Signup for the new MicroMasters in Cloud Computing

The University of Maryland University College has partnered with edX to deliver a new Micro Masters program in Cloud Computing.  The first course starts in May and is titled Cloud Computing For Enterprises.  You can learn more about this exciting new program at https://www.edx.org/micromasters/cloud-computing.

The exciting field of Cloud Computing has experienced explosive growth. This transformative technology has not only altered the way business operate, but it has also shaken up the traditional structure of the IT department and placed new demands on staff members who are faced with reinventing their own careers. With organizations rapidly moving their infrastructures and services to the cloud, jobs are growing at a breakneck pace, with many positions are left unfilled.
Gain an understanding of cloud technologies such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, OpenStack, and vSphere and how to leverage them to increase business productivity and effectiveness. In this Cloud Computing MicroMasters program, you will learn about Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Platform As A Service (PaaS), Software As A Service (SaaS), and other "X as a service" platforms. You will receive key foundational knowledge about legal and compliance issues, security and risk mitigation and how to follow industry standards and best practices. You will also gain hands-on experience in implementing, configuring and managing cloud technologies.
This applied, graduate-level program is designed for learners who want to enter or advance their careers in this exciting and well-paying field. IT professionals not already working with cloud technologies will gain a solid foundation while those with some cloud experience will gain a more in-depth understanding of other cloud technologies and other knowledge such as security, policy, and legal and compliance issues.

Job Outlook

• More than half of US businesses now use cloud computing to reduce cost, increase flexibility, and increase agility. This number is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years. (Source: Forbes)
• The federal government has a “Cloud First” mandate, which directs agencies to move IT infrastructure to the cloud. (Source: CIO.gov)
• In 2015, over 3.9 million US jobs were affiliated with cloud computing, with many of them unfilled. (Source: Forbes)
• Cloud Computing jobs are some of the hardest to fill in the industry. (Source: Burning Glass)
• Job titles include: Cloud Engineer, Cloud Architect, Cloud Analyst, Network Architect, and Network Administrator.

Real Career Impact

"The pace of today’s digital transformation requires us all to make a concerted effort to keep our technical expertise current. Programs like UMUC’s MicroMasters program in Cloud Computing is an excellent opportunity for people seeking to stay ahead of the curve, learning about cutting-edge cloud and modular technology solutions that are required to excel in a modern, 24/7 environment."

— Greg Wenzel , Executive Vice President for Booz Allen’s Digital Solutions group

What You'll Learn:

• Cloud computing foundations and models
• Types of cloud computing technologies (ie: AWS, Azure, IBM)
• Methods for managing a cloud computing adoption/migration project
• How to design a cloud computing infrastructure or service
• Deployment and configuration of cloud computing systems
• Insuring cloud security and mitigating risk
• SaaS, PaaS and IaaS and other service platforms

• Average Length: 8 weeks per course
• Effort: 8-10 hours per week, per course
• Number Of Courses: 4 Courses in Program
• Subject: Computer Science
• Institutions: University System of Maryland, UMUC
• Institution Offering Credit: UMUC
• Language: English
• Video Transcripts: English
• Price (USD): Free to try or pursue the MicroMasters credential for $996

What is a MicroMasters Program?

Developed to advance a career and born from Master's programs of leading universities, MicroMasters programs are a series of higher-level courses recognized by companies for real job relevancy, and may accelerate a Master's degree.
Learn more about MicroMasters Program

MicroMasters Program Details

How To Earn The MicroMasters Credential
Complete and successfully earn a Verified Certificate in all 4 Cloud Computing MicroMasters courses.  Take Your Credential To The Next Level
Learners who successfully earn the MicroMasters Credential are eligible to apply to the Masters in Cloud Computing Architecture degree at University of Maryland University College, which is available fully online.

If accepted to the Masters in Cloud Computing Architecture program, the Cloud Computing MicroMasters program will count for 12 credits toward the Master’s degree (36 credits are required for graduation with the MS in Cloud Computing Architecture degree).

