Career Planning Toolkit – Portland

Company and Salary Research

Review companies that you are considering to work for at : http://www.glassdoor.com
Review salaries through http://www.payscale.comto help you negotiate the best job offer for yourself.

Top Eleven Skills that all Technology Professionals must have in order to grow in their careers

Project Management Skills
Budgeting Skills
Creative Skills
Organization Skills
Communication Skills both verbal and written
Presentation Skills
Team Player
Becoming a Generalist ( Employers look for individuals to hire that can bring a wide range of skills and expertise)
Recruiting Skills ( Employers look for individuals that can refer talented individuals into the company)
Leadership Skills
Innovation Skills

Accessing the Hidden Job Market – Key Tips

Ask your business network for referrals or recommendations to key individuals at target companies you would want to work for.
Research the company websites that you would like to work for and see what positions and skills that they seek when hiring new employees.
Consider consulting or contract opportunities as a way to ” break-in” to those target companies you would like to work for.

FACT:

Over 60% of the new hires in the Technology sector come from referrals and individuals who proactively research and look for creative ways to get noticed.

Interviewing – Key Tips

Have at least 6 questions you can ask the interviewer. Questions may include:

What is it about my resume and background that you think I would be a good fit for this position?
What are the key objectives that the person in this position would have to meet in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
3. Where is the greatest need in your department?
4. What are the current challenges that I would be facing in this position?
What is the composition (roles, responsibilities, etc) of the team that I would be working with?
Of the candidates that you have interviewed thus far and feel are strong candidates, what things stood out for you in terms of their background?

FACT:

The majority of hiring managers do not like and do not know how to effectively interview candidates. It is vital that you come prepared with a list of questions and turn the interview into more of a conversation vs. an interview.

Negotiating the Best Job Offers – Key Tips

Always get as much as you can up-front ( Salary, sign-on bonus etc). Have a number in mind and stick to that number. Be realistic in your expectations.
If they are offering Salary + a Sign on Bonus, try to get the sign-on bonus rolled in as part of your salary and not just a one-time payment.
3. If you feel confident, consider providing a counter-offer. As a general rule, ask for $5,000-$7,000 above the offer that the employer provides. Employers like individuals who are confident in their abilities.

FACT:

Displaying effective negotiating skills is a key trait that leads to higher salaries and greater opportunities at getting promotions.