Houston (and Texas) IT Jobs Blog

The New Blog Is Up!

2006-04-07T16:33:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The continuation of this Blog is now up at:

FRACAT.com

Better organized, more advice, better layout.

Go see it now!

-Dan

I'm Still Here!

2006-03-16T08:18:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I know you've been wondering, "Where in the heck has Dan gone?"

Not to fear - I'm just working on the next version of this blog where it'll be bigger, better, and more helpful to you.

Hold tight. I have (in my head, anyway) an official launch date of April 3, 2006.

Stay tuned and I'll keep you up-to-date!

Dan

Netcool Engineer

2006-02-02T14:46:00.000-05:00

NETCOOL ENGINEER
LOCATION: Houston, TX
RELO: No.
TRAVEL: 0%
POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

EMPLOYER INFO: Connecting People, Inc. is a technology focused staff augmentation and recruiting firm based in Denver, Colorado. Our success is built on relationships - with our clients, our staff and our strategic partners.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Our client is currently seeking qualified candidates specialized in Netcool administration. The Netcool database administrator is responsible for daily administrative duties for Netcool Object server, Impact, Webtop, and RAD. Candidates must be able to build automations and rules associated with alarm and event delivery. Must have knowledge of UNIX operating system as related to a networked server environment using mission critical services and applications. Daily administration, maintenance, troubleshooting, interfacing, and ability to upgrade and update both systems is a necessity.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
*3-5 years in admin/support of core Netcool object server for UNIX 3.6 required
*Experience with setting up and maintaining hot backup for failover object servers and supporting equipment
*Demonstrated ability to document processes and procedures related to Netcool server and apps environment.
*Experience with Object server gateways for Sybase
*Familiarity with generic probes for Netcool
*Familiarity with syslog, Jel, Webtop, Impact a plus
*Experience or familiarity with Remedy ARS version 4 or 5, Sun Solaris8/9/UNIX, Sybase
*Programming languages: C++, .NET, PERL, JAVA a plus Network or OS certifications a plus
*Experience with working large projects in a highly competitive corporate environment involving custom applications
* Experience writing custom rules
* Experience configuring automations
* Experience writing and implementing Impact policies
* Demonstrated experience working in a Solaris environment
* Excellent written and verbal communications skills
* Demonstrated experience working in a Solaris environment
* Excellent written and verbal communications skills

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Jared Purvines and give him a call at 720-977-9350.

(reference / job number:N/A)

Infrastructure Engineer

2006-01-26T14:27:00.000-05:00

INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEER
LOCATION: Houston, TX
RELO: No.
TRAVEL: 0%
POSITION TYPE: 3-6 month Contract
APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $45/hr - $50/hr

JOB DESCRIPTION: * Seeking an Infrastructure Engineer to work within a client team to provide technical designs for network and systems projects. Detailed knowledge of either LAN networking, Windows systems, or Linux systems and general understanding of each. Responsibilities include deriving technical solutions from business requirements, developing and documenting detailed systems and/or network designs, and providing technical/hands-on guidance for implementing system and/or network solution

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Needs 3-5 years Experience doing networking Communication Design
* Primary Skill: WINNT
* Required Skills: SQL, IAS, IIS, AD

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Matty Arciniega and give her a call at (713)977-6200. Tell her you saw it here!

(reference / job number: 8076331)

The Art of the Customer Service Letter

2005-12-29T08:53:00.000-05:00

When I write customer service letters for whatever reason, they tend to be lengthy, sort of like my normal posts here (sorry!) However, I do my best to make them at least entertaining to make sure that the custome service drones get a little humor in their day and, perhaps, just maybe, read the whole thing.

So, I'm on the road for business this week and I have had an interesting experience at a Hilton-branded hotel. So, I took the time and effort to write an e-mail to the frequent stayer program about my experiences.

Perhaps it's just spending all that time on the letter knowing that there's a 75% chance that it'll end up in a bureaucratic black hole, but I thought I'd at least share the letter with you guys here.

Let me know what you think...

-----

My name is Daniel R. Sweet and I'm a business traveller (Hhonors #:XXXXXXXXX). I've got a problem and I'm hoping that you can help me with it. Let me tell you about my most recent experience:

Whenever I stay at a Hilton-branded hotel, I always get the impression that there are two different factions fighting it out for control of the hotel. Usually it’s just minor stuff, but I’m currently staying at the DoubleTree Hotel Austin and the clash of the "Good Faction" and the "Bad Faction" is so conspicuous, I had to write.

(Just a note upon re-reading: Yes, this is a long letter. But I promise that it'll be worth your while to read every last, stinking word. I've tried to give you a very clear and somewhat entertaining look inside of a business traveller's brain. The only reason that I've taken the effort is because I like the Hilton chain and the HHonors program.

Please don't disappoint me by glancing at it and sending a "We really value your feedback. Signed, Computer #4" form letter back. You spend tons of money to figure out what your frequent stayers are thinking. Don't get scared off because of a little reading. Print it out and take it on your next flight somewhere.)

MR. GOOD FACTION

The "Good Faction" has obviously been at work in this hotel. There are things that without a doubt make my stay better, my life easier, and me want to run through the streets shouting the praises of Mr Good Faction, yelling, "My hotel chain is better than where you're staying. Leave now and stay with 'The Good Faction'!"

Some of the good things that the "Good Faction" is doing:

That new alarm clock - This is one of those things that makes me hit my head with the heel of my hand and say, "Now, how hard was THAT?!" Figuring that travelling businesspeople really didn't want to memorize the iffy, unpredictable, more-sensitive-than-my-wife-when-I-forgot-our-anniversary operation of 1,000 different models of alarm clocks, the "Good Leader" picked one that is not only easy to set, but the same everywhere we stay. Wow! Something so simple!

And then, on top of that, he makes it easy to pick a radio station to wake up to for a guy who obviously doesn't live here without tuning the whole dial or doing in-depth Internet research. AND he made a radio that actually can receive some stinking radio stations! Mr. Good Faction has been on the road once or twice and it shows. I think I really like Mr. Good Faction.

The bendy-out shower curtain - I know every hotel room can't have as nice of a shower stall as I have at home. But I'm a big guy and I never got used to taking a shower standing in a tiny tub with that wet, clammy, icecicle of a shower curtain threatening to freeze off a limb at any moment.

God help me if the A/C or Heat kicked on and started blowing that sheet-from-Hell at me and I had to back away from it while avoiding the iceberg-of-a-tile-wall. While wonderfully adventurous, I'm not sure I've fully enjoyed the daily, Indiana Jones-like "dance of death" with the shower curtain.

All I can say is, "Thank you, Mr. Good Faction, for coming up with the brilliant, yet simple, idea of having a curvy-out shower curtain bar!" It's another one of those relatively cheap, easy, smart solutions that makes me love the Hilton chains. I can't believe that there are other chains out there that still don't have this! Mr. Good Faction is becoming one of my closest friends.

The new bed - Okay, I saw the commercials for this bed and thought, "Listen, I just need a flat surface to conk out on for a few hours. I'm not going to make a special trip for that silly Sweet Dreams bed!" After awaking this morning in that bed drooling on my pillow (sorry, next-guy-that-stays-in-my-room), I must admit that it's pretty darn comfortable. I wasn't out drinking or anything, either!

With all of the excuses I hear about cost-cutting and cost control, however, I'm wondering what exactly it is that drove you to add another pillow to this bed. Is there really a contingent of traveller that says, "Unless I have 13 pillows on my bed, I'm going somewhere else"? My wife uses a number of pillows that I wouldn't have thought possible before seeing it, but even she would be drowning in pillows in your Sweet Dreams bed.

Of course some of those pillows (all of them but one for me) end up on the floor or, if I'm thinking about what may be ground into the carpet, on the couch. So, now it has cost you more money for the extra, extra pillows and for the time for the maid to put back and rearrange the "pillow castle" on the bed every day.

So, thanks for the really comfy bed, Mr. Good Faction, you're becoming like family. But when I get up from my drooly-sleep, don't complain to me about cost-cutting!

The Little Things - There are a lot of nice touches that make my stay pleasant, but wouldn't draw me into a hotel on their own. Things like a towel hook outside the shower (since you're asking me not to wash my towels every day), the hair dryer so I don't have to bring a dop kit the size of a small suitcase, and the desk with several power plugs for me to actually do work while in the room instead of stare blankly at the TV. Okay, at least I can seem like I'm doing work...

And those cookies! While I can't eat them, they sure make the elevator ride and room smell nice. I don't know if the idea behind the cookies was that you couldn't figure out how to fight a persistent funky smell in the elevator, but it works!

So, for all of this, Mr. Good Faction, I humbly and sincerely thank you. I think I'm starting to have feelings that one man isn't supposed to have for another...

Unfortunately, I know that if I were to lure some businessmen here, they would seen experience the "Bad Faction" leader. And then they'd probably hunt me down and stone me.

MR. BAD FACTION

Unfortunately, there isn't just Mr. Good Faction at Hilton hotels. Once here, we also see the work of the Bad Faction Leader, Mr. Bad Faction.

Mr. Bad Faction is obviously a little bit, shall we say, "limited" in the cranial capacity arena. He is also a serious bean counter and has never left his cinder-block-walled, windowless, off-white (from age, not preference), flickering-florescent-light office. And he feels a need to take that out on us poor business travellers.

Here are a few of the signs that Mr. Bad Faction has sent a memo to this hotel:

$10 a day for Internet access - I know this isn't the same for every Hilton property, but give me a break! I'm pretty sure government housing in the inner cities of America have free high-speed broadband. Why do you have to gouge me to have Internet access!? This is just plain ridiculous. You are a bad man, Mr. Bad Faction!

Fancy, not functional, desk chairs - Boy, they sure are pretty, Euro-designed, leather swivelly chairs. Darn pretty. Unfortunately, they offer absolutely no back support while I'm doing my endless typing on my laptop. And if I lean back and manage not to fly out of my chair, I'm now reclining in the most uncomfortable, feet off of the floor (this for a pretty tall guy!), staring-at-the-ceiling position imagineable.

And, while the chair does raise and lower, Mr. Bad Faction obviously hasn't actually seen the desk and chair together. For me, with the chair at it's highest setting, I'm in an incomfortable, "reaching up to type on my laptop" position. I can only imagine the "kid at Daddy's desk" feel for the more average-height businessman trying to use his computer in this set up. Why do you torture me so? Isn't my impending carpal-tunnel enough to keep you happy, Mr. Bad Faction!?!

Two foot ethernet cables - So, there I am looking like a crab all hunched over my laptop, but still reaching up in a carpal-tunnel enhancing, kung-fu, "attack of the dragon" position with my wrists pressed against either the edge of my computer or the edge of the desk and, hence, slowly losing the feeling in my hands as I type away. I think to myself, "Self, this isn't going to work. I know! I'll just go sit on the couch right next to the desk. I'm so brilliant!"

Sadly, though Mr. Bad Faction has never stepped foot in one of your hotels, he thought of this one. You see, he apparently sent a note to the Hotel Manager telling him to have a two-foot network cable from the desk. So, not only is it tough to get the cable to one's laptop on the desk itself, apparently Internet work is not allowed elsewhere in the room. Just because you work in a crappy office, Mr. Bad Faction, is no reason that I can't be relaxed on a couch when I work!

Crappy wireless Internet access - I know that getting wireless Internet access is tough in an older, classic hotel like this. The walls are thick (a good thing, usually) and the layout isn't particularly conducive to good coverage. I get it. But perhaps you could get Mr. Bad Faction to make up his mind whether you really wanted it or not. As it stands, he's spent the money to have it, but not enough to make it work well.I thought, after I unplugged from the Internet access, that I'd just check to see if you had wireless Internet access, since your little sign on the desk didn't mention it at all. Turns out that there was some...sort of. The signal was very weak at sub-30% (which means that it'd be cutting out periodically, but at least it was something), but I gave it a shot.

Mr. Bad Faction had thought ahead for this one, though. As soon as I connected, I was notified that I would have to pay another $10 for 24 hours of wireless Internet access. Wonderful. Fantastic. What's another $10 between friends? Why don't you get your hands out of my pocket, Mr. Bad Faction!

$7 a day parking - You know, I'm used to paying for parking for businesses that I visit in downtown Austin, Dallas, or Houston. I've even paid for parking at hotels before. On the "Miracle Mile" in Chicago. On Founder's Square in San Francisco. But at 290 and I-35 in Austin? Are you kidding?

Not only does Mr. Bad Faction have me pay $7 a day for parking, but the entire 1st floor is reserved for handicapped folk (understandable) and valet parking (ridiculous). So, if I understand this correctly, $7 a day gets me treated like a second-class citizen in the parking garage. To be treated as a valued customer, I've got to pay $7 per day, plus the valet parking fee (I didn't even bother to notice, other than it's not free), AND a tip? All for the opportunity let some kid scratch my car and see if there's anything in it he'd like to help himself to? No thanks.

Mr. Bad Faction, you truly are diabolical. I'm sure the fee is just for the protection of my car and my valuables, however. Except for that big sign on every floor of the parking garage that says that Hilton is not responsible if someone breaks into my car, steals everything of worth inside it, sets it in fire, and then hunts me down and shoots me just to finish off the job. Other than that sign, I've got a warm and fuzzy feeling about my $7 parking investment.

Or is the justification that most of your guests are walk-ins off of Interstate 35 and it wouldn't be fair to make them pay for the parking, too? Yeah - now that I think about it, that's probably the situation. It's the walk-in business.

HEADING OFF THE EXCUSES

Please, please, please don't come back with your first question being, "Did you call the main desk with these problems? They can usually fix these things." To me, what that is saying is, "Yeah, we know about all of those problems, but we don't really care enough to fix them. Unless you call, of course. It's cheaper to just fix it for people who call." Please don't make me think those things about you.

I've been at quite a few hotels where I could have dragged my luggage back down to the front desk because the "Non-Smoking Room" had obviously been smoked in recently. I've been to hotels where I could have mentioned to the front desk that the Internet access was painfully slow. I've even been at a Hilton-branded hotel (though this has been 3-4 years ago) where there was feces spread all over the front of the toilet and I could have pitched a fit, called the health inspector, and gotten a new room.

I don't know why I don't complain to the minimum-wage worker at the front desk. I don't know why I don't get all huffy and demand to see a manager. I don't know why I don't expend a whole lot of my own energy getting upset about your problems, even though they've very temporarily become mine. Frankly, I'm probably too lazy.

As I did in every one of those previous situations I mentioned, I just left and found another hotel. Some people charged me for the room, others didn't. But every one of those places has seen their last dollar from me or anyone that I can talk out of it.

Let me be brutally honest: I don't really care that a maid quit or the previous guest smoked where they weren't supposed to or that your front desk person has only been there for a couple of months. If I'm going to get those excuses anyway, I'll just go stay at a Motel 8 where I expect them and save a little money.

WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID MR. BAD FACTION?

I don't mean to beat up on your mercilessly. It has been a few years since I’ve been on the road regularly and so I was pleasantly surprised by some of the changes that have been made to all of the Hilton brands. I wanted you to know that I can see the attempt to better service we weary travellers who need an accomodating space to work and rest while we're away from home.

But it's experiences like those set up by Mr. Bad Faction above that still makes me shake my head and wonder, "What were they thinking?!"

It seems that Mr. Bad Faction has too much of a toe-hold in this hotel, so I will undoubtedly not be staying here again, as nice as the hotel archetecture, rooms, and location are. Is there a listing of Hilton-branded hotels that Mr. Bad Faction isn't so prevelent in that I could get? What can I do to avoid Mr. Bad Faction? The only think I know of for sure is to stop staying at Hilton hotels, and I'd rather not do that if I can avoid it. However, if I can't...

If there is anything I can do to avoid these circumstances in the future, please let me know. If you're serious about your 100% satisfaction guarantees, I would expect some sort of personal correspondence back letting me know A) What you think you can do to help me feel better about this stay, B) Some reassurance that this isn't a system-wide problem and I can still rely on Hilton, and C) How I can avoid these types of problems in the future.

Thanks for your attention to this matter,

Dan
-----
Daniel R. Sweet

PS: If you have read the beginning of this letter and then jumped down to the end to see if I'm someone important enough to care about or to save yourself some precious reading time, please let me know. There is no hope that you care enough about your guests' actual experiences to ever get them fixed. Just please shoot me a quick e-mail titled, "Take a Hike" and I'll get the message.

Salary Negotiation Article

2005-12-22T09:11:00.000-05:00

Salary Negotiation is a tough area for a lot of job seekers. Particularly, it seems, for technical folks.

When talking to people who are in the middle of interviews, I always give the same advice: "Salary negotiations are about more than salary."

As this article from BusinessWeek (by a woman I know) points out, some companies have very strict restrictions on salary, but are very flexible in other areas.

Read. Learn. Apply.

Enjoy!

Dan

IT Audit Executive

2005-12-19T08:16:00.000-05:00

IT AUDIT EXECUTIVE
     LOCATION: Texas
     RELO: YES!
     TRAVEL: 0%
     POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire
     APPROXIMATE PAY RATE:$160K - $180K + Bonus

JOB DESCRIPTION: This role is responsible for Information Systems and Departmental Audit operations. This role reports to the Group Vice President and
the Chief Auditor of Internal Audit. This company has been recognized across their industry as being one of the top organizations in their industry.

This role offers a full relocation package including help with the sale of a home. This role is specifically responsible for:

* Guiding direct reports on conducting audits to mitigate the company's risk using an established methodology and documentation process;
* Pro-active management of the day-to-day audit operations, including time, scope, testing, conclusions and reporting of audits;
* Assist with the development and communication of the annual audit plan;
* Develop and implement directives for the Department, including objectives and milestones;
* Ensure that department standards are followed, control objective are met, and consistent messages are delivered to management and the audit committee;
* Provide accurate and objective audit reports to senior management on the overall assessment of systems, data processing and operational activities with appropriate corrective recommendations;
* Maintain both technical and professional awareness of developments in fields that could affect audit requirements and approach to reporting.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Requires a BA/BS with at least 12 years of professional experience of which 7+ years have been in an audit management role.
* The successful candidate will have a good technical understanding of financial / banking business processes, internal control structures, risk-based audit methodology and information systems.
* The candidate must have exceptional interpersonal, project management and
leadership skills.
* The candidate will have the ability to:
* Advise auditors using an established methodology for addressing risk;
* Make risk-based scoping decisions, assess documentation, the work
performed and related conclusions performed by auditors;
*Effectively communicate sound recommendations to management based on audit
findings;
* Be sensitive and supportive of the operating objectives of the company while ensuring that assets and resources are safeguarded and sound practices are followed.

* Personal characteristics will include:
* A high-energy, motivating, hands-on individual willing to work in a team environment;
* Innovative and creative with superior intellect, combined with good business judgment and strong, practical problem solving skills;
* Mentally tough with an ability to maintain personal and professional integrity under pressure;
* Understands the importance of developing effective goals and objectives and enjoy challenges and rewards of performing against stated targets;
* Management maturity to be comfortable in a position requiring an extensive amount of self-motivation, with the ability to execute decisively and effectively in a fast-moving, growth oriented environment;
* Presentation style that is forceful, pro-active and self-confident but not arrogant.
* Practical and pragmatic with solid decision making ability combined with sound business judgment;
* Professional image with superior verbal and written communication skills combined with strong planning and organizing skills.

* Specific technical skills will include:
*Large IBM mainframe shop, currently on ES9000;
* Large Windows NT/Cisco network; JCL, COBOL, Easytrieve, CA Utilities (1, 7, 11), S/390, CICS, JES2, TCP/IP, Client Server, CA Examine, DB2, TSO-ISPF, CA-Top Secret, etc.

PLUSSES:
* An MBA is preferred along with a CISA, CPA and/or CIA certification.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Maureen Masetti and give her a call at (757)549-6985. Let her know you saw it here!

(reference / job number: N/A)

6 Quick Resume Tips from CIO

2005-12-19T08:06:00.000-05:00

6 QUICK RESUME TIPS FROM CIO
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I just saw an article in CIO magazine titles, "Your Resume is Mission Critical". Yes, it's primarily aimed at CIOs, but the advice given by the author, Dora Vell (a headhunter), holds true for any professional.

You are a professional, right?

Anyway, head on over to CIO Magazine's Career Section and see if your resume stands up to the competition!

-Dan

Senior Q/A Engineer / Lead

2005-12-14T09:47:00.000-05:00

SENIOR Q/A ENGINEER / LEAD
     LOCATION: Dallas, TX
     RELO: No.
     TRAVEL: 0%
     POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire
     APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: We need an energetic, team-oriented Senior Quality Assurance Engineer to take charge of the total QA effort.

You will be working as part of a close knit team in a startup environment where flexibility is key; you must adjust to changing priorities rapidly. You will be primarily responsible for implementation and execution of the Quality Assurance program.

You must be prepared to:
* manage an offshore QA staff
* perform review of product specifications
* develop test plans
* perform feature functionality and usability testing
* Manage test management and automation tools

Another essential element of this position is to continually review and implement improvements to the QA process, to include evaluating and recommending automated QA tools appropriate for our products.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Degree or certification in a Computer Science discipline or equivalent experience
* Experience preparing and executing QA test plans and publishing clear results
* Ability to work with minimal supervision with general direction as to the tasks to be performed
* Must be a self-starter
* Past experience leading SQA teams of three or more people
* Willing to perform hands-on testing of systems.
* Past experience setting up and developing SQA processes including:
* Test plan writing
* Creating test harnesses consisting of hardware and software
* Manage test suites
* Manage testing multiple products
* Create a test process including regression testing, extended duration testing, performance testing
* Establish and manage a bug tracking system.
* Test development
* Experience reporting to management team
* Ability to establish regression tests, Ability to construct test plans from published and local specifications.
* Ability to analyze test results and to provide test cases for Engineering

PLUSSES:
* Familiarity with PC workstation and server hardware and operating system configurations
* Formal QA training
* Deep understanding of .Net software
* Background in Webcasting or Digital Signage
* Management experience of offshore QA staff

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Dennis Osha and give him a call at (972)231-2000. Let him know yo saw it here!

