IT Archives - Blue Signal Search

Why You Should Hire a Veteran in Your Next Open Role

January 12, 2022 by Aylish DeVore

With the effects of the Great Resignation still ravaging many companies, this job market is unlike any we’ve ever seen. Millions have left their jobs in pursuit of new opportunities, which has left a lot of hiring managers with the arduous task of filling those vacant roles. Finding top-quality talent is always a struggle, but today, it’s even more so. Getting an edge over the competition is simple — consider a veteran hire in your search.

The Benefits of a Veteran Hire

It’s tough for some veterans to find sufficient full-time work after service. According to the white paper “Challenges on the Home Front: Underemployment Hits Veterans Hard,” almost 16% of veterans are underemployed. So why should you consider hiring a veteran? Not only does this help to give back to those who have served, but in a recent study, around a fifth of employers said a veteran’s experience was indispensable to the betterment of their organization. Veterans gained a unique set of skills, abilities, and even education during their time serving. Depending on the role they held in the military, they could have a one-of-a-kind perspective to bring to your company.

For instance, imagine you’re looking for someone in a management or C-level position. Hiring a veteran is a no-brainer! “They [veterans] perform better under pressure... Service in the military may prepare one to make tough decisions and show leadership in tough times,” says Efraim Benmelech from Kellogg Insight. Many veterans have hands-on leadership experience in the military that can easily translate to the civilian world and ultimately better your organization. For example, an active security clearance lets employers know that they already had to pass a hefty background check. In the telecom industry, as well as others, this helps open doors for companies working on government contracts. Whatever the case, we’re here to help our nation’s veterans highlight their military service skillsets in the best way possible!

Another great benefit for companies hiring veterans is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, an initiative by the federal government to help certain groups of people that may get overlooked, get hired - including veterans. By hiring a veteran in your next job search, you could potentially save on your company’s taxes, making hiring veterans a win-win situation for everyone.

Blue Signal Search Veteran Recruiting

Here at Blue Signal, we’re committed to connecting veterans with the companies and jobs that are a great match for both parties. Veterans have a lot to offer in the job market, including leadership experience, education, technical skills, a great work ethic, and more. To achieve our goal of getting more veterans hired in the coming years and beyond, we’re going to be targeting more veterans in our searches and seeking them out amongst other qualified candidates. If you’re a veteran looking for a job, we want to hear from you!

Why Our Team is Different

So why should you, as a candidate or potential client, work with us versus one of the other recruiting firms out there? To us, you’re not just a number — our primary goal is to maintain great relationships and help everyone achieve their goals, whatever those might be. Besides our commitment to you, we offer veteran recruiting as a specialty, which includes access to members of our team who have served or are currently serving in the military:

Learn More

Alex Bolan

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

Although a newcomer to the recruiting world, Alex has an extensive track record of success when it comes to creating and maintaining long-lasting business relationships. With his insight into sales and consulting, he is able to help any company meet and exceed its talent acquisition goals. Alex began his military career in 2017 and is currently serving in the US Army Reserves. Deployed during the majority of 2020, he learned many new and valuable skills to bring to the table in his job as a recruiter, including flexibility, perseverance, and the value of hard work. He knows that the military teaches you some valuable lessons, but it doesn’t teach you everything - and that’s what he’s here for. His goal as a recruiter with a military background is to help veterans achieve their dreams outside of the military, by helping them translate their skills and land them their next job.

In addition to the dedication and experience of our team, veterans we work with have access to many jobs that aren’t posted anywhere else. Partnering with us has its perks beyond just scouring various job boards. Our team helps connect veterans to those jobs that they might not be able to find (or apply for) otherwise. We are there to help through the application and interview process by providing helpful tips along the way.

The bottom line is: we’re willing to go above and beyond to help veterans. Part of that is helping them to translate their military service into beneficial skills in the civilian job market.

Training and Resources

For our veteran candidates, we’re proud to offer many resources, including our newest service you can take advantage of: Resume and Career Services, powered by Blue Signal. If you're looking to get even more out of your job search, sign up now to get a head start on your next career move.

We look forward to serving those who have already given us so much. Contact us today to get started.

