11.14.2004

Performance is the Best Predictor

"What is the key thing that can say it all about the candidate sitting in front of you for an interview? Recruiters often feel that there is no single factor that can predict a candidate's performance. However research says that there IS a factor, which can tell you the likelihood of the candidate's success at his workplace. Look for a track record of high energy (work ethic, initiative), team leadership, and some level of comparable past performance. The likelihood of success is high for candidates with this profile. Add the strong ability to adapt and produce in a new environment and you've got an excellent candidate." - from the egrabber newsletter

<Note from JobFairy.com: Another one in an endless series of "What is the recruiter thinking now?" articles. This ties in neatly with the technique used in developing the Job Fairy style resume. You list your accomplishments, not merely your responsibilities. The more accomplishment-oriented and dynamic you appear, the more attractive you are to a recruiter. Not always to some insecure future manager, but you don't want to work for them anyway...>

"Industry in transition

Falling demand
Programmer: Writes the code for software applications. ($40,000 to $70,000)
Quality assurance engineer: Updates and tests software applications. ($40,000 to $70,000)

In demand
Architect: The visionary of a project, who understands the problem that needs to be solved and puts together a framework for how the pieces come together. Much like an architect of a house, draws up blueprints and turns them over to builders. ($100,000 to $150,000)
Project manager: Coordinates teams of developers in different countries and different time zones, and manages the project from inception until the product goes to market. ($80,000 to $120,000)
Product marketer: Takes the product and builds marketing programs and sales training programs. ($80,000 to $120,000)
Systems engineer or technical sales: Works with sales representatives to help solve technical problems. ($80,000 to $120,000)

Sources: Forrester Research, staff reports"

<Note from JobFairy.com: We still see a lot of positions for programmers, especially those with Java or .NET. And also for a lot of QA people too, although to be fair I've seen a lot of QA people laid off in the past year. We Fairies wouldn't say there is a huge demand for architects, because you don't need tons of them and they tend to specialize highly. However, if you have e-security or network architecture, that's a lot more in demand. Also Java architecture... you have to know design patterns and other such design fillips. PMs are a dime a dozen unless they used to be a) programmers themselves AND/OR b) PMP certified. You won't get into the range they quote unless you're geeky, certified, or preferably both. As to marketing, this seems high. Marketing directors make this though. Honestly, it helps if you're blonde, young, busty, dress cute, and look good. We rarely see any other type in Marketing. SE or technical sales - you can easily make this kind of cash and more if... you're willing to travel road warrior style (i.e. 100%) and work on a quota system. If you're young, don't have pets, kids, or a significant other, this is a good strategy to pursue. Per diem covers your costs and a year or two later, you've got the nest egg for a house.>

Unemployment state by state: See where your state ranks

"Adding Up Losses

Tech job cuts jumped 60 percent in the third quarter, mostly because of layoffs in the telecom and computer sectors. Here's a look at monthly cuts in the four major tech sectors:

SOURCE: Challenger, Gray & Christmas"

<Note from JobFairy.com: But there's been hiring too. The numbers are really schizy... Looks like managers can't get their numbers to work because the economy's so unstable, so they binge and purge. *This* is what they taught them in business school? Smells like incompetence and desperation to me.>