(reference / job number: N/A)

.NET Enterprise Software Developer / Architect

2005-12-14T09:40:00.000-05:00

.NET ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER / ARCHITECT
     LOCATION: Dallas, TX
     RELO: No.
     TRAVEL: 0%
     POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire
     APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $90K - $95K + stock options (2 openings)

EMPLOYER INFO:
* Top management team with history of startup success.
* Current clientele and revenue producing
* Three rounds of funding
* Hit Q1 2005 sales goals
* Technical team has an average of 15 years experience
* Casual but intense and productive environment
* Titles not important but getting to IPO is, you will receive an equity
position where the opportunity of success equals higher rewards.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Our client is building a new Software Technology for Enterprise Scale Applications on .Net platform
* Building a new software product that will change how development and test
is done, thus providing more functionality and success to client's process.
* IP makes this firm unique, ability to offer a value proposition that other
firms can't
* Will be responsible for architecture, design and development

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 10+ years software development experience
* .Net/C# experience
* Enterprise scale application
* Full life-cycle development

HOW TO APPLY
Call Amanda Campbell at (972)407-1900 x21 and let her know that you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Technical Recruiter

2005-12-14T09:33:00.000-05:00

TECHNICAL RECRUITER
     LOCATION: Houston, TX
     RELO: No.
     TRAVEL: 0%
     POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire
     APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Base + Commission

EMPLOYER INFO: For 60 years, AllStates Technical Services has put the right people to work in the country's leading project and technology-driven companies. We specialize in outsourcing and staffing solutions, providing our clients with just-in-time, hard-to-find engineering and information technologies talent. People with the technical know-how to tackle tough jobs and meet critical deadlines.

AllStates is a wholly owned subsidiary of our parent company BE&K. BE&K has been recognized for 8 consecutive years as one of this countries premier places to work, and has been on Forbes Top 100 Companies to work for list.

We pride ourselves in providing an energetic, goal driven, productive and team oriented work environment.

We offer a wide range of benefits for the right employee, including company supplemented medical, dental, and vision plans; company paid STD and LTD plans; Life and AD&D Insurance, and a 401k plan with company match.

JOB DESCRIPTION: We are searching for an experienced professional Recruiter that will research and locate talented professionals to fill our wide variety of professional openings in the IT, Pharmaceutical, Oil and Gas and Engineering industries. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of five years recruiting experience in one or more of these fields, and be familiar with the Houston market, but capable of recruiting anywhere in the US or overseas.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 2+ years' Recruiting experience in IT, Pharmaceutical, Oil & Gas, & Engineering.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Stephen Judd and give him a call at (205)972-5472. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number: N/A)

SQL Server DBA

2005-12-13T10:14:00.000-05:00

SQL SERVER DBA
     LOCATION: Dallas, TX
     RELO: No.
     TRAVEL: 0%
     POSITION TYPE: 6 Month Contract
     APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $30/hr - $41/hr

JOB DESCRIPTION: Duties include deployment and configuration of Microsoft SQL Server software, server instances, and databases. Monitoring of the DB performance and assist in performance tuning.

This position provides installation and DB support services for mission-critical customer businesses. Duties include deployment and support of Microsoft SQL Server in both clustered and non-clustered environments.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 5+ years' experience in a production environment with SQL Server 2000 Installation Management.
* 5+ years' experience in a production environment with SQL Server 2000 Security
* 5+ years' experience in a production environment with SQL Server 2000 Performance Analysis / Tuning
* 5+ years' experience in a production environment with SQL / T-SQL Scripting
* 3+ years' experience in a production environment with SQL Server 2000 Replication
* 5+ years' experience in a production environment with Backup Strategy Management
* 3+ years' experience in a production environment with DTS Packages
* 3+ years' experience in a production environment with Schema Design
* 4+ years' experience in a production environment with Failover Design

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Guy New and give him a call at (972)345-6424

(reference / job number:JOL-E13855)

CCIE/CCNP Network Engineers

2005-12-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

CCIE NETWORK ENGINEERS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX; San Antonio, TX (also Denver, CO; Tampa, FL; St. Louis/KC, MO)

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 50% - 75%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $85K - $110K + Bonus

JOB DESCRIPTION: This position is responsible for Pre-Sales and Post-Sales
installation and support, assisting in developing statements of work, and assisting Inside Sales Representatives with technical questions. Qualified candidate should have 5 to 7 years of hands-on Cisco experience. IP Telephony, security, and/or wireless experience are preferred. 50% to 75% travel is required. Excellent oral and
written communication skills, customer service skills, and presentation skills required.

NOTE: Dallas, TX position is less pre-sales and more straight engineering.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* CCIE -OR- CCIE written and lab candidates encouraged to apply. If you have
only a CCNP, and have at least 5 years experience, along with at least one year of Voice, please also send your resume.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Jared Higgens and give him a call at (925)736-1800. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number: N/A)

Web / Application Developers

2005-12-13T09:45:00.000-05:00

WEB / APPLICATION DEVELOPERS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Contract-to-Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

EMPLOYER INFO: RedSalsa Technologies, Inc. in Dallas, Texas is a leader in IT outsourcing and resource management. The company has been recognized by industry leaders as a fast and aggressive player in the global IT market, and has built an impressive list of Fortune 500 clients.

Our client, an Insurance company in North Dallas, is looking for dynamic personalities to join their growing team. We offer competitive benefits and exceptional work environment. Qualified candidates must have a Bachelors degree in Computer Science or equivalent.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Candidates will be responsible for providing assistance in the company's application development division in the creation and maintenance of various web components.

Successful candidates should be totally comfortable with all aspects of HTML and JavaScript, client server architectures, and has experience with a variety of active-page methodologies and database structures.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 3+ years' production experience with C
* 3+ years' production experience with C++
* 1+ year production experience with C#
* 3+ years' production experience with FGL
* 3+ years' production experience with SQL

PLUSSES:
* DB2 and various other technologies is a plus.
* Candidates will Property and Casualty insurance background are greatly desired.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Terri Lynn Casey and give her a call at (972)503-4200, x3626. Let her know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

UNIX System Administrator

2005-12-13T07:07:00.000-05:00

UNIX SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $100K

JOB DESCRIPTION: Participate as a member of the Technical Support team providing 1st through 4th level technical support and solutions to customers on a nationwide basis that range from mid-size to the Fortune 50. Work in a fast paced, dynamic environment where technology experience and customer service skills will be challenged on a daily basis. Work with leading edge technologies and multiple infrastructure architectures that are maintained in state-of-the-art data centers and designed to support the specific needs of each customer.

Must have demonstrated technical expertise and work experience in providing technical support with the ability to communicate and work directly with customers to identify and resolve technical issues. Must have a broad based understanding of all aspects of complex infrastructure architectures and technologies including networking, server operating systems, system management tools, and remote connectivity.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Must be willing to work one of the following shifts: Sunday - Wednesday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (CST) OR Wednesday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (CST)
* 4+ years overall experience with at least the last 1 ½ years focused on providing technical support across a broad range of Unix technologies including:

* Sun Solaris/Red Hat Linux production server environment
* Sun Solaris OS
* Sun Hardware
* Experience performing administrative tasks with Apache, iPlanet/SunOne Webserver, Veritas NetBackup required.
* Experience with shell scripting and perl scripting required.
* Internet and TCP/IP networking requried.
* Sun Solaris 2.6 and Red Hat Linux AS 3.0 or higher experience preferred.
* Familiarity with J2EE applications preferred
* Sun Certified System Administrator (CSA) and/or Sun Certified Network Administrator (CAN) preferred.
* Position requires experience with Unix server configuration and administration that extends beyond day-to-day monitoring and maintenance activities.
* Knowledge and experience with server hardware components and internals as well as server build and configuration experience is required.
* Experience working in a multi-server environment is required with knowledge of clustering technologies and strategies.
* Unix certifications are highly desirable.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply online at UNIX System Administrator position at Technology Ladders - they have a great level of responsiveness for online applications. If you don't have a Technology Ladder account, you'll have to register for (a FREE) one.

(reference / job number:329107)

Windows System Administrator

2005-12-13T06:56:00.000-05:00

WINDOWS SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $100K

JOB DESCRIPTION: Participate as a member of the Technical Support team providing 1st through 4th level technical support and solutions to customers on a
nationwide basis that range from mid-size to the Fortune 50. Work in a fast paced, dynamic environment where technology experience and customer service skills will be challenged on a daily basis. Work with leading edge technologies and multiple infrastructure architectures that are maintained in state-of-the-art data centers and designed to support the specific needs of each customer.

Must have demonstrated technical expertise and work experience in providing technical support with the ability to communicate and work directly with customers to identify and resolve technical issues. Must have a broad based understanding of all aspects of complex infrastructure architectures and technologies including networking, server operating systems (Windows and UNIX), system management tools, and remote connectivity (i.e., Citrix).

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Must be willing to work a shift (Wednesday - Saturday 12 noon to 11:00 p.m.
* Must be able to work independently to troubleshoot, perform root cause analysis, identify and isolate technical issues, and work in a collaborative effort with other team members as necessary to quickly and effectively resolve technical issues and provide timely status and progress reporting to customers.
* Must be willing to take ownership of the issue analysis and resolution efforts and commit to "doing what it takes" to resolve technical issues regardless of the effort or timeframe required.
* 4+ years overall experience with at least the last 1 ½ years focused on providing technical support across a broad range of Microsoft technologies including:

* Server operating systems - Windows 2000 and 2003
* Active Directory
* Exchange 2000 and 2003
* Position requires experience with Windows server configuration and administration that extends beyond day-to-day monitoring and maintenance activities. Knowledge and experience with server hardware components and internals as well as server build and configuration experience is required.
* Experience working in a multi-server environment is required with knowledge of clustering technologies and strategies. Microsoft certifications are highly desirable.
* In-depth experience with Active Directory (AD) and Exchange is required with
demonstrated knowledge and experience with AD and Exchange design and configuration architectures and strategies. Previous experience with providing support for remotely connected customers and the associated technologies (e.g., Citrix, Cisco PIX) is required.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply online at Windows System Administrator position at Technology Ladders - they have a great level of responsiveness for online applications. If you don't have a Technology Ladder account, you'll have to register for (a FREE) one.

(reference / job number:329105)

Tivoli / Websphere Administrator

2005-12-13T06:46:00.000-05:00

TIVOLU / WEBSPHERE ADMINISTRATOR
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX (If preferred, this position could also be located in St. Louis, MO or New Haven, CT)

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6 Month Contract (there are 2 of these)

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $40/hr - $45/hr

JOB DESCRIPTION: Support the outgrowth of Tivoli Identity Manager (TIM) and Tivoli Access Manager (TAM) on the SBC Extranet (WebGate) providing user identity and access management for multiple applications. The new individual will perform installation, support and consulting for TIM/TAM security. This requires managing multiple projects while interfacing with application developers and security administrators. Responsibilities include product implementation planning, tier 2 support for the chosen products, and upgrading the products as appropriate. The position holder will have the opportunity for exposure to the growing security field of single-sign-on and authorization management.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 2+ years' previous production experience with Tivoli Identity Manager.
* 2+ years' previous production experience with Tivoli Access Manager.
* 3+ years' previous production experience with UNIX-based operating systems.

PLUSSES:
* 2+ years' previous production experience with Websphere Administration
* 2+ years' previous production experience with UNIX scripting.
* 2+ years' previous production experience with J2EE and related Java-based (light) coding.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Guy New and give him a call at (972)345-6424. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:JOL-E13885)

Technical Development Lead

2005-12-12T18:02:00.000-05:00

TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT LEAD
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $100K+

JOB DESCRIPTION: Summary of Job Requirements

* Fulfills a leadership role in planning, designing, coding, testing, debugging, configuring, and documenting software.
* Applies generally accepted programming standards and techniques to assure efficient program logic and data manipulation.
* Analyzes the performance of hardware and software interfaces and identifies alternatives for optimizing the usage of computer resources.
* Provides assistance and routine consultation to internal users of software.
* Works with others to develop system and software designs.
* Coaches and leads other developers.
* Works with Project Manager, Developers, and QA to estimate resources required for new activities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Fourth or Fifth year college or university program certificate plus ten or more years related experience and/or training.
* Excellent Object Oriented development experience - C++/Java (6+ years).
* 10+ years experience developing commercial grade applications with large-scale deployments.
* 5+ years experience leading development teams of 4+ developers.
* Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, executives, and other employees of the organization.
* Good team work skills.

PLUSSES:
* Experience with Internationalization
* UML or other formal design techniques
* Experience with cross-platform application development.
* Participation in projects using Scrum methodology.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply online at Technical Development Leade position at Technology Ladders - they have a great level of responsiveness for online applications. If you don't have a Technology Ladder account, you'll have to register for (a FREE) one.

(reference / job number:323024)

Sr. Application Support Analyst

2005-12-12T17:47:00.000-05:00

SENIOR APPLICATION SUPPORT ANALYST
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: To $105K

JOB DESCRIPTION: A Technical resource is required for providing day-to-day technical support of an internal Producer Services Gas system. This role includes small enhancements, identifying system problems, determining the appropriate resolution for such problems, and executing the resolution quickly with minimal disruption.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Design and develop minor enhancements in support of business group / function, including any 3rd. party customers where appropriate, specifically related to the CPS-EMS

2. Collaborate with and apprise IS Manager of Market Interactions and Business Analyst of critical project and end-user issues, and status of ongoing projects, and work effectively towards department and corporate goals.

3. In the short term, must be able to effectively transition technical knowledge base from another resource while supporting the CPS-EMS system.

4. Interact with IS Client Services staff where appropriate ensuring that services are proactive and/or highly responsive, and that staff is thoroughly trained in appropriate business processes and current with new releases and upgrades.

5. Leverage support staff to develop, implement, and administer fixes and minor enhancements.

6. Perform other related duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
br>1. Bachelor's degree in MIS, Business Administration, other technical discipline or equivalent experience.

2. Minimum four (4) years related experience in a fast-paced information technology environment.

3. Experience supporting a gas gathering and marketing group is a plus.

4. Must have four (4) or more years of experience with MS SQLServer.

5. Must have three (4) or more years of experience developing reports using T-SQL (SQL Server).

6. Must have four (4) or more years of development/support experience with the SQL language and its application and tuning.

7. Must have four (4) or more years of development experience with DELPHI development environment, and supporting toolsets. Experience in the following toolsets would be preferred:

* Crystal Reports - V9.00
* DbOvernet (V2.7) - Middleware
* Orpheus (V4.01) - used for online screens
* SysTools (V3.03) - used for online screens
* InfoPower 3000.3 - used for online screens
* Dynazip (V4.00) - Delphi software components
* TEmail (V2.10) - Delphi software component
* TwebUpdate (V1.40) - Delphi software component
* ImageLib Suite (V6.00) - Delphi software components

8. Must have a minimum of four (4) years supporting and developing reports in Crystal Reports V. 9.0 or an equivalent reporting tool.

9. Experience with Mercury/ITG Release Management tool and PVCS/Version Manager a plus.

10. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate and interact confidently with individuals at all levels; must be dedicated to a high degree of customer service with the ability to work well in a team environment.

11. Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment, and perform well under extreme time constraints and demands during emergency conditions.

12. Ability to effectively express technical concepts to non-technical personnel. This includes being able to take business requirements and effectively translate them into a design document and deliver the code necessary to meet the desired design and requirements.

13. May require quick access via cell phone or pager in addition to responses to after hours service interruptions.

14. Must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with clients, supervisors, co-workers, staff, vendors, executive management and other constituents.

15. Occasional travel to client sites and other company locations.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply online at Sr. Application Support Analyst positiong at Technology Ladders - they have a great level of responsiveness for online applications. If you don't have a Technology Ladder account, you'll have to register for (a FREE) one.

(reference / job number:N/A)

You Are Leaving Your Career To Chance. STOP IT!

2005-12-05T09:04:00.000-05:00

As a guy who has held a bunch of jobs, has spent nearly 15 years in the IT staffing / placements / solutions industry (am I that old already?!), and has worked as a headhunter, I get a lot of people asking my advice for a job search.

Because I am an extraordinarily nice guy (no, really!), I usually will oblige them with some good, solid recommendations that they can use to start the "getting a new job" process.

Also, over the years, I have ceased to be amazed at the numbers of people who leave their career to chance and are unwilling to put any significant effort into their job search.

Perhaps you're one of these people.

I know I was.

LEAVING YOUR CAREER TO CHANCE

Based on the folks that I've talked to, I would estimate that 90%+ of people out in the job market leave their careers to chance. Think about it:

How much intense research did you do on your current employer before hiring on?

How many current and former employees of the company did you talk to before accepting an offer?

Why was this company the best possible choice for employment? (And no, "because they were the ones that made me an offer" doesn't count)

What does this company offer to help further your career goals?

Do you have any thought-out, written-down career goals?

This is just a short list of the possible questions, but most of the candidates that I've spoken with don't have really good answers to even these questions. Do you?

A SLAVE TO THE MONEY

The truth of the matter is that most people are a just slave to the money. You'll do all sorts of demeaning, insulting, and career-limiting things just because of the money. I did, too, by the way.

And when the money runs out (fired, company goes out of business, big layoff, etc.), you scramble to find another source of money. Be honest - that's most of the jobs that you've picked are, aren't they? Another source of money.

Now, we all need money (and, more specifically, we all need MORE money!), so I'm not criticizing that. But, if you're a slave to the money you're getting now, you're a slave to your boss and your company.

And that might not be such a bad thing, if your boss AND your company have your best career options in mind for you. However, usually, they only know where they have "slots" or "gaps" and aren't particularly concerned with where YOU want to be.

JOB HOPPING FOR FUN AND PROFIT

In reality, this method of operation doesn't seem like a bad thing when there are lots of jobs around. That was the case in the late '90s and, no matter what you read in the newspaper and hear on the news, it will be the case again shortly (1-3 years).

Before you think I'm secretly calling you names for doing the job hopping thing, understand that I was there, too. In the late '90s, I job hopped a bunch. And who could blame me, really? I got a 20% - 40% raise every time I jumped. And I wasn't alone!

The problem becomes when the party is over. After the dotcom era ended, jobs were a lot tougher to come by. After 9/11, even more so. That's when I had to take a serious look at what my resume said: 'This guy can't stay put for very long and will jump the first time more money comes along. He's not worth the investment.'

The reason that I'm telling you this is that the job hopping option is coming back around and I urge you to think twice before doing it.

SOLUTION #1: STAYING PUT

Okay, so you find yourself in a less-than-wonderful position. You boss is a pain-in-the-butt, they aren't investing in any new technology, and they've fired enough people so that you're doing just about everything: desktop support, network administration, development, testing, and whatever else that comes up. Oh, and you're a manager, too.

Headhunters are starting to call and tell you about wonderful new jobs that pay more than you're making now. They're desperate. They need you!

How can you NOT leave a place where you're undervalued, underpaid, and underappreciated for one that needs you, wants you, and is willing to pay for you?

A HEADHUNTER'S SECRET ABOUT JOBS

Let me tell you a little headhunter's secret: moving jobs is a lot like getting remarried. Compared to your old harpy, haranguing, sloppy, wench of a wife, this new one seems much more vibrant, interesting, exciting, and exotic. How could you go wrong?

Because, while all women are different, they're all alike in one way: they've got problems. Before you start your hate e-mails, men are the same. We've all got problems. It's a human condition.

So, while your new wife may not have the exact problems your old one did, she's got problems that you'll get to discover (at the most inopportune times) that you may find are even more annoying than your old wife's.

What's this got to do with your job? It is this: Almost all companies have problems valuing their employees. Almost all companies have difficulty showing appropriate appreciation for their employees. And almost all companies underpay their employees, even if the initial pay is better than what you were making before.

Yes, almost all of them. I know both the next company and woman (or man) that you meet will seem to be pretty perfect. You won't be able to see any real flaws with them. And now, you know where to look, right?

If you remember nothing else, remember this: You are a technical person. You know that raw numbers don't lie. That new woman and that new company have problems as serious (though different) than your currant woman and job. If not more so. The numbers don't lie.

SOLUTION #2: STAYING PUT TO FIND A NEW JOB

Let me be real honest with you here: If you haven't been in your current position for at least 3 years, you shouldn't be looking to move jobs. It's too career limiting. And, in the scheme of things, you can stand anything for 3 years.

Besides, I'm going to keep you busy enough that you won't even notice the years fly by.

Are there exeptions to the 3 year rule? Yes. Here they are:

Your boss physically beats you. Daily. If it's only weekly or so, suck it up.

You're being sexually harassed. How do you know? Remember the old rule: if you like it, it's not harassment.

You're being laid off. Important here is not that you THINK you're being laid off. HR has actually TOLD you that you're being laid off.

Your life is in danger. And don't give me any of this namby pamby new age junk about, "The stress is going to kill me", "My chi is so wrong here that I might die", or any such nonsense. I mean that there is a real, honest-to-goodness bad man with a knife, gun, or really sharp letter opener that is threatening to make you look like swiss cheese.

Those are the exceptions. If you don't fall into one of those, stop your whining.

THE HARD WORK IS JUST BEGINNING

Let me demystify this for you: Getting the right job for you is hard work.