Cloud Computing for Enterprises

Understand cloud computing technologies and how they can increase business productivity and effectiveness.

Learn more about Cloud Computing for Enterprises

Starts on May 31, 2017

You Are Enrolled in Cloud Computing for Enterprises

Cloud Computing Management

Learn methods for managing cloud computing projects and build an understanding of the various risks and compliance issues involved.

Learn more about Cloud Computing Management

Starts on August 2, 2017

Enroll Now in Cloud Computing Management

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Cloud Computing Infrastructure

Learn how to design, configure, and manage a cloud computing infrastructure.

Learn more about Cloud Computing Infrastructure

Starts on October 4, 2017

Enroll Now in Cloud Computing Infrastructure

I would like to receive email from University System of Maryland & UMUC and learn about other offerings related to Cloud Computing Infrastructure.

Cloud Computing Security

Learn how to identify security issues in the cloud and industry-standard techniques and procedures to prevent and mitigate risks.

Learn more about Cloud Computing Security

Starts on December 6, 2017

Enroll Now in Cloud Computing Security

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Instructors

• 
  Thomas Underhill
  Adjunct Assistant Professor University of Maryland University College
• 
  Jeff Tjiputra
  Chair of the Cloud Computing Architecture program University of Maryland University College

I have a typical manual tester resume. Can I find a job in DevOps?

It's all automation all the time in the DevOps world. So what does that mean for manual testers? Expert Gerie Owen suggests what testing skills to highlight.

You can find a job in DevOps. Although in both Agile and DevOps, there is a focus on automation and everyone is responsible for quality, your manual tester resume will still show many skills, especially in test design, exploratory testing and risk analysis.

 

Agile methodology involves a "shift left" approach to testing. This approach advocates testing as early in the development process as possible. Test-driven development (TDD) is an example of the shift left. In TDD, the developer writes the test and codes so that the test will pass. This is a perfect fit for your manual tester resume: who better than you to design a test? Manual testers can also contribute to paired programming. Since testers usually have an ability to see the big picture, they can observe the design of the code and comment on the strategic direction, effectively elevating the developers out of the weeds.

Exploratory testing is another area to include on your manual tester resume. You can definitely contribute effectively here. As we all know, it is impossible to find all of the defects through automated testing. Manual testers, especially those who embrace the context-driven school of testing, can flush out defects to which the developer responds, "A user wouldn't do that."

Probably the most important role to include on a manual tester resume is in the area of risk analysis. Manual testers can become the champion of the customer by contributing to the development of the "definition of done" and determining whether or not the work on each user story meets that criteria. The manual tester has the opportunity to get involved on the business side, working closely with the product owner to fully understand and help develop the user story.
There are lots of roles and opportunities for manual testers on Agile and DevOps teams if they are willing to step out of their comfort zone and expand their horizons. You have lots of valuable skills to highlight on your manual tester resume that don't involve automation.

http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/

How to Get a Vacation Job

For students, the breaks between school semesters can be a period for relaxing and refocusing. But many people also use it as a time to earn extra cash. Whether you're searching for a summer vacation job, a job over winter break, a spring break job or a quick I'm-out-of-school-for-a-week-and-need-something-to-do job, you can find something that will keep you busy and your bank account happy.

Plus, looking for a work as a high school or college student can be good practice for the post-graduation job search that's around the corner. Break jobs can provide good experience and networking opportunities for your future career.

Finding a vacation job can be as easy as walking into the nearest fast-food restaurant or retail store and filling out an application. But if you're facing the possibility of a full-time job search in the future, you might want to take little more time and find a job that will be relevant to your career.

But where should you start your job search?

Lindsey Pollak, a career expert and author of " Getting from College to Career" advocates being "superstrategic" when seeking part-time or temporary employment. Career coach Judi Perkins encourages job seekers to find a job doing what they love, rather than taking any job that pays. Here are some tips to kick start your job search.

