Are you sabotaging your job search without even realising? Unsurprisingly, things like turning up late or swearing during an interview are sure ways to ensure you definitely aren’t going to get called back for a final interview. However, we often find that it’s the smaller, seemingly insignificant things that damage a candidate’s chances of landing their dream job.
Continue reading 10 less obvious reasons why you didn’t get the job
The world of work is ever changing, requiring candidates to not only keep their skills updated, but also learn new ones. Although many employers offer both on-the-job training and the chance to take more formal qualifications, it’s still up to you to keep your skills sharp and abreast of developments in your field.
Continue reading Nine ways to upskill yourself outside of the office
In today’s global workplace, working abroad is becoming more and more appealing. According to a survey by PWC, 71 per cent of respondents said they wanted to work internationally at some point in their career, with the main attraction being the chance to travel and further their skills and experience. So, if your dream is to one day live and work abroad, you will be pleased to hear that this is now more attainable than ever before.
Continue reading Ask yourself these 8 questions before relocating internationally for a job
There is no longer such a thing as a job for life. Very few people stay in the same job or business for their entire career.
When anyone leaves a business it can be unsettling for fellow team members; quite often, you could find yourself questioning your colleague’s decision, and possibly your own future at the company. If the individual is your boss, that feeling of unease can be even greater and involve fears over the wider impact within your organisation.
Remember that change is good
Change within an organisation can be a positive thing, yet very few welcome it. You might fear the unknown, recall other negative experiences of change and generally assume the worst.
The key to coping well if your boss resigns is to take a step back to assess the situation, embrace the likely change this will bring and adapt your own role and attitude with readiness. Here are some tips which will help make this possible.
Don’t panic
It will be natural for you to feel worried about what will happen to you once your boss leaves. What will your new boss be like? How will your role change? Did your boss know something about the company that you don’t – and will you be out of a job soon if you don’t leave?
Questions like these are a natural reaction to a major change at work, but it is important not to let negative thoughts run away with you. Work on facts not fears, accept that uncertainty is just the nature of the beast. Keeping morale high is important – negative comments and shared anxieties amongst a team can quickly poison the atmosphere at work.
It’s not personal
No one should ever stay in a job solely because of who they work with, and nor should they leave for this reason. Colleagues and bosses are transient and should not form the basis of a major life decision such as a job change.
People generally move jobs because they want to improve their lot in life and progress their careers. Remember, your boss isn’t leaving because of you and won’t have taken the decision to leave lightly.
Could this be good for your company?
Are you putting your boss on a pedestal? You may have liked them as a person, but realistically, were they the best person for the job?
Think about how passionate they were about the company, did they inspire you? Were they culturally aligned to the business? Did they do all they could to develop you? If not, then in the nicest way possible- this could be a good chance for an upgrade!
On the other hand, if they really were that great, then be grateful that you were able to learn from them, remember and implement the key lessons that they taught you.
View this as an opportunity for growth
Be proactive in seeking out a discussion with your boss’s boss, to find out what this means for your future career. Ultimately, think how you could use this inside information to push your own career forward in a subtle and professional manner.
This could be your chance to move up to the next level, to really get your ideas heard, to showcase your talent and ambition. Make it known to the powers that be, that stepping into a more senior role is of interest to you, and that you are committed to the future success of both the team and the company.
Be seen as being helpful during the recruitment process
If the decision has already been made to replace your boss with somebody other than you, be proactive in assisting with this process. See if you can determine the qualities your boss had which worked particularly well in your team and company. If you have a say in the replacement process, use this insight to your advantage.
Ensure your boss gives you a good handover
Whether you are stepping into your boss’s shoes or simply want to help their successor as much as possible, take the opportunity to get as much information as possible from your exiting boss before they leave. Your new boss will be grateful for any tips you can provide or practical assistance you can give over the day-to-day running of your team plus you will experience a much smoother transition.
Don’t be bitter
If you feel you have been passed over for promotion by not being asked to replace your boss, it is better that you have an open discussion with senior management. Explain that you feel you are able to step up a level and hope there is scope for you to do so. If not, you may feel that it is time for a complete change. Perhaps your boss’s departure was just what you needed to motivate yourself to find a new challenge elsewhere?