And long work. Finding the right job for you is a process that will take 8-18 months. But look at it this way: that's a small amount of time to invest for a job that you'll love for many years to come.

Yes, I know you've had offers that you've turned down. Yes, I know headhunters have set you up with interviews and the companies are very interested. Yes, I know that you're in the process and so, if these don't work out, you'll start the hard work.

My answer is this: 1)If what you're doing is working out well for you, why are you turning down the offers and asking me for advice? and 2)If you haven't put the work into finding out what you want, how will you know if any of these offers are any good?

You can argue with me all you like. I can guarantee that I'm right. And you know it, too.

THE FIRST STEP

So, let's assume, just to make me feel better, that you're ready to start with the hard work of getting your new job.

Where do you start?

Step #1 is this: Decide what you really want to do with your life.

I'll be posting step 2 this week. If that's not fast enough for you, e-mail me letting me know what you've done from Step#1 and, if you're ready, I'll tell you step #2.

NOC Level 2 Engineer

2005-12-05T08:24:00.000-05:00

NOC Level 2 Engineer
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Austin, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $29/hr - $33/hr

JOB DESCRIPTION: NetOps technicians should demonstrate a functional understanding of network equipment, their operating systems, inter-networking operating system (IOS) commands, and network protocols infrastructure and interdependencies. Technician should possess skills/methods that utilize appropriate tools to rapidly isolate, restore connectivity and determine root cause of network outages or problems. Technicians should also follow-up with support groups to repair identified problems...

The specific tools that they will be using are HP Openview, Net Cool, and Cisco IOS / Management tools.

This position is going to be on a rotating shift with the other members of the NOC, including overnight shifts.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Prior NOC experience.
* 1+ Year experience with HP Openview
* 3+ Years experience with Cisco equipment / management.

PLUSSES:
* Net Cool Experience

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Me! (Dan Sweet) and then give me a call at (832)237-2835.

(reference / job number:8071691)

How To Dress for Interviews

2005-12-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

When interviewing a lot of candidates, the most common misconception is that you should dress the same as whatever the standard is for the company. There are two problems with this:

1) It's not true.

2) You're just guessing as to what the standard is for the company.

Below, I've included an article from a guy who writes for Monster that tells you a little more explicitly how to dress for an interview.

Enjoy!

Dan

Dress Appropriately for Interviews
by Thad Peterson
Monster Staff Writer

What do I wear to the interview? It's a question millions of people
agonize over on some level while looking for a job.

The bad news is that there are few cut-and-dried answers. As the
saying goes, there's no accounting for taste, and each interviewer
has his unique sense of what's appropriate interview attire. The good
news? Deciding what to wear isn't as difficult as you might think.

Dress One or Two Levels Up

"The rule of thumb is that you dress one or two levels higher than
the job that you're going for," explains Kate Wendleton, president
and founder of the Five O'Clock Club, a national career counseling
and outplacement firm. "If you were going for a job as a mechanic,
you wouldn't go in there in dirty overalls, even though that's how
you would dress for that kind of work. You would still go in there
and show respect. You would go in with an open-collar shirt, clean
pants and maybe a jacket."

As Wendleton puts it, by dressing a notch or two above what's
standard apparel for the position you're interviewing for, "you're
definitely showing that you care about this job, and that you know
the game."

Caution Is The Better Part of Valor

When it's time to get dressed for the interview, remember: It's not
so much that you're trying to get the job with what you wear, it's
more a matter of not taking yourself out of contention with your
presentation, Wendleton says. "Interviewers can decide in 10 seconds
that they don't want you," she adds. "It will take them longer to
decide they do want you." Chances are good that by dressing on the
conservative side, you won't unintentionally disqualify yourself. But
trying to demonstrate how hip you are with your exposed lower back
tattoos or laid-back Juicy Couture outfit could backfire.

This Isn't 1999

Once upon a time during the dotcom heyday, recounts
Wendelton, "people would come in with nose rings and sandals, and
because there really was a severe labor shortage, they'd get hired."

She says that young, freshly minted grads often make the mistake
these days of going too casual, perhaps confusing what once was with
what now is. "These days, people are not desperate for you," she
points out. "Recent grads tend to dress like they're students at
interviews. Nobody forgives that. Not in this market."

Use Your Judgment

Is a suit always a must in an interview? Absolutely not. Michael
Smith, who recently searched for a job in the Chicago area, went on
an interview in the midst of a bitter cold snap in that region. "So
instead of wearing a suit, I wore black slacks and a sweater," says
Smith. "The sweater was large and cable-knit but very nice and high
quality. The interviewer actually said to me that it was nice to see
something other than a suit walk through his door. And a week later,
I got the job."

So be sure to learn about an industry's fashion culture; some are
obviously more casual than others. It's also usually fine to inquire
about the dress code while setting up the interview. An Armani coat
and tie or your nice Ann Taylor outfit may not be required if you
discover the dress code is casual.

"But it's never fine to go in with a collarless shirt," warns
Wendleton. And for men, she suggests putting on a jacket, even when
not wearing a tie.

Being Too True to Yourself

There are those who say it's pointless to dress for an interview in a
way that you wouldn't once you're on the job. Why misrepresent
yourself to a future employer or try to be someone you're not?

"If you want to have eight earrings and have your tongue pierced,
that's fine," says Wendleton. "But you're showing you don't know how
to play the game. If it's so important to you, go ahead and dress
like you normally do, but realize that you may not get the job."

Internet Industry Major Market Sales Exec

2005-11-21T11:16:00.000-05:00

INTERNET INDUSTRY MAJOR MARKET SALES EXEC
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $140K - $180K at plan

JOB DESCRIPTION: A leading internet company I am working with is growing exponentially and offers professional development and advancement. There are two specific positions available in the Houston Market - Major Account Sales and National Account Sales. The Major Account Position compensation is $140K at plan and top performers are earning $225K. The National Account Position compensation is $180K to $300K at the various levels of plan and top performers are earning $425K.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
I am looking for individuals with the following experience:

* Experience selling Fortune 1000 Accounts
* Experience calling on and meeting with VP and C-Level Executives
* 4 years minimum sales experience
* Experience selling $100K minimum size deals

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Heather Mayfield and give her a call at (214)289-9281. Let her know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

VB / SAP Web Application Analyst

2005-11-17T07:19:00.000-05:00

VB/SAP WEB APPLICATION ANALYST
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Richardson, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 10%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: DOE

EMPLOYER INFO: Lennox International is a leading provider of climate control solutions for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets in over 100 countries. We are focused on three key businesses: Heating and Cooling, Service Experts, and Refrigeration. You will be interacting with business customers, IT personnel and Management.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Experience designing, coding, testing, documenting and maintaining Web front-end interfaces using Visual Basic and a compilation of Java, Microsoft. Net, JavaScript, VBScript, SQL, C++, or other languages to make business application web accessible.
* Ability to work with users to support business applications and investigating operational problems/systems requirements.
* Must be able to complete a project phase and follow it through to completion.
* Experience with SAP Mobile Sales, SAP CRM, ABAP and/or Object oriented ABAP is highly desirable.

PLUSSES:
* Experience with Portal, SAP Struts, SAP Internet Pricing and Configurator (IPC), B2B and/or B2C experience is a plus.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Bobbi Sanchez and let her know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:1388-US-TX-Richardson-Web Application Analyst-VB/SAP)

HR Sales Generalist

2005-11-17T07:11:00.000-05:00

HR SALES GENERALIST
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Tyler, TX (Yes, really!)

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 25% - 30%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: Major Responsibilities:
* Apply human resources tools and processes across the organizationto ensure the appropriate people, processes and structure are in place to achieve business results
* Analyze performance management, personal development and humanresource plans; develop and implement appropriate training and development opportunities to meet individual and organizational needs
* Develop and implement recruiting and hiring strategies utilizinginternal talent and external resources to meet current and future business needs
* Apply and implement local and corporate HR policies, as required
* Administer salaried and sales compensation plans; Provide periodic compensation training to managers
* Provide positive employee relations support to client groups
* Champion opportunities for division-wide best practice sharing and standardization of processes
* Provide leadership and support as needed for safety and well-beinginitiatives

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education/Experience:
* Four-year degree in human resources, business or related field
* 5 - 7 years professional human resources experience
* Prior experience in a marketing and sales organization preferred
* Knowledge of sales incentive compensation plans a plus

Key Competencies:
* Strong leadership skills
* Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment
* Excellent problem solving and conflict management skills
* Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
* Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills
* Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
* Strong presentation skills, including both creation and delivery
* Demonstrated proficiency using MS Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint preferred

Other requirements:
* Willing and able to travel overnight 25 - 30% of the time

PLUSSES:
* Experience with college recruiting and cooperative education programs preferred
* Knowledge of talent management systems a plus
* DDI facilitator certification a plus
* Willingness/ability to relocate to other American Standard sites in HR role preferred

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Deane Osner and let him know you found it here!

(reference / job number:Human Resources - RS Sales)

Windows 2003 / IIS / AD Tech

2005-11-17T06:58:00.000-05:00

WINDOWS 2003 / IIS / AD TECH
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 1.5 Year Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: This position provides installation and system support services for mission-critical customer businesses in the IDC managed hosting environment.

Ongoing support of managed customer environments Milestones: Duties include deployment of the Windows 2000 and 2003 operating systems on HP Intel-based hardware platforms, configuration of same to specifications, and security configuration. Additional duties include configuration of storage devices, clustering software, and integration of the customer applications within the context of the cluster. Prior to being released into production, testing and verification of connectivity and functionality must be performed. Provide 7x24x365 support

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Windows Server 2003 Expert
* Internet Information Server (IIS) Expert
* Active Directory Expert
* TCP/IP Networking Expert
* HP Intel Server Hardware Expert
* DNS Expert
* DHCP and WINS Expert
* Microsoft Clustering Services Intermediate

PLUSSES:
* SQL Server Intermediate
* Linux Intermediate

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Guy New and give him a call at (972)345-6424. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:REQ-JOL-E13721)

Teradata / Erwin Data Analyst

2005-11-15T18:07:00.000-05:00

TEREDATA / ERWIN DATA ANALYST
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: DFW, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

EMPLOYER INFO: Our client needs a specialized Data Modeler/Architect for a six month contract. This position is located in DFW, Tx. At this time we can only accept US Citizens and Green Card holders. Please read the requirement completely before sending your resume. Our client is looking for someone with 7-9 years experience. Teradata and Erwin experience required.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Database Architect will be responsible for standardizing the corporate data asset, beginning with the data warehouse and subsequently to the operational systems that feed it. This includes the development and maintenance of an enterprise data model. This position will be the primary point of contact for the corporate data asset including data quality and metadata. This position will interact directly with the business community to determine standard definitions of the enterprise.

This position will focus on the data warehouse and the information it provides, and push data standardization out to the operational systems that feed the data warehouse. This position will set-up data policies, standards and procedures beginning with the data warehouse and subsequently the operational systems. This position will approve data models developed in the operational systems and set-up the necessary procedures to insure compliance.

General Skills:
-Expert in gathering business requirements. Knowledge of use-case approach a plus.
-Expert in logical modeling at the enterprise level. Strong physical modeling preferred.-Excellent communication skills and presentation capabilities.
-Ability to identify need, design, and implement supporting data policies, procedures and processes.
-Strong understanding of NCR Teradata and normalized data warehouse structures.
-Strong understanding of Data Warehouse principles.-Strong logical modeling in an OLTP environment.
-Experienced in DSS, EIS and information presentation.
-Experience in Data Warehouse Data Modeling
-Experience in ETL development a strong plus
-Experience in data profiling, metadata efforts and data quality initiatives a strong plus.
-Create, implement, and oversee policies, procedures, and standards for the corporate data asset.
-Establish procedures for intial data definition and subsequent modification of data objects at the enterprise level.
-Specify the standards by which data may be created, retrieved, updated, deleted and preserved.
-Determine, monitor, and review the security classification and shareability rules for corporate data.
-Facilitate and assist in assignment of data stewardship throughout the organization and arbitrate issues or inconsistencies related to data stewardship and usage.
-Review and approve data models to ensure compliance with standards, and provide resolution of conflicts.
-Facilitate appropriate and secure access to corporate data.
-Promote the accurate interpretation and responsible use of corporate data.
-Solicit and respond in a timely way to the information needs of the enterprise.
-Insure that user\'s of corporate data know what data is available, what if means, and how to access it.
-Design and assist in the implementation of procedures for monitoring corporate data to insure accuracy and integrity. Initiate action concerning data issues when discovered.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Minimum BS in Information Systems, Computer Science or related discipline. Will consider business degree with technical job experience. MS preferred.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Brandi and give her a call at (214)880-8700. Let her know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah!

2005-11-15T13:31:00.000-05:00

HAPPY CHRISMAHANUKWANZAKAH!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Okay, it's a bit weird, but Virgin Mobile has put together an e-card just for you!

Go there to see your very own (and probably only) Chrismahanukwanzaka Card.

The phone number (888-ELF-POOP) is pretty funny, too...

-Dan

IT / NOC Director

2005-11-15T13:18:00.000-05:00

IT / NOC DIRECTOR
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Plano, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

EMPLOYER INFO: This is a great local company in San Ramon, California that is very well funded going very strong.In addition to their Headquarters in San Ramon, they have an office in Bangalore, India and in Plano, Texas.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Complete job description is pending, but they are looking for a top notch, Information Technology, Network Operation Center Director to run and manage their 24x7 infrastructure.

I apologize, but I have no other detail at this time, like I said, details are pending. If this is something that you think you may be interested in discussing further, please contact me directly and immediately.

And yes, the job is *in* Plano, Texas - They will not consider remote management for this role.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Pending

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Dean Tracy and give him a call at (925)552-7972. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Technical Peoplesoft Financial Professional

2005-11-14T07:23:00.000-05:00

TECHNICAL PEOPLESOFT FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 4 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $70/hr

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* PeopleSoft Technical Financials -- Technical w/ 3+ years of experience in PeopleTools (v 8.4), PeopleCode, AppEngine, Integration tools.
* Functional lead w/ 4+ years of experience in PeopleSoft GL, AR, BI
* PeopleSoft CM &/or PC is a plus
* PeopleSoft version 8.8

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Sam at Pace Solutions and then give him a call at (443)320-0073. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Sybase / SQL / PeopleSoft Production Support

2005-11-11T09:15:00.000-05:00

SYBASE / SQL / PEOPLESOFT PRODUCTION
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6-12 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: "Open"

JOB DESCRIPTION: This position is responsible for implementing the database structures,supporting the existing production databases. Administration and monitoring of the existing systems, coordinating the modification of the data structures with the application development team, supporting problem resolution, documenting data security and accessrequirements, implementing data security as well as performing and monitoring database back-up and recovery. This position is also expected to monitor data storage management such as disk storage allocation, usage, table and index placement and volume management

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Sybase DBA: (5) years hands on experience with Sybase is required.
* Minimum of 2-3 years of proven experience in supporting MS SQL Server, more Level 2 production support required needed for thisposition, server problems backups etc.
* Experience supporting PeopleSoft's middle tier servers (BEA Tuxedo andWebLogic) pref. in a Sybase environment running on IBM AIX 5.1 are required.
* No PSFT P/A experience is required.

PLUSSES:
* Bachelor degree in Computer Science, EE or related majors preferred.
* Sybase and MS SQL Server DBA Certifications are highly desirable.
* Knowledge of BMC Patrol and Veritas NetBackup are major plus.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Reddy at Zolon, and give him a call at (703)835-9227 x315. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

What Do You Really Want To Do With Your Life?

2005-11-11T07:53:00.000-05:00

WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Not long ago, I was telling you about a teleseminar that John West Hadley of JHA Careers was holding. Basically, it was a free informational teleseminar that gave everyone a bunch of good information about how to plan more long-term for your career as well as promoted their "Career Search Counselling" services.

After the seminar was over, John posted a list of answers that participants gave to the questions, "Where do you want to be in 5 years?" and "What is your dream job?" The answers to those questions told me what I've suspected for a long time:

Almost every single person looking for a new job in America today has no idea what they really want to do with their lives!

Well, it's time we fixed that. Today, we'll talk a little bit about how to start picking a path while not missing out on the blessings that are put into your life.

[NOTE: On re-reading this, it's a little long. But it's worthwhile. Print it out and take it with you, but read it all. You'll thank me later. Really!]

LIFE'S NATURAL PRIORITIZATION METHOD

If you're anything like me and most of the people I come into contact with every day, you are sprinting from the time you hear the annoying grunt of your alarm in the morning until your head hits the pillow at night. There are more than enough things to do to fill 2-3 days that you have to fit into the 16 waking hours you have every day.

This is what I like to call, "Life's Natural Prioritization Method". That is, if you aren't going to use enough higher brain function to prioritize all the things you have to do, life will do it for you.

For instance, recently I had noticed that my registration for my car was out of date. I hadn't sent in the renewal in time (because I was too busy with other things, of course!), so now it was going to turn into a REAL pain-in-the-butt.

Rather than just mailing a check, now I had to go down to the County Tax Assessor / Collector's office to stand in the standard glacial-speed, hygeine challenged, bureaucratic mess of a line in order to get the stupid thing renewed.

GUESS WHAT I DID?

You got it. I let it slide because there was (say it with me now) "Too much to do."

That lasted until a couple of weeks ago.

You see, "I was driving along, minding my own business" when a mean 'ol cop pulled me over for no reason at all. Actually, this "mean 'ol cop" was probably the best looking female cop I've ever seen. So, it wasn't all bad...

Actually, since we were out in the country a little bit, and she was a smaller, good-looking woman, I'm assuming that most people did not "Respect Her Authoritah". So, she had her hair yanked back so tightly that I can only assume it acted as a natural facelift, she was wearing a perpetual scowl, and she acted like I had recently kicked her favorite cat.

In any case, me being a large male, there was no way out of this ticket, so I was a polite, respectful citizen, waiting to get my ticket so I could get on my way.

WHAT PRIORITY WAS GETTING MY REGISTRATION DONE NOW?

Life had stepped in an helped me prioritize something that I should have done on my own. Now, my choices were to stand in the long, painful, time-sucking line and get the registration done in addition to getting the receipt to the appropriate county judge (with a $10 administrative fee, of course)

OR

Keep doing nothing, have to pay something like a $290 fine (plus the $10 administrative fee), have it hit my record, and STILL have to deal with that stinking line!

In fact, the only way to not deal with that line was to wait until they issue a warrant for my arrest sometime in December, get arrested (undoubtedly, just to let me know what my priorities should be, it'd be right before Christmas), and go to jail for awhile.

Hmmm...the line vs. jail. Let's think about this one. The line lasts up to an hour, rather than days, weeks or years; the people might be lacking in hygeine, but at least they're not trying to intimately test MY hygeine; and if I leave the line, I don't get a baton across the back of my head.

That line isn't looking so bad now, is it?

WHO IS PRIORITIZING YOUR CAREER?

It's the same with your job. No, hopefully not that baton thing, but the prioritization thing.

If you don't take the time to think about what you want to do, where you want to be, and what direction you're heading in, Life will take care of that for you in the form of bosses who may not have your best interests at heart.

And you may find yourself in a career that feels like there are people intimately interested with your hygeine and, if you step out of line, you're going to get a career-baton to the back of your head.

And now that I've painted such a lovely picture for you, let me tell you specifically what you need to do.

THE PRACTICAL STEPS TO GET STARTED

The biggest problem with this whole ephimeral "thinking about your career" thing is that most people don't know where to get started. The good news is that I'm here to help! And I promise: no batons.

Here's what you do:

Set Aside An Hour A Week - This will last for the next several months, probably. But I really mean block out that hour. "Make an appointment with yourself," as they say. No interruptions. No checking e-mail. Serious, blocked out time.

Get a Small Book or Spiral-Bound Pad - Sort of like a reporter's notebook. The reason that this is an explicit step is that we in the technology world tend to think and not do and because we tend to use electrons rather than ink. I'm as bad about this as anyone.

However, for this particular excercise, I want it in pen (or pencil, if you prefer) and on paper. No, I don't care that you put all of your notes in your PDA - this is not conducive to that. Really, just get a stinking pad of paper. Do it now.

And for the next few months, I want you to carry this pad with you at all times. You're going to make additions, subtractions, and endless notes on all of this stuff when you least expect it. Your brain is going to be activated to look for specific things now, so it could happen ay any time.

Have you gotten that pad yet? I'm serious. Get off your butt and go get it now. Know where the supply cabinet it? Well, ask someone. GO! I know you like to "read through" stuff first. You might as well not read anything that follows if you don't have your pad. So, get it. Now. I'll wait.

Decide What You Like To Do - Set aside the first several pages to list the things you like about your job. Yes, list 'em all. I don't care if it's job-related or not. If you like fishing, list fishing. If you like playing Civilization IV until the wee hours, might as well list that, too. If you like watching Barney videos, seek help.

Also, while you're at it, list the things about work you like. If you like solving the technical problems that nobody else can figure out, list that. If you like managing people to create results in a timeline nobody thought possible, list that. If you like negotiating political minefields, building up a power base, and having an amazing list of benefits, there are even places for you, so write it down.

Decide What You Don't Like To Do - The next several pages should be what you don't like to do. Meetings, getting yelled at, working with incompetant people, put it all down.

Be very specific with this one, though. If you don't like meetings, write down exactly why or specifically which meetings you don't like. A lot of people say they don't like meetings, but would be the first in line at the "Annual Cheerleaders Who Love Geeks Meeting". What, specifically, is it about the meetings you dread that you don't like?

