Do you remember the bad old days when it was impossible to get an interview, let alone a job? Do you remember groveling to recruiters, hoping they would actually read your resume and speak with you?
Those days are over.
When I speak with job seekers or consultants, I ask them about where they've had interviews and how they are seeing the job market. Almost universally (mainframe applications programmers may be the exception) they report that they are getting interviews. People in some skill areas are receiving counteroffers to stay (in the job that they detested enough to want to leave) because firms are starting to understand that there is scarcity for the experience they want. Let me offer an example.
To elaborate, a new client contacted me (that didn't happen 3 years ago) about help with a search for four project managers for a new PMO they had started. I met with the head of the PMO and talked with him about what he was looking for in an effort to understand why he was having difficulty. To paraphrase what he told me, there was no shortage of people with the skills; a lot of people in New York have the formal project management training he wanted. The issue came down to how this person would fit in their culture (Face it, a lot of you don't know how to communicate your triumphs and struggles well, go on interviews and bore the life out of the person you meet). He needed people who had life in them because they needed to present ideas to business leaders in the firm.
Folks, I'm not going to tell you about how to program here or how to develop or manage a system. I am going to tell you taht you need to take an honest look at yourself in the mirror examine your skills and presentation abilities. If the issue is presenattion skills, start going to Toastmasters meetings (
http://www.toastmasters.org/ to find a club near you)where you will practice speaking in front of a supportive group. Not taking the time will cost you a lot more money in lost earnings than you will spend going to these meetings.
Jeff Altman
Concepts in Staffing
jeffaltman@cisny.com
Jeff Altman has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is also co-founder of Your Next Job, a networking group focused on assisting technology professionals with their job search, a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist. For additional job hunting or hiring tips, go to
http://www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com
If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at
jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, include your resume).
