Is Your Resume Screaming "Unprofessional"?

You have the right skills and experience and now you are eager to move ahead with your career. But, if your resume fails to convince your prospective employer, you will have a hard time getting a new job. Resumes need to be used as a personal marketing tool. You need to focus on its style as well as contents. Prioritizing your accomplishments in the right order is very crucial.

Here are the issues which could hurt your resume and make it look ‘unprofessional’.

• Formatting – If your resume ends at the middle of the page or above, leaving more than half of blank page creates wrong impression on employer’s mind. He/she may infer that this candidate does not have much to say about his education or experience. This doesn't mean you have to stuff your resume with fluff. Describe more about what you have done, what you know, and how you can contribute to this job. Fill that white space with meaningful information that can set you apart.
• Fonts – Your prospective employer should notice the actual text or words in your resume and not the font! No Comic Sans font for resumes. Do not use colors, curly-cue fonts, and clip art. Keep your total font styles—including different points/sizes, bold text, and italics—limited to four.
• Keep personal life out of your resume - Try to keep references to your children, marital status, age, lifestyle, and religion out of your resume. If you have worked for any religious organization etc., let only its name talk about it. Don’t add additional details on your own.  
• Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes - All grammatical errors and spelling mistakes are a problem in a resume, but some may cause a proportionally higher level of damage than others. 
• Negative statements – Watch out for negative tone of the resume and edit it immediately. For example, statements like “I was not happy with my last job profile” sound negative. Instead, you can write “I learned a lot during my last job and now ready to move on”. 
• Sending unprofessional photo - If a photo isn't specifically asked for in the job application process, don’t send one.  If it is asked for, make sure that it portrays you as professional and personable.  Send a photo where you are dressed nicely and smiling.  Use your judgment. 
• Sending blank email with resume attachment – In your email, you should type a simple greeting, explanation of who you are and what you are sending. Sending blank email is not at all professional.
• Sending resume to multiple employers in the same email – If you do this, your email will most likely get deleted! 

Avoiding these mistakes is as easy as stepping back for a minute, proofreading, and engaging your common sense.

Invest enough time in writing your resume and when you are ready to apply for a job, register on TheGongzuo.com for free. Top IT companies are eager to hire professional employees. They will call you for an interview only if your resume reveals your professionalism!

Most Common Interview Questions

When you are interviewing for an Information Technology (IT) job, you will be asked focused and specific technical questions about your education, skills, certifications, languages and tools you have expertise in.

The best approach when answering is to give specific examples whenever possible. Providing details and experience will tell the interviewer that you have handled projects and situations in the past, deeming you more qualified for the job.

Here are some of the questions you may come across with in an interview. Review this list and prepare your responses based on your qualifications and the nature of the job.

• What are your technical certifications?
• How do you maintain your certifications?
• What development tools have you used?
• Which all programming languages have you worked in?
• How do you handle multiple deadlines?
• How do you troubleshoot IT issues?
• Tell me about the most recent project you worked on. What were your responsibilities?
• Tell me about the project you are most proud of, and what your contribution was.
• What is the biggest IT challenge you have faced and how did you handle it?
• If you know you aren't going to make a project deadline what will you tell your manager and/or the client?

These are just a few, but most common, of the questions that might be asked. They are enough to give you an idea of what to expect during an interview, but do keep in mind that different positions and companies have different requirements, so questions will vary. But your answers should reflect that you are well-experienced and well-informed about the position that they are looking for.

When preparing for a technical interview, you should review basic structures and algorithms within programming. Mastery of these topics will give you necessary knowledge to tackle the problems during the technical interview. Also, review the specific areas for which you're interviewing. E.g. if you're interviewing for a systems programming job, review the differences between threads and processes, OS scheduling algorithms, and memory allocation. Some companies do publish their technical interview questions either on blogs or on their websites. Do spend time in researching on questions asked by a specific employer for the position you are applying for.

If possible, make it a point to carry documentation of any project that you have worked for. This will give the interviewer a better idea about your skills and talents. However, the basic premise of such interview questions is searching for a person who is technically adept as well as professionally good to get along; a managerial attitude is much preferred.

Demonstrate your interest in the position, your drive to excel in the role and the fact that you have done some homework. Ultimately, the more prepared you are for what you will encounter, the more successful you will be. 

Register at TheGongzuo.com today for free. Apply to your desired open position, shine in an interview and get hired by your dream organization!

How to Choose the Right Online IT Courses?

Getting certified is the safest way to advance your career in the IT industry. Whether you work for an enterprise, or a small business or government that employs IT professionals, your best bet for career advancement is to validate your skills and knowledge through a carefully chosen combination of certifications.

However, the biggest challenge when it comes to earning a professional certification is often determining which one or ones to pursue. There are so many courses and certifications available. You first have to see what do you enjoy and then consider what job you ultimately see yourself in that matches your skill set.  This will help you in the long term to achieve your end goals – a job that you want, a job that challenges you and a job you enjoy doing! 