Find Out What Other People Like and Don't Like To Do - You know the drill, set aside the next few pages in your notebook for what other people like and don't like to do. Think of this as something to talk about with anyone you know or see. You didn't have anything to say to them anyway, so this is a good conversation starter.

The reason you're asking other people what they like and don't like is that, frequently, our brains are stuck in a rut. You may like some things that you are just taking for granted that would be in every job. When you talk to other people, they're in a different rut and will say some things you aren't consciously considering, but are good ideas.

Oh, by the way. Let me give you one more incentive to do this part. All of those cute girls or guys that you've been wanting to talk to, but didn't know what to say? Here's your chance. You're asking them something about themselves (their favorite subject) and what they say is so important that you're writing it down. I can't guarantee that they'll go out with you, but they at least think you're significantly less creepy after this.

Think About Things You Think You'd Like To Do - This is for things that you don't do currently in your own job. Look at other people's jobs. As you're talking to them about #5, think to yourself, "Would I want to do that? Does that sound cool / fun / interesting?" If so, write it down.

Okay - We'll talk about what to do with these lists the next time. But, for at least the next few weeks, carry around your pad and write down any ideas that come to you. We're talking about your career here, so there's no need to rush. In fact, it's even a little prudent to take your time with this part.

Have you got that pad yet?

-Dan

PS: Since I'm stealing all sorts of content from John, let me also tell you that he has a Free 30 Minute Consultation to help you find a new job, advance in your current job, or make the most from the job you just got.

Pre-Sales Systems Engineer

2005-11-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

OPEN VMS SYSTEMS ENGINEER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX + Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $110K Base + Bonuses

EMPLOYER INFO: Leader in Compliancy Applications and an SAP partner is experienceny unprecedented growth.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Systems Engineer will help drive the sales cycle for the South Central US market through presentations, demos, proof of concept.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Must come from a major applications vendor - SAP, Peoplesoft, Oracle, Siebel, etc.
* Must have experience in Sarbanes- Oxley (Sox).
* Excellent presentation skills required.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to S. Ryan and let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:SR119)

Area Sales Manager

2005-11-10T10:51:00.000-05:00

AREA SALES MANAGER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $85K Base - Total comp planned at $150K+

EMPLOYER INFO: This is for a major, national, online job / resume database. You've heard of them.

JOB DESCRIPTION: · This is an Area Sales Leadership position:
* Full P&L responsibility
* Recruit, Develop, and Mentor a Team of 7 outside sales account executives to penetrate large accounts
* They will be using a strategic formula for success with a consultative sales approach
* This is a named account territory
* The team will be 3 National Account Executives, 3 Major Account Executives, and 1 Senior Account Executive
* This is the LARGEST market for National Accounts

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 4 Year Degree
* 5 Years Selling in HOUSTON market
* 2-3 Years Management Experience
* Must have personally closed Large Accounts
* Aggressive yet consultative sales approach
* Proven Track Record for Success

PLUSSES:
* 1-2 Years in the Oil and Gas Industry is a plus

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Heather Mayfield and then give her a call at (214)227-2389. Let her know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Telecom / Network Technician

2005-11-10T10:39:00.000-05:00

TELECOM / NETWORK TECHNICIAN
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Plano, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 15 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: For this project, you'll be:
A. Responsible for monitoring the multi-customer ISP network environment
B. Responsible for event notification acknowledgement, correlation, and notification to affected customers in a rapid manner
C. Responsible for troubleshooting complex Layer 1 through Layer 3 technical issues
D. Responsible to work with customers on troubleshooting, resolving, and communicating technical issues
E. Assist in special projects with respect to MPLS and Internet based product and service development and improvements
F. Will assist in trouble ticket and technical escalation path forward and resolution

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

* Knowledge of Cisco routers and Cisco IOS 12.1+.

* CCNA

* Working experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting of networks from layer one(Frame, Point to Point, ATM), to layer three (routing with above listedrouting protocols).

* Experience with tasks involved with network monitoring,alarm notification and acknowledgement.

* Strong understanding of BGP, OSPF,and EIGRP routing protocols and route redistribution.

* Strong customerservice skills and being able to multitask between troubleshooting network outages and performance while interfacing with customers with event notification and communication of status of network events.

* Experience working in a Network Operation Center a strong plus.

* Possesses strong documentation skills to accurately track and network issues, symptoms, and resolutions.

* Experience in handling and resolution of large scale technical escalations and issues.

* Scheduling flexibility a plus

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to John at InfoExperts and then give him a call at (972)635-5142. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Citrix XPe Systems Engineer

2005-11-10T10:26:00.000-05:00

CITRIX SYSTEMS ENGINEER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

EMPLOYER INFO: Company in the Houston area is searching for skilled System Engineers with Citrix Metaframe XPe experience. This is a permanent position with a stable company. The company offers full benefits and an environment to be exposed to new technologies.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Company in the Houston area is searching for skilled System Engineers with Citrix Metaframe XPe experience. This position requires the candidate to have the following experience:
• 5+ years experience as a Systems Engineer with skills supporting software production systems and e-commerce services using Citrix ASP.
• Third level technical support experience troubleshooting software application issues within the ASP (Application Service Provider.)
• Skilled in supporting customers and documenting results in a service desk ticketing system.
• Networking skills in installing, upgrading and configuring network printers, directory structures, rights, security and software and file services.
• Experienced managing files and database systems using MS SQL Server.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Skilled with:
• MS Server 2000 & 2003
• MS SQL Server
• Citrix MetaFrame XPe
• Citrix Presentation Servers
• Citrix ICA client
• MS Active Directory
• DNS
• MS IIS
• MS Clustering
• Compaq file servers
• Network routing and firewalls
• VB Scripting

Certifications:
• MCSE – Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
• CCEA – Citrix Certified Enterprise Architect
• MCSD – Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer

PLUSSES:
• 4 year college degree - preferred

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Marie Mikelson and give her a call at (281)937-9900. Let her know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Web QA Analyst

2005-11-07T15:43:00.000-05:00

WEB QA Analyst
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION:Dallas, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive.

EMPLOYER INFO: Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to expand your skills and put a well-known industry leader on your resume? We're looking for
the very rare individual who combines strong SQL programming expertise, exceptional learning ability, personal and professional maturity, and willingness to grow into increasingly challenging roles. In exchange, we offer a very challenging, rewarding, and fun work environment centered on integrity, growth, and success.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Our client is looking for five (5) Quality Assurance (QA) Testers to
be an integral part of their Internet (B2C) Development team
supporting thousands of customers. You can bring value by using your
skills to perform the QA testing on new development in an existing
web application. The candidate must have proven skills testing
software in and Oracle / Unix systems and back-end processing. We're
looking for QA Analysts who thoroughly understands: transaction
processing software; testing concepts and techniques; and various
levels of testing scenarios.

It will be the Candidate's role to design and create the overall
testing approach for the B2C System. Candidate must be comfortable
establishing project wide quality assurance and testing guidelines,
standards, measurements, and quality reviews for the entire project
cycle. Candidate must have demonstrated the ability to create unit,
system, acceptance, regression, performance, and parallel test
environments. This application will interface with the client's
legacy source systems, across multiple databases and operating
environments.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 5+ years of Information Technology experience
* 2+ years experience as a Quality Assurance Analyst
* 3+ years programming SQL (PL/SQL preferred)
* Expertise writing/reviewing detailed use cases and scripts
* Executing test plans, test cases and test scripts both manual and
automated is required
* Experience writing scripts in Unix, command line knowledge
* Experience creating QA guidelines, standards, measurements, and
quality indices
* General knowledge of development lifecycles, testing lifecycles is
required
* Strong business analysis skills and excellent communication skills
* Expertise in relational database review
* Proficient with MS Office suite
* Highly motivated individual with very good analytical skills dedicated to complete tasks on schedule
* Skilled at creating test data for unit, system, and acceptance test
scripts
* Teamwork attitude

PLUSSES:
* Knowledge of automated testing tools (experience with Quicktest Pro
a plus)
* BS or BA, desirable. Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics,
Engineering or relevant analytical field.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Glenda Barbour and give her a call at (469)429-5900. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Automated Business Solutions Account Executive

2005-11-07T15:34:00.000-05:00

AUTOMATED BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION:Irving, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $50K - $65K

EMPLOYER INFO: A sixteen-year old industry leader in automated business solutions, is seeking success-minded individuals wanting to earn a rewarding income. This client has earned several honors and is one of the 50 fastest growing
technology companies in Texas and was included in the Technology Fast 500, a
list of the 500 fastest growing companies in North America by the
international firm, Deloitte and Touche.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Salary range - 1st year potential income range - $50-65K. 2nd year potential $70-100+K. Looking for a candidate for long term commitment.
Marketing efforts result in a constant flow of new leads and travel is
sometimes an option but seldom a requirement.

In addition to a rewarding income, the client offers a highly ethical work
environment with benefits including insurance, 401k, and paid vacation.

* Prospect for new business development
* Deliver and follow through on proposals for new business
* Maintain existing client accounts
* Follow up on internet/website leads
* Attend trade shows and networking events with the DFW area.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor Degree Preferred
* Sales experience desired but not required.
* Excellent communication skills and work ethic
* Organized with good time management skills
* High personal goals and expectations
* Ability to learn and understand technical information

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Brandon Barber and give him a call at (972)934-1631. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

OLAP Database Designer / Developer

2005-11-07T15:20:00.000-05:00

OLAP DATABASE DESIGNER / DEVELOPER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Plano, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: Deliver on assigned development activities for OLAP database requirements using the Microsoft Analysis Services development tools. Work independently, but as part of a project team, to develop assigned OLAP cube deliverables using MS Analysis Services tools. Thoroughly perform unit testing of assigned components. Leverage user interface standards and apply those in the deliverables. Perform Unit Testing, Integration Testing and assist in Customer Acceptance Testing.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Senior technical knowledge of reporting, analytic and presentation architectures for reporting and analysis solutions.
* Ability to communicate with the Business Analysts, End Users and Solution Architects to translate general OLAP design into specific development activities
* Expert skills in OLAP concepts, design, and development
* Expert skills in MS Analysis Services cube construction (understands tradeoffs when selecting proper dimension attributes, understands tradeoffs when designing cube, and works with data source designers to ensure efficient source schema design or loading MSAS).
* Understands and implements MSAS best practices
* Understands and implements MSAS tuning and optimization
* Understands MSAS security and implements appropriate security roles and access.
* Proficient in MDX.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Srikanth Katuri and then give him a call at (703)584-5600 x304. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

You Can BE Speed Racer

2005-11-01T17:19:00.000-05:00

YOU CAN BE SPEED RACER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good news in "I grew up in the 80's land". There now exists a game where you can actually BE Speed Racer.

Call the boss. Tell him that you're going to be tied up for the next few days and he shouldn't expect much from you. If he's the same age, tell him about the site. He'll understand completely.

Redo your Voice Mail message to something out of Speed Racer like, "ICan'tComeToThePhoneRightNow.PlayingSpeedRacer.LeaveMessage." Then, put on the "Do Not Disturb".

Set your "Away from the Office" message in Outlook and just list the URL of the game, below.

Now, you're ready.

Slide into the plush leather driver's seat of the Mach 5 and feel the purr of Pop's "baby" course through your body.

Experience "Yonk-Yonks" (everyone had their own name for this, but this is what my brother and I called the jumping ability of the Mach 5).

Getting run off of the road? Push "C" to get out those buzz saws on the front of the car so that you can chop through the trees instead of crash.

Collect candy to excite Spritle and Chim-Chim.

Bask in the original, "back-in-the-day"-style Japanese Anime look of everyone from Speed to Trixie to Racer X.

Does it get any better than this?

Oh, here's the link: Speed Racer Game

You're not even reading this far, so I won't bother with some fancy ending...

Dan

IT Departments Dead in 6 Years?

2005-11-01T09:42:00.000-05:00

IT DEPARTMENTS DEAD IN 6 YEARS?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ladies and Gentlemen,

CIO Magazine has just posted an article based on Gartner research that the IT Department as will be dead.

What they mean is that 10% of the IT Departments will be fully outsourced by 2011 (that's a bunch of IT guys!) and the remaining 90% are going to significantly change focus.

I tell you this because now is the time to start planning for 2011. Got your degree? No? Get it. Yes? Good, now get an MBA.

Here's the article: Gartner: One in Ten IT Departments Dead by 2001"

Feel free to add your naysaying to Comments.... ;-)

Dan

You Want A New Job? Better Be Available On The Web!

2005-11-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

WANT A NEW JOB? BETTER BE AVAILABLE ON THE WEB!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Here's an article that I ran across that you might find interesting. Here's one of the more interesting statistics: "89% of Hiring Managers and human resource professionals use the Internet to recruit new employees and research their [the potential employee's] prior endeavors."

So, if you want a new job, you'd sure better be on the Internet. And I *don't* mean the job boards.

Enjoy!

Dan

Recruiting
More firms looking to Web for information

When seeking employment, your presence on the Internet is more
important than ever, a study shows.

More employers are looking to the Web for information on future
employees. What they find, or don't find, is having a greater effect
on who gets hired and who gets their resume put ''on file.''

Zoom Information, a Waltham company that operates the people search
engine ZoomInfo.com, recently released the results of a survey it
conducted among job seekers about their feelings on their personal
Internet presence.

According to the Society of Human Resource Management, 89 percent of
hiring managers and human resource professionals use the Internet to
recruit new employees and research their prior endeavors. For
workers, this means an increased concern about what is or isn't
written about them online. Many times, what is not out there bothers
workers more than what is.

About 70 percent of job seekers surveyed said they were concerned
that there wasn't enough information about them on the Web.

Russell Glass, vice president of products for ZoomInfo, said job
seekers should also be concerned with what type of information
appears about them throughout the Internet.

While personal online photo albums with party pictures and
politically-charged weblogs may be a good way to connect with
friends and family and establish a following, not all would be
something the average worker would want a potential employer to see.

Many companies are also starting to implement policies as to what
kinds of Web presence employees can maintain while employed.

Some companies have even gone as far as suspending or terminating
workers who post objectionable content to the Web.

Nathan Hurst can be reached at nhurst@globe.com.

BI/DW Segment Manager

2005-11-01T09:09:00.000-05:00

BI / DW SEGMENT MANAGER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Austin, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

EMPLOYER INFO: Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD provides microprocessors, Flash memory devices, and silicon-based solutions for our customers in the communications and computer industries worldwide.

However, our focus goes beyond integrated circuits and transistors. AMD is committed to helping our customers — and their customers — take advantage of the phenomenal capacity of silicon to add value and help differentiate their offerings. To that end, AMD products are developed with customer needs always in mind and not for the sake of innovation alone. Stated more plainly, it means that AMD exists to provide real solutions for real customer problems that exist in the real world today.

We refer to this philosophy as “customer-centric innovation,” and it represents the guiding principle behind everything we do at AMD.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The BI/DW Segment Manager will create and manage a business plan thatsupports the AMD revenue plan by understanding the market dynamics ofhow AMD Client and Server based systems provide value to the BI/DW endcustomer.

The BI/DW Segment Manager will create a business plan that supports theAMD revenue plan by understanding the market dynamics of how AMD Clientand Server based systems provide value to the BI/DW end customer. Thisrequires understanding the size and growth of distinct parts of themarket, key players and includes focus on identification of multiplepotential solution sets that AMD may deliver.

The BI/DW Segment Manager will understand the unique wants and needs ofend customers, and then work closely with AMD's product teams to ensurethat offers that meet the needs of those customer groups are developed.Further, this manager will work closely with our Partner Center (ISV /IHV alliance teams) to ensure a solid solution stack is available forthe customers and then work closely with our Global and Regional Programs organizations in designing demand generation programsappropriate for each customer group. The Segment Manager will also beresponsible for ensuring market coverage through distribution and reseller channels.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelors Degree 10+ years high tech marketing experience preferred.
* Hands-on experience in with enterprise commercial end customers, channels, messaging, marketing communication and demand generation programs.
* Knowledge of Business Intelligence and Data Warehouse market landscape &IT infrastructure applications.
* Demonstrated ability to influence cross functional teams.

PLUSSES:
* Field marketing or sales experience a plus.
* Global experience a plus

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Ed McGee and give him a call at (408)749-4000. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Systems Administrator / DBA

2005-11-01T08:50:00.000-05:00

SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR / DBA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Downtown Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

EMPLOYER INFO: Reasoning Mind, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation specializing in the development of innovative Web-based educational systems for children in grades five and above. Our first system for teaching math in middle school was piloted with 50 Texas students in spring of 2003. The project was a great success and has paved the way for the development of a more comprehensive system that is currently being used by 1,000 students in Texas. By 2013 the Reasoning Mind system is expected to be deployed in over 1,000 schools, benefiting over 1 million school children nationwide. Detailed information about our company is available at www.reasoningmind.org.

JOB DESCRIPTION: This position is essential to the smooth operation of the Genie II educational system. Genie II is a multi-tier internet e-Learning application. Successful candidates will demonstrate technical expertise across a broad range of Linux and Oracle tools and applications, including Apache, Tomcat, Jboss, and WebLogic. Expertise in Cisco firewall hardware and software is also required. Duties include performance monitoring & tuning, assisting developers, load balancing, capacity planning, Contingency / Recovery and security.

While RM employees receive salaries, an individual who joins RM commits themselves to a life of service for the benefit of children. One child described learning in RM as “a game mixed with hard work.” Working for Reasoning Mind is the same: we work long hours for a modest salary, knowing that our efforts are giving thousands of children new knowledge and opportunities. A position at RM is not “just a job.” If you’re willing to work hard with the sole purpose of helping children, then you’ll fit in at RM – but not otherwise.

Specific Responsibilities:

With limited supervision, operates and manages the Reasoning Mind Houston and Moscow server installations (encompasses Production, Test, and Development environments).

• Responsible for optimal deployment of hardware systems, architecture and design review, server farm co-location options, setup of firewall security, load balancing and clustering (server services include: Web, Application, Socket and Database).
• Monitor system utilization and plan system growth to meet response time metrics; optimize Genie II performance; includes monitoring Oracle database activity and tuning. Plan for growth, specify, acquire, and install servers as required.
• Ensure Linux and Oracle secure operations while meeting response time performance goals.
• Develop and implement solutions to ensure system and data integrity and security; run backup programs and test Contingency / Data Recovery plans.
• Perform day to day tasks (account management, support, etc.) for all system users including both developers and client technical contacts; resolve connectivity, security and performance problems.
• Document system setup, procedures, and measurement benchmarks; create and administer data management plan.
• Assist with the development of alternative client configurations, PXE remote boot, etc.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Advanced Unix/Linux system administration: Bash scripting, network configuration (xinetd), account management, cron, etc. Also JBoss, Apache server, Tomcat, WebLogic, Axis, CVS, SSH, and Java experience are a big plus; 5+ years direct experience.
• Server side software (Web, Application, Mail, DNS, etc.) installation, configuration and tuning including Cluster technology expertise; 3+ years direct experience.
• Oracle administration: tuning, security and backup management; 3+ years direct experience.
• Network security management (firewall, IP masquerading, hot patching, etc.); 3+ years direct experience.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Alex Khachatryan and call him at (281)579-1110. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

How To Piss Off A Recruiter In 1 Easy Lesson

2005-10-27T16:56:00.000-05:00

HOW TO PISS OFF A RECRUITER IN 1 EASY LESSON
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ladies and Gentlemen,

A situation has come to my attention recently regarding someone that I provided advice for. Now, before I lay into all of you, you have to understand that this Blog is here to help you advance your career, find better jobs, and change jobs when the time is right.

As the pathetic click-thru rates show, it isn't to make me any money off of this. I mean, how much effort does it really take to click once just to keep things going? (See 5 Seconds of Your Time for more information on that...) But, I digress.

I'm here today to talk about the one big, huge, repeatedly peformed way to piss off your friendly neighborhood recruiter.

JADED AND CONFUSED

Periodically, you may run into a Headhunter who seems to be somewhat jaded, rather skeptical, and appears to have had his sense of humor surgically removed. Or, perhaps, you may run into one or two in your life that don't act that way.

The reason for this attitude is that candidates frequently sabotage their own job search efforts (while, in the process, taking food out of the recruiter's mouth). It is endlessly confusing why candidates do this and the best answer I've heard is that you just don't know what you're doing to yourself.

So, here I am to help you understand once and for all.

YOU'VE KNOW YOU'VE GOT THIS JOB LOCKED UP!

So, here's the scenario: You're looking for a job at a specific company or short-list of companies. It has become your mission in life to get a job at one of these cool / hot / stable companies and you're going to make it happen.

You hear of a headhunter who is doing a search for one of your companies. You rightly figure, "Hey! They may have an 'in' over there!" So, you talk to the recruiter. You interview with the recruiter. You fix your resume for the recruiter. You pin a lot of hopes on your recruiter.

So, there you are: The recruiter loves you and thinks you'd be perfect for the job. She's submitting your resume today, she says, and will get back with you as soon as she hears back from the Hiring Manager. Yes! You're IN!

THE LONG, PAINFUL, NERVE-WRACKING WAIT

So, while you're still looking at job openings and sending in resumes, you evaluate every job against this one at your dream company. Yeah, it's not your job yet (heck, you haven't even interviewed), but you can feel the good vibes.

Really, all you're doing is just filling time until the headhunter calls you back, anyway. She didn't call back yesterday, but there's a lot going on, so it'll probably be today or tomorrow. By tomorrow, for sure.

But, you don't hear back. It's been a week and you don't hear anything. You're leaving voice mail for the recruiter and don't hear anything. You send e-mails to the recruiter and don't hear anything. You have no more nails to chew and the knots in your stomach can't get any tighter. What is the deal with that stinking recruiter!?

