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With half of new graduates jobless or underemployed, many job seekers aren’t sitting around waiting for employers to call. Instead, they’re making a statement by launching a “Hire Me” campaign.
While a successful “Hire Me” campaign can encompass a wide range of elements, most job seekers garner attention and persuade recruiters and managers to review their resume by using social media, a blog and/or personal website to highlight their attributes and technical expertise.
While some purchase ads or incorporate keywords to boost page views and hits, a “Hire Me” campaign should augment traditional job hunting activities and boost the effectiveness of your search. So don’t stop responding to job postings or forget to customize your cover letter and resume.
“Hire Me” Campaign Tips
Include a “Hire Me” page on your blog
This job seeker speaks directly to reviewers by highlighting the reasons why employers should consider him before providing a copy of his resume.
Cross-reference
Make it easy for an interested employer to learn more about you by including links to your online profile, resume, portfolio, blog, and social media pages on everything. Then use Twitter and other forms of social media to announce the arrival of new blog content or the acquisition of new skills and experience. Also, embed a link to your “Hire Me” page in a QR code.
Be professional
Instead of describing weekend adventures or posting party photos, post a professional headshot on Facebook and talk about student projects, internships and recent pro bono activities. Connect with colleagues, professional groups and professors, since recommendations and endorsements are key elements of a successful “Hire Me” campaign.
Be creative
Include a Q&A about your unique talents, testimonials from co-workers or host an online chat or discussion. But think twice before posting a crazy video or photos, because over-the-top techniques didn’t help this seeker land a job at Google.
Sony is hoping its Playstation Vita can regain ground lost to mobile phones, which have eaten away at video gaming, by becoming more like a phone. Microsoft’s Skype is now available for download on the PS Vita, allowing users to participate on video chat while playing games.
Skype is also available on the Windows phone. Yet while the Windows Phone version cannot be used while other applications run, the processing power of the PS Vita enables it to run both games and Skype, which can come in handy for mid-game calls.
The PS Vita features both front and rear-facing cameras, which Sony says allows users to switch back and forth between the two during a Skype call, which sounds a bit odd, but why not? The PS Vita also features a built-in microphone, of course.
Perhaps it’s a way for gamers to communicate with fellow adversaries while playing the same game, or to just make calls while destroying virtual villains, or both. For twelve-time world game champion Fatal1ty, it’s a way to multi-task, according to the official release.
“When I heard Skype was going to be featured on PS Vita, my first thought was this was going to be the device that sets the bar for all new gaming consoles—connecting with family and friends while playing your favorite game,” he said.
If you’ve watched Battlestar Galactica — and if you haven’t, what are you thinking? — you know Starbuck. She’s the edgy, undisciplined Viper pilot on a mysterious quest when she’s not emotionally torturing Apollo, her erstwhile boyfriend and commanding officer. Though she does allow herself a cry every now and then, people don’t come tougher. She’s attacked Cylons with butter knives, was ready to follow an order to nuke herself, came face to face with her own burned corpse (one of those teary moments), and always manages to dust herself off and go back to work.
Before you jump to the conclusion that I’m going all kinky on you, here’s why I want Starbuck: I want her as a coach. For all her moodiness, she steamrollers people to get things done but few don’t respect her. She understands the mission, knows her role, and when push comes to shove will do pretty much anything to get the job done.
I realize that, say, project management or software development aren’t the same as searching for Earth while being chased by an overwhelming force bent on your annihilation. But we all have our days, and it’s for those I want Starbuck. Consensus and teamwork are always important, but sometimes we’re so afraid of having the group go against us, we back away from making the arguments we should. Fierce passion, expressed correctly, can go a long way toward bringing people around to your point of view.
You have to know your stuff, of course — the business, the problem you’re trying to solve, how you plan to get it done. And, passion should never equal rudeness. But nothing that comes out of Starbuck’s mouth is ever half-assed, or half-felt. She knows her stuff, she believes in her conclusions, and she goes from there.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and they rarely balance out. I know folks who are mostly strength, but the majority of people — including me — tend to believe they dip in the other direction. To find the balance, you need to be honest with yourself about where you should bulk up. That’s hard. Aside from showing me how to argue more effectively, Starbuck would dope slap me to get me to look in the mirror.
Now, of course, Starbuck (who plays Katee Sackhoff in real life) isn’t going to show up at my door any time soon. But it would be nice if I could channel her toughness, her smarts, and her passion. The cynics out there might say I’d just be more annoying in meetings. But I’d argue that when a bunch of people get together for a strong and honest debate, they come out with better conclusions, smarter project plans, and a tighter sense of cohesiveness. They won’t get the cool uniforms and such the Galactica crew wears, but sometimes a good day at work can be satisfying in and of itself.
