearly $4 Billion dollars.

O Microsoft had to sell a version of Windows without Window Media Player - Correct answer!

O All of the above was part of the terms of the fine.

34. The Xbox 360 "Blade" GUI released in 2008 was previously seen in Windows Media Center.

O True - Correct answer!

O False

35. The first version of Microsoft Windows was announced before Apple's Macintosh system.

O True - Correct answer!

O False

-- Jose Fermoso (twitter.com/fermoso)

Writing Mistakes that Make You Look Dumb

InsideTech — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:14:00 -0700

Constipated Clauses

Reporting on the feats and foibles of the Red Sox, a writer for South Coast Today notes: "It goes without saying that these exploits take a tremendous amount of skill."

If it "goes without saying" then don't say it. If it doesn't, in fact, go without saying, then don't say it does.

"Obviously, the sky is blue." Putting the "obviously" doesn't suddenly make the statement insightful.

NEXT MISTAKE

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Comma Vomit

True or false: a comma must precede any use of the word "and"? FALSE. Commas should only precede and, but, for, or, nor, so, or yet when they introduce an independent clause. For example, "We laid out our music and snacks, and began to study." Placing a comma after "snacks" is incorrect. The subject of the sentence has not changed, "we" still "began to study."

An example of correct comma use: "The game was over, and the crowd began to leave." The game and the crowd are different subjects and the clauses are independent. The crowd could still be leaving regardless of what is happening with the game.

A comma can also precede "and" when it is used in a list of three or more items. However, in a list it is entirely optional and called an "oxford comma".

While that is probably the most common overuse, others are prevalent. Just because you think you would pause at a certain point when speaking, it does not mean you need a comma. For a complete guide to using and misusing commas, check out this guide!

NEXT MISTAKE

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The Death of Adverbs

Once upon a time, the English language had a way to modify both nouns and verbs. Adjectives did the trick on the former and adverbs on the latter. You didn't just have to walk, you could walk quickly!

Adverbs modify verbs. For example, you accomplish a task with ease. What do you say?

WRONG: I can do that easy!

RIGHT: I can do that easily!

You accomplish a task with more ease than your colleagues. What do you say?

WRONG: I can do that easier than they can.

RIGHT: I can do that more easily than they can.

NEXT MISTAKE

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Less vs. Fewer

A salesperson's skills are not on par with yours. How would you describe that: "He has less skill than I" or "He has fewer skills than I do"? You could use both! Less describes something that is not finite, like a trait. In the first case, "skill" does not refer to any particular skill, it denotes skill like "talent" or "intelligence."

Fewer describes finite, listable items. In the second case, you have a larger skill set than the other salesperson. You could list those skills that you have and the ones he doesn't.

Too often, people over- and mis-use "less." They'll say something like, "He has less skills than I do." Say that and you've shown you have less intelligence and fewer brains than your competitors.

NEXT MISTAKE

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Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Et cetera: a useful Latin-derived tool for shortening lists. However, unless you are a lawyer, using it (and especially overusing it) can make you sound unprofessional.

If you must, use it once. A second or third occurrence in the same document essentially says, "I really don't know what I'm talking about, so I'll just jam etc. on the end and try to pretend I do!"

Another et cetera mistake is using it when you should use "et al." Listing a set of objects? Use etc. Listing a group of people? Use et al. It also is derived from Latin and means "and others."

NEXT MISTAKE

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Prevarication Junction

"I think that I would be an ideal candidate for this position."

"I think that my product would do wonders for your company."

"Studies show that people like this product more."

Draw a line through each of those sentences. As a teacher told me in high school once, "Don't tell me what you think. Tell me what you know." Similarly, don't talk about studies. If you think a study is reliable—and you probably do if you rely on its results—just say what those reliable results were. If someone asks, you can always point them to the study in question.

These phrases ultimately end up making your writing much longer than it needs to be. What's worse, they make you appear afraid: not assertive enough to express your own opinion and unsure of what you are writing about.

If you really don't know what you're talking about…don’t talk about it.

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The Affect-Effect Divide

His affect had an effect on me and affected me so much that I had to effect a change in my work environment.

WRONG USAGE: "Our products will positively effect your business;" or "My skills will substantially effect your company."

Affect and effect can both be nouns and verbs.

Rule of thumb for the most common uses: use affect as a verb and effect as a noun.

An affect (noun) is an artificial air that someone puts on. Do you pretend to have a British accent? That's an affect.

To affect something (verb) is to change it.

An effect (noun) is the result of someone or something affecting something.

To effect (verb) means to accomplish or make something happen.

NEXT MISTAKE

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Then≠Than

When one event follows another, we use thEn. For instance, "The clouds appeared, then it rained."

When two things are being compared, we use thAn. "Grandma is shorter than Grandpa."

Although most people learned this in elementary school, they seem to forget more thAn anyone would like. Just this month a news site in Santa Clara, California published a review of "WALL-E". The critic said, "The film was shorter then I would've liked."

NEXT MISTAKE

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None is.

It's an easy trap in which to fall.

"While I am certain there were many applicants for this job, none of them are as experienced as me." WRONG!

We hope you wouldn't actually write a sentence like that even without the grammatical error, but making none plural makes it even worse. None is singular. None is always singular.

While the "them" toward the end may make you think, "A ha! Multiples!", the subject is still none, which (did we mention?) is singular. "None of them is" may sound a little off to some, but it is correct English.

NEXT MISTAKE

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i.e. is not e.g. is not i.e.

Some people seem to think that throwing an "i.e." into a paragraph makes them look smarter. Unfortunately, most of those people are using i.e. to mean "for example."

WRONG: "I have sold many products, i.e. washing machines." This doesn't make any sense.

i.e. is an abbreviation of the Latin words id est, literally translated as "that is." In English, i.e. is used synonymously with "namely." It specifies and limits.

e.g. is also a Latin abbreviation but of the words exempli gratia, meaning "for example." E.g. implies, "This is one of several possible options."

NEXT MISTAKE

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Could of

When speaking, certain contractions can sound like other words. "Could've" rolls off the tongue like "could of." You have to be careful that does not slip into your writing.

In the past tense, could, would and should must never be followed by "of." If you use contractions in your writing, the words are "could've, would've, should've." If you don't, they are "could have, would have, should have."

It's an easy mistake to make. Scan any document or business e-mail you write and make sure it's correct.

Now that your writing's in order, time to work on your speaking!

Seven Tips for Building a Breakout Tech Blog

Allen Hoffman — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:19:00 -0700

Blogging can seem like a quick and easy way to draw attention to yourself as a technology professional. You post your opinions on Web 2.0 trends, information architecture or whatever strikes your fancy, and pronto, you've got a worldwide audience.

If only it were that easy.

Blogging can be a savvy way to develop your street cred as a techie, but it takes a certain combination of audacity, persistence and writing ability. In particular, IT bloggers should avoid focusing solely on technical matters; successful blogs of any sort typically bring a degree of opinion and personality to the mix, whether the topic is political shenanigans or programming. "It's definitely a balancing act," says Jason Olson, who writes Managed World, a blog billed as "an odyssey through the land of geekdom."

What's more, you've got lots of competition. "Even in the technical world, there seems to be an overabundance of blogs," Olson says.

To make your blog stand out, follow these tips:

Be an Authority

If you want to position your blog as a technical one, you need to decide on a focus, such as game development or open-source software, and bring a legitimate degree of credibility to it. "A blogger who focuses on Linux will be much more effective if he works full-time in a Linux environment, consults on Linux issues, etc.," says David Teten, coauthor of The Virtual Handshake: Opening Doors and Closing Deals Online, a book about blogs and other tools for building a virtual presence.

You don't have to be a tech guru to be an authority. After all, even interns have authored popular blogs. Entry-level Web designers and unemployed coders can develop an audience if they write about their experiences with verve and authority.

Just make sure your employer doesn't have objections. As The Virtual Handshake notes, you should consider the future career consequences of what you say in your blog.

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Reference Other Bloggers

Be sure to link to influential bloggers and their posts within your own blog; if you're lucky, they will link back. But don't focus solely on the top one or two bloggers, or else you will look like you just want attention (and links). Other bloggers with clout who aren't the stars of the scene may be more likely to link back to you. "Try referencing the bloggers who are read by the top bloggers," Teten says. That way, you can edge yourself into the game by developing the sort of virtual social connections essential to successful blogging.

Let Your Personality Show

Blogs began as an intensely personal medium, often having a diary-like quality to them. While blogs have since evolved, many still convey plenty of personality. "Let your personality show," Olson says. "Remember to be yourself."

Photos: Checiàp/Flickr and labnol/Flickr (Creative Commons License)

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Be Passionate

Unless you feel strongly about your subject, you will have a tough time succeeding as a blogger. "You have to enjoy what you are blogging about -- it's as simple as that," Olson says. "If you don't, it will feel forced and your readers will notice."

Jeff Julian, cofounder of Geekswithblogs.net, a hub for technology bloggers, asks bloggers who want to join Geekswithblogs.net about their passions. "When a person reads a blog, one of the only ways they can be attracted to your writing is to know who you are and immediately acknowledge your passion about technology," Julian says.

Explain Technical Matters

To prove your knowledge about your particular technology sector, Jon Henshaw, Internet strategist for Sitening, suggests you provide information that techies crave, like "informative tutorials [and] ingenious software solutions."

Photos: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com/Flickr and totalAldo/Flickr (Creative Commons License)

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Blog Frequently

Blogging requires time -- lots of time. "The number one thing is to blog as often as possible and to make every post as interesting and useful as possible," says Henshaw, who manages his company's blog.

Enlist Your Friends' Help

Henshaw suggests bloggers ask friends and colleagues to submit posts to spots popular with technology bloggers, such as del.icio.us, Digg and Newsvine. Attention breeds attention, and blogging is, without a doubt, a viral activity. "The fact is, one digg or popular vote from del.icio.us can catapult a blog from obscurity to notability," Henshaw says.

