Improving Enterprises – Agiledotnet 2012
Posted on | December 30, 2011 | No Comments
Improving Enterprises is hosting Agiledotnet once again in Dallas on February 17th, 2012. This year we have a new venue at the Addison Convention Center. There will be new tracks and fresh content.
To register, go to www.agiledotnet.com
Improving Enterprises in conjunction with Microsoft will once again bring together the world of .NET development with the world of Agile methods for an exciting one-day experience of discovery, learning and exchange.
Attendees can expect informative presentations based on real-world experience from some of the industry’s leading Developers, Project Managers, and Executives who have embraced Agile principles within .NET development environments.
Come see how both the experts and the beginners apply Agile concepts using the Microsoft .NET framework, Visual Studio, and Visual Studio Team System.
This year will be a unique experience; so don’t miss out – REGISTER NOW!
Crossroad Career Transition Workshop – Sat, Nov 12th
Posted on | November 7, 2011 | 2 Comments
This is a great job FREE workshop for Job Seekers. Learn about resumes, job interviewing, networking, applying for jobs, etc.
Crossroads Career Transition Workshop
November 12, 2011
9am-4:30pm
Spring 2012 dates
January 14, February 11, April 14 & May 12
Instructors:
Gail Houston and Leslie Mason from Intuit
Locke Alderson with Alderson & Associates
Gayle Bridgeman with LHH
Lori Davis with DISYS
Dirk Spencer – Creator of Resume Psychology ©
What:
Crossroads Bible Church’s Career Transition Network, one of the Dallas area’s first church-based groups to help people searching for employment, is hosting another free Career Transition Workshop.
Human Resource professionals specialized in recruitment and staffing will teach advanced skills, techniques and secrets for job-hunting strategies:
· Utilizing the Internet in your job search
· Job search strategies
· Resume writing
· Networking
· Interviewing
· Negotiating techniques
The workshop is for those who are un-employed, under-employed or just seeking new employment. Many participants have taken the workshop more than once because of the encouragement it provides.
We open the workshop with a time of prayerful support and encouragement from God’s Word, the Bible. People get to know one another and exchange information about possible employment.
We also connect people via the Internet to a wide variety of local job leads.
· Dress code is casual. It’s a cell phone friendly environment so you won’t miss that important call.
· Bring a resume – recruiters are on site to review and make suggestions.
· Bring business cards for networking with others if you have them.
· The workshop is free, continental breakfast and lunch is included along with a workbook.
Location & Directions:
From Dallas go north on I-35E to Justin Road (FM 407). Exit Justin Road (FM 407), and go west on Justin Road (FM 407) 4.2 miles.
The church is on the left. (At the southwest corner of FM 407 & Chinn Chapel)
From the airport go north on FM 2499 to Justin Road (FM 407). Turn left, go 1/2 mile. (At the Southwest corner of FM 407 & Chinn Chapel)
Sherry Alpert
Crossroads Bible Church
8101 FM 407
Double Oak, TX 75077
Email ctw@crossroadsbible.org
http://crossroadsbible.org/community.asp
Houston TechFest – October 15th
Posted on | October 11, 2011 | No Comments
Improving Enterprises is sponsoring Houston Techfest on Saturday, October 15th @ the University of Houston. The agenda is online @ — http://www.houstontechfest.com/dotnetnuke/HoustonTechFest/Agenda/tabid/55/Default.aspx
Tracks anywhere from .NET to PHP is available.
Call Center Outsourcing
Posted on | September 13, 2011 | No Comments
I have come across a company that I would like to recommend called Global Response to outsource your call center. I have a friend that sells call center software and had mentioned this company to me.
They are a 3rd party provider of customer service, inbound/outbound calls, as well as technical support. He was impressed by their long list of well-known clients such as JCPenny, Crate and Barrel, GameStop, among many other retailers. Ocassionally I’ll have to call into Crate and Barrel and didn’t realize this was the company responsible for their customer service – good job. In this day and age, it’s hard to find good customer service, especially among retailers. Check out Global Response if you are in need of this service — www.globalresponse.com
Microsoft OneNote for Recruiting
Posted on | July 19, 2011 | No Comments
Any Microsoft OneNote enthusiasts out there? I have been using OneNote for the past 6 months for my daily recruiting tasks. I was wondering how many other recruiters are using this tool to keep track of job reqs and to do’s. We use Taleo Business Edition for Applicant Tracking which does a decent job of record keeping. It becomes a bit tedious sometimes with all the clicking involved.