I KNOW THEY SHOULD HAVE CALLED YOU BACK. I KNOW!

Let me stop for a moment to say, "I know." I know that the recruiter should be in better contact with you. I know they should let you know what is going on. I know they should at least send a "Nothing new yet" e-mail to you.

I know.

That being said, almost all recruiters experience at least a period of what I like to call "Moronity" every now and again. That is, they don't think about the fact that they've left you twisting in the wind after building your hopes up. They don't think about the fact that having no information is worse than knowing "you're out". They are in the state of "Moronity".

Many of them live their life in this state. I know it's hard to imagine, but in my headhunter career, I had my own states of "Moronity", too. It doesn't excuse it, but it's just to let you know:

I know.

WHAT'S GOING ON BEHIND THE CURTAIN IN HEADHUNTER OZ

This is sort of like the situation of the duck gliding across a pond: Above the surface, you see a graceful duck gliding effortlessly across the pond. They make it look like no big deal. But underneath the surface, that duck it paddling for all it's worth. Pumping, churning, paddling away like mad!

So, while you're waiting nervously, chugging coffee, and looking for someone else's nails to chew, you aren't hearing anything and assume that nothing is happening. But the reality is that the recruiter is calling like a madwoman trying to get you an interview. At first, the Hiring Manager doesn't return her calls right away.

Then, a week later, she gets a voicemail saying, "Gee, I'm sorry I didn't call sooner, but I've been swamped. I got the resume and I'm going to be reviewing them today. Give me a call back in 2 or 3 days and we can talk about it then."

Of course, in 2 or 3 days, she calls and the Hiring Manager doesn't answer the phone and doesn't return calls again.

That cycle happens a few times usually before there are any results to report. That's why they aren't calling you: it makes them sound stupid to keep calling you back saying, "He hasn't called me back" over and over again. I know they should, but they don't like sounding stupid.

In the end, however, the recruiter's pay is riding on getting you hired. They are, more than anyone else in the process, trying their darndest to get you an interview, a 2nd interview, and and offer letter!

YOU DELIVER YOUR OWN KISS OF DEATH

Meanwhile, back at the cube farm, you've decided that you've had enough. That stupid recruiter isn't doing anything and doesn't care whether you get the job or not. It's time to take the bull by the horns and take care of things yourself.

And it is at this exact spot that you shoot yourself (and everyone around you) in the foot.

You decide to send in your resume yourself. First, you send it in through the company's careers website. Then, if you're lucky, you know the name of the hiring manager and send it directly to them, too. After all that, if you're bold, you give the Hiring Manager a call, just to make sure they know that you're perfect for the job.

I guarantee that you will not get this job, nor any other job with this company. Here's why:

THE LAWYERS HAVE SCREWED YOU AGAIN

The recruiter has a contract with the Hiring Manager's company. It says that the recruiter gets paid if the company hires the recruiter's candidate that the company didn't know about before.

So, once you submitted your resume directly to the Hiring Manager and their company, you created a conflict right there. The recruiter presented you, but the company now has "prior knowledge" of your through their recruiting system.

If they were to hire you, the recruiting agency would probably sue them for a fee. It creates a huge hassle that nobody wants to spend time on. As a result, in 99% of these conflict cases, the company just drops you from consideration.

And not just for this job - they won't consider you for another job with their company for at least a year.

AND you've now pissed off the headhunter. You may have noticed that headhunters talk a lot. They will talk about this to every recruiter in their office (positioning themselves as the victim, of course). And you won't get presented to any of their clients, either.

THE MORAL OF OUR STORY

Now we come to the long-awaited moral to this very long story. It is this:

Yes, your headhunter may be a moron, but you can always make your situation worse.

Please, PLEASE, don't let this happen to you.

Pretty please?

Dan

Four Job Search Lessons

2005-10-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

FOUR JOB SEARCH LESSONS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Below, I've reprinted for you (just because I couldn't find a link for the original) an article by Kevin Donlin, who is confusingly a Sales and Marketing guy for the Minneapolis / St. Paul Star Tribune.

Regardless of the confusion, he has some great advice for job seekers based on some failed job searches that he's seen.

Enjoy!

-Dan

By Kevin Donlin

Success is the best teacher, so if you haven't experienced success in
your job search, why not emulate someone who has?

Consider the case of Martha S., a client of mine from Syracuse, New
York, who got hired last week after a 48-day job search.

Here's the kicker.

Martha got hired in computer networking -- one of the hardest-hit
among IT jobs -- at a $6,000 higher salary.

What can you learn from her efforts?

Read on!

"To start, I sent out about 50 resumes per week by email and uploaded
my resume to career web sites. I also spent a lot of time networking.
I sent emails to friends, ex-coworkers, family, and others," says
Martha.

Her efforts paid off with three job interviews two from networking
and one from an Internet job site.

Lesson: Networking works. Plus, the friends and family in your
network can act as a sounding board. "They can help you maintain your
sanity when times get tough," says Martha.

Martha applied and interviewed for what she described as her "dream
job," but after three weeks of telephone and email communications
back and forth, the job was given to someone else.

"All the while I really thought this job was going to go through. I
even went on vacation for 11 days. As a result my job search
suffered. I spent less time looking for jobs," says Martha.

Lessons: There are two here. 1) Don't put all your eggs in one
basket -- never slack off because you think any one job is a sure
thing. 2) Treat your job search as the most important work of your
life -- that means no long vacations until you're hired. Work first,
play later.

In her third interview, which came from an Internet job posting,
Martha did well and was called back.

"At the second interview I was in a conference room with four people.
It was fairly casual and conversational. They asked me questions and
I asked them questions. One of my favorite tactics was to identify
where the company was having problems and focus on that," says Martha.

By stressing how she could solve the employer's problems, Martha was
able to provide tangible answers during her interview that proved she
could do the work.

Results?

"They immediately offered me the job and for $6,000 more than I was
asking for. It's very close to home, too," says Martha.

Lesson: The best way to sell yourself may be to shut up and listen.
Employers will often tell you exactly what they're looking for. "The
interviewers talked a lot about their problems, what they do every
day, etc. That made it easier for me," says Martha.

To recap, one great shortcut to success in your job search (or
anything else in life) is to simply do what's working for others.

In this case, Martha found a great job in less than two months,
despite the current "job crisis" by doing four simple things:

Networking with everyone she knew: friends, family, former co-
workers, college counselors -- "I even contacted an ex-boyfriend I
hadn't spoken to in about six years," she says.

Not putting all her hopes on just one job. After one setback, she
resolved to keep looking at all available employers, even while
interviewing.

Treating her search for work as a full-time job.

Focusing her job interviews on how she could solve an employer's
problems. When you think about, that's the only reason jobs are
created -- to solve problems. If you can do that, you can get hired,
in any economy.

Now, go out and make your own luck!

Kevin Donlin is the author of "The Last Guide to Cover Letter &
Resume Writing You'll Ever Need," a do-it-yourself manual that will
help you find a job in 30 days .

LAN / Desktop Administrator

2005-10-27T16:29:00.000-05:00

LAN / DESKTOP ADMINISTRATOR
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Richardson, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Contract to Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $30 - $40/hr

EMPLOYER INFO: Join a very strong company who anticipates explosive growth over the next 3-4 years. Will serve as the main (if not only local) IT professional in a team of 40-50 employees. This is a very customer engaging role (internal customers both locally and nationally) and an outgoing personality will be very important. Will provide a single point of contact for end-users to receive support and maintenance within the organization's desktop computing environment. This includes installing, diagnosing, repairing, maintaining, and upgrading all PC hardware and equipment to ensure optimal workstation performance. The person will also troubleshoot problem areas (in person, by telephone, or via e-mail) in a timely and accurate fashion, and provide end-user assistance where required.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Perform on-site analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of complex desktop problems for end-users, and recommend and implement corrective solutions, including off-site repair for remote users as needed.
• Install, configure, test, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot end-user workstations and related hardware and software in order to deliver required desktop service levels.
• Assess the need for and implement performance upgrades to PC boxes
• Collaborate with LAN engineer/network administrators to ensure efficient operation of the company's computing environment.
• Where required, administer and resolve issues with associated end-user workstation networking software products.
• Receive and respond to incoming calls, pages, and/or e-mails regarding desktop problems.
• Answer to and perform moves, adds, and changes (MAC) requests as they are submitted by line managers.
• Ensure that physical desktop connections are in proper working order.
• Prepare tests and applications for monitoring desktop performance, then provide performance statistics and reports.
• Assist in preparing, maintaining, and upholding procedures for logging, reporting, and statistically monitoring desktop operations.
• Develop and maintain an inventory of all computer related components and equipment.
• Accurately document instances of desktop equipment or component failure, repair, installation, and removal.
• If necessary, liaise with third-party support and PC equipment vendors.
• Conduct research on desktop products in support of PC procurement and development efforts. Evaluate and recommend products for purchase.
• Assist in developing long-term strategies and capacity planning for meeting future desktop hardware needs.
• Write technical specifications for purchase of PCs, desktop hardware and related products.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 4 year degree (REQUIRED)
* 3+ years equivalent work experience.
* MUST have excellent job stability with strong employment tenure.
* Certifications in A+, Network +, Microsoft Certified Professional.
* Excellent technical knowledge of PC and desktop hardware
* Excellent technical knowledge of PC internal components
* Hands-on hardware troubleshooting experience.
* Technical equipment support experience
* Working technical knowledge of current protocols, operating systems, and standards
* Ability to operate tools, components, and peripheral accessories.
* Able to read and understand technical manuals, procedural documentation, and OEM guides.
* Ability to conduct research into PC issues and products as required.
* Effective interpersonal skills and relationship-building skills.
* Strong written and oral communication skills.
* Ability to present ideas in user-friendly language.
* Understanding of the organization's goals and objectives.
* Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail.
* Self motivated and directed, with the ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
* Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
* Strong customer-service orientation.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Shauanna Shannon and give her a call at (214)596-9965. Let her know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

BA Senior Account Executive

2005-10-27T16:20:00.000-05:00

BA SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $85K + comm ($200K on-target earnings)

EMPLOYER INFO: The Heiden Group has been retained by Microstrategy to find them a top sales professional in Houston, TX to sell their world class Business Intelligence software products and services to new and existing clients. Founded in 1989 MicroStrategy is a worldwide provider of business intelligence software for Global 5000 organizations. It specializes in helping businesses transform their extensive operational data into actionable information. MicroStrategy's business intelligence platform gives organizations solutions to their query, reporting, and advanced analytical needs via Web, wireless, and voice. The company reported revenues of $231.2 million in FY 2004 (period ending December 31, 2004), and it trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol MSTR. MicroStrategy was originally founded as a consulting firm specializing in developing decision support applications, and it released its first packaged software product, MicroStrategy DSS Agent, in 1993.

MicroStrategy has over 2,800 enterprise-class customers, including Aventis, eBay, General Motors, Lowe?s Companies, Pfizer, Sprint, Telecom Italia, U.S. Postal Service, Visa International, Wells Fargo, and Yahoo!. MicroStrategy also has relationships with over 300 systems integrators and application development and platform partners, including HP, IBM, Sun, and Teradata, a division of NCR.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Sell MicroStrategy Business Intelligence software products and services to new and existing clients

Identify and properly qualify business opportunities

Present business solutions at the executive level

Lead Negotiations and overcome objections for deal closure

Manage complex sales cycles and multiple engagements simultaneously

Work with sales consultants to discover, identify, and meet customer requirements

Prepare accurate sales forecasts and sales cycle reporting via Salesforce.com

Provide project management to ensure the success of the potential or current clients

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Successful experience at new account development or large account management
* At least 5 years professional selling experience in technology sales
* Excellent Communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
* High levels of social perceptiveness and customer service
* Proven track record of consistently exceeding corporate objectives and quotas
* Self drive, motivated, and results oriented
* Proven prospecting and sales cycle management skills
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent business experience
* General knowledge of RDBMS, OLAP, client/server, and Web/Internet technologies

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Heather Waller and give her a call at (703)715-4995. Let her know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

J2EE Developer

2005-10-27T16:06:00.000-05:00

J2EE DEVELOPER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Austin, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 18 month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: This is an opportunity in Austin, TX for an 18 monthcontract. Start date is as soon as possible but you donot have to start immediately. This is a largedevelopment project.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Good experience developing J2EE applicationusing MVC framework.
* Develop UML design artifacts from requirementsdocuments like use cases.
* Experience w/ relational databases using jdbc
* Web services Development for enterpriseapplications integration
* XML technologies (schemas, parsing andtransformations)
* Visual Software Modelling design patterns forenterprise application* Thorough understanding of core java platform
* Experience w/ Weblogic Server Platform
* Unit testing using Junit or other testing frameworks.

PLUSSES:
* BEA Workshop and Integration
* Previous experience working with large scaleprojects involving at least 10 developers.
* Experience with OR mapping frameworks (e.g.Hibernate)
* Experience with J2EE web application developmentframeworks (e.g. struts)
* Integrating w/ Legacy system
* Experience with ClearCase and ClearQuest toolset.
* Experience with Java Messaging API.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Ron Easky and let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Risk Manager

2005-10-26T14:12:00.000-05:00

RISK MANAGER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Frisco, TX

RELO: YES.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $90K - $110K

EMPLOYER INFO: Our client is a leading provider of financial services to consumersand retailers in 47 countries around the world. They offer a fullrange of innovative financial products to suit their partners' needs.Those products include private label credit cards, personal loans,bank cards, auto loans and leases, mortgages, corporate travel andpurchasing cards, debt consolidation, home equity loans and creditinsurance.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Position Overview:
• Manage all aspects of the Check Underwriting function, including thedevelopment and implementation of effective risk strategies.
• Oversee the entire check settlement process from check approval torecovery efforts on centralized returns.
• Develop processes to improve check decision scoring models andverification tools.
• Monitor and analyze performance of risk and fraud strategies andtake appropriate actions to mitigate risk.
• Perform comprehensive financial and security risk assessments on newand existing merchant relationships.
• Ensure policies are in accordance with all legal and regulatoryrequirements.
• Manage daily service levels and quality standards.
• Manage check processing vendors to ensure high quality, efficientprocessing, competitive pricing and leading edge products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional new product teams in order tounderstand and meet product and clients needs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics or Finance.
* 5+ year's management experience in a check processing, paymentprocessing or commercial banking operations environment.
* Consumer risk & fraud management experience a must.
* Strong analytical and modeling skills.
* Experience in analyzing business financial statements.
* Familiarity with industry's legal and regulatory guidelines regarding Federal Reserve check presentment & electronic payments.
* Working knowledge of image migration platforms.
* Experience with developing and improving new processes.
* Outstanding communication skills.

PLUSSES:
* Master's Degree

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Josh Slimmer. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Just for Fun

2005-10-25T09:02:00.000-05:00

JUST FOR FUN
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Okay - so every now and again it doesn't have to be about jobs, resumes, and careers.

Below you'll find a summary of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back in under 211 bytes. No, they're not mine, but I couldn't resist sending them out.

Maximo Developer

2005-10-19T08:42:00.000-05:00

MAXIMO DEVELOPER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 3 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $50/hr - $55/hr

JOB DESCRIPTION: Be part of a team that principally performs EAM/MMS/Maximo implementations and support work on several projects/client sites. Work with clients on new projects to define business requirements, perform hands on technical work to provide recommended system configurations, document requirements and project plans/progress reports as per customer specifications. Maintaining on-call responsibilities of responding to, resolving, and updating trouble tickets. Performing routine support activities as required to keep the application running. Some travel may be required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Software development background
* Technical knowledge of Maintenance Planning and Indirect Purchasing functions and processes
* Able to provide input to technical design processes as well as business processes
* Experience with one or more of Oracle 8i and 9i PL/SQL, SQL*PLUS, Oracle data loading tools, BRIO/SQR, Visual Basic w/Oracle OLE Objects, or JSP.
* Must have C++ experience and have applied it to making changes to MAXCUST.DLL.
* Experience implementing Maximo or other EAM or MMS products
* Ability to work in a fast paced environment that requires proactively defining and managing various tasks and priorities concurrently.

PLUSSES:
* Experience with Maximo 5.x.
* ORACLE PL/SQL 5 Years
* ORACLE SQL *PLUS 5 Years
* VB w/Oracle OLE Objects 2
* XML
* Oracle 8.1.7 RDBMS
* Oracle 9i and Oracle PL/SQL
* BRIO/SQR
* JSP

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Toni Villarreal and give her a call at (713)977-6200. Let her know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:8068781)

Field Service / Break / Fix Tech

2005-10-19T08:32:00.000-05:00

FIELD SERVICE / BREAK / FIX TECH
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Richardson, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 1 Year Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $15/hr - $18/hr

JOB DESCRIPTION: Provide warranty services on HP & Compaq products at customer locations. Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot a variety of equipment including Desktop PC's /laptops (Compaq EVO, HP Kayak, HP Vectra, HP Omnibook, etc.), printers, HP Netservers, and Compaq brand Proliant servers.

Must be able to diagnose and repair Compaq/HP Servers, Desktops, Workstations, Laptops.

Must also have printer experience on HP Laser B&W and color. HP Plotter, Genicom and DEC experience would be a real plus.

Must be able to work under time constraints and have the ability to manager a diverse and sometimes heavy workload.

Travel to customer locations

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 2+ years experience in Laptop Maintenance & Repair
* 2+ years experience in Printer Maintenance & Repair
* 2+ years experience in DEC / HP / Compaq Maintenance & Repair
* 2+ years experience as a Field Technician
* 2+ years experience in HP Proliant Server Maintenance & Repair

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Jeff Robertson and call him at (407)667-4311.

(reference / job number:8071793)

"5 Secrets To Getting a Job You'll Love"

2005-10-18T10:58:00.000-05:00

"5 SECRETS TO GETTING A JOB YOU'LL LOVE"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For those of you that are looking for a job currently, I've just come across a tele-seminar called "5 Secrets To Getting a Job You'll Love". It's being held November 9th, it's free, and you're invited!

Keep in mind that this is being put on by a "Career Search Counselling" company. That doesn't mean that the advice is bad, but it just means that they're going to try to sell you on their Career Search Counselling services.

My advice? Get in the teleseminar, write down what they tell you, and figure out a way to put their advice into action on your own.

Enjoy!

-Dan

Senior Network & Systems Engineer

2005-10-17T20:46:00.000-05:00

SENIOR NETWORK & SYSTEMS ENGINEER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Atlanta, GA

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $60K - $65K

EMPLOYER INFO: The employer is a Christian ministry based in the Atlanta, GA area. There are 230 employees and about 200 computers in service. It's a small IT department (8-9 people) that is growing with the addition of 2 new positions.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Analyzes and defines network and systems requirements, procedures, and problems to automate processes or improve existing computer systems and other IS-Infrastructure. Is responsible for managing and enhancing the Windows Server Platform and all associated services, as well as the internetworking infrastructure. Will develop comprehensive technology solutions to business problems across a broad range of technical functions. Ensures the functioning and availability of mission critical systems.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail. Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.

* Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions;

* Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision. Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

* Communication Skills - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. Writes clearly and informatively; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

* Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.

* Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Aligns work with strategic goals. Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.

* Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans. Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

* Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

* Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Certified MCSE, CCNA

PLUSSES:
* Certified MCDBA

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Buz Mayo and give him a call at (404)252-9319. Let him know you found it here.

(reference / job number:N/A)

SQL Server DBA

2005-10-17T20:30:00.000-05:00

SQL SERVER DBA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Atlanta, GA (Yes, I know it's not Texas - but this is a favor)

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $62K - $65K Range

EMPLOYER INFO: The employer is a Christian ministry based in the Atlanta, GA area. There are 230 employees and about 200 computers in service. It's a small IT department (8-9 people) that is growing with the addition of 2 new positions.

JOB DESCRIPTION: We are currently searching for a Database Administrator to design and coordinate physical changes to production and test databases. This includes coding, testing, and implementing physical database changes by performing the following duties:

* Architect, design and implement complex logical and physical data schemas primarily using Microsoft SQL Server 2000, but will also use Oracle on Sun, to support specific commands and functions.
* Installs new software releases, system upgrades, evaluates and installs patches.
* Resolves database and application software related problems.
* Creates and enforces database standards.
* Selects and uses utility programs to monitor and report on database performance.
* Monitors capacity and performance.
* Responsible for maintaining backups and security policies for all data stores.
* Ensures disaster recovery and business continuity for all database related infrastructure components.
* Administers, maintains, develops and implements policies and procedures for ensuring the security and integrity of our Ministry databases.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university and 4+ years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Must have an in-depth understanding of relational data modeling principles and techniques to quickly gain understanding of complex databases.
* Familiarity with all functionality of Microsoft SQL 2000 Enterprise Manager and Microsoft SQL Query Analyzer as well as managing Microsoft SQL objects from within Microsoft Visual Studio.
* Expertise with T-SQL usage and syntax to build high-quality Stored Procedures, Triggers, Views, Indexes, UDFs and UDTs on schedule.
* Understanding of T-SQL best-practices to ensure data integrity and fastest data acquisition such as the appropriate usage of temp tables, variables and set- vs. cursor-based operations.
* Experience in methods and tools used to extract, transform and load data.
* MCDBA

PLUSSES:
* Familiarity and experience with .NET development.
* Experience with PeopleSoft People tools.
* Experience with transaction oriented web applications using SQL back end databases within an e-commerce architecture.
* Experience with Oracle on the Sun Platform.
* MCSE Certification
* Oracle Certification

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Buz Mayo and give him a call at (404)252-9319. Let him know you found it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

UNIX Engineer

2005-10-17T20:07:00.000-05:00

UNIX ENGINEER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6+ Month Contract / Immediate Start

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $30/hr - $35/hr

JOB DESCRIPTION: The client is looking for a UNIX scripting expert. The last candidate that they had on-site was not comfortable with the amount of scripting and scripting skills required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* UNIX, HP-UX experience.
* Must have extensive Scripting (Bourne, Korn, Perl) experience.
* Must have HP-UX admin skills.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Soma Basu and give him a call at (609)651-4845. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Network Infrastructure Engineer

2005-10-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Austin, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Contract-to-Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive - Looking more for the perfect fit.