1. Look for Hidden Opportunities
   Odds are you won't find your dream job over winter break, but you may find a stepping stone to your future career. Try to find a job related to your chosen field, suggests Pollak. "If you're interested in book publishing or journalism, work at the library. If you love fashion, work in a clothing store."
   An entry-level job can teach you essential skills and may introduce you to people who will be valuable in helping you find full-time employment later. Even if you can't find a job in, or related, to your field, give every opportunity your best effort. If you excel at a part-time or temporary job, you're more likely to be remembered by people who may have a connection to the job you want in the future.
   As Pollak reminds job seekers, "Even Madonna once worked behind the counter at Dunkin Donuts."
2. Network, Network, Network
   In the job-search game, the saying, "It's not what you know, it's who you know" holds especially true. A personal referral or reference is the best way to get on the preliminary short list for an opportunity.
   "You can have the best résumé in the world, but if a recruiter never sees it, you'll never get the job you want," notes Pollak. Talk with friends, family, neighbors, classmates and even the guy next to you on the bus or at the beach. Every person you meet is a potential job lead, so make the most of your daily interactions.
3. Think Beyond the Computer
   Social networking is an exponentially growing area for job seekers, but Pollak cautions that it shouldn't be your only avenue. "Never hide behind your computer screen," she warns.
   Ideally you'll want to blend online and in-person networking.Initiate a conversation online, for example, and then meet for coffee. Visit forums and blogs related to your field and interact with the participants. Build relationships rather than just look for contacts.
   "Remember, it's not always about you," Perkins warns. "Pay attention to people and think of ways you can help them by providing information or articles that might be of interest."
4. Volunteer
   While you're looking for employment, spend some time volunteering. Philanthropic organizations often need extra help during the winter holidays. Volunteering not only gives you a chance to give back to the community, it introduces you to helpful people in a wide range of professions. You never know what a volunteer position will bring -- you might just meet your future boss while you're working in a soup kitchen.
   Pollak advises finding an opportunity in your field, if possible, not only to increase your network, but also as a trial run for your future career. "You may think you like working with children until you spend an entire summer volunteering at a nursery school."
5. Open a Lemonade Stand
   An actual lemonade stand might not be your most profitable option, so instead think about the odd jobs you did when you were young. How can you leverage them to make extra cash?
   At Care.com, we see a huge demand for everything from child care to tutors to pet care during the winter and summer months. Take advantage of job postings and see how you can help out.
   During the hectic holiday season sitters are in high demand, so find a babysitting job and watch the kids while mom and dad go to the office holiday party. A family's regular nanny may take a vacation over the summer, so people are often looking for care. Did you ace algebra last semester? Brag a little and find a job as a tutor. Families who travel during typical vacation seasons might be interested in hiring a pet sitter to feed and walk their animals while they're gone. Busy households might appreciate the opportunity to hire a housekeeper for a few one-off cleanings, without having to commit to a weekly or monthly service. Ask local seniors if they need help mowing their lawn, shoveling snow or shopping for groceries.
   Think about what needs people have at this time of year and offer to perform them for a reasonable fee. You're only limited by your creativity.
6. Brush up Your Résumé
   A résumé may not be necessary for a winter break or summer vacation job, but you might as well take advantage of your job-search mindset to get yours into shape. You never know when a temporary gig might turn into a career opportunity.
   Fancy fonts and colored or patterned papers are inappropriate for a résumé, but you can spruce things up in other ways. Try using bullet points to highlight specific accomplishments for each job, rather than a paragraph of responsibilities.
   "A résumé isn't a list of bland job descriptions and gobbledygook, generic, overly used phrases -- it's a document that tells your story and conveys who you are as an individual," advises Perkins. If you're looking at a variety of possible occupations, prepare a few alternate versions tailored to each job, highlighting your experience and skills for that particular market.
   Once you've finished up your résumé, check it for errors and then check it three or four more times. "Even a small typo can blow an opportunity," explains Pollak, "especially if you've included 'excellent attention to detail' as one of your skills." Ask a trusted friend or relative to evaluate content, clarity and correctness, or take advantage of your English teacher, an English major friend or your school's career center for help creating and reviewing your résumé.

