Cher Forman

"Ask Cher"

Cher Forman has over 20 years of domestic and international Human Resources experience in organizations ranging from startups to $3B. As Director or Vice President, she has managed Human Resources groups at Applied Materials, Stanford Telecom, Ask Computer Systems, Teledex and Tri-Data Corporation and consulted on H.R. philosophy, values and infrastructure with many start-ups as well. Cher has managed several of these firms through rapid expansion and significant organizational challenges. While at Applied Materials, she led her business unit as the company grew from 6,000 to 16,000 employees in three years. Ms. Forman has specific expertise in employment, corporate legal compliance, development of cost effective compensation/benefit strategies, organization development and international HR management. She has a degree in Organization Behavior from the University of San Francisco and has participated in advanced training at several other colleges and universities.

Please Login or Signup to Email Cher or Post Comments
Login to Comment
0 Comment
Job Search Help to Your New Career in Information Technology
April 27, 2011 by Cher Forman

Job Search Help to Your New Career in Information Technology

Question:
 
Dear Cher:
I am 51 and looking to start my last career. Very interested in the Information Technology field and curious about who/how to go about finding mentors/advice on what to specialize in. I went through the Bachelor of Science program at the University of Phoenix a few years back and would like to finish up the last 6 months. Keep hearing about the shortage of qualified recruits in this industry and would appreciate any advice. Want to be sure that I get the schooling needed. Also are there any companies out there that will pay for schooling with a non-compete? Thank you.

Belle

Answer:

Dear Belle:

Get ready to make some new friends, Belle. The best way for you to find the info you need is to start networking. First you should look for, and join, a couple groups of IT professionals who meet regularly in your area. If you don’t know of any, I suggest you contact some Professional IT instructors from your school and/or fellow students from some of your classes. See what groups are mentioned the most and join one or two of them. If they charge for meetings they may give “newbies” student rates, or the first meeting free. Go to a couple meetings to find one where you are comfortable and feel welcome. Professional IT people are usually happy to help new people in their field, so be prepared to ask the networking interview questions mentioned in your email. You may have a chance to speak with people at the meeting itself, or just set up a local coffee appointment. Even better is if they invite you to their workplace. There’s no one more qualified to give you the lay of the land than someone in your preferred field.
If you haven’t looked for a new position for a while, you also need to join a job group in your area to learn about contemporary job search skills and developing a career plan. Fellow job searchers can often fill you in, or send you in the right direction, to learn contemporary job search skills. You may call local churches, or libraries, or the Employment Development Department. The church affiliated groups don’t usually insist you share their beliefs. They welcome all who can use some job search help. This type of group is helpful in many ways, not the least of which is emotional support. Mostly they don’t charge for meetings and attendees support the needs of the various members.
A few tips:
  • It’s essential you prepare a job search/career development plan, using up to date job search techniques, behavioral interviewing skills, and resume skills with an emphasis on accomplishments and key words. Your plan must include building a network of contacts, so you have the best chance of success.
  • Always be thinking about what can you do for others. Be sure to let the people you speak with know you would like to help them in return. Who knows? He or she may be looking for leads into a company you’ve worked for in the past.
  • Don’t try to tell other folks about their profession. Let them do the talking, so you can learn.
  • Write down the networking interview questions you have before your meeting. Read them and prioritize them as you go along
  • Dress professionally to attend any meeting or informational interview.
  • You can find information on job search topics on the net. Our website, ourexperiencecounts.com. has a wealth of training and job search information.
  •  Be sure to list your education on your resume, showing when and where you expect to finish your degree program. Know when the next semester begins in case you are asked.
  • Don’t let an interviewer feel you are more interested in their education benefits than in the job. That’s an automatic turn off. Make the job what you are enthusiastic about. If they want to   make you an offer, ask for a summary of their benefit plan so you can best evaluate the complete package.
  • Belle, good luck to you in your IT career. If you have a plan and follow it, you can transition to the career you desire

Best, Cher
Categories: Ask Cher (HR Executive), Changing Jobs or Careers, Career Management & Transition
Login to Comment

Comments:


No Comments

You will find these interesting:

Background checks part 1: References
What are the Top Three Things I Need to Pay Attention to in My Job Search?
Do I Use a Resume to Apply for a New Position?

This article was posted in:

Ask Cher (HR Executive)
Changing Jobs or Careers
Career Management & Transition

Click on a category name above to read more on the subject