EMPLOYER INFO: Our client provides a suite of integrated software tools that enable data analysts to generate relevant intelligence data faster and more effectively for all section of the intelligence infrastructure. This client is focused on providing situational awareness that supports both conventional and asymmetric intelligence analysis.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Network Infrastructure Engineer needed with extensive experience with network planning, installation, maintenance and security. Extensive experience with PC and server troubleshooting. Will provide technical support to non-technical staff or customers. Will create and present technology related workshops. Will need expertise with office productivity software, database software and internet tools.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
* Must understand a broad array of computer platforms and technologies including, but not limited to, UNIX, Linux, Windows NT/2000 and 2003.
* Must understand a broad array of storage technologies including NAS, SAN tape technologies, RAID and back up processes and technologies.
* Must be self directed, highly organized and comfortable working in a rapidly changing and ambiguous environment.
* Must be willing to work in a 7x42x365 escalation situation.
* Must have 3-5 years of progressive technical experience with Information Technology storage concepts, technologies, trends, issues, standards, security, capacity planning and performance.
* Must have a BS in MIS or equivalent.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Carrie Conyers and give her a call at (512)346-1040.

(reference / job number:8071456)

Help Desk / Desktop Technician

2005-10-15T07:53:00.000-05:00

HELP DESK TECHNICIAN
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Contract-To-Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $34K - $38K

EMPLOYER INFO: Oil & Gas Related

JOB DESCRIPTION: In this role you will be the first line of support working from 7am to 4pm with the first 3 hours manning the phones. Currently the company runs a Microsoft desk top; applications, email, Word, Excel and other software including Marketsheet and back office accounting software. You will support everything although the level of expertise in the non Microsoft will be limited. Currently the company is also running Remedy. After the morning phones are done, you will be doing documentation and create and close out service tickets and resolve problems.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Experience in a Help Desk / Call-Center-based technical help environment.
* Experience doing hands-on desktop support in a corporate environment.

PLUSSES:
* Any certifications

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to James DelMonte and give him a call at (713)548-5444.

(reference / job number:JDEL859)

Network Security Analyst

2005-10-15T07:49:00.000-05:00

NETWORK SECURITY ANALYST
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Downtown Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $70K - $85K

EMPLOYER INFO: A leading international financial organization has an immediate need for a talented and enthusiastic Network Security Analyst to join the growing team. This community enhancing firm works with the neighbors and is the perfect place to work for with their feeling of accomplishments.

JOB DESCRIPTION: In this role you will be providing security functions within the network. You will be responsible for all servers, and must be familiar with all Microsoft security tools. You’ll also have the experience of assisting internal and external auditors for system security certification, and be working closely with the help desk in order to identify potential security breaches and close the loop.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Microsoft certifications
* 6+ yrs experience in network security
* Experience in a UNIX environment
* Knowledge of ms security tools

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Phil Odom and give him a call at (713)548-5400.

(reference / job number:PODO170)

Broadband / WAN / VPN Installer Jobs To Tide You Over

2005-10-15T07:37:00.000-05:00

BROADBAND / WAN / VPN INSTALLER JOBS TO TIDE YOU OVER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: All Around TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 50% ?

POSITION TYPE: Piecework Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $70-$120 / job

Here's contract work based on work available. It's not the most steady thing, but if you're looking for a position now or are contracting and haven't filled all your time, this may be just the thing.

Average job time ranges between 30 mins & 1.25 hrs (don't ask me how that's an average...)

You can find the details for this job on CraigsList here: Broadband, WAN, VPN Installer Job.

-Dan

5 Seconds of your Time

2005-10-14T08:12:00.000-05:00

5 SECONDS OF YOUR TIME
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
By the way, ladies and gentlemen, I have received a few e-mails asking how they can help out the with site. You see, I don't get one thin dime from any of the positions that I post here. I'm just doing this to help some folks out (both on the candidate side and the recruiter side).

That being said, there are couple of free ways that you can help out and it'll take all of 5 seconds of your time:

1) Click on a stinking Ad. - Before you leave the site, just click on an ad link. Just one, okay? How hard is that?

I'm not asking you to complete 8 offers to get a new computer in 16 months after submitting your 43 verification forms.

Just click on an ad link.

2) Do a GoogleBomb for me. - For those of you who don't know, part of how Google lists sites is based on searches that are entered. So, for instance, if you search Google for "failure", you'll get some GoogleBombed results.

The way people do this is to do a search for "failure michaelmoore.com" - eventually, when enough people do this, Google decides that the result is relevant. Think of this as peer pressure for search engines.

People who take advantage of this to the extreme are called GoogleBombers.

So, what you can do for me is shoot out to Google and do a search for:
houstonitjobs.blogspot.com "it jobs"

Or, if you're about as lazy as I am, just click this link Google houstonitjobs.blogspot.com it jobs search. Then, click on the entry whose URL is "http://houstonitjobs.blogspot.com" - currently the 3rd result you'll get.

Okay, so if you do both of those things, it might actually take 10 seconds of your time. If you run 2 steps today, that'll add another 10 seconds on to your life. And even *I* can run 2 steps.

Thank you for your help and support.

-Dan

Oracle OPM Functional Consultant

2005-10-13T16:16:00.000-05:00

ORACLE OPM FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANT
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 7-8 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: One of our client in Houston, TX is looking for a Oracle OPM Functional Consultant (inventory, quality, MAC).Please respond with Resume, Rate and Phone numbers of

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Oracle OPM experience

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Srikanth Katuri and give him a call at (73)485-0037, x405. Let him know you found it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

QA Automation Engineer

2005-10-13T16:11:00.000-05:00

QA AUTOMATION ENGINEER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Westlake, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6 Month Contract-To-Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: "Open"

JOB DESCRIPTION: A Sr. Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, creating, implementing and automating functional testing and load testing across multiple components of a very large and interconnected system. The system uses a wide variety of technologies from mainframe to cutting edge J2EE. The Sr. Automation Engineer will design, document and implement automated stress test for projects, functional tests, analyze the trends and report defects, assist development with replicating and debugging problems and develop test automation solutions as needed. The job requires strong background in load/stress testing on large interconnected systems and functional testing in an large technologically mixed environment. The role will also require mentoring and coaching junior team members on automation.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Minimum 4-6 years of strong software automation (load testing using LoadRunner and functional automation using WinRunner or QTP) experience required.
* In-depth knowledge of automation and solid hands on experience with tools.
* Advanced computer software skills, development skills.
* Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
* Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Soma Basu and then give him a call at (609)651-4845. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Travelling HP/UX Admin / Installer

2005-10-13T16:04:00.000-05:00

TRAVELLING HP/US ADMIN / INSTALLER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Major Cities (including Houston, TX) across the U.S.

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 100%

POSITION TYPE: 1 Year+ Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $45/hr-$50/hr + Travel Expenses

JOB DESCRIPTION: Travel consultant / installation position.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* HPUX administration experience (at least 3-5 years)
* Programming background/experience with software installations -Especially Java based installations
* Experience installing operating systems, peripherals and hardware
* Good communication/language skills and client interfacing

PLUSSES:
* Oracle experience a plus

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Virender Singh and then call him at (248)844-1200. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

6 Month Dallas Recruiting Contract

2005-10-13T15:55:00.000-05:00

6 MONTH DALLAS RECRUITING CONTRACT
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive with previous pay.

EMPLOYER INFO: RECN has made the Forbes Best 200 Small Companies listfor the 3rd consecutive year! Number 19 for 2004. http://www.forbes.com/lists/2004/10/13/04200bestland.html

JOB DESCRIPTION: Our client in the Ft Worth area will need at least 2 Senior-LevelTechnical Recruiters with a successful track record in sourcing,recruiting, interviewing and hiring aerospace engineers to the PhDlevel. You must have experience in recruiting Ph.D. level engineers inengineering/aerospace to be considered. The project is schedule to goat least 6 months with strong extension possibilities. At this point weare open on hourly rates, but rates will be set based on previous verifiable earnings. We also require a 4-year degree.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Previous experience recruiting PhD-level engineering / aerospace candidates.
* 4-year degree.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Rob Laseak and give him a call at (214)777-0580. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Break The Rules and Get The Job!

2005-10-13T07:36:00.000-05:00

BREAD THE RULES AND GET THE JOB!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you're a job seeker and have read any book at all on interviewing or ever been to a recruiter, you're always going to get the same piece of advice:

"Never, Never, NEVER make references to age, race, religion, politics, or sexual preferences"

I read another self-styled "Job Hunter Coach" offering the advice above and, turthfully, I'm sick of hearing it.

Here's the best advice you'll get for interviews: USE age, race, religion, and politics in EVERY interview in order to get the job!

Now, let me explain.

First of all, to get it out of the way, the "Job Hunter Coach" I read was the first to mention "sexual preferences" in the list of things not to talk about. Let me be clear: if sex comes up in any form or fashion in your interview, you're in trouble (unless you're interviewing for a "sex trade").

The others, however, are fair game AND the best way to make a connection with the interviewer.

"But, wait a minute, Dan!," you say, "I was told that talking about age, race, religion, and politics would immediately get me knocked out of consideration!"

Well, yes and no. What you have to understand (and then use to your advantage) is WHY you're being told that.

THE POWER OF PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

As you know from your own personal life, the people that you feel closest to have several PERSONAL things in common with you. Whether you realize it or not, it is these "emotional bonds" that make you feel close to someone.

Most people, while they get a lot of meaning from their work, don't feel close with everyone that they work with. That's because most people don't have a warm, lovey-dovey feeling for the company that they work for. In other words, most employees don't stay up at night worrying whether the company is going to make a profit tonight.

However, there are plenty of people in Houston who are going to lose sleep over whether the Astros are going to win the National League Championship. Why? Because it is much more PERSONALLY important to them.

It is EXACTLY the same for age, race, religion, and politics. These are some of the MOST important things to people. That is why, as you'll see in a minute, it is both dangerous AND beneficial to use them.

MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH PEOPLE

Now we get to where that "Never, Never, NEVER" advice comes from. You see, if you are vocally on the other side of a age, race, religion, and politics position that your interviewer holds dearly, you are immediately an enemy.

You might as well fold up your tent and walk out of the interview at that point.

On the other hand, if your interviewer thinks that you're in agreement with them on those issues, they immediately (but frequently can't explain why) like you. "Likes you" can't overcome serious flaws in your candidacy like "Has no skills", but it WILL give you the advantage where there are 2 or 3 candidates who are, more or less, the same. This happens a LOT.

Getting back on tract, this process works almost every time almost like magic. This is why (for those of you who are single) the best place to meet a mate is at places where people are emotionally involved. People don't love their bar, but they do love their church, cause that they volunteer for, hobbies, etc.

ETHICAL USE OF EMOTIONAL CONNECTION POWER

Now, some people will read the above and read that I am telling candidates to fake an emotional attachment of the same things that the interviewer likes.

I am not in advocating this any way, shape, form, or interpretation.

Only the best actors can pull of "emotional faking" successfully for more than a few minutes. People will pick up if you're faking an emotional involvement and immediately distrust you.

However, if you can FIND an area where you are on the same side of the issue (which is a separate topic in itself), THAT will get you remembered fondly. And these areas are going to most likely be in the categories of age, race, religion, and politics. And kids, neighborhoods, taxes, weather, and sports.

BEWARE OF TESTS AND DEFENSES

One word of warning. Experienced HR folks are also well trained (although normally not most hiring managers). They will actually fake a like or dislike to try to draw you into going off the deep end.

Whatever you do, no matter who you talk with, don't go off the deep end! Agreement and discussion are all good. Ranting, raving, and talking about how you're going to overthrow the government are all BAD!

With these HR-types, showing that you have and can defend an opinion is the way to proceed. Just be careful of the trail that they're trying to lead you down.

Also, many managers have build up defenses around them against talking of emotional issues. If you say, "Nice lookin' kids - how old are they?" and the person completely shuts down, they are putting up defenses.

If you try to scale those defenses, they will resent it and you. Just have a normal interview with these guys.

Now go forth and get that job!

-Dan

Good Discount for High End Job Hunters

2005-10-12T15:17:00.000-05:00

GOOD DISCOUNT FOR HIGH END JOB HUNTERS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I know that there are a wide variety of folks reading this list. Some entry-level, some high-end management. This particular bit of advice is only really going to apply for high-end folks (making $75K - $150K). If you're lower end than that, I wouldn't recommend wasting your money.

But, if you ARE a high end kinda guy, I was just sent a nice discount voucher to pass along to you folks.

This discount is for the Ladders, which I recommended in my article about several non-mainstream places to find jobs. In short, they find little-known jobs (even though they may be posted publicly) positions and send them to you every week.

The normal cost for a month-to-month program is $25 ($100 for 6 months / $150 for 12 months), which in itself is reasonable considering the amount of time that it saves you. When I have been out of work before, I have used it and would again.

With the discount below, you can try it out for a month for $15, which is also known as Starbucks / cigarrette / beer money for a week. Give it a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

-Dan

What's In Your Background Check?

2005-10-11T14:32:00.000-05:00

WHAT'S IN YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
One of the biggest surprises that some candidates get is the message from the recruiter or hiring manager that starts, "Hey, Jim, thanks for coming in the other day. I'm calling because something came up in the background check that I wanted to ask you about. I'm sure it's just a mistake, but..."

Of course, the period of time between when you receive this message and when you actually talk to the person who left it has you going crazy with all sorts of scenarios. The bottom line usually is that you're not getting the job.

Following are My 6 Surprising Rules of Background Checks that I tell every candidate about their background check:

1) EVERYTHING that you've been CHARGED with (not convicted, *charged*) is going to show up on your background check. So, the indecent exposure charge that was dealt down to a midsemeanor disorderly conduct? Both the charge and the final conviction are there. Domestic disputes, DWIs (misdemeanors and felony versions), basically anything you've seen a policeman about that he took your name for is listed there.

2) There are no 7 year limits on what can be seen by ANYONE doing a background check on you. Your background check goes back to the day that you turned 18 (21 in some cases). So, that MIP (Minor In possession) from that high school graduation party 20 years ago? It's there. That drug charge from when you were young and stupid 35 years ago? It's there. Some companies (such as any government) have a policy that they only pay attention to the last 7 years, but there is no law or requirement that makes anyone else do so.

3) Whatever is in your background check is your problem - even if it's a mistake. There are errors in background checks. If the Social Security Number is one off from yours and someone who was in a rush entered it, it's now on your record. It is YOUR responsibility to get it off, not whoever put it on. You will usually end up at a courthouse to start the lengthy and painful process to get that done.

4) You should know, BEFORE you interview ANYWHERE (even with a recruiter) what is going to show up in your background check. Mostly, you know what you've done. I've had candidates tell me that a spousal abuse charge (admittedly with a different wife 10 years ago) was a surprise to him. I've heard my share of fanciful tales about how innocent candidates took the heat for a drug charge because his buddy (who was REALLY the one with the drugs) had two strikes. EVERY recruiter and HR person has these stories, so don't think you're the first.

In any case, at least once every time you're looking for a job, you'll want to check your record for yourself so that you know what you're walking into. Following are some places I know of that can do a background check for you. I haven't used most of them, but doing a background check is not difficult:

Career Screen - They're running a background check special for $24.95
My Background Check has packages from $24.95 - $68.95, including some verification papers to show you're all clean and verified.
US Search offers some more in-depth packages from $39.95 - $295.95

If you know of some better / quicker / whatever ones, put 'em in Comments. NOTE: Doing your own background check won't replace what your potential employer will do. It just lets you know what is there. (Read: Don't pay a lot for extra 'verification' services.)

5) If there is ANYTHING in your background, 'fess up immediately! If you lie about it, even (or, perhaps, especially) if it something small and stupid, you will not get the job. Period. Don't waste your time and their time. Just tell 'em about it. If it's a problem, they'll tell you and you can spend your time interviewing with people where it isn't a problem.

The most common misconception is that, because you got to a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. interview, they aren't going to find whatever is in your background. It's not true! They'll do the background check eventually and then be REALLY P.O.ed that you didn't tell them.

6) The fact that you have something in your background isn't necessarily a show-stopper. Ask any HR person you know - you'd be amazed at what people at all levels (entry-level up through CEO) have in their backgrounds. Heck - even the CIA is considering accepting candidates with drug charges!

There ARE situations where it will usually kill your chances. I talked to a candidate that had just gotten out of Federal prison for child pornography charges a few months before (the child porn was on his work computer). Him, I couldn't do a lot for. Chances are you'll be okay.

Whew! Okay - it's really long, but there's what you need to know about your background check. If you have any questions, shoot 'em to me!

Happy hunting!

-Dan

Dallas-based Recruiters

2005-10-11T14:23:00.000-05:00

DALLAS-BASED RECRUITERS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

EMPLOYER INFO: Software Spectrum is the world's largest reseller of software andrelated solutions. We have been in business for over 23 years andgenerated over $3.3 Billion in revenue last year.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Recruits, interviews, tests and selects candidates for exempt and non-exempt positions.

Develops knowledge of customer groups to effectively target recruitment efforts in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Develops innovative, creative and proactive recruitment strategies tomeet the business needs of each client department.

Leverages various resources to source qualified candidates using theInternet, Community Based Organizations, print media, formal/informalnetworks, etc., to source a diverse candidate pool.

Performs and prepares all new hire information including referenceand criminal background checks in a timely manner.

Monitors salary administration, in partnership with compensation, toensure compliance and equity within the organization.

Assists in compiling reports, makes recommendations on continuousimprovement efforts, tracks effectiveness of sourcing methods, cost-per-hire, budgets, etc.

May perform additional duties or special projects such as exitinterviews, new employee orientation, coach/counsel managers on policy and procedures inquiries, etc.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Ability to manage large scale recruiting projects.
* Excellent organization and problem solving skills.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Basic PC skills proficient in MS Word and MS Excel.
* Demonstrated ability to establish priorities in a fast-paced, multi-task environment.
* Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of theorganization.
* The above skills, knowledge and abilities may be demonstrated by a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field or acombination of education and Human Resources work experience.Requires 5-10 years recruitment experience with at least 2 years inan agency recruiting environment and extensive sourcing experienceincluding cold calling and networking. Equivalent education orexperience may be substituted for the above.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Michael Goldberg. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Senior IS Communications Consultant

2005-10-11T14:13:00.000-05:00

SENIOR IS COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 4 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $40/hr

EMPLOYER INFO: Looking for someone with a background in Public Relations, Corporate Marketing Communications or Employee Communications within an IT Organization or an IT Background. Would ideally like someone with a combination of technical writing as well. Calpine does not have a structured technical writing environment, so straight technical writers have not worked in the past. In this position the candidate will have to be conceptual, creative and imaginative. They will be interfacing with Executives at Calpine and must be able to effectively communicate with them.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Under general supervision, responsible for coordinating, writing, and distributing business and public relations communications to meet technical management and executive needs and to support the IT Governance function.

Formulates and defines objectives and scope for communication deliverables based on customer needs and a solid understanding of the business implications and objectives.

Researches, prepares, and coordinates a wide variety of communication projects including, but not limited to case studies, accomplishments, presentations, IT project tracking and updates, financial and goal planning and reporting.

Creates templates, processes, procedures, and other specifications for consistent communication and reporting.

Works with IT technical and management staff, as well as corporate entities, to gather needed background materials, subject matter expertise, and ensure communication deliverables are accurate.

Analyzes raw data and formats data for presentation as statistics, charts, or graphs, as appropriate, to illustrate deliverables.

Performs other non-communication duties as requested by manager.

Manages multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced, and deadline-driven environment.

Adaptable to working with multiple departmental executives and managers collaboratively or under specific direction, as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Requires a background in Information Technology or IT Governance and three or more years of communication experience in two or more of the following areas:
1) technical writing
2) marketing communications
3) public relations
4) business communications.
* Requires excellent people interaction skills.
* Requires high level of proficiency with MS-Office suite in a Windows environment, and facility in using Visio and Adobe Photoshop.
* Requires experience in preparing deliverables for access via company intranet.
* Requires experience in web page development using HTML.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Srikanth Katuri and give him a call at (703)485-0037 x304. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Senior Linux Administrator

2005-10-11T08:57:00.000-05:00

SENIOR LINUX ADMINISTRATOR
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6 Month Contract-To-Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $45/hr+

JOB DESCRIPTION: This position requires in-depth knowledge of Linux clustered systems and expertise in NAS storage (NetApp preferred). , This person will maintain, troubleshoot and configure Linux clusters and NAS storage for a major Oil and Gas company.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Strong Linux OS experience (RHCE)
* Rocks Cluster experience
* Linux compute clusters
* Experience with MPI/MPICH
* Storage (preferable NetApp)
* Networking (CISCO experience)
* High speed, low0latency interconnects (Myrinet, Infiniband)
* Excellent communication skills (Verbal and Written)

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Toni Villarreal and give her a call at (713)977-6200. Let her know that you found it here!

(reference / job number:8067067)

"How To Ask For A Raise" - And Why!

2005-10-11T08:19:00.000-05:00

HOW TO ASK FOR A RAISE - AND WHY!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I recently saw that CIO Magazine has an MP3/Podcast up called "John Baldoni's How To Ask For A Raise - it's a quick, 2 minute summary of what you're going to have to prepare to ask for a raise.

