Jack Wilson

Ask Jack

A: Positioning is a key element in any job search, especially for recruiters who are trying to match you with one or more of their assignments. It means their being able to look at your resume, perhaps along with your in-person self-presentation, and essentially see where you would be a good fit; where your knowledge and skills would match the needs of a potential employer. In all likelihood, you have presented a very good portrait of yourself, but without showing the reader where you are focused. Many people detail such a variety and potpourri of skills that the reader cannot tell whether the person wants to do C++ programming or data base administration. Review your resume and ask yourself the following questions:

Ask Jack: researching companies

A: Yes, there is a set of directories called CorpTech, which is short for Directory of Corporate Technology Companies, a large fourvolume publication that is updated annually. Your school library or your public library should have a copy in their business reference section. Computer software is one of the technology categories in this publication, which lists more than 11,000 software companies. They also publish the same information on a CD-ROM, which makes a search like yours much easier. Their web site is www.corptech.com.

Ask Jack: making a careers presentation

In fact, I would suggest you consider at least two such programs so that you can get different perspectives from the management side as well as from the individual contributor side. You can use the same source to ask the top management person to recommend a top technical professional. Another source would be a local software development firm, which is an additional reason for having at least two programs. You may also want to consider getting both male and female career perspectives.

Ask Jack: Internet career

A: Predicting the future in this industry is always risky, particularly when the technlogy is moving so rapidly, but at the present it seems very realistic. There are real needs for skilled IT professionals with HTML and Java language abilities. Many companies are adding specific positions in web development and maintenance. Corporate intranets are becoming very commonplace and require skilled people in both management and individual contributor roles. I believe you could make a very good living in this area for the foreseeable future.

Ask Jack: careerline Q & A

A: In addition to publishing an annual salary survey for regular IT jobs, Computerworld also publishes one for consultants, most recently in the April 13, 1998 issue. Job titles range from Research Associate to Senior Partner, and salaries within each job title vary by level of experience: low, mid, or high. For a graduating student, your target would probably be the Entry-level Consultant, which averaged

Ask Jack: skill development

30,000 (low level) to

Ask Jack: summer jobs and job skills

59,000 (high level) in total compensation.

Ask Jack: resume should reflect real you

A: Both languages enjoy continuing demand in the job market, but C++ is considered a mainstream language, while Smalltalk is still considered a niche, but gaining. There is probably a bit more hiring in C++, along with a slightly higher salary premium. While these factors are worth noting, I believe you should also think about your own satisfaction and long-term interests in making a decision: which would you most enjoy using? with which are you going to be most satisfied? and in which can you develop a higher level of competence? I believe these are important considerations in any kind of career decision.

Ask Jack: finding a job

A: Yes, many of them do, in a variety of forms. You can tell a lot about the degree to which an employer values advanced education by the number of programs they offer, and that is a criterion you may want to use in evaluating job offers. In some instances, when competing with other employers, they have been known to offer a highly soughtafter candidate an immediate, tuition-paid enrollment. Most will have graduate study and/or tuition refund programs for which the employee becomes eligible after a designated period of employment. A recent innovation has been the inception of online courses that employees can take while at work, from schools with high-quality CS programs.

Ask Jack: confused about careers?

The reason for my question is that I believe you have a particular career direction that is most appropriate in light of your situation at any point in time. For example: What are your strongest interests? From what accomplishments to you derive the most satisfaction, enjoyment, and reward? What are your personal needs or family circumstances? What are your most marketable skills and strengths? What are your shortand long-term goals?