For those that aren’t familiar with it, it is a notebook that has tabs similar to a physical notebook. You can create Sections and Sub Sections for whatever you are needing to do. For recruiting, I use it to keep track of all the open requirements we are working on it. While I am talking to candidates I can make notes. It is really nice to have all the job descriptions in one place. I think a lot of times recruiters have to print out the job reqs or scramble around their computer for them on their computer file folders. You can cut and paste or “print” the document to your notebook space and make any edits that you want to. You could also store and client information, hiring manager info, or addresses that you need to send to candidates.
Here is a demo of the product — > MS OneNote
I have talked to quite a few people out there who haven’t heard of it and don’t realize it is on their computer or part of the MS Office Suite. There is also an iPhone app that is available. This allows you to sync any edits from your phone or on your computer so everything is up to date if you have an account on Live.com. Other features that are nice: create a task or reminder that is shown on your Outlook tasks. Or cut and paste emails, pictures, links or whatever you can think of. You can move around text in the notebook to wherever you want on the page. I have experimented with Mac’s version of Evernote but it is not as robust as OneNote.
Give it a try and experiment with it to see if it works for you too.
Using Social Media for Job Search
Posted on | June 22, 2011 | Comments Off
This is a repost from Mashable on June 19th
5 Clever Ways to Get a Job Using Social Media
Social media is making it easier to find the right jobs, and for you to connect to the right people that can help you get those jobs. Many job seekers are still using traditional job search methods that are yielding poor results. The New York Post reported that one woman applied for more than one thousand jobs over 99 weeks, getting only two interviews. Nearly one in three job seekers has been out of work for more than a year, and the average job seeker gives up after five months.
But you don’t have to end up like these professionals! By understanding who you are, what differentiates you in the marketplace and establishing your personal branding online, you can compete in the new talent marketplace. Once you’ve built your own website and established your social network profiles, you’re ready to start leveraging your relationships and talents to get the job of your dreams, not just one that pays the bills.
More and more companies are recruiting using social media, and 40% of young professionals are using social media to get jobs, reports Elance. You can have a successful job search by following these five new ways to get a job using social media.
1. Leverage Your Social Graph
People get jobs through other people, not computers. By having a personal connection to the company you’re applying for, your chances of getting a job multiply. If all you do is submit your resume blindly on job boards, you won’t have much luck. Ten years ago, it would take you a lot of effort to ask your friends who they know and to remember where all your friends work. Now, you can tap your social graph on social networks and have all of that information at your fingertips. For job seekers, this means that you can get introductions to people who work at companies you’re interested in. For companies, this means growing your business though introductions instead of cold calls. The internet is your personal research laboratory. Here are a few tools that will help you tap into your social graph during your job search:
- 1. LinkedIn. LinkedIn gives you access to hiring managers through your close connections. After creating your profile, upload all of your email contacts so that you have a foundation to build upon. Then, search for a company or position, filter your results by location and see who in your immediate network can introduce you to a hiring manager. LinkedIn forces us all to do more research on employees and companies before interviews. All of their information is online, so it’s created an expectation that you’re doing your homework.
- 2. InTheDoor.com. Think of InTheDoor.com as a job board overlay on your Facebook social graph. It connects Indeed.com’s aggregated job board database and your Facebook social graph to show you who in your network can connect you with specific openings. You can find jobs at your friends’ companies, search for jobs in different cities by preference and search by company and job title.
- 3. BranchOut.com. Much like InTheDoor.com, BranchOut utilizes your Facebook social graph. The main difference is that you access BranchOut from within your Facebook profile, and it gives you more of a professional identity. It was always hard to build a professional identity on Facebook but BranchOut has tried to solve that. With $18 million in a recent venture capital round by Redpoint Ventures, more than 3 million job listings and 20,000 internships listings, this site is serious business. Like LinkedIn, you can get recommendations on your page, and like Foursquare, you can earn badges.
2. Use Augmented Reality and Job Search Apps
People are starting to use mobile applications to see job openings near them and apply with just a few touches of an iPhone or Android. In fact 20% of job seekers use their smartphone in their search for a job, reports LinkUp. “Augmented reality” blurs the line between what’s real and what’s computer-generated by enhancing what we see, hear, feel and smell. If you have an iPhone, you should download the “Layar” application. Once installed, click on “Layars” from the bottom menu and search for “JobAmp Mobile.” When you use this layar, you will be able to see all the companies near your current location and what positions are open at them. This information is very useful if you see a company you’re interested in when walking around your city.