What many candidates that I've spoken with don't know is WHY they should ask for a raise. Yes, it's because you want more money, but frankly, most candidates that I've spoken with start looking for a new job when they want more money.

Let me explain why, 7 times out of 10, asking for a raise is a better idea:

1) Your company has invested in fully training you and it is actually a lot cheaper to give you a 5% - 10% raise than it is to find, interview, hire, and train your replacement.

2) You know the quirks, business fluctuations, and the REAL priorities of your company. You're used to them; they're used to you. Do you really want to go through the process of figuring out what your new boss means by, "I want you to take all the time you need to make it right" again?

3) Presumably, if you've been at your job for more than 1-2 years, you work well with your boss' personality. Or, at least, you've figured out how to work with him/her. They know that, too. The biggest reason new hires quit within a year is a personality conflict with their direct manager.

4) You are more valuable to your company (in most cases) than to any other company in the world. Because you've worked out numbers 1, 2, and 3 above, you are one of the most knowledgeable (and, hence, self-managing and cheap) employee they have.

5) Your boss / company will not give you a raise unless you ask. There is at least a 50% chance they'll say yes if you do.

6) Ask the MP3 above identifies, have reasons for why you deserve a raise. Keep a list of the projects that you've worked on and what the results are/were. Your management has already forgotten almost everything you've done. Remind them.

7) The IT market is heating up and it's getting harder to find qualified IT professionals. You're going to get more calls from headhunters and your company knows it.

8) Changing jobs (though it is what I have made a living at in the past) is one of the most stressful life events there is. Will you like the people you're going to work with? Is your boss really an ogre? Are they about to be bought and have layoffs? Isn't a 10% raise, if you can get it, a better option than going through all that?

9) Most of your colleagues can't resist the call of the headhunter. As a result, it is next to impossible to find very qualified IT Professional with significant experience. That makes the pool of potential promotion candidates very shallow. Have you wondered how your moron boss / manager / VP got his/her job? This is how.

As should be obvious, your company is squeezing you for all they can get out of you. That's okay. It's their job to get the most work out of the fewest people possible.

However, it's your job (and one most employees forget about) to squeeze back and get all you can out of them. If you're both squeezing and giving, this is the best possible employment situation for everyone.

So, get squeezing!

-Dan

Clearcase / Himalaya / Linux Configuration Manager

2005-10-10T13:53:00.000-05:00

CLEARCASE / HIMALAYA / LINUX CONFIGURATION MANAGER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: Second level production application triage. Take actions to prevent incidents from escalating to severity 2 or severity 1 by proactively monitoring and escalating applications performance, content jobs, and processes issues.

Drive the development and implementation of new system & applications monitoring parameters and threshold alarms using shell scripts and/or interfaces with monitoring tools such as Prognosis and/or ASAP.

Perform 24X7 - troubleshooting/emergency remediation (triage), escalation and involvement of appropriate system owners. Proactive CR (baselines and other changes) review, implementation/post-implementation coverage and analysis. Main source of input for full node Go/No-Go baseline promotion decisions.

Partners with PSD system owners and EDS, on resolution of production problems involving operational stability. This may include performance analysis, configuration changes, and recovery services.

Liaison between EDS and System Owners in the notification, escalation, resolution of issues/problems affecting the stability of the production systems. Definition of minimum E2E application coverage/monitoring standards and requirements. Participation in the definition and setting of monitoring parameters and threshold alerts. Preparation of E2E application architecture documents required to support the coverage function.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Minimum 3 years of related operational or applications coverage experience in a variety of different systems and/or platforms including NonStop Pathway System Configuration and Management, Linux System Management, HP-MP/MX SQL, MySQL, CORBA, Linux shell scripting, Prognosis and ASAP monitoring tools.
* Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Brandi D and give her a call at (214)880-8700. Let her know you found it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Network Analyst

2005-10-10T10:38:00.000-05:00

NETWORK ANALYST
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 3 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $40+/hr

JOB DESCRIPTION: Manager is looking for a resource who can work with little day to day work direction and is a team player. Many network analysts like to work alone and that’s not what this group is interested in. The successful candidate should also be very good at documenting their work and must have PC Server experience.

Responsible for network engineering and detailed design of a division's network,which includes Cisco, Windows Servers, remote access, VSAT, X.25, IP technologies for a network of with a primary site in California and a Disaster Recovery site in Houston with over 10,000 service stations, Cisco Routers, Firewalls, 3rd party links, and a Dial Network.

Works with multiple customers within Marketing and outside of Marketing to get plans implemented. Responsible for change management, IP compliance and Infrastructure design. % of Support work to be performed:
50% to 75% % of Business Analysis work to be performed:
5% to 15% Critical skill sets:
Demonstrated knowledge of telecommunications technologies and their application to the design of Data Networks and VSAT Technologies including: routing layers/protocols, TCP/IP, subnets, Cisco, X.25, IGX, asynch/bisynch, ATM, performance monitoring, VPN, Firewalls technologies, etc.
Demonstrated understanding of emerging telecommunication technology trends and application to
Communication: Proactively communicates in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated role model behaviors supporting the corporate principles and values, including support for diversity, leadership, customer focus, teamwork, and safety.
Demostrated use of utilizing standard project management methodologies in managing small projects.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 3+ years' experience with Cisco and related networking / routing protocols (especially OSPF, TCP/IP, UDB)
* 5+ years' experience with Windows NT
* Previous retail service station / C-store systems knowledge
* Knowledge of POS, EPOS, back-office and related retail systems

PLUSSES:
* Knowledge or experience in petroleum marketing and convenience store industry.
* Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system and services including Terminal Server, FTP and Active Directory

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Lilo Burren and give him a call at (713)977-6200.

(reference / job number:8071153)

Oracle / XML / PL/SQL / BO Developer

2005-10-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

ORACLE / XML / PL/SQL / BO DEVELOPER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: San Antonio, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 12+ Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $40/hr

JOB DESCRIPTION: Lightspeed/CCTP/NCSC/BCS Call Centers Reports

Development of Center CCTP CTI/SBR/IVR reports in Business Objects. Tuning of Reports to ensure efficent processing of reports and data. Work with DBA

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Expert level experience with Oracle XML DB
* Intermediate experience with Teradata
* Expert level experience with PL/SQL
* Expert level experience with Business Objects

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Lilo Burren and then call him at (713)977-6200.

(reference / job number:8071199)

Technical Services Business Development Manager

2005-10-10T10:10:00.000-05:00

TECHNICAL SERVICES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Commensurate with Experience

EMPLOYER INFO: The Power of Having the Right People. For more than half a century, AllStates Technical Services has put the right people to work in the country's leading project and technology-driven companies. We specialize in outsourcing and staffing solutions, providing our clients with just-in-time, hard-to-find engineering and information technologies talent. People with the technical know-how to tackle tough jobs and meet critical deadlines.

AllStates is a wholly owned subsidiary of our parent company BE&K. BE&K has been recognized for 8 consecutive years as Birmingham, Alabama's premier place to work, and has been recognized nationally in the top 100 companies to work for in the United States. We pride ourselves in providing an energetic, goal driven, productive and team oriented work environment.

With over 60 years of experience at the top of our industry, we are able to offer a wide range of benefits for the right employee, including company supplemented medical, dental, and vision plans; company paid STD and LTD plans; Life and AD&D Insurance, and a 401k plan with company match.

JOB DESCRIPTION: We're looking for an Engineering and Life Sciences Business Development Manager with at least 2 years of previous outside sales experience. The right candidates will have the desire and drive to prospect new clients in the Houston, TX market and surrounding areas, they will know and understand that market and be able to capitalize on it's potential. We have a strong existing clientele in energy, oil and gas, utilities and bio-pharmaceutical, but are interested in growing our market base in these areas as well as expanding our services in a variety of industries. Additional responsibilities include: conducting sales presentations to effectively represent the service advantages provided by Allstates Technical Services; participating in local marketing activities including trade shows and direct marketing programs to promote company services and identity; producing and maintaining prospect and client call records as well as assuming responsibility for reporting all sales activities through internal systems. If you are technically and or Sales oriented, career minded, and not afraid to go out there and find new business, we need to talk. Candidates with a strong work ethic and outside sales background are encouraged to apply.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 2+ years outside sales experience

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Steven Judds at AllStates Technical Services and then give him a call at (877)972-5401. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number: N/A)

Unix / Linux Systems Administrator

2005-10-10T09:56:00.000-05:00

UNIX / LINUX SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Irving, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Contract-to-Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: Irving, TX - UNIX; Solaris, Linux, AIX; device management or storage management a plus; tape management and backup and recovery a plus; Java a plusMust have all of the skills above.

Please send resume in word format (3 pages or less, please try to bold on the resume where the specific experience is), full name, contact number, and rate. Also, please state if US citizen, Green Card, H1-B, or other as well as years of US experience, location, and availability date. The client will not pay relocation or expenses. Thanks!

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 2 to 5 years UNIX experience
* Knowledge of Solaris, Linux, AIX
PLUSSES:
* Knowledge of device management or storage management a plus
* Knowledge of tape management and backup and recovery a plus
* Knowledge of Java a plus

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Guy New and then give him a call at (972)345-6424

(reference / job number:JOL-LXI001)

A New Way To Get Blog Updates

2005-10-10T08:43:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I've updated the Blog again so now it is much easier (for all of us!) for you to get updates to the Houston IT Jobs Blog.

The blog hosting that I'm using really isn't set up for having people "subscribing" to get updates (they assume that you use a Blog reader). So, this is a way of getting small update notices via e-mail if you're not a regular Reader user.

In order to sign up, just go to the Houston IT Jobs Home Page and look for the subscription box in the upper left hand corner.

That's all there is to it!

-Dan

CIO Magazine: 'Cold Call for a Job'

2005-10-08T11:30:00.000-05:00

For those of you who thought I was crazy for recommending Cold Calling to get a new job - at least I'm not crazy and alone.

CIO Magazine has an article on just that: Cold Calling Your Way Into The Executive Suite

Happy Hunting!

-Dan

ProSight Upgrade Consultant

2005-10-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

PROSIGHT UPGRADE CONSULTANT
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 3 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $52/hr

EMPLOYER INFO: Calpine plans on upgrading their ProSight system and an analysis of existing business practices and business functionality is one of the primary steps of the identification and requirements definition for the project.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for managing the ProSight Upgrade project. Provides deep process and/or technical experience to guide develop program strategy in conjunction with the existing IT asset management, specifically in the areas of integrated portfolio, project and program management as well as continuous value measurement methodologies

Ensures integration of program elements based on subject-matter expertise and initiates adjustments to program scope, timing, resource selection and budgets as appropriate.

Communicates with IT Leadership and Consultants regarding status of the program, presents challenges, makes recommendations and coordinates all adjustments to the program strategy and direction. Responsible for delivering all IS sub-projects within the program on time, within budget and meeting strategic and business requirements. Responsible for tracking key project milestones and recommending adjustments to project leaders. Partners with IS Leadership to identify and prioritize opportunities for using subject-matter expertise to exploit technical capabilities beyond those initially envisioned in the program scope. Must possess and be able to apply extensive knowledge and expertise in the use of project management methodologies and tools.

Qualifications: Deep subject matter expertise with the systems, vendors and configuration issues associated the technology central for this particular engagement.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 7+ years of information technology or related work experience with at least 3+ years in design/implementation management projects associated with the technology central to the Prosight environment as well as experience with projects implementing a ProSight integration with ERP/Financial systems (Peoplesoft). Experience with MS Project Server, ProSight and Documentum a strong plus.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Srikanth Katuri and give him a call at (703)485-0037, ext. 304. Let him know that you found it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Process Coordinator / Project Manager

2005-10-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

PROCESS COORDINATOR / PROJECT MANAGER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 4 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $40/hr

JOB DESCRIPTION: Under general supervision of group manager or lead, the IS Coordinator will assist the Process and Service Level Management team with coordinating process, service level reporting, and compliance activities. Tracking, monitoring, and reporting remediation activities related to Sarbanes-Oxley. Assisting with the implementation and maintenance of a compliance system to track the effectiveness and health of IS internal controls and processes Coordinating document management related to IS policies, processes, and procedures Partnering with project teams or IS functional areas to assist with the development of process and service level related training and communications.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Interpersonal skills for interaction with support teams and business unit contacts
* Ability to effectively work in and support a geographically dispersed team environment
* Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills
* Logical, organized, highly motivated and productive
* Excellent customer service skills
* Excellent oral and written communication skills both with customers and members of various teams
* Ability to set and quickly adjust priorities
* Ability to coordinate with several groups to complete assignments
* Assist in administrative activities that support the department
* Participate in developing and streamlining departments internal business processes in accordance with best practices
* Microsoft Office experience, including Excel, Powerpoint, Visio, and Frontpage.
* Demonstrated experience developing process maps using Microsoft Visio
* Must have 2 years of experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting process related metrics
* Familiarity with ITIL or other process frameworks (example: CMMI, Microsoft MOF)

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Srikanth Katuri and the give him a call at (703)485-0037, ext 304. Let him know you found it here!

(reference / job number: N/A)

Senior Informatica Developer

2005-10-05T06:08:00.000-05:00

SENIOR INFORMATICA DEVELOPER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Austin, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6 month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: Description:
a. Sr. Informatica developer with extensive Powercenter 7.1 experience.
b. This is an immediate need, and our client is ready to start someone the day they interview.
c. In-person interview required.
d. The person will be given real problems to work out on a white board.
e. Candidates must be able to excel in the technical interview.

Other skills needed:
a. SQL Server 2000 - very important
b. Oracle 9i

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 6+ years' experience in Informatica development

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Soma Basu and then call him at (609)651-4845. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Oracle CRM Functional Consultant

2005-10-05T05:59:00.000-05:00

Okay - Some jobs have more detail and some have less. This is one of those in the "less" category. But, if you're doing Oracle CRM implementations and looking for a position, it's worth contacting the recruiter directly.

-Dan

ORACLE CRM FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANT
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 6 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Competitive

JOB DESCRIPTION: We have a requirement for an Oracle CRM Implementer
-Start ASAP for a 6 month contract. This resource needs to have thefollowing skills:
- Experience in the setup and implementation of Oracle Sales On-Line,Sales DBI and I-Store
- Experience with Oracle 11.5.8 or above
- Ability to lead and manage business users to achieve a successfulimplementation
- Good communication skills
- Work in the Dallas office

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Ron Easky

(reference / job number: N/A)

WiFi / Network NOC Engineer

2005-10-01T06:53:00.000-05:00

WIFI / NETWORK NOC ENGINEER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Plano, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 3 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: "Competitive"

JOB DESCRIPTION: Contractor will work as a Technical Support Engineer and be responsible for executing processes & procedures to improve network reliability with a target of 99.999% availability in a 24x7x365 Network Operations Center.

Troubleshoot to resolution network related issues dealing primarily with our WiFi network. Other related issues could include working with Cisco, Redback, and/or Juniper routers. Work escalated customer and vendor cases to resolution and monitor network devices using network monitoring tools such as Netcool, SMARTS, DICE and Keynote.

This requires an understanding of network topologies for ISP, DNS, IP addressing/sub-netting, routing: WiFi, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, RADIUS. Basic foundation of WAN transport, ISDN, Frame-Relay/FRATM, ATM, Point-to-Point, Fractional-T1. This position will include direct exposure to products such as DIA, NVPN, WiFi, VoIP, Unified Messaging, and DSL.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA).
* Willingness to work in a 24 x 7 shift environment with weekends and holidays based on needs of the business.
* Previous WiFi troubleshooting experience in an enterprise environment.
* Previous Network / Router / Switch troubleshooting experience in an enterprise environment

PLUSSES:
* Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
* Any WiFi certification
* 3 years working experience with routing and switching equipment in an Internet environment, related to a WiFi network.
* Excellent written and verbal communications skills with technical documentation experience.
* Familiarity and/or experience with SMARTS, BRIXS, Concord, MRTG, Keynote, Cricket, Adlex, SONET, ATM, FR, IP, VOIP, and Messaging.
* Previous experience with Solaris

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Guy New and then give him a call at (972)345-6424. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:JOL-E13283)

Forgive the Rita Pause

2005-09-30T09:10:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I hope that you can forgive the recent inactivity.

Between travel and Hurricane Rita, I've been a little preoccupied.

I will be adding a number of postings between now and when the weekend is over.

No, really!

Dan

SF Telecom Field Tech w/RELO

2005-09-16T08:28:00.000-05:00

SF TELECOM FIELD TECH w/RELO
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: San Francisco, CA

RELO: YES.

TRAVEL: 50%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

EMPLOYER INFO: In this time of reconstruction, Unified TelData is pleased to offer opportunities to those possibly impacted by recent events. We are looking for technicians, project managers, and system programmers with a “Can Do Attitude”, “Demonstrated ability to successfully perform multiple tasks”, and who will directly contribute to a “Successful Client Experience” to join our growing company as a Systems Engineer & Software Specialist.

Unified TelData (UTDI), an award-winning partner to the industry leaders AVAYA, Nortel, Cisco and Altigen. You should have demonstrated/verifiable telephone system installation and maintenance experience with our manufacturing partners, Altigen, Avaya, Cisco or Nortel. Retired manufacturer direct technicians are welcome to respond. Please do not reply without prior installation, Project Management, or System Programming experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Detail of Responsibilities:
• Installation of Altigen, Avaya, Cisco, or Nortel Telecommunication Systems.
• Perform MAC activities and complex program changes on manufacturing partners telephone and voicemail systems.
• Install, test and turn-up complex voice, data, voicemail, call center and unified messaging systems.
• Install or extend Telco circuits (T1, FR, ISDN, ATM, DSL, etc.) at customer sites.
• Excellent customer communication and interface.
• Work with Altigen, Avaya, Cisco and Nortel Technical Support personnel in troubleshooting complex problems.
• Administrative record keeping (service orders, time logs, DOA, RMA, etc.).
• Interface with Local Exchange Carrier technicians and support personnel to ensure 100% functional service of UTDI equipment/services.
• Attend certification training in house or off premises for certification in Altigen, Avaya, Cisco, and Nortel product/equipment.
• This is a field technician job requiring vehicle and a clean DMV record. Travel required and mileage reimbursement is offered.

JOB EXPERIENCE: Solid experience installing one of the following: Altigen, Avaya, Cisco, or Nortel telephone, voice mail and complex voice/data and unified messaging Systems. Prefer someone with experience installing either Avaya or Nortel products. Must have a minimum of 3 to 5 years voice and/or data communication technical experience in a customer environment. Proven ability to diagnose/troubleshoot on various technologies. Call Center capability and IVR experience a plus. Looking for someone who has demonstrated high customer service skills and believes in truly “satisfying the customer requirements!” Must be willing to be part of a 24-7 operation, want to become part of a growing team and have a strong team commitment, be reliable, demonstrate flexibility, and have an understanding of dispatch protocols.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* College Degree preferred. High School degree required. AA degree or Vocational Technical Training Certification will be considered based on experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of voice/data technical experience required.
• Avaya , Altigen, Cisco, and Nortel Technical Training Certificate preferred, and Technical Training Certificate Required (will consider waiving this requirement based on number of years of Avaya installation experience).
• Excellent Customer Service and Communication skills required.
• Proficiency with computers to include Word and Excel required.

PLUSSES:
• Experience with High Cap (T1, ISDN PRI, 56K Frame Relay) preferred.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to UTDI Human Resources. They have no "in-person" contact.

(reference / job number:N/A)

Network Security Professional

2005-09-16T08:17:00.000-05:00

NETWORK SECURITY PROFESSIONAL
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 50%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

EMPLOYER INFO: This high-profile client delivers industry-leading IP networking and security products that are designed to provide a secure and assured customer experience. The candidate will be reporting to the Manager of Professional Services, Americas, this is a highly technical role, providing post-sales on-site support of proprietary Network Security Products.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The candidate will be required to develop and maintain an expertise on the products deployed within the Customers network. The role will require travel up to 50% of the time. When not traveling, the candidate can work from their home office. Therefore, the resource can be located in any U.S. city near a major airport.

This is a highly technical role, providing post-sales on-site support of proprietary Network Security Products. The Consultant will be required to develop and maintain an expertise on the products deployed within the Customers network.

This position calls for the Consultant to:
• Have knowledge of VPNs, SSL-VPNs, ISP Systems, Firewalls, Security Management Systems
• Have responsibility for technical planning and installation of products and solutions for each account
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the customer's technical team
• Architect and create detailed design requirements and specifications for large-scale enterprise deployments
• Assist in the development of proposals for potential customers including Statement of Work (SOW) and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) information
• Supervise internal and external resources including engineering, consulting and product management to design and deliver a solution
• Have a deep understanding and hands-on experience in the security consulting field. Understand the concepts and guidelines behind traditional security systems design
• Provide internal and external guidance on key security issues
• Develop/maintain an in-depth technical knowledge of the entire Network Security product line
• Capable of developing secondary skills in other products in the product portfolio

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Must have experience with SSL
* Prior Consulting experience
* Strong understanding in the following security technologies and protocols: IPSEC, Firewall, 802.1Q, MD5, SSH, SSL, SHA1, L2TP, XAUTH, RSA-SecurID, SSL-VPNs, IDS/IDP, protocol anomalies, application vulnerabilities, viruses, worms, and trojans
* Familiarity with industry-standard routing and switching platforms, routing protocols, and operating systems will be very useful
* HTTP, HTTPS, HTML, JavaScript, RSA/ ACE Servers, Windows NT Domains, LDAP, NIS, Radius Servers, and web proxies
* U.S. Permanent Resident
* Experience working with network analysis tools and trace analysis of packets and protocols is required

PLUSSES:
* Multi-vendor firewall and load balance configuration experience
* TCP/IP in switching and routing, and DMZ environments
* Unix and NT administration skills a plus
* Email Proxy Knowledge - IMAP4, POP3, MAPI, SMTP and Lotus Notes

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Bret Reckard and call him at (415)433-2648. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

IT Specialist from CraigsList

2005-09-16T08:12:00.000-05:00

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: SW Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

Here's a good spot for a 5 year person: Information Technology Specialist

FEMA Blue Tarp Program Employment

2005-09-14T14:20:00.000-05:00

Below is another opportunity to get involved in helping out with the Katrina clean-up and get paid at the same time.