Approach the search for a vacation job in the same manner as you'd approach your search for your lifetime career. You'll meet people who can help you find full-time work and learn skills that will benefit you in the future. You'll also have the chance to work through some of your interview jitters, and will be able to approach your future job search with confidence.

Jennifer Walker is a freelance writer living in Detroit. Her work can be found here.

Original post:  https://www.care.com/a/how-to-get-a-vacation-job-1301030538

3 Skills Employers Say They’re Desperate to Find

By Dominique Rodgers

Monster Contributing Writer

Everyone knows the really rare gems are the priciest. For a hiring manager, finding a candidate with all the necessary skills to do a particular job can feel like discovering a giant emerald right in your backyard -- incredibly rewarding and also highly unlikely.

 

As a job seeker, how can you position yourself to be that rare find? Add to your skills, of course. The key is choosing skills that employers value above others: It’s no surprise the most desired traits are a mixture of very specific tech skills and soft skills, or people skills. Here are three skills employers say they’re desperate to find.

Software Engineering and Development

 

"Employers today are desperate to find competent software engineers,” says Isaac Oates, CEO and co-founder ofJustworks, which offers online tools for payroll, benefits and compliance management. “iOS and the programming language Ruby on Rails are specifically in high demand, but engineers with strong fundamentals can pick up any language needed.”

If you would like to learn more then register for our upcoming online course "48 Hours To Better Manage Cloud For Your Business" from CareerEvolve.com!  

Email support@careerevolve.com to register today.

 

Oates says that so many businesses are utilizing mobile technology that the demand for engineers has simply outpaced the supply. There aren’t enough quality developers who are competent in iOS or Ruby on Rails, he says.

 

There are some tech skills that recruiters and employers are always looking for, says Raedawn Johnson, HR pro and recruiter with Solutionary, an IT security company. These forever in-demand skills include Linux and network security knowledge. Johnson also says it’s a struggle now to find people who are familiar with relatively new technologies, such as Hadoop.

Communication Skills
 

Hiring managers are looking for employees with the ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues at all levels in the organization, says Chris Fleek, director of HR services at Octane Recruiting. Fleek says this communication should include educating and managing staff as well as giving strategic presentations to executives.

 

“Managing up, the ability to present ideas and manage expectations with leaders in an organization, is a crucial skill in today’s fast-moving organizations,” Fleek says. “Instead of filtering information through layer upon layer within an org chart, team members must be comfortable pitching their research, work product or new idea directly to decision-makers.”

Need help with your communication skills? Check out local writing courses to improve your word-usage and Toastmasters to improve your public speaking.

Executive Presence
 

A mixture of poise, leadership, communication and industry knowledge -- these qualities, and others, make up executive presence. It’s a difficult quality to define, but recruiters, hiring managers and decision-makers say they know it when they see it.

 

They’re looking for someone with confidence who can represent the company or their specific team in customer visits or presentations with the board of directors, says Tiffany Kuehl, staffing manager at Honeywell and HR blogger at Performance I Create. “An individual who not only knows the industry inside and out, but can confidently facilitate a conversation without breaking down and crumbling the moment they are asked a tough question, is a candidate likely to have presence,” Kuehl says.

 

If you’re easily rattled, try to team up with a more polished mentor and get some tips on building your confidence and keeping your cool.

5 Career Tips You Need to Ignore

By Catherine Conlan

Monster Contributing Writer

 

People are full of advice on just about every topic under the sun, and you’ve probably gotten a lot of work-related tips over the course of your career. But there are some nuggets that you’d be better off disregarding.

 

Consider these five career tips you need to ignore:

Ask for a promotion. 

 

It’s common to hear that you won’t get a raise or a promotion if you don’t ask for one. But PeopleNRG.com Managing Partner Lawrence Polsky says you shouldn’t ask; “not even at your annual review.” Instead, use your actions to show you’re a better leader.