Either way, this is a good chance to re-evaluate your goals, more so, the necessary steps to achieving them.
In summary, when your boss resigns, it is essential to maintain a positive attitude. Positivity is infectious; it will do wonders for team morale, as well as your own. You will also be able to see the personal opportunity in the situation, learning important lessons about your organisation, your ambitions and your future.
Worried your career is going in the wrong direction? Our career management tips will help you get back on track
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The tech sector is gearing up for Europe Code Week, taking place between 15th and 23rd October, in which countries from around the world will focus on coding through a number of grass roots events held over the course of the seven days.
Some 46 countries took part in last year’s event. It is clear that governments across the world are coming to understand the importance of coding, specifically for the generation of young people still in learning institutions – their world in 20 years’ time could have a different make up, and coding is likely to be at the heart of online activities as we continue to see the dominance of the internet when it comes to both market platforms and sales strategies.
Back to the here and now, software developers need to be aware of coding trends in order to keep their skills current and realise opportunities on projects they are working on. Here we take a look at the top 10 emerging coding trends you need to know about:
1. React
The explosion of social media platforms seems to have been the biggest single internet development over the past decade or so. Right in the engine room of the movement is the JavaScript library React, which is used for creating user interfaces on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. React is a coders’ firm favourite and knowledge of it could be essential in the majority of social media led projects.
2. Docker
In the age of hybrid cloud and other infrastructures designed to streamline several systems, applications such as Docker could be called into action increasingly. Docker allows for the packing of software into one of its ‘containers’, allowing a user to view system tools, code and everything in between. Docker runs a partner programme which allows companies and specialists to upskill themselves and then tutor less advanced Docker users.
3. Grunt
Grunt is a JavaScript task runner, which is able to save you from repeating tasks through an automated system, which also works with a number of plug-ins built for the platform. It cuts down on the coding time drain, and an impressive client list featuring the likes of Adobe and Twitter speaks volumes about its effectiveness. For any organisations in which development workflow is a priority, IT personnel may be required to have a working knowledge of Grunt.
4. Elasticsearch
is an open source search engine developed in Java and based on Lucene, the open source software library. It essentially ties to Lucene and makes its features available through JSON and Java API. Among its users are Mozilla, Facebook and Soundcloud. For companies that require reliable full text search, those with ElasticSearch skills could be in high demand.
5. Ansible
If you are involved with any kind of configuration management, cloud provisioning, intra-service orchestration or application deployment, you might find life becomes a whole lot easier with the use of the IT automation engine, Ansible, designed for multi-tier deployments. DevOps engineers and platform engineers could be asked to show evidence of Ansible skills.
6. Scala
Scala is known as a ‘scalable language’, making use of simple syntaxes to make IT processes easier – with its object orientated characteristics making it suitable for large mission critical systems. Running on JVM, Scala is designed to improve your functionality across the board. Mid-level developers might not be specifically required to have Scala skills, but they should be prepared to learn them.
7. Apache Cassandra
One of the key facets of Apache Cassandra is the lineal scalability which it provides, and the ability to replicate across multiple data centres makes it suitable for medium to large organisations. If you are using a number of commodity servers, Apache Cassandra provides robust support for clusters. Developers hired to work on a large chunk of modern business applications could be required to have Apache Cassandra skills in their armoury.
8. Tableau
Tableau is a programming language which combines function with logic – if you are dealing with large amounts of data on a daily basis and wish to map it out more effectively, you can use Tableau to produce some attractive graphs and scatter charts. Tableau runs its own Data Analytics Learning Partnerships, as well as a ‘classroom training’ programme, meaning all the resources are there for developers to upskill themselves.
9. RabbitMQ
If you are looking for an effective message function for your data, RabbitMQ could be of interest. Released under the Mozilla public licence, it provides gateways for streaming text oriented messaging protocol, HTTP, and MQTT protocols. Its Shovel plug-in performs the tasks of replicating and sending messages from one broker to another. Meanwhile, the Management plug-in ensures the necessary monitoring and control over clusters. If a new role requires complex event processing or storage solutions, RabbitMQ could well be a requirement.
