Five Tech Jobs for Career Changes

Interested in moving to a challenging field that pays better, but think that with today’s economy you should just be happy to have a job? Well, Hotjobs has listed five stable tech jobs that are actually growing. And you don’t have to go back for four more years of school to get them.

They are:

• Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MSDST)
• Computer-Aided Drafting Specialist
• Geographic Information Systems Analyst
• Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
• IT and Computer Support Specialists

How to Get Into IT Consulting

Consulting is a hot field to get into, though it’s not as easy to break into as most would think. Monster has a great article on the subject that is definitely worth checking out. Here are a few of the main points of the article:

1. Consulting firms are looking for not only tech-savvy people, but for candidates that have top-notch educational credentials, a record of achievement, and excellent communication skills.
2. Proven leadership experience is a plus along with superb writing skills and the ability to handle presentations.
3. A great business sense that you are able to blend with your IT skills.

Think you have what it takes? If so, contact MetaTech today you consulting-guru of tomorrow.

Career Lessons from the Material Girl

What can Madonna, Oprah, and Martha Stewart teach you about your career? Well, according to Joanne Meehi, president of Meehi & Balzotti Career Services, a whole lot.

Lets take a look:

Madonna: "She is a model for us to refresh ourselves," says Meehl, who tells clients to seek new knowledge and experiences in order to stay current and sell themselves to employers. "So many people wait to be anointed with knowledge."

Martha: Going to prison should have been career kryptonite for Stewart. But without apology or fanfare, she chose to serve her recent jail time like something to be checked off a to-do list. Stewart commented during sentencing that she wanted to be released in time to tend her spring garden. How does the average woman stay steady in the face of such career-rocking moments? "Keep the big picture in mind," Meehl advises. Stewart "knew the garden and the business were going to be there for her when she got out."

Oprah: Winfrey rewrites the blueprint for business success daily by replacing the model of the cutthroat businessperson with that of the nurturing helper. This is a woman who has increased her market share with tactics like encouraging people to read more. Winfrey shows women there's a place for all talents.

One More Reason to Contact MetaTech

The reasons to contact MetaTech are apparent: access to great jobs, personal assistance along every step, and vast industry knowledge. So it’s no surprise that Business Week gives you one more reason to contact us. Jobs in the IT industry are flourishing and the leading city where these jobs continue to grow is right in MetaTech’s backyard – Seattle.

No other city matches the number and variety of IT careers that Seattle claims. So if you are lucky enough to already be a Seattleite or if your considering the move to this beautiful part of the country, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The Pitfalls of Social Networking

It’s hard to avoid the constant buzz surrounding social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook – some good and some very, very bad. Social networking can help you plan an event with your friends, get in contact with a long lost acquaintance, share pictures, videos, and more, but there is one crucial thing, according to Peter D. Weddle, that social networking can’t get you – a job.

It’s the word “networking” that makes this fact a little confusing. When we think of networking, it’s difficult not to conjure up images of sharply-dressed people hobnobbing over cocktails and slipping business cards into a new acquaintance’s blazer pocket. However, the danger lies in the word “social.” Prospective employers are not interested in what your sign is, which Friends character your personality most reflects, or want to see pictures of how much you drank at your college roommate’s bachelor party – no matter how prodigious said amount was.

In his article, Weddle does a good job scaring off people from using social networking sites to try to woo prospective employers and offering a nice selection of web-based “business” networking sites – but I believe that there are a few exceptions that you can consider to make your social networking page a little more employer friendly.

1. If you plan to use your social networking site as an online business card, for the love of Pete, take down any incriminating photos, videos, and or text. Imagine that your dear old grandmother is going to be looking over your page. How would you feel if she got an eyeful of your Spring Break in Puerta Vallarta last year? This also applies to your comments section. You have to be very vigilant about monitoring what your so-called friends write.
2. If you are interested in a career that requires a portfolio, use your page to show your abilities. Want to design video games? Showcase some of your artwork. Are you looking for a more technical-based career? How about creating a widget for your page that no one has ever seen?
3. Keep the layout modest. We’ve all seen the stereotypical MySpace page that looks as colorful and fragmented as the bedroom walls of a teenage girl. It doesn’t matter how much you love Miley Cyrus, if you plan to use your page to get a job, you don’t need a Hannah Montana icon shimmering in the center.

I’m curious… does anyone have any good/bad stories about using social networking to find a job? Any suggestions or tips?

Transitioning from Military Life to Professional Life

With the fourth of July only a few days away, I was beginning to reflect on the meaning behind the fireworks and the barbecues, and I thought that this posting was more than appropriate.

If you are finding yourself transitioning from military life to work life, you might find it difficult honing all of your skills and experiences down into a focused resume or a targeted job search.

At MetaTech, we know that you are more than ink on a resume, and we’d love to work with you to help you land the civilian technical job that you're looking for.

However, if you are still unsure about how to transition, I found a very good site specifically tailored toward veterans. Not only will you find resume writing and interview tips, you’ll also be able to read profiles of veterans who have recently successfully made the move from military life to professional life.

Official Launch

Welcome to the MetaTech Blog, take off your coat and stay awhile! Here you will find information and news related to MetaTech, career opportunities, job seeking hints and tips, and IT industry topics from us and around the web, and much, much more – all conveniently located under one digital roof.

Please feel free to ask questions and discuss our posts, after all, that’s what we’re here for.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!