 

“Learn the business inside and out, generate team results that your boss can't ignore and create the most positive, supportive, entrepreneurial spirit in the company,” he advises. “Then, when there is a need for a new leader, you will be asked. If you want to be promoted into a leadership role, and you think this advice is not realistic, then go get a new job in a new company where it is.”

If you would like to learn more then register for our upcoming online course "48 Hours To Better Manage Cloud For Your Business" from CareerEvolve.com!  

Email support@careerevolve.com to register today.

Keep your resume brief. 

 

You’ve probably been told to keep your resume to one page, but Michael Morgenstern, head of hiring at theExpert Institute, disagrees. “Your resume reflects why you are best qualified for and deserving of the proposed position. If you've had extensive work experience, don't sacrifice highlighting your skills, talents, and expertise just to cram everything onto one sheet of paper. Your resume should be tailored for the specific job you are applying for, and each job description should emphasize the talents that you have developed and will bring to the proposed role.”

A great resume will get you hired. 

 

Marketing strategist Kyle Sexton says it’s vital to focus on using your resume to get an interview. “Your resume doesn't need to be in chronological order or even include every job you've had.”

 

“Your resume is a marketing tool,” he explains. “Use it -- along with your phone -- to get an interview. A great attitude and interview gets you the job, not the resume. Recognizing the different stages of the hiring process is critical to creating a tool that works well for its intended purpose.”

Send a post-interview thank-you note. 

 

Career coach Bettina Seidman says yes, a note after an interview is a good idea -- but not a thank-you note. “Send a strategic follow-up letter indicating why you are an excellent candidate,” she says. “It should be a response to the asked or un-asked question: why should we hire you?”

Follow your passion. 

 

This tip is “the most erroneous,” says Heidi Nazarudin, a former CEO turned style-and-success blogger. Many people have multiple passions or might not discover their true passions until later in life, “and sometimes these passions are just not viable as a source of income. The right question would be ‘What kind of life do I want to set up for myself?’”

 

For example, Nazarudin says she’s always been visually creative but knew being a successful photographer would be difficult. Instead, “I became an investment banker and pursued photography on the weekends,” she says. “My career as a successful investment banker allows me to indulge in my passion, and live the life I want.”

5 Small Career Moves That Can Lead to Massive Results

If you’re like most people, you probably have a few big career goals. But, if you’re like the vast majority of us, you probably feel like the steps to get there are intimidating, scary, and even impossible. The distance between where you are and where you want to one day be can feel insurmountable.

Or, maybe you don’t have a clear vision of where you want to end up. You know you don’t want to remain stagnant, but you’re not sure what that end game looks like.

Either way, the good news is there are plenty of totally manageable things that you can do for your career today that will pay off in dividends down the line. After all, no matter where you’re headed or how far away that feels, reaching a big goal is a series of much smaller steps.

Try one—or all five—to lay the foundation for your someday success.

1. Grab Coffee

Grabbing coffee probably seems like no big deal. You might already do it once (er, several times) a day, using it to transform from crusty bed monster to semi-functioning human or catching up with co-workers in need of a mid-afternoon break.

But sitting down for a latte with a friend, former colleague, or someone new to your network is also a fast, simple career-boosting strategy—and can quickly catapult any situation from stagnant to stimulated.

My own example: A couple years ago, I felt trapped in my assistant job and was hoping for a more creative role. I reached out to a family friend who had a cool job in marketing and friends in industries that interested me, sending a Facebook message explaining my situation and asking if she knew anyone who was looking for someone like me. She put me in touch with her friend who owned a content publishing startup, and we sat down for coffee. A few weeks later? I was hired as her content manager.

OK, this is certainly a best-case scenario, but even if you don’t have a clear purpose in mind, these meetings can be incredibly valuable. Having one-one-one interactions opens the floor for interesting and productive conversation, sincere advice, and deeper connections. You’re also creating a memory with someone, which makes your relationship more significant and is something you can use to your advantage when looking for a new job or want advice down the road.

What it really comes down to is consistent, intentional network maintenance—getting into the habit of meeting up with people in your network is a small, but crucial move that can ultimately lead to big changes for your career.

