Six key soft skills of an IT pro:

1. Good people skills: IT is a mix of technology and people. Professionals work on technology to come up with innovative products that has the potential to boost a company’s business. When you are dealing with people, disagreements are common. A good IT pro is the one who can bring a diverse group to a consensus. A person with good people skills can manage a group well and bring them on the same page so that shared goal can be accomplished.

2. Good communication skills: How well you are able to put forth a great idea such that it is appreciated and implemented. Your ability to read, write, and speak play a great role in this. There are immense examples where a project went to dump as the ideas was not properly communicated.

3. Ergonomic sense: Most IT pros find it difficult to look at their invention from a nontechnical aspect or users’ end. A good IT professional is the one who can evaluate their work and design user interfaces that are simple and easy for the users.

4. Sixth sense: Can you gauge the worth of your project by the way people are working and the speed at which tasks are taking place? Most IT pros develop a sixth sense after years of experience and can foresee where the project is going. This is one talent, which is very difficult to be taught, but can be developed by an IT pro over the years. If you can sharpen your sixth sense pertaining to your projects, your worth is equivalent to gold in the IT industry.

5. Political smartness: IT companies always are on a lookout for individuals who can establish strong bonding with different divisions within a company. Such a strong interlinking helps smooth project cooperation and success.

6. Good pedagogue: Do you possess the skills of a good teacher. In this industry, an individual who can teach new applications to users are valued a lot. People who can mentor, and share knowledge, are an asset for the company.

Excerpt of an article published in TechRepublic.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is the document attached with the Resume Or Curriculum Vitae including a brief about the skills and qualities a candidate possesses. It is the first point of contact with the company and hence a properly written cover letter can leave a positive impression on employers and may increase an individual’s chance of getting the job.

The cover letter for a job should convey factual data without confusing the employer. It adds a personal touch to your job application.

Here are some cover-letter tips to help you get a desired job:

• Make sure to attach one - The purpose of a cover letter is to give a gist of what skills and qualifications you hold. If you do not include a cover letter, the employer or HR manager will need to scan the CV to figure out your skills, which would render the whole procedure time consuming. Even after understanding the importance of a cover letter, many still think that preparing a cover letter is a waste of time and it’s okay to skip it. Do not do that! The cover letter is the key to grab a desired job. Draft the letter properly, emphasizing on the reason why you are the perfect person for the designation. Do not let your resume decorate the dustbin; attach a cover letter for a solid impression.

• Do not fake – A cover letter is the portfolio of your personality and knowledge. It speaks a lot about your charisma, which is generally not clear in the resume. Your cover letter should be such that it attracts an employer’s attention. In fact, many organizations listen to peer feedback before the hiring decision as ultimately they are the ones who will have to work with the candidate. Do not make silly and false statements, since that may prove fatal for your career.

• Do not send resume to irrelevant job openings – Common sense is rarely seen among job hunters. Most of the candidates apply for all the jobs that come their way, even though they don’t have the supporting experience or required skills for the said post. Avoid this blunder! Focus on the openings that match your personality, skills, qualification, and experience and mold the cover letter accordingly.

• Crosscheck your grammar before sending – It is important for every candidate to proofread the cover letter before sending. Check your cover letter and resume for grammar and spelling errors. Avoid unnecessary commas, and exclamation marks in the cover letter.

Follow the proper cover letter format for job application and explore the different career opportunities with much confidence.

Excerpt of an article published in CBSNEWS.

If you have any of these problems, don’t get dismayed. Today, you don’t have to compromise on your studies, since technology has made possible to ‘earn while you learn’ with distance learning education. Nowadays, you can opt for any degree or diploma course and study at your convenience and according to your schedule.

Online Education: -

Distance learning education gives you a chance to study and at the same time also continue with your job. A number of online learning institute operates on the web to offer students with the distance learning option. It is best to read the reviews about the college/institute and if you think it is good, apply for admission. However, some institute may have their own entrance test and once you clear the exam, you need to pay the fees and start your education at home.

Online learning institutes offer study materials to make the learning fun and easy. You can study the given material and prepare for exams as per your ease.

How to clear doubts if the learning is online and not face to face?

Some institutes also offer the service known as ‘virtual classrooms’ where you can clear your study related queries by text chatting or live chatting with fellow students from across the globe. They also provide online lectures to help students with needed assistance. Check for the institutes online and enroll with only those who offer you this advantage.

Does it have equal opportunity like the regular courses?

By opting for online education, you will be pampered with the same opportunities as for the regular students. Many people speculate that distance learning education degree cannot give them a high salary and job in their dream company. However, this is a myth, if you complete your studies from a reputed institute, there is no looking back.

Career opportunities are many if you possess the necessary skills and determination. Career tips are ample, but it will only help you if you are truly committed to become an expert in the chosen field.

Fulfill your career opportunities and dreams without compromising on your work and family responsibilities with distance learning education.

A proper homework is the key to avoid stress and nervousness before a job interview.

• Practice: – Go through the typical interview questions which an employee may generally ask. During school/college days, your teacher might have asked you to justify your answers with an example to score excellent marks, the same rule applies here. While presenting your skills to the employer, try and give actual examples or situations that call for interesting conversations. Marketing your qualities through real instances is a great way to promote your candidature.
• Prepare: – Prepare your response beforehand to pass the interview hurdles smoothly. Do homework about the company, interviewer’s name, and current affairs related to the company. Don’t fumble while speaking and confidently speak what you know about the company. Get a basic idea about the company before heading for an interview.
• Dress decently: – Your attire is the first feature that gets noticed in an interview. Make sure you wear neat, tidy and formal attire while appearing for an interview. Your dressing speaks a lot about your personality, remember this statement forever. Wearing casual clothes or funky sandals will give a bad impression about you and may hint a casual attitude for work.
• Punctuality matters: – Punctuality is vital for success. Be on time for an interview. On time means five minutes before the interview time. Reaching before time will give you some time to relax.
• Be confident: – During an interview, always be calm and make yourself comfortable. Maintain an eye contact with the employer and speak whatever you know confidently. Pay attention to the question and let the interviewer complete his/her question first.
• Exhibit your skill: – Career opportunities are massive if you know how to exhibit your skills. Remember one thing, the interview venue is market and interviewer is the customer. So, you need to approach the whole process confidently. Provide relevant examples wherever essential to enhance your work-related skills.

The above career tips can prepare you for an interview but success depends upon how you use these tips effectively. Follow the above career guidance tips to create an impressive image on the employer’s mind.