8 Questions Successful Managers Ask Before the End of the Year

December 8, 2021 by Aylish DeVore

The end of the year is filled with annual performance reviews, P&L reports, end-of-year budget meetings, a never-ending to-do list, and a thousand other holiday errands. As busy as the end of the year wrap up may be, the opportunity of a fresh start and a new strategic perspective on the coming year is something all leaders should take advantage of. That being said, good business strategy cannot be reduced to a quick planning meeting. It is important to prioritize the time to self-reflect and ask yourself the right questions, because the strategy you plan now has a direct and lasting impact on what your next year will look like. Palena Neale emphasizes that it is vital that leaders make time to reflect on the past year in relation to business goals, actions, values, successes and, of course, their "best" failures.

As you sit down to review the last 12 months and begin planning future strategies, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and left asking, “where do I start?” We’ve gathered a list of the top eight questions successful managers ask before the end of the year to ensure you get started on the right track in the year ahead. These questions are designed to zero in on the important things that tend to get overlooked in the holiday haste. As a best practice moving forward, you can also implement opportunities to review and follow up on these questions quarterly. Checking in on these main ideas will lead to a more realistic view of the overall year and in turn be a more productive use of your time.

8 Questions Successful Managers Ask Before the End of the Year

Question #1: How would I Summarize the Year?

Looking back on the entire year can seem daunting but it’s a great first step in your reflection process. Take a step back and review the past year as a whole. How would you summarize the outcome? Check in with the business goals you had set for the year and see what was met and what fell short. Take this time to dive into the overall performance of your team, individual employees, and most importantly, yourself as a manager.

When looking at the overall performance as a team and individual employees, it’s important to remind yourself to humanize the workplace. It’s okay to report on highs and lows of the year and have open conversations around both. Collaborate with your team about next steps and break down the work that comes from it. When evaluating yourself, don’t be afraid to be brutally honest and truly look for areas of improvement. Once you gather your findings in each area, ask yourself what you can learn from each. List out clear takeaways that you can turn into actions items to accomplish in the future.

Question #2: Where was the Majority of My Time and Energy Spent in 2021?

Pull research and look back to find where your time was allocated the most and where it was lacking in the past year. Are these findings sustainable going forward? Do they make sense in relation to your business goals? When looking at how time was spent, try to pinpoint what caused stress and be aware of signs of burnout.

Stress in leadership can lead to more negative effects than just personal wellbeing – businesses in the US suffer a $300 billion loss every year because of workplace stress. Additionally, almost 60% of leaders reported feeling tired at the end of each day, which can be an indication of burnout. One recent survey found that 44% of leaders who felt worn and used up planned to move to a new company in order to advance their careers. When deciding how to disperse your time, remember that when you’re at your personal best, the company can succeed. Inga Bielińska, a coaching and consulting mentor, recommends looking at the coming year’s agenda and planning for family events to participate in, friends’ reunions or routine outings to go to, winter holidays, summer holidays, and regular “me time” to help combat stress.

Question #3: What Areas Can I Take a Step Back From?

According to a recent survey, developing the next generation of leaders is the top challenge for 55% of CEOs. In most cases, taking a step back will create the opportunity to delegate tasks and responsibilities to those who are ready to step up in the company. This allows you to encourage individual growth on your team and it frees up your time for overall business development opportunities. It’s a win-win. Remember it’s your team who has led the company to its success so far. Trust them to take on more responsibility and show you what they can do!

Once you identify areas you are able and willing to delegate, set aside the time and resources you’ll need to properly train the individuals taking them on. Avoid throwing anyone in the deep end and make sure they are confident in their new role and expectations. Additionally, schedule future meetings to follow up on how things are going after team members have had time to settle into those new responsibilities. This will allow them the opportunity to ask questions and will ensure you are both on the same page moving forward.

Question #4: Where am I in My Personal Five-Year Career Plan?

This is the time to be a little selfish. Just as you would evaluate business performance, it’s equally important to conduct personal evaluations. Check-in with yourself and your business goals – more specifically, where you are in your 5-year plan. You can do this by conducting a personal SWOT analysis and looking at it from a technical standpoint. Loren Margolis, from Training & Leadership Success LLC, suggests asking yourself questions such as, "What are my top leadership strengths and weaknesses?", "What are my growth opportunities?", and "What are the internal (mindset) and external (marketplace) threats to my success?"

In the same sense, take this time to revisit your long term goals. When answering these questions, you’ll determine if you’re on track with your goals and certain areas that need more attention. Remember that all goals are works in progress and you can add and adjust them based on where you are today. Once you’ve reflected and updated, you’ll need to develop an actionable plan to continue on the path to meeting those milestones.

Question #5: How is Overall Employee Engagement?