In 2009, I wrote a post for Mashable on the top iPhone job search applications. Since 2009, I’ve found a number of other good applications that will assist you in your search, wherever that may be:
- CareerBliss (Free). It has company reviews, salary information, and about three million job listings.
- Good Job ($4.99). Organize your job search by tracking jobs from multiple sites, contacts, interview schedules, resumes and more.
- Real-Time Jobs (Free). Attach a social network profile and video to Twitter job postings.
- BusyBee (Free). If you’re a freelancer, then you can find contract opportunities nearby with this app.
3. Build Your Online Influence
More than a decade ago, if you had the right “hard” skills (i.e., C++ programming), you were almost guaranteed a job. You could almost trade your college diploma for a job upon graduation. Then, as the economy changed and became more competitive, companies started to pay attention to a new set of skills. Soft skills (i.e., communication, organization, leadership, etc) became increasingly important as a way to choose one candidate over another. Companies were interested — and still are — in passion, teamwork and cultural fit. In today’s world, not only do you need strong hard and soft skills, but you need to develop online influence. When two candidates look the same on paper and are both good communicators, the differentiator will be their online influence.
Online influence is measured in how many connections you have, who those connections are (and how influential they are), who and how many people are sharing your content and backlinking to your website and more. Klout.com, a site that measures online influence and gives you a “Klout score,” is becoming increasingly popular with employers. If you have a high Klout score, it can help you get hired over the next person. Online influence attracts employers, who are increasingly looking to hire professionals who are already well-known by their target audience. Companies understand that those with larger networks are more productive and can generate new business, recruit top talent and market their brand better than someone who lacks a big network.
4. Use Multimedia Instead of a Paper Resume
A recent OfficeTeam survey noted that 36% of companies think that it’s at least somewhat likely resumes will eventually be replaced by profiles on social and business networking sites. More and more professionals are using creative ways to promote themselves online. I’ve seen rap videos, dedicated Facebook Pages, a blog saying “hire me” and SlideShare.net presentations. These promotional tactics can be effective and even land some media attention, which could turn into a few job offers. Since very few job seekers take the time to invest in these tactics, they stand out and are shared widely.
- SlideShare.net. Develop your own PowerPoint presentation, upload it to SlideShare.net and promote it through your networks and on your website. Your slides can include information about your technical skills, projects you’ve completed, an endorsement from a manager and more. Here is an example.
- QR codes — Share a quick response (QR) code on your social networks to direct an employer back to your website. You can also put the code on print materials. Here is an example.
- Viral videos — Create a video about yourself, or multiple videos linked together, and use YouTube to promote it. You can also develop a video resume which will showcase your personality to employers, in addition to your skills. Here is an example.
- Creative websites — Use your creativity and establish a creative website under your full name (yourfullname.com). Here is an example.
5. Turn Yourself Into an Advertisement
Another way to get people’s attention is to advertise yourself to the specific people and companies you’re looking to work for. The four most common ways to advertise yourself are through Facebook social ads, Google AdWords, blog advertisements and LinkedIn Ads. These are all offerings used primarily for businesses, but can be applied to your job search.
You can see an example of this being done by Alec Brownstein in 2010, when he advertised himself by targeting specific executives at companies he wanted to work for. Since people Google themselves, the executives saw his advertisement and he landed interviews. You want to create an advertisement that catches a recruiter’s attention and make sure that it links back to your main website or LinkedIn profile. Your advertisement should be specific and have your expertise clearly identified.
Disclosure: The author is a LinkedIn stockholder.
Richardson Job Fair – June 15th
Posted on | June 7, 2011 | Comments Off
Give the economy a boost by helping more people find jobs in both the Richardson and greater Dallas area.
CLICK HERE for more information
Date: Wednesday, June 15
Location: Richardson Civic Center, 411 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson, TX 75080
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Job Seekers: FREE!!!
Contact Sue Walker for more information or call 972-792-2806.
Tags: Dallas IT Staffing > Dallas Jobs > Dallas Technical Recruiter > Job Fair
SQL Server Developer Openings — Dallas area
Posted on | May 20, 2011 | Comments Off
Recently came across a few SQL Server Openings from 3 clients…
#1) — SQL Developer – (Dallas, LBJ/Preston)
Type: Direct Hire/ Full-time, on site
Salary: $70-85k, depending on experience
Fast paced small company is seeking an experienced developer to join
their team. Good growth potential! Good work environment.
