1. Navigating Today’s IT Employment Market ((George Ford)) ((Branch Manager Consulting Services))

2. Robert Half International Inc. –Founded in 1948 –Listed as one of the best big companies, nationally and globally –Pioneer in specialized staffing services Robert Half Technology –Provides highly skilled IT professionals –Conducts ongoing research on IT workplace trends –Respected resource on IT hiring and employment Company Overview

3. What You Need to Know to Succeed What Employers are Looking for Developing a Winning Resume Acing the Interview Follow-up Strategies

4. Top Skill Sets in Demand Infrastructure Help Desk Desk Top Support / PC Tech Systems Administrator (Windows/Unix) Development.NET Developers (VB.net, ASP.net, C#) Java / J2EE SQL Developer / DBA

5. Skills and Abilities in Demand Communication skills Business fundamentals Interpersonal skills Bottom-line contribution

6. Hot Industries Industries projecting strong growth in 2006: –Real estate –Manufacturing –Business services –Banking and financial services

7. What Employers Are Looking For A good “fit” The ability to multitask Strong soft skills

8. Strong Soft Skills Teamwork Listening skills Diplomacy and tact 97% of CIOs said that, when hiring, they look for well-developed communication skills and business acumen

9. Do your homework Address resumes to specific individuals Customize your resume to match job requirements Resume Tips

10. Preparing a Resume List the technologies you know Summarize your education List awards and recognition Include non-industry work experience List internships, experience

11. Preparing a Resume Avoid misrepresenting your education or experiences Don’t list references Don’t give the reason for leaving a previous job Keep resume and cover letter professional

12. Crafting the Cover Letter Research the firm thoroughly Tailor the letter to the specific job and company Explain how your background meets the firm’s needs Highlight your knowledge of the field and the position requirements

13. Acing the Interview Research the company Organize the day before Arrive a few minutes early Make a good first impression Dress Professionally

14. Common Interview Questions Tell me a little about yourself What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses? How well do you work as part of a team?

15. Avoid Interview Blunders Answering (or even bringing in) your cell phone Appearing too relaxed or casual Extremely brief or overly lengthy responses Appear confident, but not overly confident Show Interest

16. Follow-Up Strategies Write a follow-up letter that: –Expresses gratitude –Reinforces interest in the job –Recaps your strong points Continue your search Make a follow-up call Don’t pester

17. Tips / Offerings from RHT What if I have no work experience? Stay Current – develop new skills –Free Online Training Courses Salary Guide

18. Navigating Today’s IT Employment Market ((George Ford)) ((Branch Manager Consulting Services)) www.rht.com