If you would like to learn more then register for our upcoming online course "48 Hours To Better Manage Cloud For Your Business" from CareerEvolve.com!  

Email support@careerevolve.com to register today.

2. Get a Certification

Higher education is a common step for moving your career forward, but heading to grad school can be a big leap, both emotionally and financially. Instead, consider getting certified for specific skills or specialties in your field, which allows you to add to your expertise (or add legitimacy to the background you already have) while still working, and ultimately gives you a chance to set yourself apart from other candidates or increase your value as an employee.

For instance, financial analyst Travis Lockhart, FP&A was searching for ways to differentiate himself from his peers and gain more industry knowledge, so he earned theCertified Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) credential from the Association for Financial Professionals, a self-paced, cost-effective program. Lockhart shares just a few of the benefits he saw: “I was promoted to Manager of FP&A, along with a salary increase, at about the same time as gaining the FP&A credential. I definitely think the FP&A certification makes you more marketable as an FP&A professional, helps to increase and validate your skills and competency, and brings you into a broad network of likeminded professionals.”

If, like Lockhart, you’re looking to grow and verify your current skill set, explore certification programs in your industry: Options range from finance to HR, marketing to project management, and plenty of fields in between. If you think you might need some totally new skills to get where you want to go, look into online classes that offer certifications, and then learn how to share these credentials on your resume.

And if you aren’t sure what skills you need to grow, talk to people one or two rungs up the chain from you to figure out where your gaps are—or just follow your gut and learn something that’s interesting to you! Even if it’s a skill you don’t end up using later in life, pushing yourself to learn will help you continue to grow in the long run.

3. Take on a New Project

Whether it’s taking the lead on an assignment that’s fallen through the cracks at work or starting a side project or volunteering gig, taking on something extra outside of your current responsibilities can help you stretch yourself while setting yourself up for all kinds of potential benefits, both now and down the line.

For example, volunteering to champion a task or team at work will allow you to practice owning and executing a project—something that positions you as a leader even if you aren't in a management role. You’ll be remembered as someone who embraces new challenges and opportunities, is ambitious, and gets the job done—not to mention you can reference your hard work later when negotiating a promotion or pay raise.

And starting a side project? That allows you to explore abilities and interests that don’t quite fit into your current job. These small ventures are also excellent portfolio builders, serve as differentiators in the job search, and can be the push you need to score a more fulfilling role in your company or a completely new job.

Of course, there’s an important caveat here: You should only pick up extra work if you truly feel like you have time to do it right—otherwise it could end up hurting your reputation! If taking on a new project sounds like too much given your current workload, consider just helping a colleague with a small task. You’ll still be seen as someone who takes initiative, you may pick up a new skill, and you’ll definitely be improving relationships at work.

4. Ask for a Small Raise

Of course, we’re not suggesting you walk into your boss’ office and demand your wages be doubled. But if you haven’t had a conversation about a pay bump in a while, now might be a good time. Remember: Even just a few thousand can really add up. In fact, researchers have found that people early in their careers who negotiate their starting salary by just $5,000 (upping it from $50K to $55K) can earn over $600,000 more over the course of a 40-year career, assuming a 5% annual increase in salary. That’s a lot of moolah that just a little ask right now can lead you to.

Having salary conversations can also be major motivators and help to up your confidence—when you feel you’re making what you deserve, you’ll likely feel empowered to do even better work. Also, the more you practice discussing your wages, the more comfortable you’ll feel bringing it (and other topics you need to negotiate) up with your supervisors.

And even if your raise is smaller than you wanted—or you don’t get a raise at all—you’re still vocalizing your career goals and reminding your boss that your work is valuable. Situating yourself as a confident, assertive employee sets the stage for future advancement.

Knowing how and when to ask for a raise is important, so remember, when you ask, be sure you have a game plan.

5. Do Something That Scares You a Little

Not everyone’s a risk-taker, especially when it comes to work, but moving forward in your career often involves taking risks, both big and small.