Studying for specific certifications within your current job role will demonstrate willingness to take responsibility for your own progression within your company and will show your employer that you are serious about promotion. Often, companies are willing to invest heavily in their staff’s development so you may even find that they will fund the course for you.

Degree Programs

Earning a degree, rather than a certification, is beneficial for a long-term career in the IT industry. Generally, it takes longer to earn an online IT degree than it does an online certificate. Degree programs typically include general education requirements and emphasize critical thinking and writing. Systems Analysis and Design, Database Management, Networking and Telecommunications, IT Project Management etc. are examples of some of the courses offered within degree programs. 

Certificate Programs

IT online certificates require fewer classes than degrees do and focus on the field or a more specific topic within it. Many reputed universities in the US offer online graduate certificate in information technology, computer science, telecommunications, computer forensics and information security.

IT Training and Boot Camps

IT training institutes offer a variety of online training courses. These range from software training such as a specific module of SAP or Oracle to PMP, Microsoft or Cisco Network  program with classes that last five or six weeks and meet twice a week, to OnDemand, a self-paced program. 

Before enrolling into any online course or certification program, visualise your end goal and take responsibility for your own development and progression and you will quickly be able to identify where to take your studies. 

Take the decision wisely before you spend your time and money on an online course/certification. When you are ready with it, please register yourself with TheGongzuo.com to find the suitable job as per your skills and knowledge and apply for free.

Top 25 IT Companies For Women

A recent survey conducted in 2016 revealed that among 60 companies evaluated during survey, only 21.7 per cent of technical roles are held by women. While there is a marginal increase in this per cent over the year 2015, the number of women at senior and executive levels is too low than that of entry level jobs. The main reason behind this adverse ratio is promotion gap.

The top IT companies for women are leaders in recruiting, retaining and advancing more women in technical roles. These companies are committed to building workplaces where women in technology roles can thrive. These companies are assessed on the basis of following metrics:

• Representation of women at entry, mid, senior and executive levels
• Recruitment, retention and promotion of women
• Policies regarding maternity leave, flex time, gender diversity, leadership development programs etc.

Anxiety About A New Job?

Starting a new job creates anxiety in even the experienced professionals.  It's not uncommon for people to worry about their performance, ability to come up to speed and adjust to a new work environment.

But, the sooner you can face those fears, the sooner you can dive in and start making an impact. Here are five helpful ways to keep those nerves at bay, ease your fears, and feel more confident at your new job.

1. Be calm - Your body is a great mirror for how your mind is, so if your body is tense and anxious, there is a good chance it is because that's how you are feeling. So relax. Loosen your shoulders. Breathe naturally. Listen to your body, and when you feel it becoming tense or tightening up, make a deliberate choice to loosen up and relax.
2. Trust the process – In a new job, you feel stressed because you try to find the best solutions, provide right answers and impress the right people. But actually, nobody expects you to know everything. Sometimes the brave thing to do is to tell people you’re still figuring things out and that you’ll get back to them with an answer. 
3. Remember, no one is perfect – When you are new in an organization, you think that everyone around you is better in some way; that they know more or do more or are capable of more. Everyone around you is incomplete and imperfect. Everyone has their own strengths, weaknesses, wins, losses.
4. Unfamiliar will soon be familiar – All of us have an ability to make the unfamiliar familiar very quickly. Remind yourself that what seems new now will all seem natural and 'second nature' very soon.
5. Expect the best – Don’t let negative ‘what if’ thoughts crowd your mind – “What if I make a fool of myself?” or “what if they don’t like me?” Purposefully make yourself imagine the best possible things happening. And keep in mind that everyone has to start somewhere.
6. Personal networking is important. When entering a new threshold, it is important to get to know your surroundings, and in this case, your coworkers. Along with your work, make sure you interact and open yourself up with people around you. Becoming familiar with any environment and getting rid of anxiety begins with knowing the people around you and creating positive relationships. 

It is normal to have a certain amount of anxiety when starting any new job.  By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure your outlook is a positive one. Additionally, you may consider talking to people who already work in that organization. This will give you an idea about the culture, top managers’ expectations and overall atmosphere at the workplace. Knowing in advance what to expect will certainly reduce your anxiety.

Register on TheGongzuo.com to find your next job and move on with your career with confidence keeping in mind above techniques!

Trends Driving The Future of Technology

Technology is constantly evolving. Newer technologies such as smart devices, 3D printing are making headway in their mainstream adoption. The possibilities for where these technologies will take us and how they can impact our lives are endless.  Here is the list of top technology trends with potential to have a significant impact on the organizations.

1. Device Mesh - The device mesh moves beyond the traditional desktop computer and mobile devices (tablets and smartphones). As the device mesh evolves, we will see greater interaction between these devices.
2. Ambient user experience - The experience blends physical, virtual and electronic environments, and uses real-time contextual information as the ambient environment changes or as the user moves from one place to another.
3. 3D printing materials - Advances in 3D printing have already enabled 3D printing to use a wide range of materials, including advanced nickel alloys, carbon fiber, glass, conductive ink, electronics, pharmaceuticals and biological materials. These innovations are driving user demand, as the practical applications for 3D printers expand to more sectors, including aerospace, medical, automotive, energy and the military. 3D printing will see a steady expansion over next 20 years.
4. Information of everything - The now a days information goes beyond textual, audio and video information to include sensory and contextual information. Information of everything addresses technologies to link data from all these different data sources. Information has always existed everywhere but has often been isolated, incomplete, unavailable or unintelligible. Advances in semantic tools such as graph databases as well as other emerging data classification and information analysis techniques will bring meaning to the often chaotic form of information.