Android security, especially in the enterprise, has been the subject of a lot of discussion lately. One recent item: Android ranked squarely at the bottom of the top four mobile operating systems when it came to security. Enterprise apps scored just as poorly. So now Motorola wants to help.
So this Wednesday, April 25, MOTODEV for Enterprise is hosting a live audio show from 9 to 10 am PDT entitled Enterprise App Security: Android & HTML5.
MOTODEV for Enterprise will host a panel of mobile security experts to discuss best practices on reducing risks and keeping your Enterprise Android and HTML5 applications secure.
Register to listen live or have a link to the archived version sent to you at the conclusion of the program.
Motorola is serious about enterprise security and offers plenty of resources for developers, including on-demand webinars and practical advice. Here’s a sampling of the in-depth training available from its developer training series.
The Enterprise Dilemma: Native vs. Web Apps: Designing for the mobile enterprise, you must decide which kind of app is appropriate for your audience. Your choice impacts development time and direction.
Authentication, Certificates, and VPNs: Learn “best practices” for authentication, certificates and VPNs by attending this on-demand webinar. Find out what VPNs and certificates do for the enterprise.
The MOTODEV for Enterprise program helps in-house or commercial developers design and build Android™ apps for businesses and institutions. Our program resources and services will help jumpstart your mobile projects and support you throughout your development lifecycle. If you’re ready to build quality, secure mobile applications for your organization, sign up for our free program today.
Developer tools available include the Eclipse-based MOTODEV Studio for Android IDE, app validator, product SDKs, and sample code. Make sure you read the IDE user guide before you begin, especially if you have already installed the Android SDK from Google and the Android Developer Tools (ADT) plugin for Eclipse.
Silicon Valley Salaries Rebound: The Dice Annual Salary Survey found Silicon Valley-based tech workers received a 5 percent year-on-year increase, from an average $99,028 to an average $104,195. That cracks six figures for the first time since the survey began about a decade ago. The results underscore the strong hiring environment for tech talent in the Valley. Companies are stepping up to the plate with other incentives as well. Bonuses are both fatter and more frequent, with 38 percent of tech professionals receiving average bonuses of $12,450. That compares to 35 percent and $11,050 from the year before. Dice
EA Will Lay Off Up to 1,000: Game publisher Electronic Arts will lay off between 500 and 1,000 people, but it’s talking about hiring at the same time. In a statement, the company said it’s “growing and looking to hire hundreds of people for our digital, console, mobile and social games. Like all game companies, we make occasional adjustments to resize teams as projects are completed and new priorities are established. Overall, we expect that headcount will be up at the end of this year.” Dice
Other Layoffs in Gaming: Both Sony and THQ plan layoffs in some of their gaming divisions. After 18 years, Sony is shuttering Zipper, known for its bestselling SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs franchise, which has sold over 12 million units. It’s unclear whether any of the company’s 80 employees will be transferred to other Sony units. Sony says the layoff is part of a broader downsizing of 205 employees in a normal cycle of resource re-alignment. THQ says it’s laying off 118 employees from Vigil Games and Relic Entertainment. Vigil will cut 79 people from its 180-person team. Another 39 layoffs will come from Relic. Dice
Microsoft Will Offer Three Flavors of Windows 8: The company unveiled Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows 8 RT. Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro will work on x86 PCs and tablets (both 32 and 64-bit). In addition to core features like touch screen support, they’ll include an updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to switch languages on the fly. Windows 8 is really for consumer use, while Windows 8 Pro is for tech enthusiasts and professionals. Windows RT will only be available pre-installed on ARM-powered PCs and tablets. It will offer touch-optimized desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, and allow for app development on the new Windows runtime. Dice
Facebook’s IPO Could Be Just Weeks Away: Mark May 17 on your calendar. That appears to be the day that Facebook will launch its IPO, assuming it can get all its paperwork in order. Information gleaned from the company’s recent Instagram purchase suggests that Facebook, which will attempt to raise $10 billion, will have a $100 billion valuation, about half of Google’s market cap and significantly less than Microsoft’s $260 billion market cap. To achieve that valuation, shares will have to sell for around $40. CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth could approach $25 billion. TechCrunch
Big Data Center but Little Impact on Jobs: Apple’s second large data center, being built in Prineville, Ore., comes with an actual numerical guarantee of local jobs. In response to the local community voting to provide tax breaks for the project, Apple released a statement in which it promised to invest no less than $350 million — but hire just 35 permanent employees. In a 10,000 square foot modular data center, the need for skilled technicians is minimal. It may turn out that there are only a half-dozen skilled technical jobs at the location. ZDNet
Was this therapy or a smart start down a new career path? Tell us what you think by posting a comment below.