*Bachelor Degree: Computer Science or related
*2-5 years experience with SQL Development
*Experience with data analytics, ETL, and ad hoc reporting
*T-SQL analytics / designing & building stored procedures
*Experience with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) preferred
*Nice to have: VB.net, C#
#2) — SQL Developer – (Plano off Tollway)
Type: Direct Hire / Full-time, on site
Salary: $75-90K, depending on experience
*At least 5 years of experience with SQL Server programming
*Hands on knowledge with SQL 2005 and SQL 2008
*Experience with stored procedures, triggers, functions, and views
*Database design experience
*In depth knowledge of SSIS
*Able to resolve database performance issues
#3 – SQL Developer – SSRS (Addison/Dallas – Midway)
Type: Direct Hire / Full-time, on site
Salary: $70-85K
*Stable company, 25 yrs in business, flex work hours
*Reports to IT Director
*At least 3 years of experience with SQL Server development
*Experience with SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) – design, develop, and maintain recurring and ad-hoc reporting requirements
*Develop and maintain automated report related tasks – SQL Server Agent Jobs, WinAutomation, Excel, VBA, Macros, Windows Task Scheduler
*Previous experience with Microsoft Access databases
*Advanced Level with Excel (2007-2010) – pivot tables, macros, pivot chart, design tools
Top 5 Job Sites
Posted on | April 21, 2011 | Comments Off
Business Insider survey on five best job sites, according to users
by Vanessa Bostwick on April 20, 2011
Earlier last week, Business Insider polled its readers to find out which job sites are their favorites and if they are utilizing social media and professional networking sites to connect with employers before scoring the big interview.
The results are in, and today Business Insider is publishing its findings.
Here are the top picks for best job site:
1. Indeed, the “Google” of job searching. Indeed clocks over a billion job searches per month. Job seekers can post their resume, search jobs in their area, apply to thousands of opportunities from multiple job listing sites, newspapers, corporate websites, and job boards.
2. Craigslist. The site that is all-things to many is also a very basic job board that hasn’t changed in over a decade.
3. Dice, a niche job board for those in the tech industry.
4. Monster.com. This giant job board has millions of postings, millions of resumes, and apps for the Android, iPad, and iPhone.
5. LinkedIn. The professional networking site recently said it has accumulated 100 million members. Promote your business, connect with employers, ask questions, join relevant groups – these all can be done on the site.
Panel on Tuesday – 3/29/11
Posted on | March 28, 2011 | Comments Off
I’ll be on a Recruiter Panel (“Ask the Recruiter”) at Custer Road United Methodist Church on Tuesday, 3/29/11 at 6:30pm – 8pm.
http://www.crumc.org/templates/cuscusterroad/default.asp?id=33399
http://www.crumc.org/templates/cuscusterroad/details.asp?id=33399&PG=Events&CID=0
The audience will ask questions to the panel regarding hiring, common practices, etc.
| Description: | Open to anyone in career transition, this meeting will include a guest speaker with timely information on job search techniques, networking or career transition. |
3/30/11 — Takeaways from last night.
Be honest. Follow up. LinkedIn is your friend. Sign up for as many LI groups as you can. Use the phone. Customize your resume. Fill the gaps with new learning and volunteer work. Unique intervew question: making a peanut butter sandwich will be memorable for all. Talking about the difficulties with ATS systems. Thank you notes are important.
keep looking »Linked in Profile
Brandon Barber
Improving Enterprises
brandon@dallastechrecruiter.com
214-613-4457
Dallas, Tx
Company
Improving Enterprises
Dallas Networking
Job Search Help
Sponsor / Advertising
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- brandoncbarber: RT @MobileOrchard: To date Apple has paid App Store Developers over $4 billion http://t.co/57vko5dQ
- brandoncbarber: Where do you get 7 PDU's, free CODE magazine, a chance to go 2 Vegas AND excellent technology presentations? http://t.co/GCzX83CV! #ADN12
- brandoncbarber: Seeking #Java developers w/ Agile exp. #DFW area. GREAT culture - very collaborative, exciting projects/external client #javamug @improving
Dallas .NET positions
- Jr. .NET Developer - LRS Consulting Services - Plano, TX January 27, 2012
- .Net Developer - Technisource - Dallas, TX January 27, 2012
- .NET Application Developer - JPMorgan Chase - Dallas, TX January 26, 2012