Photos: miss karen/Flickr, lucayepa/Flickr (Creative Commons License)

How a CIO Positions IT for Growth in the Economic Recovery

Mike Whitmer — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:30:00 -0700

While survival is the paramount concern these days, how you survive will determine your true legacy. Today, IT groups must prepare for the inevitable rebound by investing in change. It’s not just about “keeping the lights on;” it’s about tuning the engine that makes innovation possible. If it doesn’t positively affect the bottom line, the top line and/or increase efficiencies, then it is not the change your company needs today. IT groups and enterprise stakeholders must have a tough dialogue on technology investments. During lean times, many enterprises cut IT to the bone. Typically the projects that survive will offer high value to the sustainability of the technology platform. Here are my tips on how IT can stay on the innovation track during an economic downturn and position your enterprise for growth during the rebound.

1. Mining The Data - While the task of data clean-up typically assumes a tedious groan, small strategic improvements can offer serious ROI now and later. For example, review and analyze those help desk tickets — specifically the high-volume submittals. If you have a high number of password reset tickets, then you should invest in a self-service password maintenance application or automated process. This will reduce your support cost and increase customer satisfaction.

2. Virtualization - Equipment upgrades are necessary to keep up with the pace of change and manage long-term IT costs. For example, are you fully utilizing all your application servers and storage devices in your data center? You should consider consolidating these applications on “virtual servers” which use less space and allow you to take back ownership of servers that can be used for other applications or retire those that are no longer needed. This will immediate cut your overhead costs for 2009 and establish an annual savings moving forward. Please be advised that this type of consolidation is a large disruptive project, so it is wise to implement when IT project work and business operations are slower.

3. Automation - Which IT processes are targets for automation? You may already own modules on your ERP application that have not been implemented. A couple options are employee on-boarding and off-boarding applications, HR self-service for managers (title changes, promotions, reviews, etc.) and self-service applications for employees such as paychecks and W2s. If done correctly, all these factors contribute to reducing costs and driving efficiency for the enterprise.

4. Vendors - Look to do business or renew contracts with smaller boutique/niche vendors; because, they can offer all the qualities of a larger firm, but without the overhead and higher costs. Recently, we outsourced our ERP support and development to a niche firm and are reaping the benefits of a higher level of customer service, better attention and understanding of our environment all at a better price than the larger more well-known vendors.

IT is truly a catalyst for growth and the backbone of success for most companies. Enterprises that are taking advantage of these turbulent times to “clean house” will not fall behind their competitors. In this light, IT is not just about technology, it’s about helping the enterprise run smarter, faster and cheaper.

Which Skills are Hot in IT Today? (Part I)

Jose Fermoso/InsideTech — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:39:00 -0700

The length and breadth of the current economic recession has laid waste to the idea of the fully recession-proof career. IT companies have not been spared - just check out any list of the top crop from Silicon Valley and it's easy to cringe at the job bloodletting. But IT careers have still been more resilient than most. In the last quarter for example, only 1,800 fewer IT jobs were available than the last, the best rate out of any job sector.

It's not hard to see why IT skills are doing well. As the Foote Partners Research Group recently found, these skills are stable because they're often "tied to specific jobs and job requirements that are still in demand." Employers, they found, "depend on IT's leadership and ability to run operations efficiently and in delivering quality products that keep them competitive across the market."

According to Foote, personnel HR directors use "pay for skills" job differentiators more in IT jobs than in other careers. These include specific charts based on the type, number, and concentration of skills an applicant has and then use them to define compensation levels. It turns out the recession has least impacted jobs in the security, e-commerce, and ERP and infrastructure industries that include specific IT skills. So there are jobs out there, which can be heartwarming to IT workers if the specter of unemployment wasn't still so prevalent due to the rise of all job-loss rates.

There's no question the psyche of the average American worker is recession-weary. A recent summary on the U.S. "employment situation" by the government revealed that the number of people that have given up on looking for a job has nearly doubled to 758,000. These people see the difficult economic situation and have decided that no jobs are available to them. It's sad.

The power brokers that bend the IT jobs marketplace now see encouraging signs of economic recovery but note that job losses in all sectors, including IT, will continue. Positive economic output (+ 3%) results for the GDP in the last quarter shows many industries on the way up, with IT companies leading the way. Neal Ross, Chief Economist of the Credit Suisse Group AG, recently noted the small growth as a sign the recession is over but thinks a "jobless recovery" is underway. In a speech at the Brookings Institution yesterday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke agreed: "It's still going to feel like a very weak economy for some time, as many people will still find that their job security and their employment status is not what they wish it was."

Most non-certified IT skills are just as needed (or more) than those for IT jobs that need certification. Why? Some say it's because there are many people that are certified that don't have "real-world" experience. Others say certifications are just "pieces of paper" that are just an indication base-level of an IT worker's professional skills.

Can you improve your odds of getting a job if you know these skills? Of course. In the following pages, we're taking Foote's list and noting a few of the skills and the types of jobs that include each skill-set, since some skills translate to different types of jobs.

[widget:393]

Here are the top ten non-certified IT skills in the job market today:

1. Java EE, SE, ME

2. Linux

3. Virtualization (all)

4. Microsoft .NET

5. NetWeaver (SAP)

6. Flex

7. Business Process Management/Modeling/Improvement

8. SAP SM (Service Management)

9. Security (IDS/IPS, forensics, identity/access management), data loss prevention.

10.SAN (storage area networking)

Let's start with the top four.

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Java EE, SE, ME

Java is an object-oriented programming language originally developed by Sun. Similar to C, C++, and Objective C, it was designed for secure execution of code across a network. Java is supposed to be much easier to write codes without bugs.

For those getting started on Java, here’s a good three-point list to start to learn the language that we found online:

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1. Use the Java application JBuilder for testing and learning.

2. Read "Java In A Nutshell" (O'Reilly), "Java Foundation Classes In A Nutshell," and "Java Examples In A Nutshell" which are seen by many programmers as very good, basic references to APIs, with tutorials for programmers who need to learn Java. "Effective Java Programming Language Guide" is also good (for new and experienced Java programmers.)

3. Keep an eye on http://developer.java.sun.com for the latest on Java releases from Sun.

One of the hottest segments of the Java market today is centered on development for mobile devices, especially the iPhone. Check the out the following video on developing iPhone apps using Java:

Average Salary $79,458 (In the U.S.)

Job Types

- Java Developer with Java object-oriented analytical skills, and web development multi-thread: "Responsible for building out the technology platform for the company's Equity Derivatives Structured product business. The technologies include the ability to Price, Trade, Securitize and life-cycle, and manage the structured products. The Developer will work directly with the sales and trading users to build out the technology. High coding standards."

- Java Programmer with a "defense integrator supporting the Military Sealift Command. web application development, client server system development and maintenance."

- Senior Java/J2EE Developer at Booz Allen Hamilton:"Perform complex analysis, design, development, integration, testing, and debugging of software, including the integration of COTS tools in support of federal government clients. Build J2EE-based systems using Java, SQL, and XML tools. Develop design and unit test plans and troubleshoot issues."

Recent News

The University of Maryland's Bill Pugh released FindBugs 1.3.9, an automated open source tool for finding potential bugs in Java code. Also, Apple released Java Update 5 for Mac OS X 10.5 to address the system's recently found vulnerabilities including the bug in the Java Web Start command launcher.

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Linux

Linux is free, stable and secure, and for many IT applicants, expertise in this area gives them a leg up. The recession has had a lot to do with its hotness. In the last two years, more companies have become "willing to experiment with lower-cost open source alternatives to proprietary software." In the past year alone, Linux skills have gone up more than half, according to Foote. Its profile has also grown as a nice alternative to malware, anti-competitive rival practices, and the growth of low-power, low-priced netbooks, whose manufacturers have offered Linux OS options along with Windows XP (and soon, along with Windows 7).

A few supporters of Linux have noted that building a cluster is easier and faster with Linux, and that it can save you "tens of thousands or more on licensing costs, as compared to a commercial Unix or to Windows." Employers like that. Others say embedded Linux is where the skill (and job) growth is really happening: "Those guys that can squeeze more functions into less space with less cycles and less power than the big boys (MS, Apple) of the next gen."

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For those getting started on Linux, start looking into the computer operating systems of Gumstix, which provides an OpenEmbedded build environment you can play in, and Beagle Board, a low-power, low-cost single-board PC designed with open source development.

Earlier this year, LinuxToday noted some of the best books for Linux and you should definitely take a look at these: "Point & Click Linux!" (Robin "Roblimo" Miller), "A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux" (Versions 8.10 and 8.04 by Mark Sobell), "Linux Kernel in a Nutshell" (Greg Kroah-Hartman), "Learning Python" (3rd Edition by Mark Lutz), and "Evil Geniuses in a Nutshell" (J.D. Frazer).

For more context, check out the video below describing why people are developing with Linux and why you should care.

Average Salary - About $80,000

Job Types

Jr. Build Engineer at Accolo- Ngmoco, for iPhone Gaming Systems

:"Make and submit builds for our games to various stakeholders and Apple. create, troubleshoot, automate and simplify our build process will pave the road to your advancement and engineering growth." "Previous experience with Xcode, iPhone SDK, Subversion (or similar source control program) will be required to succeed in this fast-paced role... plus, Ruby on Rails, OpenGL, UIKit."

Linux Red Hat Administrator: "3-5 years of enterprise working experience, strong background in Linux Red Hat Administration and experience configuring web servers, mainly IIS/Apache. [Must] troubleshoot and build Red Hat Linux, Apache, and JBoss servers."

Recent News

The State Of Linux Desktop Functionality (ITManagement)

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Virtualization (All)

Skills in virtualization are in demand and can help fetch employees a high salary. Its hotness in the job market today is rooted in numbers: Virtualization skills command a premium of 15% to 19% over the base salary of other IT workers. Foote Partners' CEO says that virtualization is one the "highest paying skills" that they track in the whole IT industry and earlier this year, competing research sites noted employers want people with VMware skills over those without at a rate of 10-1. That's huge.

Virtualization is essentially the ability of a single machine to organize all of the computers of a company into one main storage and processing system. Desktop, storage, and IT servers are becoming more and more dependent on this technology and the people that manage it. The tech helps reduce troubleshooting times, lowers "critical events," and optimizes the "balance between maximum resource utilization and quality application performance." The main current skills needed within virtualization are actual experience, ability to understand a company's existing and varied IT infrastructures, virtual storage, and improving virtualization security.