10. Twitter Bootstrap
Compatible with all the major browsers, Twitter Bootstrap was originally Twitter Blueprint, and was created by employees at the social media network in order to improve its interface development. Twitter Bootstrap has now reached its fourth edition and is one of the most popular open source frameworks in the world. Organisations that are aiming for speedy and clean web development might make Twitter Bootstrap an essential for incoming developers.
These are skills that employers will increasingly focussed on when assessing candidates in the hiring process. Unlike many other areas of IT, it is accepted that there is a large amount of self-learning for software developers. In the case of IT Contractors they are expected to bring current and relevant skills to an organisation without learning on that organisations time. So the best developers use a variety of tools, whether they be specialist websites, YouTube, Stackoverflow or GitHub to ensure that they have the skills to remain relevant.
Hopefully you found this blog interesting. Here are some other IT articles which you also might enjoy:
So it’s close to the end date of your first IT contract and you’re asking yourself the question “what next?” In this ITC Made Simple series we’ve looked at researching the market, setting up as a contractor, finding your first project and ensuring you make an impact . The final stage of your IT contracting journey is a continuous one – with an aim to bring in a steady stream of quality contracting work.
To do this you will need to work on your sales and networking skills and maybe even enlist the professional services of a recruitment company. This will be critical to securing your future prosperity and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Here are my three key recommendations for developing a continuous pipeline of work to safeguard your contracting future:
1. Become a salesperson
Companies using contractors are ultimately ‘clients’ who are buying services from a relevant ‘provider’ to address their business needs. As the provider in this context, you need to be able to sell your offering to potential clients and convince them they need to buy from you rather than from one of the competitors on the market.
The more specialised your skills are, the more challenging this becomes. For example, if your expertise is in a new technology or if your skillset is only needed in very specific stages of IT projects, finding a company hiring at the right time in the right location can be tricky.
Therefore, you should block out at least a couple of hours a week to do sales related activity. Look through your existing contacts, search LinkedIn and company websites. Get on the phone to recruitment agencies, hiring managers and decision makers to work out when they could potentially need you. Building a relationship with them will keep you front of mind when an opportunity comes up.
You should also keep on top of industry news to look out for any potential opportunities. For example, if you’re a Transition Manager for data centres you should set up Google alerts for company mergers, acquisitions, outsourcing etc.
Ultimately, you want to work towards building a small number of core clients who will give you regular work, then use your sales activity to plug any work gaps.
2. Build your network
To be a successful contractor you will need to build up your network, after all, this is where you will get the majority of your business.
Attending industry events and becoming a member of your local professional association is a good way to keep on top of market developments. More importantly, you will develop contacts with other contractors and people working in the IT industry, including recruiters and hiring managers.
Keep in touch with fellow IT contractors you’ve worked with in the past – they can be a very useful source of leads. Hiring managers will often go to them to ask for recommendations when they are looking for extra people to join a project. This also highlights how important it is to make a positive impact on those around you in every project you take.
As well as building your offline network, you should also work on your online one. LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with people professionally and also market yourself. Make sure you optimise your profile and highlight when you’ll be available for you next project so people know when they could potentially get hold of you.
3. Partner with a recruitment company
From what I’ve described above, you can see that the sales/networking aspect of contracting is probably going to be the toughest part of your job. After all, you’re in your line of work because you’re an IT expert, not because of your cold calling skills.
That’s why many contractors choose to outsource this element to experienced recruitment companies. As their entire business model is based on matching the right candidate to available roles, they have a huge head start on what one individual can accomplish on their own.
In a large international recruiter like Hays, we have thousands of people around the world committed to selling you, the candidate, to potential companies. The scale and volumes involved in our operation also mean it is much easier for us to find someone hiring for your skillset in your location at any one time, or indeed any location around the world you are willing to work.
At Hays we pride ourselves on offering our contractors secure payment, flexible options and top projects – but of course you should carefully research the options available to you and pick recruiters that are familiar with your experience and work in a way that matches your expectations.
If nothing else you will be able to avoid the stress of trying to find your next contract in your ‘downtime’, while putting 100 per cent into finishing up the current project that you’re working on. Work-life balance is key after all.
Get in touch with one of our local recruitment experts to find out more.