Once you take a look at your personal progression, the next step is to do the same for your team. This starts with evaluating employee engagement. Studies show that 78% of business leaders are focused on improving their engagements with employees. In turn, engaged employees outperform their peers that are not engaged – and overall, companies with high employee engagement are 21% more profitable. A good place to start asking the right questions is during employee performance reviews. G. Riley Mills, from Pinnacle Performance Company, shares that “despite common conceptions about workers receiving performance-based feedback, research shows that they not only want it, but they also want to give it to you. A whopping 65% of workers want more feedback – and that number swells to 80% for younger workers (76% of which also want to give their bosses feedback).”

Before the new year, carve out the necessary amount of time to meet with employees one-on-one to touch base. Take this opportunity to notice anyone starting to show symptoms of burnout, or those who need more of a challenge. Be sure to set the necessary follow ups to discuss next steps and note who will need more attention in the coming year.

Question #6: What Gaps Does the Team Have?

No team is perfectly balanced all the time, especially when the company needs to make changes to stay competitive – and that’s okay. When looking for gaps, it’s easiest to tackle this separately from performance reviews. Individual annual performance reviews are critical, but they don’t give a holistic, big-picture view of a team. Meet as a team and create an open discussion regarding where employees are noticing gaps – be open to feedback.

Once identified, categorize them by priority. Which gaps are the most important to close and which are less urgent? Analyze what it would take to close them, such as incentives for the team to work harder, redistributed duties, improved technology, new hires, or more training. Prioritize which gaps to close based on projects and available resources. Oftentimes this can lead to the realization of necessary budget increases for departments. Going into that discussion with this tangible analysis can help increase chances of approval.

Question #7: What Technology Changes are Around the Corner?

Automation, smart devices, IoT, cloud computing, and other advances are changing the landscape very quickly, even in businesses outside the technology industry. No matter the industry, ask yourself how you will remain innovative in the near future. As remote work has taken off in the past two years due to Covid-19, technology and processes have advanced quickly to meet the communication standards among teams working across the country. Many businesses have identified software, programs, and devices to implement or better utilize for reliable internal communication, streamlining processes, remote work, etc. The innovation of 5G has brought a particular shift in advancing technology we use daily.

More specifically – cybersecurity has proven to be more important every year. It’s crucial to keep teams up to date about what skills they need to stay competitive. Additionally, pay attention to market trends throughout the year – last-minute technology upgrades are never convenient or cheap. After you reflect on these points, you may find it’s time to hire new IT professionals or teams to manage internal technology advancements. Remember that Blue Signal can help!

Question #8: What Would a Successful 2022 Look Like to Me?

After all the self-reflection and input from the team, the last step is to set business goals and intentions for the year. The hardest part of goal-setting is being realistic. Keep in mind – not all dreams should be goals. A great place to start when mapping out your business goals is to ask yourself what will stay the same, what will change, and how. All of these answers should lead to insightful follow up questions and provide you with the necessary steps needed to plan for success.

When setting these intentions, it’s important to focus on hard numbers and actionable projects. In turn, this helps outline expectations and clearly communicates what considers a goal complete. The best goals have benchmarks and key performance indicators to measure success along the way. A great tip is to dig up your previous business goals - not just from this last year, but 3-5 years back - and look for trends. Look for similar, overly ambitious goals you tend to make year after year and decide how to make them more achievable or choose to scrap them altogether. If you find yourself getting stuck and unsure of what’s important, ask your team for input! This will ensure all department’s individual business goals are represented in some way when it comes to the company’s future plans.

Once you’ve settled on your goals – memorize them. Throughout the year you should be able to clearly visualize what you’re going to accomplish – almost manifesting the outcome. Share company business goals with your team as well and remind them to refer back to them often.

In the busy month of December, it is easy to get buried in small tasks and miss critical opportunities to get ahead in the coming year. Optimizing these questions can help you stay organized and zero in on important business goals and action items to take. When reflecting, remember to celebrate the wins as a team and try not to tread on the goals you didn’t hit. A new year is the perfect opportunity to clean the slate and start fresh with an ambitious mindset. Alexsys Thompson, from Alexsys Thompson Intl., states that “as a leader reviews the wins and losses of the previous year, it is powerful to revisit the wins that were experienced, and acknowledging the misses through story will help ensure lessons are taken forward as valuable learning experiences.”

As you build out your 2022 strategy, remember Blue Signal can be a vital resource! Our seasoned recruiters can partner with you to help answer these questions and deliver action items related to hiring to hit your business goals in the year to come. Contact our qualified team of recruiters to learn more about the wide range of services we offer.