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According to experts, sixty-two percent of all companies are adding money to their workforce budget this year to specifically increase virtualization programs, a growth of 5 percent over 2008.

Virtualization is likely to have an even more significant impact on operations and infrastructure IT companies in the next few years. In many businesses today, virtualization experts serve within sub-groups of larger server teams, but once companies dedicate to new virtualization programs, more workers will be needed with advanced VMware tech operation skills.

So even though there are currently few jobs that offer full-time work on virtualization, many IT workers are still finding time to exploit their skill within their scheduled, larger-scope area. That dedication will likely help them land some of the first virtualization-focused jobs when companies like VMware, Red Hat and Microsoft begin to shift their focus on them.

In the video below, Kevin Kettler, Dell's former Chief Technology Officer, discusses the role of virtualization in his company and the marketplace. It's a nice informative intro into this subject.

Average Salary $76,962

Job Types

EMC Consulting - Senior Solutions Architect for VMware/Virtualization: "Apply virtualization to analysis, design, development, integration, and implementation of solutions that leverage the Microsoft technology stack…intimate knowledge of VMware technologies including: Lab Manager, Site Recovery Manager, Stage Manager, View/VDI, Recover Point, Avamar. Requirements: 6+ years of designing, implementing and maintaining a VMware infrastructure including deploying VI3 in a Windows environment."

Recent News

Virtualization Will Soon Affect Regular People(CNET)

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Microsoft .NET

If you want to develop web 2.0 applications for your business, you need to know .NET, Microsoft's Dynamics NAV ERP software product. Its large library of "coded solutions to common problems of programming" is a must for anyone dealing with the Windows platform.

Programmers skilled in Microsoft .NET have found they can receive a 10 percent premium over those without it. Web developers, designers, software engineers, and developers usually are experts in .NET. And of course, web-development skills that are part of this wave, like Visual Studio, are the most well-known because they've been used to help applications in the business world move to the web.

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Similar to Java in that they are both based on a virtual machine model, .NET is a hot IT skill to have and to continue to learn in the world of Web 2.0. According to several HR directors, about 60 percent of companies want workers with .Net API skills. And why wouldn't they? Most of the huge chunk of the net needs usability tests from this program, with most Windows-based applications riding it daily.

Demand for .Net is expected to grow over the next few years. With the most recent release by Microsoft of its ERP tool Dynamic NAV (previously Navision), business who want to keep up with the technology innovations of their competitors will likely ramp up their search for NAV-happy talent.

Because of the depth of the tools provided by MS and its reach on businesses on and off the web, .Net developers can work on any number of types of projects, including financials (updated payables modules on Dynamics AX) to those in professional segments, like admin, service, and construction firms (in the Dynamics ERP product)

.NET jobs are especially big in the U.S.

Here are some of the main books .NET experts have found to be most useful for themselves and for beginners:

C# 3.0 Cookbook (Jay Hilyard, Stephen Teilhet), ASP.NET MVC 1.0 Test Driven Development: Problem - Design - Solution (Emad Ibrahim), Professional C# 2008 (Wrox Professional Guides).

Do you have a favorite .NET book you think is missing here? Let us know in the comments.

Average Salary: $61,000

Job Types

.NET Developer- HelpIT Systems Inc: "Minimum of 4 years proven commercial programming experience... track record developing SAAS/SOA solutions, and solid web services experience with XML, SOAP, WSDL, and Web Application Servers. Experience with database management systems (MSSQL/Oracle/PLSQL), or data cleansing / USPS mailing software… 4 years commercial programming in .NET (REQUIRED) knowledge of force.com and salesforce.com development tools."

Recent News

MonoTouch lets .Net coders build iPhone apps ( CNET )

Follow Jose Fermoso on Twitter at Twitter.com/Fermoso

Questions to Expect at an Engineering Job Interview

Peter Vogt/Monster Senior Contributing Writer — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:58:00 -0700

When Jeanne Knight’s husband was recently interviewing for a mechanical engineering job, he was asked what the letters “E” and “I” stood for in a bending equation for a structural beam.

Once he correctly replied “modulus of elasticity” (E) and “moment of inertia” (I), he then had to explain what each of the concepts meant.

“Hiring managers will ask these types of questions to find out if the candidate is a true practicing mechanical engineer or a paper pusher -- one relegated to writing reports and doing documentation,” says Knight, a career coach who has worked with mechanical engineers as clients.

First and foremost, engineering interviewers want to determine what type of engineer you really are, or what you do best, according to Maureen Crawford Hentz, manager of talent acquisition, development and compliance for Osram Sylvania.

In her own hiring role, Crawford Hentz asks candidates what types of mechanical engineering tasks they’re most interested in. “A bad answer is ‘anything,’” she says.

“There are people who understand process manufacturing, and there are people on the bench, drawing products or designing larger systems,” says Crawford Hentz, who in her previous job as director of career services at Wentworth Institute of Technology prepared about-to-be college graduates for engineering interviews. “A bench engineer is significantly different from someone out on the floor. A bench engineer has a pencil in his hand, while a floor engineer has a screwdriver.”

What else will the typical engineering interviewer try to assess about you? Here’s a quick look at key questions you’ll face, using mechanical engineering to illustrate what you might expect across other engineering disciplines.

Photo: iBjorn/Flickr (CC)

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What Software Do You Really Know?

When Crawford Hentz questions mechanical engineering candidates about their experience with software packages like SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER and AutoCAD, she’s looking for more than surface-level working knowledge. “I ask, ‘What’s the coolest thing you know how to do with the package?’” she says.

Here, the employer is attempting to gauge fluency, or applied expertise. It’s nice to merely be familiar with, say, COSMOSWorks, says Crawford Hentz. It’s another thing entirely to use the program for finite-element analysis on the LEDs Osram Sylvania manufactures, which “don’t mind getting cold but hate to get hot,” she says.

Are You Keeping Pace Technically and Technologically?

Just because you felt technically and technologically up-to-date two years ago, it doesn’t mean you’ll be viewed that way today.

“The half-life of knowledge for mechanical engineers is shrinking,” says Greg Hutchins, principal engineer for Quality Plus Engineering. So, he advises, ask yourself: “What are you doing to keep current in technology?”

If you want to be taken seriously, be able to share a detailed listing of thoughtfully chosen continuing education activities with the interviewer. Perhaps you’re pursuing your professional engineering license, or maybe you’re completing a short online course on sensor technology.

Photo: halidCan! (:/Flickr (CC)

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Can You Solve Problems with Your Hands as Well as Your Head?

It’s one thing to tackle engineering problems in a theoretical, cerebral context. But often you’ve literally got to get your hands dirty to make something work the way it’s supposed to.

Do you tinker on your own car? Are you handy around the house? You’ll probably get interview questions like these “as a measure of [your] practical knowledge,” says Dominic Halsmer, dean of the School of Science and Engineering at Oral Roberts University.

Do You Truly Understand Clients/Customers and Teamwork?

There’s a difference between the fantasy of engineering as a form of individual expression and the reality of engineering as a business.

“When you’re in school, you’re designing to please yourself,” says Crawford Hentz. “You get to ‘build a robot.’ But in a manufacturing or product development setting, you’re dealing with ‘build me a toolbox that looks like this and can sing [the national anthem].’”

So expect to be questioned about how you’ve dealt with client/customer concerns and personalities in the past. And be sure you’re also ready to explain how you’ve collaborated with diverse colleagues to meet the sometimes demanding expectations of clients and customers.

“We want people who bring value to the group, not only with their technical skills, but also their creativity and their personality, because your ideas aren’t the only ideas,” says Crawford Hentz.

Photo: rudolf_schuba/Flickr (CC)

Answers to the "What's Your Investment IQ?" Quiz

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:25:00 -0700

InsideTech created the What's Your Investment IQ? quiz to help you learn how to improve your investment skills. Here are some of the answers so you can learn from the quiz.

h4. Don't cheat! If you haven't taken the What's Your Investment IQ? quiz first, go take it now.

See answers on the next page...

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1) You’d rather have:

a) $10,000 per day for 30 days

b) One cent that doubled in value every day for 30 days - Correct answer!

2) Think you could find a totally risk-free investment?

a) No, not possible - Correct answer!

b) Yes

3) Which is not a long-term investment vehicle?

a) A certificate of deposit - Correct answer!

b) Mutual funds

c) Bonds

4) Which are usually more dependable?

a) Stocks

b) Bonds - Correct answer!

5) And what is usually the safest investment?

a) Treasury bills - Correct answer!

b) Common stock

c) Mutual funds

6) Roth IRAs give you a tax deduction:

a) When I contribute

b) Annually

c) When I cash out - Correct answer!

7) When are you taxed on your investments?

a) When I buy them

b) When I sell them - Correct answer!

c) When they increase in value

8) Do you pay federal income tax on municipal bonds?

a) Yes

b) No - Correct answer!

c) Should I?

9) Money market funds are invested in:

a) Stocks

b) US Treasury bills - Correct answer!

10) Rising interest rates are good for bond returns:

a) True

b) False - Correct answer!

11) A stock’s bid is the price the market is offering to:

a) Buy a stock from me at - Correct answer!

b) Sell a stock to me at

12) The historical long term return on stocks is closer to:

a) 3%

b) 10% - Correct answer!

c) 15%

Thanks for taking InsideTech's "What's Your Investment IQ?" quiz and we hope you learned something about investment!

A Second Degree for Your Tech Career? First Explore the Choices

Allan Hoffman,/Monster Tech Jobs Expert — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:56:00 -0700

Think you want another degree? Join the club. Many techies decide to pursue graduate degrees as a way to advance their careers, hone an area of expertise or switch specialties.

Years ago, graduate program choices were limited, with many students choosing between an MBA and a master’s degree in computer science, depending on whether they wanted to seek a management job or maintain a technical career track. While those choices are still popular, the possibilities for extending education beyond a bachelor’s degree have expanded as jobs for tech professionals have become more varied and multidimensional.

This means game programmers are pursuing educational technology degrees to leverage their experience into a new industry, database pros are pursuing MBAs to show off their management acumen and network engineers are studying multimedia to make a wholesale switch in a technical specialty. So techies need to start thinking about an advanced degree by sorting through the options.