Though he started with a focus on Earth, Albeluhn expanded his efforts to include all eight planets (poor Pluto) and 88 constellations. He now plans to add dwarf planets, satellites, more detailed models, NASA satellite paths and a viewing library, says VentureBeat
Albeluhn is taking donations to help him continue the project. He explains on his Indiegogo page:
Everything received through Indiegogo will be going straight towards the project, this isn’t only for the PC build though. Once everything is cleared by Epic, the project is complete and a distributor is found; I will be putting all remaining money into converting this to a format supported by the iPad and possibly iPhone. This will require more coding, and a lot of time.
In today’s grinding world, everyone needs an edge. For men, research has uncovered a new tool in our quest to improve our skills, to work more efficiently, and effectively cultivate our business relationships.
Yes, beer. That hoppy brew that has seen many of us through sad Red Sox games (or Mets games, or Cubs games…), bad sessions of Ghost Recon, or family reunions. Researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago found evidence that two pints of beer helped men solve brain teasers more accurately. Those who got the beer solved 40 percent more of the teasers, and solved them faster.
Said one of the researchers, psychologist Jennifer Wiley:
“We have this assumption, that being able to focus on one part of a problem or having a lot of expertise is better for problem solving … But that’s not necessarily true. Innovation may happen when people are not so focused. Sometimes it’s good to be distracted.”
One caveat: The beer enhanced problem-solving, but reduced the ability to handle tasks that rely on memory.
Puts a whole new spin on Friday beer bashes, doesn’t it?
You’ve snagged an interview. That’s the good news. The bad news: Interviews suck. They’re pressured, you have to be energetic even if the tension is running away with you, and you may think the guy across the desk is a true putz.
But you’ve snagged the interview. That means the company’s figured out you’ve got the skills they need and decided you could make a real contribution to its business. By the time you come in, the manager’s goal is to check you out in person, to see if you fit with the culture, and figure out if he wants to work with you. And — this is important — it’s your chance to figure out if you want to work with him.
It can be nerve-wracking, but it’s manageable as long you prepare. To help, here are 10 of my favorite Dice News stories on getting ready for the sit-down.
Right after the announcement, hash tags like #Instablack and #RIPInstagram were shared on Instagram itself, complete with photos carrying messages disapproving of the deal. The same dissatisfaction has been seen on Twitter, and numerous blogs have protested by recommending alternative apps and ways to export photos from Instagram.
Criticism is inevitable whenever a popular service makes drastic change. And though users revolted against Facebook’s Timeline, they still use the social network day and night. As of now, the anti-acquisition hash tags about Instagram have less than 2,000 photos each, a small percentage compared to the more than 30 million users the service has.
Why Are Users Against the Acquisition?
Facebook haters are everywhere. Many of them are ex-Facebook users seeking refuge on smaller networks such as Diaspora, Path — and Instagram. They tried hard to escape Facebook’s claw, but as evident, it can be difficult to get away.
As innocent as Instagram photos might be, they are valuable to companies that can study them and put them to use — like Facebook. Facebook already has a database of your friends, and with its facial recognition technology it can identify the people in your photos. If you’ve geo-tagged them, it’ll also know where you took them. I’m not saying that Facebook will inspect everyone’s data the moment the acquisition is complete, but it sure has the capability.
Another concern is advertising. As they say, if you are not paying for it, you are the product. Instagram has been a free app since its inception two years ago, and the company hasn’t implemented any plan for financial gain. Users are worried that Facebook might attempt to recoup its investment by implementing ads on the app, rendering the creativity and aesthetic-focused product uninspiring.
Lastly, users are worried that Facebook will automatically post their Instagram photos on the social network, or integrate both services in such a way that Instagram will lose its identity.
The concerns are valid, but Mark Zuckerberg’s post on the acquisition made clear that Instagram will be developed independently, the brand is here to stay, users can still post their photos on rival social networks, opt not to share Instagram photos on Facebook, and keep their connections on Instagram separate from Facebook friends.
In other words, everything will remain the same, at least superficially. But the fact that Facebook is now the company behind Instagram will be unsettling to those who are wary of the social networking giant.
Texas A&M San – Antonio has introduced a $10,000 bachelor’s degree program targeting area students interested in technology careers.
The program allows students to begin taking college courses during their junior year of high school, according to the Daily Texan. By completing them before graduation, they avoid the tuition costs the same classes would require in college.
Students must also take two years of classes at San Antonio College, an area community college that specializes in IT.
Texas A&M spokesperson Jillian Reddish notes that the region is home to a growing number of technology jobs. “This program is bringing in a pretty high caliber of students who are already thinking about their future plans,” Reddish told the Texan.
“Because we have such a high demand in San Antonio for technology jobs, many of the schools here have laid groundwork to create well-qualified graduates in these sectors,” she said.