The IT Certification Shortage: 10 Certifications That Will Get You Hired Fast

July 15, 2021 by Sam Kotowski

As the demand for IT professionals increases, employers are noticing a lack of certified candidates. A recent Everest Group survey revealed that 86% of enterprises consider the IT talent shortage to be a key barrier to achieving their hiring goals, citing an acute shortage in qualified, skilled candidates and a lack of technical skills in the current workforce. Employers are looking for candidates with IT certification that validate their skills and expertise.

Whether you’re fresh into your IT career or a seasoned professional, attaining an IT certification can separate your resume from the stack and get you hired fast. The certification process is unique for each IT certification, so it is crucial to prioritize those that are most in-demand to improve your standing among the IT-professional candidate pool. In this blog, Blue Signal breaks down various in-demand certs by the skills tested, the certification process, and the benefits that set each accolade apart.

Cisco IT Certification, CCNA and CCNP logos

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

According to Cisco, 78% of technology executives and managers consider technical certifications a critical success factor. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification covers a broad range of fundamentals for IT careers, based on the latest networking technologies, software development skills, and job roles. As the most widely recognized and respected associate-level IT certification, the CCNA certification is designed to prove your skills in the ever-changing landscape of IT.

CCNA IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The Cisco Certified Network Associate certifications tests skills relating to network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability.

Certification process: To attain the CCNA certification, candidates must complete the 200-301 CCNA exam: Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions. The exam is 120 minutes long and costs $300 USD. The exam is available in English and Japanese. The CCNA certification is valid for three years.

Benefits: The CCNA certification shows employers that candidates have mastered the essentials in network security, automation, and programmability, while being the most respected certification in the industry. According to IT recruiter Andrew Leeson, “A CCNA certification is still the most desired IT certification, and viewed highly favorably by organizations. This IT certification also tends to lead to higher salaries for IT professionals.”

Jobs you can get with the CCNA certification:

Network Administrator
Systems Administrator
Network Analyst
Network Design Engineer
Network Infrastructure Engineer
Unified Communications Engineer
Solutions Design Engineer
Cloud Engineer
NetSuite Administrator

Why Get a CCNP Certification?

Recruiter Insight — Joanna Kimionakis, Senior Executive Recruiter

“Having this IT certification [shows] you have studied the newest, up-to-date technologies, and passing the [exam] confirms that you are truly knowledgeable in WAN, LAN, networking solutions, switching, and security. It validates your education and/or experience. Many employees require this IT certification, [so] having this on your resume will surely help you stand out in a crowd of applications. For entry level candidates, having a CCNA could help get their foot in the door!”

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Cisco’s professional level certifications validate your overall knowledge in networking and a concentration of your choosing - enterprise, data center, security, service provider, or collaboration. The CCNP certification demonstrates your networking abilities while showcasing a technical focus in a two-part exam.

CCNP IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The CCNP certification tests candidates’ core knowledge of networking solutions and industry-specific topics in their area of concentration.

Certification process: The CCNP certification process includes two exams; a core exam and a concentration exam of candidates’ choice. The core exam, 350-401 ENCOR, is 120 minutes long and costs $400 USD. The concentration exams are 90 minutes long and cost $300 USD each. Similar to the CCNA certification, both exams are available in English and Japanese.

Benefits: Recipients of the CCNA receive both a core certification and a specialist certification in the concentration area candidates chose - earning three certifications in one. Upon passing the core exams, the CCNP certification also serves as a qualifying exam for the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. Compared to other IT certifications, the CCNP is the most customizable and allows you to showcase your specialized skills.

Jobs you can get with a CCNP certification:

Network Engineer
Infrastructure Engineer
Network Analyst
VoIP Engineer
Systems Engineer
Network Design Engineer

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification validates skills regarding implementing, managing, and monitoring identity, governance, storage, compute, and virtual networks in a Microsoft Azure cloud environment. For this IT certification, it would be beneficial for the candidate to have at least six months of experience administering Azure prior to testing. Having a strong understanding of Azure services, workloads, security, and governance will set you up for the best success.

Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate certification validates competency in managing Azure identities and governance; implementing and managing storage; deploying and managing Azure compute resources; configuring and managing virtual networking; and monitoring and backing up Azure resources.