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The Old Standbys

Computer Science: Graduate programs in computer science offer a research-intensive environment for students to pursue specialties such as human-computer interaction and information networking. A master’s may be required for top-notch positions at leading tech companies, while a PhD is usually required for academia. Graduate programs in computer science are known for being challenging and rigorous; a bachelor’s degree in computer science is typically required.

Educational Technology: Master’s degrees in educational technology offer students the chance to gain expertise in the use and theoretical foundations of technology to support learning.

Electrical and Computer Engineering: Students seeking a master’s in electrical and computer engineering delve into areas such as semiconductors, signal processing, microprocessors and digital system design. Students will typically need an undergraduate degree in the field.

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Information Systems: Graduate programs in information systems (or sometimes information systems management or information technology) emphasize the use of IT to tackle business problems with coursework on topics such as e-commerce, information security and knowledge management.

Library Science and Information Studies: Though far from a traditional technology degree, techies are increasingly drawn to studies involving information architecture, knowledge management and content management.

MBA (Master of Business Administration): The MBA gives techies the chance to develop their business skills with coursework in areas such as entrepreneurship, finance, marketing and organizational behavior. With companies increasingly interested in well-rounded techies with business acumen, the degree is often a top choice among techies seeking to move beyond purely technical roles.

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The New Guard

Techno-MBA: The techno-MBA combines traditional MBA coursework with studies on the integration of IT in the corporate world. Techno-MBA students often take courses dealing with information systems, IT design and architecture and telecommunications.

Computer Animation, Graphics and Multimedia: These cutting-edge graduate programs typically focus on the skills and expertise required to work in areas such as film, TV and Web production. The programs may be offered in different settings; some may be part of a graduate school of arts and sciences, others might be in fine arts programs or film schools.

Telecommunications: Advanced degrees in telecommunications offer students the chance to explore areas bridging the business and regulatory realms by studying media policy, wireless networks, and communications systems and their development.

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Which Is Best for You?

Before you decide on a program, consider your goals. Techies seeking another degree are often motivated by boosting their salaries, positioning to enter management, developing an area of technical expertise and/or switching from one specialty to another.

Once you know what you want to achieve, you will have an easier time deciding what sort of program is for you. Unlike undergraduate programs, graduate programs don’t usually give you much time, if any, to roam from one interest to another. You will likely get the most out of the program if you enter it with a clear sense of what you want from your studies -- and from your career after graduation.

All photos published courtesy of Creative Commons, from Flickr. AMagill, thanasim25, ifmuth.

Health Insurance Options for the Unemployed and Uninsured

Dona DeZube/Monster Finance Careers — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:36:00 -0700

Being laid off or having your hours reduced doesn’t have to mean an end to health insurance, but for many workers it does because the cost of continuing coverage is too high, especially for those over 30. We spoke with industry experts about what your options are once that coverage runs out.

When you leave a job, you may be able to keep your health insurance using a program called COBRA (because it was created by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986). The catch is that you have to pay for your own insurance plus a 2 percent administrative fee.

With so many Americans unemployed and unable to afford COBRA, Congress included a COBRA premium discount in the stimulus bill. The discount provides a 65 percent subsidy for nine months of coverage to those who lost their jobs on or after September 1, 2008.

Even if you can afford the premiums, COBRA plans can end suddenly. If your former employer goes out of business or stops offering group health insurance, or you fail to make your monthly premium payment, the insurance company can cancel your plan.

“I was on COBRA and was a few days late with a payment, so I got cut off,” says Janet Haney, a freelance writer in San Francisco. “My only option was to get high-risk insurance at over $550 a month.”

In most cases, COBRA coverage ends after 18 months, at which point the insurance company must offer you an individual health insurance policy. “The benefits are usually watered down and the price is about two to three times that of COBRA rates here in New York,” says Susan Combs, president of Combs & Company, a New York City insurance firm.

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Start Early

Shopping for individual insurance is complicated, so start at least two months before your COBRA plan expires. “There are lots of options out there,” says Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland. “Particularly when we’re financially strapped, it’s easy to get persuaded to get the cheapest deal.”

Ask for a benefits summary or a copy of the policy so you know what you’re getting and don’t buy if you feel pressured. “There are products referred to as limited benefits that don’t have large lifetime maximums and discount medical plans that aren’t insurance at all, but offer a discount on services,” she says.

Your state insurance department can tell you which companies offer health plans locally and may also help you choose the right plan. It’s a great starting point to shop for any of the insurance options featured in this story. Ask your accountant, lawyer or doctor which companies they like, too.

Lower-Cost Options

If cost is an issue, consider purchasing a plan with a high deductible and lower premiums that will cover you for a major illness or accident, says Laura Mutsko, owner of Mutsko Insurance Services LLC in Willoughby, Ohio.

Temporary health insurance can be another low-cost way to get stopgap coverage when you’re between jobs. “It’s generally limited to a year or less, and it doesn’t cover preexisting conditions of any kind,” Holland says. Firms such as Assurant, Blue Cross Blue Shield and your school’s alumni association may offer temporary insurance in your state.

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Individual Plans

If you can afford $1,000 or more a month to cover your family and you don’t have a lot of health issues, consider an individual health insurance plan. Keep in mind that any chronic medical condition, such as diabetes or cancer, could be a problem unless you live in one of the five states where premiums are set by regulators and where you cannot be turned down for health insurance due to health status: Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Vermont, says Kevin Sullivan, owner of RuckingInsurance.com, a health insurance brokerage for rugby players.

“Outside those states, [the policy you’re offered] depends on the state and the preexisting condition,” he adds. “Sometimes they’ll cover everything except the preexisting condition and anything related to it.”

Your trade association or local members-only warehouse club, such as Costco, may also offer health insurance. “Some associations apply medical screens and some do not,” says Michael Goodheim, owner of Farsighted Strategies, a Seattle strategic planning consulting company. “Some of the insurance offered through associations is comprehensive and some is limited, so be cautious in assessing these options.”

If unemployment has reduced your household income or you have a preexisting condition that prevents you from getting health insurance, you may be able to get insurance from a special state high-risk pool or help from your state to pay for insurance. “Some states have premium subsidy programs for people who are uninsured and make too much money to qualify for Medicaid,” Goodheim says.

If you’re thinking about buying into a state health insurance pool, be sure it covers your preexisting condition, because not all plans do, says Timothy Tracy Jr., vice president of Gerard B. Tracy Associates, an employee benefits consultancy in Westport, Connecticut.

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Reform on the Horizon?

In the current market, sometimes no matter what you try, you won’t be able to obtain health insurance at any price. However, with Congress taking up health reform, it’s possible that new health insurance options will be available later in the year.

While that doesn’t solve the problem for those who can’t afford or can’t find health insurance coverage now, at least there’s hope that solutions are on the way.

Get the Salary You Deserve — Even in a Recession!

John Rossheim/Monster Senior Contributing Writer — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:51:00 -0700

It may be summer, but it’s cold out there: Thousands of companies of all sizes have frozen hiring and salaries, putting many workers’ earnings expectations on ice for the time being.

But many employers continue to make job offers even as they reduce overall headcount. More than 4 million hires were made in April 2009, according to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

So what’s it like to enter a salary negotiation in these gloomy times, and how can you make the best of a bad situation? Let’s take a look at the frigid compensation landscape and then get some expert advice on how to navigate this terrain.

Pay Freezes, Reductions, Uncertainties Abound

Salary trends in 2009 are dismal, but not uniformly so.

Whereas professionals in marketing, finance and sales are suffering declines in pay, positions in manufacturing, information technology and engineering are showing modest increases of up to 2 percent, according to Mercer’s June 2009 Market Pulse Report.

About one-third of companies covered in the Mercer report are projecting salary freezes for 2009, a powerful show of cost containment. But a Watson Wyatt survey indicates an even larger shift: Companies reporting salary freezes rocketed from 4 percent in October 2008 to 60 percent in April 2009; firms reducing pay jumped from 2 percent to 21 percent over the same period.

Whether corporate workers will be made whole in the long run is an open question, according to the Watson Wyatt report. Of responding employers that have cut pay, 37 percent say they will eventually reinstate salary levels and build from there; 19 percent say they’ll permanently retrench and build on current, reduced salaries; and 44 percent say it’s too soon to decide.

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Recognize the Realities of the Recession

Before you take your seat at the negotiating table, consider what you’ve got going for you and what you don’t. Given the severe recession, “candidates need to be cautious about how demanding they are in negotiations,” says Susan Haberman, Mercer’s US regional leader for information product solutions. No matter what your house payment, many employers simply can’t pay you more than they are offering.

But if you’re negotiating from a position of strength, there may be hope. “The fundamental dynamics of negotiation haven’t changed -- your leverage has changed,” says Robert Hellmann, a career coach and adjunct professor at New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. “Can you walk away from the opportunity? Can you be easily replaced? Have other things in the works so that you can walk away.”

How to Make Your Case

In these times, should you consider a salary offer or raise to be final? “It couldn’t be easier: You pretty much just say yes,” says Athar Siddiqee, strategic client services executive at Salary.com, which powers Monster.com’s Salary Wizard.

But even with more qualified candidates on the market than usual, “a significant number of people are counteroffering, but they’re not nearly as aggressive as they used to be,” Siddiqee says.

Don’t be afraid to make the business case for a higher number, says Ford Myers, author of Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring. “Tell a lot of accomplishment stories backed by quantifiable results,” he says. “Show that you understand the employer’s needs and challenges, and think ahead of time about proposed solutions.”

If a final salary offer comes up a little short “but it’s a good job with a great company, consider asking for an accelerated performance and salary review in six months,” Myers says. “Be sure to get a specific offer of future consideration in writing.”

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Don’t Short-Sell Yourself

Keep in mind that in good times and bad, top candidates for critical positions are in demand. “It isn’t worth it for a company to nickel-and-dime you and lose a good candidate,” Siddiqee says.

When will labor-market conditions improve for workers at the bargaining table? “Based upon our conversations with clients, we’ll continue to see organizations be extraordinarily conservative through 2009,” Haberman says. “In 2010, we may see increases at a modest level.”

Seven Steps to Refresh Your Resume (Full)

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:46:00 -0700

A resume refresher doesn't need to be painful. And your efforts could pay off with big dividends. Arm yourself with an updated, high-octane resume, and 2009 could be the year that you land a better job.