That’s what all of this advice ultimately comes down to—making sure that you’re regularly doing things that make your heart beat just a little bit faster. Maybe for you that’s asking for more, asking a stranger for coffee, or getting a certification to verify how awesome you are. Or maybe it’s something totally different for you: speaking up in a meeting, asking for help on a stretch project you’re stuck on, offering to give a presentation at an industry conference.

Acknowledging where you’d like to grow professionally—and taking steps to get there—takes bravery, and it’s likely something that you’ll work on over the course of your career. But small, incremental improvements starting now will help you grow into the professional you want to be.

Photo of man working courtesy of Tom Merton/Getty.

Sponsored by the Certified Corporate FP&A Professional Credential

The Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FP&A™) designation, sponsored by the Association for Financial Professionals, defines universal principles and standards of practice. By earning the FP&A, you demonstrate your understanding of those complex processes, tools and best practices and are recognized as well-positioned to drive strategic business decisions at organizations. Set yourself apart.Learn more about the credential.

Getting ready for Trump or Clinton and their Presidential job

Final two horses head for the starting gate

By Tom Temin | @tteminWFED June 8, 2016 9:10 am

Now presidential transition is in the air, with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump each apparently having clinched their respective parties’ nominations. Just as a warm day in the fall smells differently than a warm day in spring, you can sense the change already.
This one isn’t going to bring moonlight and roses. The upcoming campaign instead brings to mind epic prize fights for which the late Mohammad Ali was famous: The “Thrilla in Manila,” the “Fight of the Century,” and “The Rumble in the Jungle.” Take your pick. It’s gonna be ugly.  Both of them know how to throw a punch.
Different as Trump and Clinton might be, they share a few similarities.
Both have firings  of “little people” prominently in their backgrounds — he from the TV reality show “The Apprentice,” she from her days as first lady and the White House travel office.  Think about that, all you senior executives who might be quivering in anticipation.

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Both have had long and controversial public lives, so it’s not as if whomever you favor will shock you with what they do or say. Franklin Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, even Bill Clinton and Barack Obama — their careers prior to the presidency were way shorter and more provincial.
Both are white and 70-years-old — the age Ronald Reagan was when he entered the White House. I guess 70 really is the new 50.
Both seem a little priggish. Neither likes to be crossed in a serious way. In watching and listening to both closely for a while now, my impression is that the real person in both cases lies hidden deep in a “heavily forested interior,” the phrase author and speechwriter Robert Sherwood used to describe an ultimately unknowable FDR.
Beyond that, I’d say the country will have a clear choice.
For federal agencies and the people working in them, transition is already underway, in a manner irrespective of which party will come in. Several groups are already at work on it, notably the Partnership for Public Service via its Center for Presidential Transition. Check out my interview with the Center’s David Eagles. He emphasizes the need to ensure continuity of the national security apparatus. Bob Tobias of American University points out, an incoming administration must possess the know-how to turn its ideas into tangible public policy. Perhaps Clinton has the experiential edge here.
Above all, whatever your political proclivities, keep ’em out of the office. Write the words “Hatch Act” in big block lettering on a 3 x 5 card, using a black Sharpie and red highlights. Prop it up at your PC so you can see it every morning when you get to work.

3 Ways People Mess Up the (Simple) Answer to "How Did You Come Across This Job Opportunity?"

I know what you’re thinking. Nobody messes this interview question up, right? I mean, it’s the easiest one you’ll ever have to answer during your job hunt. Ever. When I was recruiting, I approached it with the mindset of, “I’m going to ask the candidate to tell me how he found the gig just to break the ice.” Or, I’m going to bring this up to know which of my many methods actually led to a qualified candidate sitting in front of me. Never was it ever a trick question.

But I quickly learned that in a lot of ways, this one trips people up sometimes. And because I’ve seen some of the worst examples, here’s how you can avoid making the most common mistakes when talking about how you found the job.