Certification process: To obtain this IT certification, candidates must pass Exam AZ-104. This exam costs $165 USD and is available in English, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, and Japanese. To prepare for the exam, candidates are encouraged to take free, online study modules to gain the skills needed to become certified. Starting in June of 2021, Azure certifications are valid for one year and then must be renewed annually online for free.

Benefits: According to Fortune, 57% of Fortune 500 companies are using Microsoft Azure. As cloud computing continues to dominate the information technology industry, this IT certification will prove that candidates have the technical expertise to get the job done.

Jobs you can get with the Microsoft Certified Administrator Associate certification:

Cloud Architect
Azure Developer
Solution Architect
Azure Architect
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Delivery Architect
Azure Engineer
Azure DevOps Engineer
Cloud Account Manager
System Engineer

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

According to Microsoft, the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is for candidates who have subject matter expertise in “designing and implementing solutions that run on Microsoft Azure, including aspects like compute, network, storage, and security.” Candidates pursuing this certification will be responsible for advising stakeholders and translating business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions. As an expert level IT certification, the Azure Solutions Architect certification requires advanced experience and understanding of IT operations, Azure administration, and DevOps processes.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The Azure Solutions Architect certification assesses the ability to implement and monitor an Azure infrastructure; implement management and security solutions; implement solutions for apps; implement and manage data platforms; design monitoring; design and identity security; design data storage; design business continuity; and design infrastructure.

Certification process: The Azure Solutions Architect expert requires candidates to pass two exams — Exam AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies, and Exam AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design. Both exams are available in English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), and Korean and cost $165 USD. Free, online study modules are also available for preparation for these exams. Like the Azure Administrator Associate certification, this certification is valid for one year and then must be renewed annually online for free.

Benefits: The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification validates candidates’ ability to accomplish technical tasks. Candidates that earn the Expert certification are more qualified to hold senior positions, such as Senior Azure Engineer or Senior Cloud Solutions Architect, which may result in a higher pay grade.

Jobs you can get with Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert:

Senior Azure Solutions Architect
Cloud Solutions Architect
Azure DevOps Engineer
Azure Security Engineer
Azure Data Scientist

Why Get an IT Certification?

Recruiter Insight — Brent Stokes, Recruiting Manager

“Sure, certifications show that you have attained a certain level of knowledge in a particular field, technology, or practice area… BUT, one of the most overlooked advantages to gaining a certification is what that means about you as a professional. As a recruiter, when I see an IT certification, I see someone who is willing to invest in themselves and in their career, whether investing time, money, or both. I see someone who is committed to improving themselves, someone who looks critically at their strengths and weaknesses and commits to developing their skills, and someone who will continue to grow even after I hire them. Is this true of 100% of people who have certifications? Of course not. Is it a good leading indicator? Absolutely.”

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification assesses project leadership skills through predictive (waterfall), agile, and hybrid approaches. To earn a PMP certification, candidates must meet the following requirements: a four-year degree, 36 months of experience leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM Certification; or, a high school diploma or an Associate's degree, 60 months of experience leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM certification.

PMP Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The PMP exam tests skills in the following areas: people, process, and business environment. The exam covers conflict management, leadership, team performance, training, negotiation, project execution, budget and resource management, schedule management, product/deliverable management, scope management, project compliance, business environment changes, organization change, and more.

Certification process: To earn the PMP certification, candidates must apply to take the exam to validate their project management experience and education. Once the application is accepted, candidates must pass the PMP Exam — a 180 question, multi-choice exam. The exam fee is $405 USD for a PMI member and $555 USD for a non-member. After being awarded the PMP certification, candidates must maintain their certification by engaging in professional development through the Project Management Institute. Renewal is required every three years.

Benefits: The PMP certification is the top-ranked project management certification in North America, according to CIO Magazine. Additionally, PMP holders’ salary in the U.S. is 25% higher than those without the certification, according to PMI’s most recent Project Management Salary Survey.

Jobs you can get with the PMP certification:

Senior Project Manager
IT Project Manager
Technical Project Manager
Professional Services Project Manager
Engineering Manager
Delivery Project Manager

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification tests candidates’ ability to understand Scrum values, principles, and practices. Through the required training, candidates will learn the Scrum framework and gain an understanding of team accountabilities, events, and artifacts. Candidates with the CSM certification validate their skills to help businesses innovate faster, move from idea to delivery more quickly, drive higher customer satisfaction, and increase employee morale through the utilization of the Scrum framework.