Now is a great time to reflect on your recent accomplishments and add them to your resume. Let these ideas guide you.

1. Find Your Passion

Make sure your resume instantly communicates your career target with a descriptive headline (e.g., "UI Designer With Publishing Experience") and adequately reflects your depth and breadth of experience in a brief, hard-hitting opening objective highlighting your top selling points.

If you're thinking about changing careers or industries, be sure you've clearly defined your goal. Your job search will be more successful if your resume targets a specific field instead of being a one-size-fits-all document. Research positions to gain a solid understanding of what you want to do as well as the qualifications employers are seeking. Once you identify your career target, assess your background and identify transferable skills and experience that will enable success. Add an opening objective that spells out your goals and shows the relevance of past experience. For example: "Award-winning educator seeking to leverage five years of teaching experience to transition into corporate training."

2. Add New Employment, Skills and Accomplishments

Refreshing your resume also means keeping it current. If you've changed jobs during the past year, earned a promotion or expanded responsibilities, your resume should reflect this. Even if you've remained in the same position, you've probably achieved noteworthy accomplishments in the last year.

Don't forget about your new skills, including technical and computer ones. Add your new skills to the Skills section on Monster's Resume Builder. Survey your Skills section to ensure your proficiency level and years of experience are current.

3. Keep Keywords Up-to-Date

Industry-specific jargon, buzzwords and technology keep changing, and your resume should be rich with these keywords. Study job postings on Monster that match your career target, and note which keywords appear repeatedly. Incorporate those keywords that match your background into your resume.

4. Include New Professional Activities

Add professional-development activities you completed last year, including certificates, degrees, courses and in-service training. Also include organizations joined and industry conferences attended. List training programs you've begun, even if you haven't completed them. This shows your commitment to ongoing professional development.

5. Edit Ruthlessly

As you add new information to your resume, also consider the usefulness of older or less relevant experience. This will ensure your resume doesn't become unwieldy. Unless you want to return to a former career, decrease the amount of detail you provide for older experience. For job seekers with 10 years of experience or more, this may mean setting up an Early Career section, where you briefly summarize employers, job titles and employment dates. Other expendable items include obsolete technology and your high school diploma once you've earned a college degree.

Proofread your resume carefully to ensure it's error-free. Watch for information that needs to be updated from previous versions. For example, if your old resume included a summary that stated your years of experience, increase this number if necessary.

6. Start a Kudos File

Resolve to start a file for projects and successes you achieve during the year. Copy performance reviews and keep them in this file. Print out complimentary or congratulatory emails and file these away. List new committees you join. Jot down assignments you complete during the year. Include details of quantifiable results (e.g., percentages, dollar amounts, before/after comparisons) of your efforts while still fresh in your mind. Your kudos file will remind you where you excelled so you'll be ready to punch up your resume.

7. Update Regularly

You should refresh your resume throughout the year, not just at the beginning. You never know when opportunity may come knocking.

(All images provided by Creative Commons)

Seven Steps to Refresh Your Resume

Kim Isaacs/Monster Resume Expert — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:27:00 -0700

Now is a great time to reflect on your recent accomplishments and add them to your resume. Let these ideas guide you.

Full Page

Next Page: Find Your Passion >>

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1. Find Your Passion

Next Page: Add New Employment, Skills and Accomplishments>>

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2. Add New Employment, Skills and Accomplishments

Next Page: Keep Keywords Up-to-Date>>

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3. Keep Keywords Up-to-Date

Next Page: Include New Professional Activities>>

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4. Include New Professional Activities

Next Page: Edit Ruthlessly>>

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5. Edit Ruthlessly

Next Page: Start a Kudos File>>

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6. Start a Kudos File

Next Page: Update Regularly>>

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7. Update Regularly

You should refresh your resume throughout the year, not just at the beginning. You never know when opportunity may come knocking.

(All images provided by Creative Commons)

Creative Ways to Cope with Unemployment, Recession

Matt Villano/Monster Contributing Writer — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:57:00 -0700

When Erik Moser was laid off from his job in January 2009, he improvised to keep his finances afloat.

He scaled back on eating out. He picked up a few odd jobs, like babysitting for his sister and dog walking for friends. He even got out of the lease on his Chicago apartment and moved back in with his parents.

“Is the situation ideal? Not by a long shot, but desperate times call for desperate measures,” he says. “I’ve done what I’ve had to do to live until I can get back to work.”

Moser, 26, isn’t the only person getting creative with money these days. As more and more Americans find themselves underemployed or out of work -- at last check, 14.5 million were unemployed -- growing numbers of people are resorting to similarly creative methods to pay the bills.

For some, many of these coping mechanisms revolve around second or third jobs, as well as light work for family and friends. Others, however, have adopted less conventional strategies. See if any of their ideas could also work for you.

Teach What You Know

While working as a technical director for a small theater company in New York City, Matt Klan has generated “a good amount” of income by teaching small classes in different stage techniques.

So far, Klan has taught two-day classes in Wisconsin, Maine and North Carolina. Most of the classes focus on stage combat (i.e., stunt fighting). Klan, 33, advertises the workshops on Facebook, Craigslist and other Web sites and gets deals on rehearsal spaces for about $10 to $25 per hour.

“The classes don’t generate a ton of money, but it’s enough to travel a couple times a year,” says Klan, who has another side job working in the engineering and construction management field. “I also get the chance to hone my craft [and] introduce people to new things.”

Klan also benefits from the networking involved. In the last few months, he has been asked to teach the classes at a number of universities as well.

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Can’t Make Rent? It’s Party Time

Another creative option for making ends meet is the rent party, in which guests chip in to help the host pay his rent.

Historically, rent parties, or “skiffles,” were social occasions in vogue during the 1920s and 1930s where tenants hired musicians or bands to play, and passed the hat to raise rent money. Cary Wintz, author of Harlem Speaks: A Living History of the Harlem Renaissance, says that as African Americans moved to the city from the South, they needed help paying the rent on their high-priced apartments.

Some of the original rent parties were legendary, with musicians such as Fats Waller and Speckled Red playing regularly.

Nowadays, the names of the performers at these events aren’t quite as big. And aside from booze (of course), entertainment isn’t required. Indeed, many party-throwers unabashedly bill their cover charges as nothing more than a way to help pay the rent.

In April 2009, Zandile Blay, market editor at Paper magazine, held a weekend rent party at her apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey, to fund one month of her $2,400 rent. Blay didn’t have a minimum cover charge; instead, she simply asked partygoers to give whatever they could.

“Everyone, and I mean everyone, knows that you are broke,” she wrote in a recent email, adding that in many cases, friends who can help are more than happy to do so.

The first night of the party was a smashing success, while attendance on the other two nights was a little “disappointing,” she said. While the party earned Blay some money -- she declined to say how much exactly -- it wasn’t enough to make ends meet.

Still, she had a happy ending: A former mentor who couldn’t make the party wrote her a check to cover her rent for a month.

“It was a loan with no time limit,” she explained. “It totally shocked me and inspired me to pay it forward -- after I pay him back, of course.”

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Making the Best of It

While many of these strategies represent proactive steps toward coping with the current economic climate, most people admit they are simply making the best of a bad situation.

Back in Chicago, for instance, Moser notes that income from babysitting and dog walking has enabled him to pay his bills, but he says that if he didn’t have the “luxury” of moving back in with his parents, he might still be struggling.

He adds that living with Mom and Dad again has had its ups and downs -- a situation that requires everyone to be patient and keep a positive attitude about the future.

“Free rent, few expenses -- through other people’s eyes, my situation seems like it should be pretty good,” he says. “The truth is that after [five] months of unemployment, I just want a job so I can feel like I am earning my keep.”

22 Affordable Ways to De-stress

Nina Kim, Georgia Price — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:46:00 -0700

Whether you’re a game designer, a web developer, or a help desk operator, any job in tech can be overwhelming and stressful. Learning how to manage stress and channel it through positive means is vital, not just for a successful career, but for your happiness and well-being too.

If you don’t take time to unwind, constant stress can lead to a number of physical and psychological problems, like poor concentration, depression, back pain and weight gain. It also weakens your immune system and increases your risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease.

That’s why we came up with 22 different ways to de-stress without breaking the bank. So hit pause, relax and indulge in some much needed (and affordable!) R&R. A hardworking pro like you deserves it!

Next Page: Stress Reliever #1 >>

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1. Do Something You Did All the Time as a Kid

Do you ever long for those days when your biggest concerns were nap time, recess and Saturday morning cartoons? You’d build pillow forts at slumber parties, climb the biggest tree in your neighborhood and catch fireflies at night. It’s amazing how much less complicated life was back in the day.

Just because you’re all grown up now doesn’t mean you can’t still partake in the simple joys of childhood. Turn off your Blackberry, disconnect from the internet, and act like a kid whenever you can. Revel in the nostalgia, and feel the positive associations and memories melt away your stress.

If you have kids of your own, have them participate in these activities with you. Ride a bike to the park. Start a pick-up kickball game with your family or friends. Make a snowman in the wintertime. The possibilities (and your imagination) are endless.

Cost: Free

More Info: Think of your favorite childhood pastimes

Next Page: Stress Reliever #2 >>

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2. Volunteer Your Time or Expertise

One of the best feelings in the world is giving back to others. As a tech professional, you have tons of knowledge and experience, so why not share your skills with someone else? Volunteering can be something small – like reading a story to young cancer patients one day a month – or something bigger – like creating a communication Wiki page for non-profit centers. They always need more ideas and a useful way to share them with each other online is a great way to start. No matter what you do, you can be content to know that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.

Not only is volunteering fulfilling, it’s also a great resume builder. If you’re a recent grad, volunteering can give you valuable training and a great new networking opportunities to jump start your career in technology.

Non-profit associations are always looking for more help, so even if you can only donate 5 hours a month, your time will be very much appreciated and well worth the effort. Just think of this: Your IT skills are in high demand in big companies -- imagine how much more they're needed in smaller ones.

Cost: Setting up servers and a Wiki might cost some money, but for the needed service you are providing, non-profits might be willing to donate some of their money.

More Info: Google “volunteer” along with your town and state or visit Volunteer.gov, Serve.gov, Volunteers of America, Habitat for Humanity, and Volunteer Match.

