JobsBlog Rewind: 3 tips for getting a job in the new year
As we enter into the holiday season our lives tend to slow down as family obligations pick up, kids have time off school and we take our own time off to recharge. It only seems fitting that we may also take some time off from a job search. But that's not what Eugenia would say and neither would I. Relaxing over the holidays is one thing, but becoming completely dormant is another. Eugenia offers some excellent advice in this edition of our JobsBlog Rewind for keeping yourself in the game over the holidays.
Happy reading,
Zoe
Dear JobsBlog:
It's almost the new year, and I think I'm ready to change jobs. The problem is I don't know where to start. Any tips to get a software developer like me headed in the right direction?
- New Year, New Job
Dear New Year, New Job:
As you have spare time between parties and seeing family, think about what you are going to do for yourself in the New Year and how you are going to get that job, expand your skill set, or grow technically. Here are some suggestions for taking that first step towards your goal:
1. Pick up a new technology – With some of the down time you have now during the holidays, pick up a book or read up on a technology you have been meaning to learn more about. You can incorporate your new knowledge in a side/pet project or even apply it to your day job if you feel comfortable enough. If you’re in it for the long haul, a class or certification is also a great way to go. Getting deep in a technology if you have the time is very beneficial. Now is your time to keep your skills sharp and at the same time ensuring that you are keeping yourself marketable.
2. Write/Present a white paper or attend a conference – If you are an expert or have something to share with the rest of the people working in your field, write a paper, present it in one of the many conferences going on this year and make a name for yourself or for your work. No one will know how brilliant you are unless you put yourself out there. Experts in your field will take and adopt your work or make your information that much stronger but adding value and input that you may not have previously thought of.
3. Network – Whether it’s joining a fan page, expanding your connections, or making friends, networking is invaluable. You learn things, get a lead on a job, and make friends in the process. If it’s easier start with networking online, you can hit Facebok, LinkedIn, Twitter or even foursquare for that matter. You can see where old friends are, what your colleagues are working on, and get ideas on what your next step might be.
Becoming stagnant in your job and skill set is easy and dangerous. Do yourself a favor and take initiative for yourself in the New Year. You’ll thank yourself down the road and grow from the experience.
- Eugenia
6 Comments
Suthan Mohan said:
I have completed my graduation with Computer Science Engineering with a very less academic aggregate due to my over confidence which has affected very much in building up my career. Kindly help me how I can build my career as I am very much confused in this regard and I do not want to compromise with my dreams again.
Confused Suthan
Eugenia said:
Hi Suthan,
If I understand you correctly, your GPA is not where you wanted it to be at graduation? Don't let this hold you back. It already sounds like you have discovered what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future. I think it takes a lot to see, review, and learn from your mistakes. I think that is more valuable than a stellar GPA. I think that if you apply to jobs, show them that you have stellar coding skills, and talk about your GPA and what you have learned from it that will take you far. Let me know if I have misunderstood your question.
Good luck!
Eugenia
Bassel said:
Thank you for these great statements, But if I asked you, what if someone IT engineer like me want to work and has a passion of technology cant' find a job! Believe me, I have applied for many companies and no one calling me back for interview.
you should know I didn’t get any certifications after graduation and also worked for a TV Satellite Channel but I find that I am not learning what I want. why I am just asking myself why? every company asks for technology, honestly, I want to improve myself in a field has highest salary.but I dont know what is it? I hate coding. as for networks, I saw most people has MCSE or CCNP, so hated that too, I need something make me special, related in researches or need good thinker,something that make me IT Engineer not like many, many of that who has mcse and considering themselves Engineers! I got a Bachelor degree not to work like those who has'nt. please help me I am very confused. I really want to let you see my resume just to know where is the weakness in it.
If you want to say something special, you can email me. I knew that you have big heart once I saw your face :)
Thank you
(Sorry for some errors in English language structure)
Rahul Ranjan said:
hey Eugenia
tell me please whether a person with low graduation percentages, low here means around 59% but has done certifications in Microsoft technologies i.e MCTS(3 of them) with around 88% in them and 1-2 years of IT Industry experience can enter to Microsoft or not..I mean does all these even makes him eligible to apply for MICROSOFT....plz if anyone cud soggest......
and one more thing for better picture the THIRD person Quoted here is ME itself..;)
So please if you could help me get a better picture as I don'tt find much openings in MICROSOFT for experienced people...it comes only for freshers which obviously I can't..
Tom Henson said:
Just started training for a computing degree that I found here: <a href="http://www.friday-ad.co.uk/article/jobs-in-east-sussex">Jobs in east sussex</a>
Any tips on where to find a job in the UK once I qualify?
admin said:
Tom - you can search for jobs on our UK Careers site: http://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/gb/home.aspx. Good luck!