Janet Ruhl's Computer Job Survival Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction vii
1 The Many Kinds of Computer Jobs. 1
What do computer professionals do? The various kinds of computer jobs defined.
2 How to Break In 9
What the statistics show about the credentials of those starting out. Job hunting strategies for those with varying computer-related credentials. How to deal with corporate recruiters at college interviews.
3 Your First Job 29
How to avoid the classic beginner’s mistakes. The business wold basics you must master. The interpersonal perils that await unwary technical experts.
4 Corporate Career Paths 41
The benefits and pitfalls of the common career paths open to salaried corporate employees. The challenge of staying technical—and why it’s so tough. The realities of the IT management career path.
5 Contract Consulting 73
The realities of computer contracting. Contracting’s attractive benefits and many pitfalls.
6 When to Change Jobs 97
How job hopping can help you and harm you. When to stay on the job and when to move on.
7 Job Hunt basics 103
How to prepare your resume. How to solve common IT résumé problems. How to protect yourself when dealing with today’s recruiting and job placement firms. Some viable alternatives to finding work through placement firms.
8 At the Interview 123
How to make the best impression. How to handle the technical interview. How to make sure you get the information you need to properly evaluate a job.
9 The Size of the IT Shop 133
Yes, size does matter. The advantages and disadvantages of large shops and small shops. The special perils of hiring into software start-ups and the "herd o’techies" environment.
10 The Software Environment 149
Learn why software experience is so important. How to get training in new software skills. How to decide what software to master next. Can you fake software experience?
11 The Application Area 163
Why this often ignored issue can lead to burnout. Why the particular application area you work in is so important to the success of your career.
12 Your Place in the Development Cycle 169
The hidden benefits of maintenance. The unknown pitfalls of development. How to design your career so you get in on the truly worthwhile development projects.
13 Corporate Culture 177
How corporate culture manifests itself in the IT world. How to figure out what kind of culture you are getting yourself into when you take a new job. Corporate cultures to watch out for.
14 Money 189
What salary, benefits, and perks you can expect to earn in your first and subsequent jobs. How to negotiate the very best salary for your current skill level.
Appendix A 205
Index 208
CHARTS AND FACT SHEETS
High, Low, and Median Salary by Job Responsibility 7
Distribution of Salaries by within Job Category 7
High, Low, and Median Salary by Credentials _ Entry Level 16
Clustering _ Salary by Credentials _ Entry Level 16
Sample Organization Chart 37
Sample Contract Rates 91
Sample Contract Salaries 91
High, Low, and Median Salary by Job Source 113
Clustering _ Salary by Source 113
Web Computer Job Boards 114
The Tell Tale Signs of a Dead End Job 142
Questions for a Start-up 146
Some Skill Sets with Job Titles, Industry, and Salary 155
High, Low, and Median Salary by Industry 191
Clustering _ Salary by Industry 191
High, Low, and Median Salary by Credential 192
Clustering _ Salary by Credential 192
High, Low, and Median Salary by Years of Experience 195
Clustering _ Salary by Years of Experience 195
Twenty-five Sets of Questions to Ask at the Interview 205
Available only from the publisher until August 2000.
Home ...
