hiring managers

Beware of questionable IT certifications

Judi Hasson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:05:04 -0400

Some companies rely heavily on IT certifications to distinguish between well-trained job candidates and those whose knowledge of specific hardware and software may be lacking. But technology.Inc.com reports that widespread cheating on some certification exams has diminished the reputation of IT certifications among human-resources executives and hiring managers. One big problem centers on websites that share or sell test questions.

A 2007 report from the Association of Test Publishers of 101 IT vendors and certification test centers found a high percentage of their IT certification tests had been copied, stolen or breached. A number of industry groups, testing centers and test security organizations are trying to take take steps to protect the integrity of the certification process, including Cisco Systems. "Our goal is zero cheating, zero trade offs," said Fred Weiller, Cisco's marketing director for career training and certifications.

For more on certification cheating:
- see this technology.inc.com article

Using coaches to hire IT staff

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:01:39 -0400

Instead of relying on interviews, skills tests and references, more CIOs are asking the opinions of executive coaches, who also interview the candidates and weigh in with an opinion. More executives are turning to executive coaches to help make better hiring decisions, and in the process, stem the high turnover among new IT hires. Coaches can offer an objective perspective and opinions on the potential candidate's fit. Coaches can also work with hiring managers to ensure that they are interviewing effectively.

To read more about using an executive coach in the hiring process:
- read the article at ComputerWorld

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Hiring talent will only get tougher in 2007

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:01:36 -0500

IT hiring managers located near tech centers are going to find it tough going if they're on a quest for firmware and hardware engineers, system developers or Java experts. There's also an increasing demand for Oracle, SAP and database administrators. That, according to a new hiring survey from Yoh, means doling out more money for expertise and working harder to retain current talent. It may also mean considering the enlistment of consulting firms to help on the hiring front.

For more on the tech hiring crunch:
- read the news at TechWeb

SPOTLIGHT: Get ready for the "Net Generation" workforce

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 20:01:34 -0400

There's been a lot of talk about the baby boomer generation and its impact on the IT industry, especially in light of expected retirement over the next several years. But get ready to start hearing more about the "Net Generation" and its current and ongoing impact on technological advancements and the tech industry. This generation of tech workers is, as one writer puts it, "bathed in bits" and is leap years ahead of where the baby boomers are in terms of IT adoption and advocation. IT hiring managers and CIOs would be wise to learn as much as possible about the latest generation of tech-savvy professionals as they bring a unique work approach into the marketplace. Article

ALSO NOTED: A computing grid that tracks storms; Why backup power costs are rising; and much more...

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 20:01:33 -0400

> A computing grid that tracks storms. Article

> Why backup power costs are rising. Article

> Innovative technologies from five CIOs. Article

> Move to VoIP saves company nearly a million bucks a year. Article

> Homeland security leader says that data collection will not invade privacy. Article

> When hiring managers, use search to investigate candidates. Article

> Hackers deface Mitnick's Web site. Article

> Amazon hack reveals projects in the works. Article

> Survey: IT leaders need to bring ITIL standards into play. Article

And Finally... Will the blimp replace the cell tower one day? Article