So that is the end of my ITC Made Simple series. I hope you have taken something from the five articles; whether you’re still considering making the move from perm, have just started your contracting journey or are starting to rack up rewarding projects with exciting clients. Look out for more IT contracting related content from me in the future and good luck with all your endeavours.
Hopefully you found this blog useful. If you did, then here are some other IT contracting blogs you will enjoy:
- 3 necessary steps to becoming an IT contractor
- 3 questions I’m always asked about IT Contracting
- 5 ways to ensure the success of your IT contract
- 6 countries, hundreds of IT contracting opportunities
Watch this video to find out how Hays can help you find your next IT contract:
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Most of us will experience a point when our existing role simply isn’t offering the development and challenge that we need, and we’ll realise that it’s time to move on and find an opportunity elsewhere. However, once you’ve made your mind up and started to formulate your new job search, it’s vital that you do so discreetly.
Most job hunters fear that their exit plans will be discovered by their current employer, and this can easily happen without care. More than one red-faced employee has experienced how an indiscreet conversation with a co-worker can all too easily be replayed back to your own boss.
The reality is that the vast majority of workers will search for their next opportunity while still employed, so the trick lies in being careful and carrying out your search in the right way. Remember, there’s very much a ‘right’ way to exit a job, and to ensure that no bridges are burned in the process.
Here are nine tips to help you keep your job search quiet:
1. Confidentiality
Your job-seeking plans are yours and yours only, so keep them confidential. Even if you trust your colleagues, it simply isn’t worth the risk. Remember, people generally aren’t intentionally malicious, but water cooler gossip is rife in organisations and something could very easily slip out in the course of conversation. Don’t make your plans known until you’ve signed your contract, got your start date, given in your notice and followed due process. Certainly, don’t allow your boss to find out you’re leaving after the rest of your team has.
Similarly, when writing your cover letter and speaking to your recruiter, be very clear that your job search is being carried out in confidence, so that they are clear and can respect your wishes.
2. Check contact details
Double check the contact details that you have provided on your CV. Use a professionally named personal account rather than your work email address.
3. Job hunt in your own time
Discreetly and quickly scanning a job advert, email round-up or recruiter message in your lunch break is one thing, but don’t search for new jobs while at work. It’s unprofessional and will certainly make it clear that you are looking elsewhere. Ditto, don’t use your work equipment to update your CV, register with recruitment consultancies or receive job alerts.
4. Keep interviews separate from your work schedule
It’s good practice to organise work interviews in your own time – schedule them for after work hours or use up annual leave. This is polite to your employer and also removes stress for you as the interviewee. If you’re deceitful about your movements and use your working hours to attend an interview, you’ll be nervous and worried about being found out – and it may negatively affect your interview performance.
5. Be mindful of social media
When using social media, keep your activity personal and don’t share any updates or stories that relate to your job search. It sounds obvious, but this is one key area where people slip up and accidentally share something with a contact they’d forgotten was part of their network – or with a colleague of a friend, if privacy settings aren’t sufficiently locked down.
6. Keep performing at work
A drop in work performance is an obvious red flag that your mind is elsewhere and you are looking to leave. Work hard to maintain your work outputs and delivery, and you’ll be able to maintain your discretion until you are ready to announce your plans.
7. Update your LinkedIn settings
If you use LinkedIn, check your settings to ensure your network isn’t automatically updated when you add something new to your profile. A flurry of updates and profile additions will naturally arouse the suspicions of your employer, as most people start honing their profile when they are planning a job search. Never say that you are open to fresh opportunities when updating your profile – use your common sense at all times.
8. Keep reference details hidden
Keep your reference details back until you’ve received an offer and are ready to progress with a chosen job. This prevents your employer from being contacted too early in the process, before you’ve had a chance to speak with them.
9. Watch your dress
If you are attending an interview after work, bring in a change of clothes. Don’t suddenly start coming into work dressed up to the nines if you don’t usually – this is a complete giveaway.
Follow these tips and not only will you be able to progress your job search at your own speed, but you’ll also be able to do so without the added pressure of your employer and co-workers anticipating your plans.
About to start your job search? Reading our job searching tips will help ensure it’s a success