Next Page: Stress Reliever #3 >>

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3. Stretch, Breathe and Meditate

It’s hard not to feel stressed and overworked by the hectic pace of a hyper-connected society that moves at the speed of MyFaceTwitSpaceBlackBookBerry. Before you go into meltdown mode, hit pause, relax and take a breather.

Even if yoga’s not your thing, basic meditation, stretching and breathing techniques, though seemingly simple, can work wonders for your stress relief. When you stress out, tension is stored in your body, causing pain and tightness, especially in your back and shoulders. Stretching will get your body loose and your circulation flowing in full force again.

To meditate, find a relaxing atmosphere, sit on level ground (find a cushion if uncomfortable), close your eyes, relax every muscle and breathe deeply with your abdomen, not your chest. Focus on each inhale and exhale to exclude other thoughts and quiet your mind.

Cost: Free

More Info: Google “how to meditate” or visit How-to-Meditate.org and our recent story, Fit Fitness into Your Workday

Next Page: Stress Reliever #4 >>

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4. Hang Out With Your Funniest Friend

It’s been scientifically proven that laughter is both preventive and therapeutic. It decreases your stress hormone levels and boosts healthy hormones, like endorphins, strengthening your immune system. You even get a mini workout for your abs, diaphragm and your shoulders.

Not only will laughing with your friend boost your mood, it’ll take your mind off all the stress factors in your life. It offers a release from the pent-up emotions and frustrations you may be feeling, and the emotional bonding will boost your self-esteem and feeling of connectedness to others.

Laughter really is the best medicine, so call up your funniest friend and hang out. You’ll be glad you did.

Cost: Free

More Info: Call your funniest friend

Next Page: Stress Reliever #5 >>

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5. SLEEP

Nothing beats a good night’s rest. Many IT professionals bring their troubles (and their work) home with them and that equals more stress for you and your loved ones. Why not sleep it off? Getting even 30 minutes of shut eye can help you relax and put your problems in perspective.

If you’re going to try to sleep off your stress, make sure you’ve got surroundings that promote good quality rest. A dark, cool, quiet room with few gadgets is best. (Yes, that will be hard to pull off, but try it.) Feeling antsy but still want to rest? Try a cup of Valerian Root or chamomile tea. A warm bath can also help put you in a restful state of mind.

Cost: Free

More Info: National Sleep Foundation

Next Page: Stress Reliever #6 >>

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6. Visit the Shooting Range

Does your stress ever turn into rage, and you want to rip your hair out and scream? Before you tear down your curtains and punch that hole in your wall, consider paying a visit to your local shooting range.

There’s something curiously calming about loading a gun, aiming, squeezing the trigger and hearing the bullets rip holes into a paper target. Not only does it release the physical tension that’s been building up from your stress, but you also get the satisfaction of taking home your target and showing off your killer aiming skills to your friends.

Shooting ranges generally charge by the hour, and the prices are reasonable if you have your own gun. Renting a gun isn’t that much more expensive, but if you wanted to take a class, they’re a bit pricey, ranging from $40 to $65.

Cost: $10-18/hour if you have your own gun; Renting a gun can be $10-20/hour extra; Classes run $40-65

More Info: Google “shooting range” and your town and state

Next Page: Stress Reliever #7 >>

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7. Buy Cheap Paints or an Art Project at a Hobby Store

Looking at art definitely has its calming effects, but it’s not always just about the product. You don’t have to be Picasso to get the health benefits of producing beautiful works of art either. People who make art as a hobby find that the process of self-expression through unwinding and creating art can be extremely soothing as well.

Artistic self-expression originates from Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, who theorized that the power of imagery could tap into the thoughts, memories and feelings of a person, whether conscious or unconscious. Art therapy is thus frequently used in hospitals, clinics and rehab facilities to promote physical, emotional and mental well-being via creative expression.

Making art helps lessen anxiety, stress and depression, and promote self-awareness, self-esteem and insight into your life. You can pick up reasonably priced art supplies or art kits at any hobby store. Just set aside an art space, turn on some relaxing music and paint to your health.

Cost: $7-25

More Info: Google “art store” or “hobby store” and your town and state

• For art techniques or ideas, visit ArtBistro’s Training Center

• For more info on art therapy, read Mending the Heart--Calming the Mind With Art Therapy

Next Page: Stress Reliever #8 >>

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8. Cook a Delicious Dinner with Items You Have in Your Fridge

America's “Fast Food Nation” mentality has us plowing through processed, barely digestible microwave dinners and super-sized extra value meals. Not only is our physique suffering, our stress and anxiety levels are off the charts. Everything around us, even food, is moving at the speed of light.

Back up, slow down and consider taking the time to cook your next meal with simple items you already have in your fridge and cupboards. Cooking takes patience and persistence. The process of chopping, measuring, and stirring can be incredibly therapeutic.

Check what ingredients you have in your kitchen, and look up a recipe (see below). Pick something simple to make, so the preparation and cleanup don’t stress you out. Let the culinary sensations, like scent, sight and touch mesmerize you. Finally, take pride in the sense of accomplishment as you slowly enjoy your delicious meal.

Cost: Free

More Info: Visit any of these websites to get recipes based on ingredients that you have:

• Allrecipes.com

• Cookingbynumbers.com

• Bigoven.com

• Recipematcher.com

• Supercook.com

Next Page: Stress Reliever #9 >>

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9. Go on a Hike or Go to the Park

Sometimes we get so caught up in traffic, shopping malls and the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we forget to stop and smell the flowers. But when Ralph Waldo Emerson said “adopt the pace of nature,” he wasn’t being poetic—he was being entirely scientific.

Science has proven time and time again how the psychological benefits of nature can calm the brain and better your mood and concentration. Hospital patients recover faster when they have a view of trees and flowers from their window, and children with attention-deficit disorder exhibit less symptoms in a natural environment.

So get back to basics, and enjoy nature. Bring a blanket to the park and lie out, or go for a hike and take in the scenery. Bask in the sun, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate all the colorful simplicity of the outdoors. Your brain’s health depends on it.

Cost: Mostly free (Some parks/hiking grounds may charge $3-5)

More Info: Check out this great interactive park directory or just Google “hiking trail” or “park” and your town and state

Next Page: Stress Reliever #10 >>

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10. Take a Bath with Candles and Aromatherapy

The recuperative and healing properties of water have many stress-relieving benefits and allow the body to fall into a deeper sleep. Submerging in a bath tub relieves your body from the constant pull of gravity, and heated water relaxes muscle tension, improving circulation, range of motion and energy flow.

Melt away your stress by creating a mini spa in your bathroom. Turn on soothing music, dim the lights, light candles and prepare fresh towels. The music will drown out household sounds that you may associate with everyday stress factors, and relaxed lighting can go a long way when creating a peaceful mood. You can pick up high-end aromatherapy bubble bath soap, skin-moisturizing oils and exfoliating body scrubs on the cheap at your local T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or Ross.

Most importantly, make arrangements for your well-deserved uninterrupted solitude. Turn off your cell phone, log out of email and if you have roommates or family around, tell them to leave you alone for an hour or two. Be sure to prepare your bed beforehand so you have a nice, comfy space to crawl into after your bath.

Cost: $4-18, depending on how many spa items you want to buy

More Info: High-end spa items are always available at deep discount at stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross

Next Page: Stress Reliever #11 >>

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11. Get Your Adrenaline Pumping!

Whether you’re exhausted, frustrated, or just plain stressed-out, nothing beats the blues like getting your blood pumping. Exercise, and the adrenaline it produces, has been proven to help people relax – probably because you’re so tired afterward! The thought of dragging your tired behind to the gym after a 12-hour shift might sound awful, but that’s not your only option. There are tons of great ways to exercise that don’t involve weights, spandex, or protein powder.

Got a dog? Take him for a nice, long walk. Slip on your sneakers and you’re good to go! Looking for something a little more exciting? Try a class like kickboxing or spinning. You can punch and kick your stress away, or imagine yourself cycling toward your next vacation!

Cost: Free if you do something outdoors or at the community center. Gym memberships generally start around $30/month. With this economic climate, you can negotiate a good deal.

More Info: Gym.com, your local community center

Next Page: Stress Reliever #12 >>

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12. Make “To-Do” Lists and Actively Check Off Items

I don’t know about you, but I love to be organized. Even if my “To-Do” list consists of things like “take a shower” and “walk the dog,” I feel like I’ve accomplished something once I’m able to check an item off my list. Try making a “To-Do” list for simple things, like folding laundry and running errands. Each time you complete a task, check it off. The action of crossing something off a list is a tangible way to see how much you’ve accomplished in a day.

Cost: Using a scrap of paper won’t cost you a thing, but you could also splurge for a cute notepad or colored Post-It notes. Don’t want to use paper? Invest in a white board ($5-$12 at your local office supply store) and hang it on the fridge.

More Info: Papyrus Stationary, Office Depot

Next Page: Stress Reliever #13 >>

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13. Get a Free or Discounted Massage

Massage therapy has a rich history across several cultures. Hindus, Persians, Egyptians and the Chinese have been healing ailments with massage for thousands of years. Hippocrates even wrote papers recommending massage to treat joint and circulation problems.

The physical and psychological benefits of massage are plentiful. It reduces anxiety and the level of stress hormones in the body, improves circulation and your immune system, and increases your self-esteem via direct contact with another person through touch.

Hard to believe, but your body can go through significant wear and tear from being hunched over a desk all day. Relax by recruiting the soothing hands of a significant other or look up a massage school near you for a discounted massage. Massage students must practice their skills for their training, so they offer their services for about half the cost of a regular massage.

Cost: $15-30

More Info: Google “massage school” and your town and state, or use this nationwide massage school finder.

Next Page: Stress Reliever #14 >>

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14. Organize Your Living Space

Ever have one of those mornings where it feels like someone came in during the night and stole your keys, work badge and wallet? From unearthing the heaps of laundry scattered about your room to digging through each of your four work bags, there’s no doubt about it: your house is a mess. And you feel like your life is kind of a mess too because of it.

Take a Saturday afternoon to roll up your sleeves and get your living space in order. It’s amazing what coming home to a clean, organized home can do. If you can control the area you live in, you feel better equipped to control other factors in your life. Plus, you don’t waste time having to look for everything all the time.