1. You Feel Uneasy About Sharing That a Friend Referred You

I get it. Nepotism, right? Yuck. Nobody wants to feel like he got his foot in the door just because he knows someone at the company. What's worse than getting a little help from a friend? Dancing around the answer, hoping that you won't have to fess up to the fact that not only is your future on the line, your friend currently has a referral fee on the table for getting you an interview. 

What to Do Instead

I hate to sound so crass, but if you’re fortunate enough to know someone at a company you want to work for, just buckle up and tell everyone who asks you exactly how you found out about the job. A simple response like, “I was excited to find out about the job from my friend who works in [department]” is a perfectly OK response. In fact, it’s the only response you should be giving if this is the case.

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2. You Turn it Into a Monologue About Why This Is the Only Job You Want

Here's a perfect example of an interview question that only requires a short answer. All you need to do is tell the hiring manager where you found the darn job. But, all too often, candidates get so caught up in the moment that they end up turning it into a long-winded explanation of not only where they found the listing, but also why they couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with being excited about an opportunity, but when you’re going on and on about how you simple found the gig, it can be a huge turn-off for a recruiter. 

What to Do Instead

If you want to fold in a little tidbit about why you’re so excited about the job, that’s not a terrible idea. But, keep it short. Add your unique spin to a response along the lines of, “I found it on [wherever you found the job], and since I’ve been hoping to work for the company for a long time, I was excited to see the opening had become available.” That’s all you need. Seriously.

3. You Forgot Where You Found the Job

Job searches are undeniably frustrating at times. I’ve had stretches where I had so many bills that I needed to pay, I applied for a lot of openings. And after a while, it can be hard to keep track of what you’ve applied for, what the positions call for, and where you found them in the first place. But that’s no excuse for drawing a complete blank when a hiring manager asks you how you stumbled onto the job that, let me remind you, that you are currently interviewing for. 

What to Do Instead

When I realized that I had applied for a lot of jobs during my last stretch of unemployment, I made myself a simple Excel spreadsheet to keep track of everything. It included the following columns: job title, link to the original listing, the date I applied, where (or how) I found the opening, and current stage of the interview process. That list especially came in handy for phone interviews, but regardless of how close I was (or wasn’t) to getting any particular job, I don’t know how I could’ve kept track of anything during my job search without that spreadsheet. If you’re having trouble remembering little details, like how you found a particular posting, cobble together a tracker for yourself.

If there’s one lesson to be learned, it’s that no interview question is too small to potentially mess up. And even the icebreakers can change the entire tone of a meeting with a hiring manager. So cross your T’s, build spreadsheets if you need to, and above anything else, answer the question as thoroughly and quickly as possible so you can focus on telling the interviewer more about why you’re the right fit for the job—rather than boring details about where you found it.

Photo of interview courtesy of PeopleImages/Getty Images.

About The Author

Richard Moy is a Content Writer at Stack Overflow. He has spent the majority of his career in talent management, including a stint as a full-cycle recruiter and hiring manager. In addition to the career advice he contributes to The Muse, he also writes test prep and higher education marketing content for The Economist. Say hi on Twitter @rich_moy.

Tips to land your dream developer job

"Years ago, simply having the qualifications may well have been the deciding factor in whether you landed a career as a coder. But, as the 21st Century rumbles forward, more and more tech companies are focusing less on hiring people for what they already know, and more on what they can learn and bring to the company as a whole."

Coder Factory Academy describes their advice to land the dream developer job that you have pictured for yourself.  They identify that developers need to have a set of hard skills and soft skills, which means that they must be proficiently skilled in programming and have excellent communication and inter-personal skills.

The article essentially identifies that developers looking to land their dream job must work on the following soft skills to make themselves stand out from a crowd of comparable developers with equivalent hard skills or their technology strengths.

Some of the main soft skills that Code Factory Academy identify are:


Be nice


Good problem solving skills


Team work

If you would like to read the rest of the the career tips then be sure to read the article at https://medium.com/@coderfactory/5-must-have-qualities-employers-look-for-in-junior-software-developers-9067135174ef#.zaz4qa9d3.

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