Again, if you're out of work now, this is a great way to do something to help and make some money to tide you over at the same time.

Good luck!

Dan

-----

We are looking for able bodied men who are in need of employment and who
would be willing to spend the next 12 weeks minimum in Louisianna working to
tarp damaged roofs. There is plenty of work to go around, so we have need of
several more men. The original cut off date was last Tuesday, but the demand
based on the extensive damage there has opened the door for others to work.

Information: Each crew will consist of a working crew foreman accompanied
by four crew members. FEMA will provide all materials other than those
requested in the attachment to this email. Each crew will be required to produce
coveage of 10,000 square feet of roof per day, which averages out to be
approximately two homes. Meeting this minimum requirement will earn each worker
$250 per day, and each foreman $300 per day. Obviously if the crew produces
more than the minimum, which every crew should if they are working, the income
improves as pay is based on production.

Every person is responsible for their own living expenses, and should note
that for the first couple of weeks hotel rooms will be scarce; so plans must
include living in camp style atmosphere until utilities are restored in
certain areas and hotels and food sources begin to go back into service. Persons
should bring food and water to care for them for that time period, and know
that through this 12 week project one should should budget for approximately
$300 a week in expenses, all of which are deductible items for tax purposes.

Any one who is seriouly interested in working in this project should make
every effort to assemble a crew of workers and then contact Jim Brown at New
Life Worship Center in Aubrey, TX at 940-365-9179 for more information, and
should be prepared to attend a meeting there in Aubrey on Sunday afternoon at
4pm.

Every worker should have a valid picture ID and a copy of their Social
Security card. Workers must be legal to work in the U.S., with all appropriate
documentation in order. Further questions should be directed to Jim Brown at
the above number.

Thanks again for your assistance. Jim Brown

Blue Tarp Project
Required Items

Crew Members:
· Hard Hat (White)
· Long Pants
· T-shirts - NO tank type shirts (per FEMA)
· Hammer
· Nail bag
· Razor Knife (with refills)

Foreman:
· Hard Hat (Blue)
· Long Pants
· T-shirts - NO tank type shirts (per FEMA)
· Hammer
· Nail bag
· Razor Knife (with refills)
· Tape Measure (25' min)
· Staple gun (hammer type)
· Ladder to access roof
· Transportation

Suggested Items:
· Current tetanus vaccine
· Plenty of water

General Information:
· Each person is responsible for fuel, food, & lodging.
· At a minimum, the first two weeks will be tents and sleeping bags.

Pay Scale:
FEMA requires that each crew to produce a minimum of 100 squares of tarp per
day, which calculates to 10,000 square feet. This requirement is not hard
to reach. Each crew member will be paid $2.50 per square, totaling $250 per
day. Each foreman will be paid $3.00 per square, totaling $300 per day.
Daily production is only limited by daylight and the effort of each crew, with
the realization that each crew should exceed the minimum without difficulty and
thus increase income potential dramatically.

200 More Katrina Help Jobs

2005-09-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I've been sent another job description for people to help with Katrina evacuees. There are 200+ jobs and they will be starting immediately.

I know that many of you are telling me that these aren't positions that fit your skills, by which you mean you are very overqualified. That is true, but these jobs are good length and they pay.

So, without further ado, here are the jobs:

"We need 200 people to assist the evacuees with filling out paperwork,must be computer literate and have good communication skills. Must have a clear criminal background and be able to pass a drug screening.

The hours are 7a-7pm, 7days straight for the next 30 days, $20.00hr. I calculated it to be about $2100 a week due to overtime. They MUST be able to commit everyday for the next 30 days. This project starts tomorrow so please let me know so I can get the paperwork for them to fill out.

Have them go to our website www.burnettstaffing.com to fill out an on-line application.

Unfortunately they cannot be anyone who is a evacuee...Thanks for all your help in advance!!!

Tonya Brown, On-Site Manager @ Benchmark Electronics
Burnett Staffing Specialist & PC Learning Center
Houston*Austin*El Paso*San Antonio
Tel:979-849-6550 ext.1318"

Get Paid to Help Katrina Evacuees

2005-09-06T13:55:00.000-05:00

I just received this from somebody helping with the tracking of all things Katrina. These aren't really high paying jobs, but they're not bad if you're still looking!

So, if you've been out of work for awhile and have any IT skills at all, this may be a place for you to help people in need while making some money to help you.

Let's take a look at the plusses for these jobs:

* They'll pay housing, so you won't be blowing all of your money on that.

* You'll get a lot of hours (12 hours a day * 6 days a week = 72 hours a week)

* Reasonable pay, all things considered. ($19/hr).

* They provide transportation (busses start rolling tomorrow, Wednesday)

* While potentially mind-numbing, they're basically looking for data entry. So, if you're looking here for jobs, you're qualified.

* They're hiring 400 people, so the odds are pretty good.

I honestly don't know if they're paying overtime, but since this *is* the Federal Government, and Federal Government rules say that you have to pay time-and-a-half over 40 hours if the position pays less than $27/hr, you'd think so.

However, being the Federal Government, they are often exempt from their own rules. Ask when you call.

In any case, the woman coordinating this is Mary Valerian. Click on her name to send an e-mail including your resume and a brief description of your skills.

.NET Software Engineer with Robotics

2005-09-06T09:37:00.000-05:00

.NET SOFTWARE ENGINEER WITH ROBOTICS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Fort Lauderdale, FL

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

JOB DESCRIPTION: We are seeking one very bright Software Engineer who is fascinated by robotics and understands instrumentation. It would be great if you also understood moving and fluid controls! One of your jobs will be to writecode and programs for production. An acquaintance with microprocessorsand firmware would be extraordinary!

This is an application lead role in engineering, design anddevelopment. Requires very strong technical, interpersonal,communication and functional skills. You must be well disciplined andable to create well-structured code.

This individual will support current applications and be involved withany new developmental efforts. This person should demonstrate a high degree of willingness to learn not only the technical aspects of IT support but most specially fluid dynamics related to DNA, Peptide, and DNA applications.

This individual should be task-oriented, able to work in a process-controlled environment and be a self-starter.Knowledge of robotics and instrumentation.Responsibilities will include support and maintenance, as well asproject related tasks. Individual will work directly with Engineering and Development on daily support issues and the identification or recommendation of system requirements that provide value to thebusiness. Unit testing of code before submission to test and productionenvironments is required. Daily adherence to change management processis necessary.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 5+ years in development and/or support of major application systems
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Proficient in SQL 2000
* 3+ years experience in developing solutions using VB.NET or C++

* 3+ years with Visual Basic 6
* Proficiency with OOP.
* Ability to understand the customer request and suggest possiblesolutions
* Proficient at writing SQL queries, views and stored procedures
* Proven ability to translate business requests and requirements intotechnical specifications/solutions
* Strong interpersonal communications with ability to work with variouslevels of management.
* Able ro formulate a project or simultaneous projects from concept,design, proto, validation and up to the launch phase.
* Able to work cross-functionally from various engineering disciplines(i.e. chemistry, biology,chemical engineering, bio-engineering,electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and molecular biology.)
* Self-motivated team player with vision and initiative
* Knowledge in developing scalable solutions with VB.NET platform.
* Experience developing solutions using .NET, SQLand XML using client/server architecture.
* Basic knowleddge of statistical methods including least squares regression and t-testing.

PLUSSES:
* "Instrument Programming Experience" and "Control Systems Experience"(ideal)
* Experience working with real-time control would be highly desirable.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Sondra Fuller and then call her at (954)237-3141. Let her know you found it here!

(reference / job number: N/A)

Legal Document Imaging Salesperson

2005-09-06T09:08:00.000-05:00

LEGAL DOCUMENT IMAGING SALESPERSON
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Downtown Houston, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

EMPLOYER INFO: Small document imaging company in downtown Houston, TX, that primarily serves the legal industry.

JOB DESCRIPTION: They produce document imaging services primarily for the legal industry. It is a small start-up company that has been in business for about 3 years. The salary is base plus commission.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Prefer 2-3 years sales experience--but transferable experience will be considered.
* Looking for individuals who enjoy cold calling or have a preference for it from some other kind of industry.
* Demonstrated, quantifiable success in prior positions.
* Must be predisposed to a high activity, high energy environment.
* Excellent phone and face-to-face selling skills

PLUSSES:
* Experience in service sales is a plus

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Lynn Plum and then give her a call at (281)467-5724. Let her know that you saw it here!

(reference / job number:N/A)

Long Term Cisco Guru Contract

2005-09-06T08:57:00.000-05:00

LONG-TERM CISCO GURU CONTRACT
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Plano, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: 17 Month Contract

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: Submit your best rate.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Advanced knowledge of Cisco routers and Cisco IOS 12.1+. Working experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting of networks from layer one (Frame, Point to Point, ATM), to layer three (routing with above listed routing protocols). Experience with tasks involved with network monitoring, alarm notification and acknowledgement. Strong understanding of BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP routing protocols and route redistribution.

Strong customer service skills and being able to multitask between troubleshooting network outages and performance while interfacing with customers with event notification and communication of status of network events. Experience working in a Network Operation Center a strong plus. Possesses strong documentation skills to accurately track and network issues, symptoms, and resolutions. Experience in handling and resolution of large scale technical escalations and issues. Scheduling flexibility a plus

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Intermediate skill (3-5 yrs) with BGP/OSPF/EIGRP
* Intermediate skill (3 yrs) with VOIP and QOS
* Low level skill (1-3 yrs) with NVPN/MPLS
* Low level skill (1-3 yrs) with Cisco IOS based VPN and Firewall
* Intermediate skill (3-5 yrs) with Network Monitoring and Performance Tools
* Low level skill (1-3 yrs) with DNS
* Low level skill (1-3 yrs) with ATM/Frame Relay

PLUSSES:
* CCDP
* CCIP

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Guy New and then call him at (972)345-6424. Let him know you saw it here!

(reference / job number:E12882)

Sr. Network / Systems Engineer

2005-09-06T08:38:00.000-05:00

SR. NETWORK / SYSTEMS ENGINEER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Atlanta, GA

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

EMPLOYER INFO: The employer is a well-known evangelical Christian ministry and, as such, would prefer committed Christians who also posess the following skills.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Analyzes and defines network and systems requirements, procedures, and problems to automate processes or improve existing computer systems and other IS-Infrastructure. Is responsible for managing and enhancing the Windows Server Platform and all associated services, as well as the internetworking infrastructure. Will develop comprehensive technology solutions to business problems across a broad range of technical functions. Ensures the functioning and availability of mission critical systems.

* Formulates, develops, and implements integrated network and systems architectures for the ministry's computer systems.

* Develops standards for computer and network systems, to include switching, routing, wireless networking, network OS (file, print, administration, user policies, backups).

* Prepares workflow diagrams to specify, in detail, how technology and systems function to provide services required.

* Develops project plans specifying goals, strategy, staffing, scheduling, identification of risks, contingency plans, and required resources.

* Formulates and defines technical scope and objectives of project.

* Identifies and schedules project deliverables, milestones, and required tasks.

* Develops and maintains technical and project documentation.

* Directs and coordinates activities of project personnel to ensure project progresses on schedule and within budget.

* Provides planning, leadership, direction, and advanced technical expertise regarding computer and network services for both local and wide area networks, and the worldwide internet; serves as high-level technical expert in regards to Microsoft Windows Server platform, Cisco internetworking hardware or associated technologies.

* Negotiates exact technical requirements with vendors; contributes to the establishment of contracts, and reviews or recommends technical contract specifications and proposals.

* Designs, develops, and delivers training classes and workshops in areas of computer and network systems as needed by internal staff.

* Installs, configures, and maintains computer and network operating systems, application software, network hardware, and data wiring as appropriate; provides senior level on-call support for computer/network systems as required.

* Evaluates local area network hardware and software requirements and capabilities and makes recommendations. Monitors, maintains and reports on network stability.

* Maintains an advanced and broad knowledge of current and emerging state-of-the-art computer/network systems technologies, architectures, developments, trends and products.

* Provides strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies within the Ministry. Delivers strong written and verbal communication to both technical and non-technical personnel, in providing sound information for decision making.

* Develops, maintains, and tests disaster recovery plans.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 4+ years experience with the Windows Network Operating System (NT 4.0, 2000, 2003) both hardware and advanced administration.
* Extensive background in Windows 2000/2003, Active Directory and Exchange 2000/2003 with experience in the design, deployment and migration in complex production environments.
* Thorough understanding of ADS hierarchy, replication, integration of DNS and associated troubleshooting.
* Extensive experience with server hardware as well as performing Windows 2000/ 2003 server builds.
* Experience managing Microsoft Exchange 5.5/2003 in 250+ user environment
* Extensive knowledge and experience with SMTP, LDAP and IMAP.
* Certified MCSE, CCNA

PLUSSES:
* Experience with Cisco internetworking products and developing high availability infrastructures to support transaction oriented mission critical applications preferred.
* Certified MCDBA (preferred)
* Microsoft SQL administration, UNIX administration skills, Network Management and monitoring experience a plus.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Buz Mayo and then give him a call at (404)252-9319. Let him know that you saw it here!

(reference / job number: N/A)

SQL Server DBA

2005-09-06T08:16:00.000-05:00

SQL SERVER DBA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Atlanta, GA

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

EMPLOYER INFO: The employer is a well-known evangelical Christian ministry and, as such, is looking for committed Christians who also posess the following skills.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The ministry is searching for a Database Administrator to design and coordinate physical changes to production and test databases. This includes coding, testing, and implementing physical database changes by performing the following duties:
* Architect, design and implement complex logical and physical data schemas primarily using Microsoft SQL Server 2000, but will also use Oracle on Sun, to support specific commands and functions.
* Installs new software releases, system upgrades, evaluates and installs patches.
* Resolves database and application software related problems.
* Creates and enforces database standards.
* Selects and uses utility programs to monitor and report on database performance.
* Monitors capacity and performance.
* Responsible for maintaining backups and security policies for all data stores.
* Ensures disaster recovery and business continuity for all database related infrastructure components.
* Administers, maintains, develops and implements policies and procedures for ensuring the security and integrity of the ministry's databases.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Must have an in-depth understanding of relational data modeling principles and techniques to quickly gain understanding of complex databases.
* Familiarity with all functionality of Microsoft SQL 2000 Enterprise Manager and Microsoft SQL Query Analyzer as well as managing Microsoft SQL objects from within Microsoft Visual Studio.
* Expertise with T-SQL usage and syntax to build high-quality Stored Procedures, Triggers, Views, Indexes, UDFs and UDTs on schedule.
* Understanding of T-SQL best-practices to ensure data integrity and fastest data acquisition such as the appropriate usage of temp tables, variables and set- vs. cursor-based operations.
* Experience in methods and tools used to extract, transform and load data.
* MCDBA
* Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university and 4+ years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PLUSSES:
* Familiarity and experience with .NET development preferred.
* Experience with PeopleSoft People tools preferred.
* Experience with transaction oriented web applications using SQL back end databases within an e-commerce architecture a plus.
* Experience with Oracle on the Sun Platform preferred.
* MCSE and Oracle certification preferred.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Buz Mayo and then give him a call at (404)252-9319. Let him know that you saw it here!

(reference / job number: N/A)

Network Security Engineer

2005-08-26T09:57:00.000-05:00

NETWORK SECURITY ENGINEER
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LOCATION: Dallas / Fort Worth, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $85K

JOB DESCRIPTION: Listed below are some of the responsibilities but are not limited to the following:

* A review of existing policies and comprehensive documentation of the network.
* Analyze system architecture and network configurations.
* Assess the operational support tools and procedures.
* Investigate physical installations of access points.
* Identify rogue access points, potential issues, bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
* Perform penetration tests.
* Interview users and conduct workshops to keep key personnel abreast of assessment finding.
* Draft and publish network infrastructure findings and arecommendations report.
* Create a detailed handbook for the entire Network
* Perform a security evaluation of the VPN solution

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* Provide a comprehensive network assessment
* Able to analyze building diagram/floor plan
* Ability to analyze physical network & local network diagrams
* Perform penetration test and document the results
* Experience with voice communication software experience
* Able to provide support for various operating systems (Windows,Linux, etc.) , applications (Oracle, ERP, etc)
* Perform a security evaluation of the VPN solution.
* Assess the firewall design to ensure protection againstunauthorized intrusion.
* Evaluate DMZ architecture, web servers, routing, and DNSarchitecture.
* Provide patch management policies for the library network computers
* Must have completed some network-related certification(s)

PLUSSES:
* B.S. in Computer Science or closely related field
* At least 4-5 years of on the job experience
* Additional certification preferable

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to me at danielrsweet@gmail.com and I'll get back with you within 1 day.

(reference / job number:N/A)

Well Priced Self-Study Program for Lots of Certifications

2005-08-25T05:31:00.000-05:00

Guys,

I got an offer via e-mail recently that I thought might interest some of you looking to get your certifications on the cheap (meaning, pay for them yourself).

Listen; I've talked to a bunch of you who were too busy to get your cert. As I've said before, it's rarely a requirement, but always a plus to have it. So go get it. No, I'm not being paid anything if you sign up. But, now that you mention it, I should be!

Keep in mind that this is self-study information and, if you're not good at reading the tech books you have now, this will probably be money down a hole for you. If, however, you're pretty good about learning new technologies at home, this may be a great (and cheap!) way for you to get those certs you've been putting off.

The offers below expire September 1st - just in case you needed a little more of a push...

What you get, apparently, is a study guide (on CD) related to each course that you would normally take in the classroom. Then, they also include a "practice test" CD so that you get used to the types of questions you're going to run into on the tests.

Please note that I haven't used this brand of training material (any comments on it are more than welcome!), but my experience has been self-study material is, more or less, self-study material. Some is less dry than others, but that's like saying one spot in the desert is less dry than another: it's all pretty dry.

You can get the full MCSE (2003) pack for $89 OR the full CCNA/CCDA/CCNP/CCDP pack for $89.

And, if you get both, you get A+/NET+/MCP training for free. Why you need any of these when you're going for your MCSE and CCNP is beyond me, but that's the deal.

Other training also available:

MCSA/MCSE Training for $119
Exchange Server Training for $49
(Cisco) CCIP Training for $89
Cisco VoIP (UCSE, CIPT, CVOICE, QOS, IPTT) Training for $89
Oracle 8/9 (OCP) Training for $89
Cisco CVOICE Training for $49
ITIL Delivery & Service Support Training (several internations, large companies are ITIL compliant and this would be a leg up there) for $49
SUN Solaris (Solaris Certified) Training for $79
Linux+ Training for $79
Unix Training (No cert, but good knowledge of different flavors of Unix) for $79
Six Sigma Training (preparation for Six Sigma work, but no test prep for green belt / black belt) for $89
Java Programming Training (and prep for the Java Professional test) for $79

Now there's no excuse for not being certified!

Dan

Sr. Network Communications / Security Project Manager

2005-08-23T04:42:00.000-05:00

SR. NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS / SECURITY PROJECT MANAGER
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LOCATION: Dallas, TX

RELO: No.

TRAVEL: 0%

POSITION TYPE: Direct Hire

APPROXIMATE PAY RATE: $75K - $82K + Bonus ($16K - $19K)

JOB DESCRIPTION: Provide leadership, organization, and planning for data and voice communication projects and integration. Document, schedule, and coordinate all activity per change management policy. Design, install, configure, maintain, and secure network and voice equipment and services.

Maintain equipment at proper patch and release levels. Provide cross-training. Maintain documentation, procedures and diagrams. Provide trouble-shooting for data, security, and voice communication problems.

Demonstrate problem ownership and diligence in resolving problems in a timely manner. Escalate issues with vendors and management per policy. Document problems in issue tracking system. Provide planning and analysis to ensure that network/security implementation meets current and future communication and security requirements.

Administer Network Management Systems for alert, monitoring, trend analysis and reporting. Research new technologies and evaluate their viability in environment. Interface with vendors for information, quotes, contracts, and/or billing issues.

Ensure that redundant and disaster recovery equipment, services, processes and procedures are maintained, tested, and readily available. Maintain internal voice and data wiring systems. Update wiring documentation and coordinate changes with vendors. Maintain IP Addressing scheme and IP Management System. Coordinate server, workstation, and phone moves, adds,and changes.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
* 6-8 years of experience in networking/telecommunications
* Experience should include TCP/IP, ETHERNET, and LAN/WAN switching,routing, and firewall technologies.
* Knowledge of Windows NT, XP, 2000, 2003, and Unix
* 2+ years Storage Area Networking experience.
* Experience with FCIP,iSCSI, and iFCP protocols.
* CCNP
* Knowledge of Windows and Unix.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

PLUSSES:
* Certifications with Cisco, security, and Nortel equipment preferred.
* Experience with Network Management Systems desired.
* Experience with PBX and voice peripherals desired.

HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume to Erin Hartnett and call her at (214)615-2600. Let her know that you saw the job here!

(reference / job number: EHAT-6EWV52)