Cost: Free

More Info: Check out WomenCo.’s Stress Relieving Home Décor Ideas on a Budget

Next Page: Stress Reliever #15 >>

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15. Try At-Home Yoga

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Close to 11 million Americans practice yoga to calm their mind, relieve and prevent chronic medical conditions, and increase flexibility and strength. Yoga harmonizes the mind with body, decreasing anxiety and stress hormone levels and promoting concentration and a good mood.

Focusing on your breathing during yoga disengages you from your thoughts and helps to calm the mind. Each yoga session ends with five to ten minutes spent relaxing in corpse pose, or “savasana,” and you finish with a sense of well-being and feeling of “oneness” with the world around you.

Yoga in the studio can burn a big hole in your pocket, so try at-home yoga with a video. Some libraries carry yoga videos, or you can get cheap yoga videos from Amazon.com or Half.com. If you need to buy a yoga mat, opt for larger, discounted sporting good stores instead of studios or boutiques.

Cost: Free (borrow from library) or $1-20 (on Amazon.com and Half.com)

More Info: Visit Amazon.com or Half.com to get cheap yoga videos or your library may have videos to check out.

Next Page: Stress Reliever #16 >>

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16. Crank Up the Music and Dance

The idea of dancing, especially with a partner, can make some people break out in a cold sweat. But dancing can be a great stress reliever by renewing your sense of creativity, revitalizing your energy and boosting your confidence. It even strengthens your immune system, reduces anxiety and floods your body with serotonin.

Because of its health benefits, dance movement therapy is often used in schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centers to treat conditions, like eating disorders, sexual and physical abuse, autism and substance abuse.

So cast those inhibitions aside, crank up the music, and dance in the privacy of your own home. You can even slip on an oversized dress shirt and socks and rock out like Tom Cruise did in Risky Business.

Cost: Free

More Info: Crank up the music and dance

Next Page: Stress Reliever #17 >>

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17. Build a Garden

Starting and maintaining a garden takes great patience and nurturing from the first step of buying the materials to taking the first bite of your hard-earned work. But the process of digging, planting, watering, feeding, trimming and watching your plants grow can be amazingly beneficial as stress relief.

Gardening gets you out of the house, away from distractions, and basking in the sun – heck, just being in the sun improves your mood drastically. Building a relationship with the outdoors and creating natural beauty helps you feel more at one with your environment and calms your mind.

You don’t need an acre of land or very much money to start a garden — most seeds only cost a couple of cents. Just visit your local garden supply, and pick up some tools, soil, fertilizer and seeds. If you don’t have a yard, buy a window box and place it in the sunniest window sill.

Cost: $5-30 (for a basic garden)

More Info: Google “gardening guide” or visit GardenGuides.com

Next Page: Stress Reliever #18 >>

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18. Take a Long Drive

You may have negative associations with your car if you only use it to drive through rush-hour traffic to get to work or car pool the kids to Little League practice. Consider taking your car out for a spin during the night to relax, have time to yourself, and just drive with nowhere in particular to go.

Either drive in silence or turn up your favorite album, whichever is more relaxing. Roll down all your windows, and let the wind blow through your hair. The most important part is to keep driving, though, so hop on the freeway or take back roads to avoid stoplights. (Having to wait at a stoplight might increase your stress!)

Having time to yourself and the absence of traffic at night will calm your mind, as will the accompanying music or silence. Safety first, though! Always drive the speed limit and obey traffic laws.

Cost: $5-8 for gas

More Info: Take your car out for a spin or borrow a friend’s or family member’s car.

Next Page: Stress Reliever #19 >>

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19. Borrow a Book or DVD From the Library

Picture this: a cool summer evening, a glass of your favorite beverage, and a beloved copy of Harry Potter. Or much, much better, a copy of Neromancer, for a little jack-hacking fantasy. Whatever your preference, a book is a great way to unwind at the end of the day. What’s better? Books are easy to get and you can get them for free. That’s right. Sign up for a library card (if a membership isn’t free, it's most likely a one-time fee of less than $5) and you can check out hundreds, even thousands, of books.

Many libraries even give away books that aren’t being checked out anymore or are an older edition. Ask your library if they ever have any book fairs or give-aways, and pick up some great classics!
Looking for something a little less literary? Many libraries now carry a large selection of DVDs. Pick up an old classic or the latest hit, and unwind in front of the tube. Renting a DVD from a library is usually free or at most half the cost of renting one from your local video store.

Cost: $0-5

More Info: Google “library” and your town and state or visit American Library Association. Also, check out our list of the top 50 Books Every Geek Should Read.

Next Page: Stress Reliever #20 >>

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20. Spend the Day as Mrs./Mr. Fix-It

Remember those flowers that need replanting? Or that loose board in the deck that should probably be replaced? How about the Christmas lights you still haven’t taken down? Small tasks like these might seem daunting, but dedicating a day to fixing up your home can help you de-stress and manage your life. You’ll be getting things done that have been in the back of your mind (or your spouse has been nagging you about!). Plus, cleaning up your home can reinvigorate you. Even painting one wall a new color can breathe new life into your house.

Completing projects is also a great way to spend time with your family. Dad can dig holes for new flowers while mom repots the dahlias and the kids decide where they go. Looking for some “me time?" Stay focused (and avoid negative thoughts) by concentrating on one project at a time. Even if you only fix one thing this weekend, you’ll feel better for accomplishing something.

Cost: Just the money you spend on supplies

More Info: Visit Fixya.com, Home Depot or Lowes, DoItYourself.com

Next Page: Stress Reliever #21 >>

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21. Attend Free Community Events

Summertime means community festivals, street fairs, and celebrations – most of which are free. Take advantage of these fun events by gathering a group of friends together to peruse craft fairs or sample tasty treats. You don’t have to spend any money, but if you see a beautiful hand-painted teapot that you can’t live without, you’re welcome to splurge a little.

Many free community events include music or movies. Davis, California hosts “Movies in the Park” all summer long. The city erects a giant projection screen and invites the community to bring their lawn chairs and sleeping bags to Central Park for a free movie.

Cost: Free or however much you want to spend. Walk or take public transportation to save money and reduce emissions

More Info: Check your local community center or City Hall. Google “summer festivals” and your town and state

Next Page: Stress Reliever #22 >>

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22. Go On a Picnic

The Inside Tech Picnic
A picnic is a relaxing (and affordable!) way to spend quality time with your friends and family. You don’t have to pack a fancy spread or bottle of champagne to make it a worthwhile trip. Ask everyone to sign up to bring a dish, and turn it into a potluck. Looking for something on the romantic side? Stop by your local farmer’s market and pick up some strawberries and melt your own chocolate for a delicious treat.

Cost: Finding a shady patch of grass and laying down a blanket doesn’t cost a thing. Pony up the dough for store-bought goods, or make something at home on the cheap.

More Info: Find a park

Next Page: Don't Stress Out! More Stress Management Resources >>

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More Stress Management Resources

• What Your Natural Biology Is Saying About Weight Loss

• 6 Ways Healthcare Workers Can Beat Burn-Out
(All images provided by: Creative Commons)

Medical Gaming Jobs: Simulate How to Save a Life

Mike Bryan/IT Hire Wire — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:28:00 -0700

Serious gamers with a passion for challenges and innovation might consider the career opportunities presented in the medical gaming and simulation field. A new report from the Games for Health Project shows worldwide sales for health-focused games such as Wii Fit, EA Sports Active and Konami's Dance Dance Revolution have totaled USD $2 billion over an 18 month period. It is no surprise that this year’s annual Games for Health Conference had an unprecedented turnout. The once negative stigma associated with videogames has come full circle to now be embraced as a significant value-add to the learning and health of our society.

Over the past several years, gamers have driven the demand for evermore sophisticated games and the rendering of very realistic graphics on the screen. Thus the success in medical gaming largely depends upon the ability to give artificial players increasing intelligence (artificial-intelligence [AI]). In order to do so, IT skills required include real-time programming and training courses in distributed system environments or generic simulation training. This growth of interest and opportunity has helped push the gaming technological advancement beyond traditional boundaries.

The Virtual Heroes game America’s Army is a great example. In 2008 this video game, which requires users to go through extensive medical training to pilot a medic, led to a real-life rescue on the North Carolina Interstate. Through 3D simulations of heart surgery procedures, students are able to understand and practice in a virtual world before tackling real-life situations. At this year’s Games for Health Conference, Virtual Heroes discussed its upcoming R-Mission 2 game (an upgrade from the 2006 Re-Mission which allows cancer patients to pilot a robot that attacks cancer cells and combats the side effects of treatments). R-Mission 2 promises to conquer the sensory experience challenge by shifting the players to a first person perspective.

Previously, we have discussed how the salvation of the healthcare industry lies with technology, and thus the momentum in the medical gaming and simulation industry aligns with this outlook. IT professionals who have worked in the defense gaming and simulations industry will see more career growth in health care as health care spending is now roughly 4.3 times the amount spent on national defense.

To help keep up-to-date on this industry’s pulse, I recommend you check out Dave Taylor blog called Virtual World Innovations. He is the founder of Second Life and documents new and emerging best practices of virtual works. Recently, he developed a virtual ward for a group of staff nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital in West London. His virtual ward provided nurses the opportunity to practice and test reactions to unexpected and expected situations. So far, the trial is going well. Also, GameCareerGuide.com offers great resources for gamers at any point in their career with an abundant of information on upcoming trends, person anecdotes and much more.

About Hudson IT
Hudson IT serves as a trusted resource for clients seeking high-quality technology professionals. We seek candidates interested in contract/consulting for Hudson and for placement directly with our client companies with diverse skills – from web design to systems implementation, network planning, program management to performance integration. More information is at www.us.hudson.com/it. Get the real story from the real pros on our blog, IT Hire Wire.

Sign Up for InsideTech's Weekly Newsletter

Jose Fermoso/InsideTech.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:39:00 -0700

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Answers to the Ultimate PC Connector Quiz

Fri, 29 May 2009 05:39:00 -0700

InsideTech created The Ultimate PC Connector Quiz to help you brush up on your critical PC components and connectors. We listened to our users' feedback and are providing the answers so you can learn from the quiz.

h4. Don't cheat! If you haven't taken The Ultimate PC Connector Quiz, go take it first.