What to include in your cover letter?

When you are writing cover letters for information technology positions, make sure that your letters include the specific experience and skills you have that correlate to what the employer is seeking in a candidate. Your cover letter will not only establish that you are formally applying, but it also allows you to show your employer that you are the right person for the job.

It's extra work, but take the time to write a customized cover letter for each job you're applying for. A generic cover letter, taken directly from free samples available on internet, especially for a job requiring technical skills, isn't going to help get your application noticed. A well-written cover letter that offers the employer all the credentials they are seeking will help you secure a job interview.

Many IT professionals send online job applications without a cover letter. Don’t commit such mistakes! Your resume should always accompany a well-drafted cover letter that shows your passion and interest. Be concise, while writing cover letters. Busy hiring managers don’t have time to read your life’s story. Highlight your technical skills, certifications etc. to grab their attention. 

What to include in your cover letter?

For tech jobs, it's important to show that you have the credentials that employers are seeking in their next new hire. Your goal is to show the employer how good a match you are for the position, either by itemizing your qualifications in a bulleted list or incorporating them in paragraph form in your letters.

If you are using an IT cover letter template that invites you to fill in information into pre-prepared fields to automatically create a letter containing your information beware. Such a cover letter won’t convince the hiring manager why he/she should invite you for an interview. If you are applying for the specific position, for example, IT job description, which asks for 5 years of experience with VB .NET or skills with HTML, Java scripts, your cover letter should specify which qualifications you have. If you have related certifications and education, mention them as well.

In addition, be sure that your resume includes all your related qualifications. Highlight them in your "Skills" section or in a resume summary statement. You should customize your letters for each job application, explaining how your qualifications relate to the criteria listed in the job posting.

Stand out from the crowd with an impressive cover letter and start your job search today at TheGongzuo.com. Register on our website for free to get access to the top tech jobs.

Things You Can Do To Improve Your Technical Skills

Improving technical skills could be one of the ways that leads towards your personal development. Here are few things you can do to improve your technical skills.

• Best way to learn anything is by doing it. You can read all the manuals and look at all the websites you want, but until you actually make your hands dirty, you're not really going to know how to do it. For website construction and any programming type stuff, this is all the more important - just do it and play with it. Of course, there is so much you can learn from those that are more experienced.
• Once you have basic skill set, find a mentor either at your own workplace or outside. Ask if you can shadow them, help out, or watch over their shoulder and ask questions. Ask them for advice. Take their inputs in your IT career planning. With their experience and knowledge, you can have wisdom of the ages.
• Sometimes skills in different areas help you in IT field. Make effective use of what you have learned so far. For example, if you have been building and repairing electronic equipments, these skills will help you in programming, troubleshooting, software testing etc.
• Visit tech websites daily. By visiting those sites everyday you'll be introduced to new technology, news and ideas.
• Read technical books/magazines.
• Take online tutorials.

To decide which technical skills you want to pick up or to get an idea which IT skills are in demand, register at TheGongzuo.com and search IT jobs relevant to your current or desired skillsets.

IT Job Search Tips

IT Job Search Tips: What Successful Job Seekers Do Differently?

After polishing the resume and carefully drafting the cover letter, candidates apply for the desired jobs and wait for a favorable reply. But, when they get that discouraging reply from an organization, they start to wonder what went wrong.

As a job seeker, you need to realize that mere clicking on the “Apply” button passively is not going to work. You need to practice certain methods throughout your job search. If you are actively looking for an IT job, check out the tips below shared by successful job seekers.

• Learn new technical skills – Learn new skills, which are current and are in demand so that IT recruitment agencies or IT employment websites can find you when they look for candidates of your background.
• Follow companies that interest you – Be well aware with the latest news as well as IT opportunities within those companies. Try to connect with people who are already working there.
• Keep adding new connections – Grow your network to be more visible. Expose yourself to new opportunities.
• Use social media effectively – Join groups such as LinkedIn and look out for IT job openings in your industry posted by other group members.
• Read relevant information – Take out some time each day to read news, interviews in IT industry. Stay informed about emerging technologies and latest trends in IT.
• Be consistent with your job search activity - Successful candidates set milestones for themselves. Every day they dedicate some time to visiting job search sites, sending applications, calling friends and family for introduction, talking to recruiters, etc. If you are seriously looking for a job, you cannot send applications only when you feel like.

Besides practicing these methods, register yourself with top IT job search website TheGongzuo, where you can find hot IT jobs for different profiles, industry experience and skills. Apply for free and get hired by your dream company today!