See answers on the next page...

[page]

#1

*Correct Answer* EIDE port

Floppy drive connector

SATA port

Parallel port

#2

Firewire

iPod dock

*Correct Answer* USB port

Serial port

#3

*Correct Answer* PCIe x16 slot

AGP slot

PCI slot

DDR3 DIMM socket

#4

Molex power connector

*Correct Answer* ATX power connector

SATA header

Fan power connector

#5

VGA port

Parallel port

DVI connector

*Correct Answer* Serial port

#6

Firewire port

Mini DisplayPort connector

*Correct Answer* Ethernet Port

Serial port

#7

*Correct Answer* DVI connector

Parallel port

SCSI connector

VGA port

#8

ATX power connector

*Correct Answer* 4-Pin molex power

Fan power connector

SATA power connector

#9

Mini DisplayPort connector

Firewire connector

*Correct Answer* Mini USB port

USB port

#10

*Correct Answer* Mini DVI Port

Mini DisplayPort connector

Mini USB connector

RCA audio jack

#11

EIDE port

*Correct Answer* Floppy drive connector

SATA port

Parallel port

#12

AGP slot

PCI slot

PCIe x16 slot

*Correct Answer* PCIe x1 slot

#13

Serial ports

Parallel ports

*Correct Answer* PS/2 Keyboard or Mouse

Firewire connectors

#14

Firewire connector

*Correct Answer* Mini DisplayPort

Mini DVI port

Mini USB connector

#15

*Correct Answer* FireWire port

USB port

Serial port

HDMI connector

#16

USB port

Firewire port

*Correct Answer* HDMI connector

eSATA connector

#17

HDMI connector

*Correct Answer* eSATA connector

USB port

Mini DVI connector

#18

Serial port

DVI connector

Parallel port

*Correct Answer* VGA port

#19

Molex power connector

EIDE connector

eSATA connector

*Correct Answer* SATA Power connector

#20

S/PDIF connectors

*Correct Answer* RCA audio or video jacks

S-Video ports

Optical audio ports

#21

SCSI port

Serial port

*Correct Answer* Parallel port

VGA port

#22

RCA audio jack

Mini DVI connector

Mini DisplayPort connector

*Correct Answer* S/PDIF connector

Answers to The Ultimate Tech Acronym Quiz

Wed, 27 May 2009 07:31:00 -0700

InsideTech created The Ultimate Tech Acronym Quiz to help you learn more about tech acronyms We listened to our users' feedback and are providing the answers so you can learn from the quiz.

h4. Don't cheat! If you haven't taken The Ultimate Tech Acronym Quiz, go take it first.

See answers on the next page...

[page]

1. FTP

o Fault Tracking Protocol

o File Transfer Protocol - Correct answer!

o File Tracking Program

o Frame Tessellation Process

2. MCP

o Master Control Port

o Media Compression Protocol

o Multimedia Code Program

o Microsoft-Certified Professional - Correct answer!

3. CSS

o Cascading Style Sheets - Correct answer!

o Central Styling System

o Cascaded Sheet Styling

o Central Style Sheets

4. USB

o Universal Serial Bus - Correct answer!

o Unilateral Signal Bursting

o Unified Style Builder

o Uninterruptible System Backup

5. WAN

o Wireless Access Node

o Wide-Area Network - Correct answer!

o Wireless Area Networking

o Windows Advanced Network

6. GIGO

o Graphics Intensive Gaming Optimizations

o Garbage In Garbage On

o Global Internet Goals Organization

o Garbage In Garbage Out - Correct answer!

7. PCI

o Personal Computer Interface

o Peripheral Component Interconnect - Correct answer!

o Programmed Control Input

o Protected Component Interface

8. DTD

o Dynamic Type Description

o Digital TV Download

o Digital Tape Depository

o Document Type Definition - Correct answer!

9. POP

o Protected Operations Protocol

o Portable Object Programming

o Post Office Protocol - Correct answer!

o Private Online Program

10. WiFi

o Wireless Finder

o Wireless Financing

o Wireless Fiber

o Wireless Fidelity - Correct answer!

11. OOP

o Object-Oriented Programming - Correct answer!

o Open Object Program

o Objective Operator Prefix

o Online Operations Protocol

12. HTML

o High-Technology Management Language

o HyperText Mark-up Language
- Correct answer!
o Heterogenous Text Message Lookup

o Holistic Technology Modification Language

13. FLOPS

o FLat, Ordinal Programming Style

o Fractal Language Optimized Programming System

o Fully Localized Operational Programming System

o FLoating point Operations Per Second - Correct answer!

14. AES

o Association of Electronic Surveillance

o Advanced Electronic Systems

o Advanced Encryption Standard - Correct answer!

o Advanced Enciphering System

15. CCNA

o Cisco-Certified Network Associate - Correct answer!

o Computer-Certified Network Associate

o Cisco Certification Network Association

o Computer Certification Networking Authority

16. ISP

o Internal Sound Port

o Integrated Solution Provider

o Internet Software Programming

o Internet Service Provider - Correct answer!

17. LAMP

o Large Application Management Program

o Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP - Correct answer!

o Local Area Mail Protocol

o Lossless Audio Music Player

18. WYSIWYG

o What You Say Is Where You Go

o What You Save Is What You Get

o What You See Is What You Get - Correct answer!

o What You See Is Why You Gloat

19. SEO

o Signal Engineering Operation

o System Encryption Operator

o Search Engine Optimization - Correct answer!

o Standard for Electronic Operations

20. CPU

o Computer Processing Unit

o Central Programming Unit

o Central Processing Unicode

o Central Processing Unit - Correct answer!

21. ERP

o Enterprise Resource Planning - Correct answer!

o Emergency Response Plan

o E-mail Response Program

o Electronic Remailing Protocol

22. PGP

o Programmed Graphics Pipeline

o Private Gaming Provider

o Pretty Good Privacy - Correct answer!

o Preprocessed Graphics Program

23. GPL

o Global Priority Lookup

o Graphics Programming Language

o Graphical Program Layout

o Gnu Public License - Correct answer!

24. API

o Automatic Programming Infrastructure

o Automated Printing Infrastructure

o Application Programming Interface - Correct answer!

o Aggregate Printing Interface

25. IDE

o Internet Development Environment

o Integrated Drive Electronics - Correct answer!

o Integral Device Encryption

o Intense Demanding Engineer

26. RC4

o Rivest Cipher 4 - Correct answer!

o Realtek Certification 4

o Redundant Computing 4

o Robotic Controller 4

27. PHP

o Private Hypertext Processing

o Protected Hypertext Pages

o PHP Hypertext Preprocessor - Correct answer!

o Peripheral Heuristic Processing

28. CCNP

o Certified Cisco Network Printer

o Computer-Centric Network Protocol

o Centralized Computer Network Processor

o Cisco-Certified Network Professional - Correct answer!

29. DVD

o Digital Versatile Disc - Correct answer!

o Digital Video Disc

o Digital Video Download

o Digital Video Digital

30. GSM

o Graphical System Management

o Global System Manager

o Gold Standard Metrics

o Global System for Mobile communications - Correct answer!

31. XML

o eXpert Media Language

o eXtensible Mark-up Language - Correct answer!

o eXtensible Multimedia Library

o Electronic Mail Language

32. CDMA

o Certified Development Management Associate

o Code Division Multiple Access - Correct answer!

o Computing Department Materials Administration

o Computerized Division of Management Assets

33. HTTP

o HyperText Transmission Program

o HyperText Testing Plan

o HyperText Technology Platform

o HyperText Transfer Protocol - Correct answer!

34. PINE

o Private Internal Networking Environment

o Programmed Internet-Native Engine

o PINE Is Not ELM - Correct answer!

o Peripheral Interface Negotiation Engine

35. LAN

o Local Area Network - Correct answer!

o Linux/Apache Network

o Local Apache Node

o Latency Arbitration Negotiator

36. FPS

o Floating Point System

o Faults Per Second

o Fault Protection System

o Frames Per Second - Correct answer!

37. DHCP

o Distributed Host Configuration Panel

o Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - Correct answer!

o Dynamic HotSync Configuration Protocol

o Disk-Hosted Configuration Process

38. eSATA

o external Serial-Attached Technology Architecture

o external Storage Architecture Technology Attachment

o external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment - Correct answer!

o external Software-Attenuated Technology Architecture

39. RAID

o Robotic Actuating Intelligent Devices

o Redundant Array of Internal Drives

o Rebuilt Array of Inexpensive Disks

o Redundant Array of Independent Disks - Correct answer!

40. IMAP

o Internet Message Access Protocol - Correct answer!

o Integrated Message Archiving Platform

o Internet Mail Access Provider

o Internal Motherboard Accelerator Port

41. DOS

o Dynamic Operating Settings

o Disk Operating System - Correct answer!

o Distributed Online System

o Distributed Office Setup

42. MCTS

o Microsoft Computer Technology Specialist

o Machine-Certified Time Sheet

o Microsoft-Certified Technology Specialist - Correct answer!

o Machine Computing Technical System

43. VPN

o Virtual Program Node

o Virtual Peripheral Network

o Virtual Private Network - Correct answer!

o Virtual Private Node

44. JSON

o JavaScript Object Notification - Correct answer!

o Java Software Online Network

o JavaScript Online Networking

o Java Software Object Notification

45. PEBKAC

o Problem Exists Between Keyframe and Coda

o Problem Encountered Between Key and Cipher

o Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair - Correct answer!

o Problem Existed Before Keyboards and Computers

Answers to the Name That Font Quiz

Tue, 19 May 2009 05:57:00 -0700

TestQ created the Name That Font quiz to test how much you know about fonts. We listened to your feedback and are providing the answers so you can learn from the quiz.

h4. Don't cheat! If you haven't taken the Name That Font quiz yet, go take it first.

See answers on the next page...

[page]

1) Arial

2) Comic Sans

3) Courier

4) Times New Roman

5) Papyrus

6) Georgia

7) Lucidia Calligraphy

8) Garamond

9) Braggadocio

10) Helvetica

11) Stencil

12) Mistral

Thanks for taking the Name That Font quiz!