CSM IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The CSM certification assesses skills related to the understanding of Scrum and Agile, Scrum theory, Scrum values, Scrum team, ScrumMaster, Scrum events, and Scrum artifacts. Scrum Alliance’s content outline breaks down these domains further.

Certification process: To attain the CSM certification, candidates must complete a live online or in-person CSM course; the courses are taught by a verified CSM trainer and offer at least 14 hours of interactive instruction. The prices of the courses vary by instructor, with the average price being around $500 USD. Once the course is completed, candidates must pass the 60-minute, 50 question CSM exam.

Benefits: ScrumAlliance, the issuer of the CSM certification, claims holding the Certified ScrumMaster certification gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of Scrum; guides their team to effectively use Scrum and understand why Scrum values are so important; increases career opportunities and expands their professional community; and improves leadership skills and ability to influence organizational change. According to Indeed, 72% of job seekers said “(helping) career progression” was the biggest reason for earning their CSM certification.

Jobs you can get with the CSM certification:

Scrum Master
Software Engineer
Business Analyst
IT Business Analyst
Project Manager
IT Project Manager
Cloud Software Architect
Application Architect
Technical Product Manager

IT Certification from ISC2, CISSP and CCSP logos

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification validates the skills it takes to effectively design, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program. Candidates pursuing a CISSP should have the expertise and in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity strategy and implementations.

CISSP IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: To attain the CISSP certification, candidates should have expertise in the following eight security domains: security risk and management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management (IAM), security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security.

Certification process: To qualify for this IT certification, candidates must pass the CISSP exam and have a minimum of five years of work experience in one of the eight domains listed above. The exam consists of 100-150 questions with a three hours time limit and is available in English, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Korean, Spanish - Modern, and Brazilian Portuguese. Once the exam is passed, the candidate must complete the endorsement process; this includes agreeing to the (ISC)² Code of Ethics and paying their first annual maintenance fee of $125 USD.

Benefits: The CISSP certification is accredited, recognized, and endorsed by leading organizations around the world. According to (ISC)², “cybersecurity professionals who earn the CISSP are among the most sought-after security experts in the world.”

Jobs you can get with a CISSP certification:

Chief Information Officer
Chief Information Security Officer
Director of Security
IT Director/Manager
Security Systems Engineer
Security Analyst
Security Manager
Security Auditor
Security Architect
Security Consultant
Network Architect

Why Get the CISSP Certification?

Recruiter Insight — Andrew Leeson, Senior Executive Recruiter

“With the importance of IT Security being vital to organizations in today’s world, a CISSP certified professional stands out when reviewing interested candidates’ backgrounds for IT Security opportunities.”

Recruiter Insight — Joanna Kimionakis, Senior Executive Recruiter

“Right now, [CISSP] is huge. This certification shows you are up to date with the newest solutions to cyber security and hacks, [and have the] knowledge of latest security threats and trends. Having this shows you are an expert in security and this certification is only obtained by highly experienced professionals.”

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is for IT and information security leaders that want to prove their expertise in cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration. The CCSP certification is awarded by (ISC)², the same organization as CISSP. This certification shows candidates’ technical expertise in best practices, policies, and procedures in the cloud.

CCSP IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The CCSP certification exam tests the skills in the following domains: cloud concepts, architecture, and design; cloud data and security; cloud platform and infrastructure security; cloud application security; cloud security operations; and legal, risk, and compliance.

Certification process: Similar to the CISSP certification, to qualify for the CCSP certification candidates must pass the exam and have a minimum of five years of IT work experience, of which three must be in information security, and at least one year in one or more of the domains listed above. Recipients of the CCSP certification must then complete the endorsement process of agreeing to the Code of Ethics and paying the $125 USD annual maintenance fee.

Benefits: Just like the CISSP certification, the CCSP is highly accredited, recognized, and endorsed by leading organizations. Certification Magazine lists the CCSP certification among the top 75 certifications in 2021, ranking it as the number one IT certification professionals plan to take to advance their careers.

Jobs you can get with a CCSP certification:

Enterprise Architect
Security Administrator
Systems Engineer
Security Architect
Security Consultant
Security Engineer
Security Manager
Systems Architect

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification is “intended for individuals who perform a solutions architect role and have one or more years of hands-on experience designing available, cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on AWS.” Candidates pursuing this IT certification should have at least one year of hands-on experience designing secure, high-performing, cost-effective, and scalable systems using AWS services.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification exams test the knowledge of how to architect and deploy secure and robust applications on AWS technology; the ability to define a solution using architectural design principles based on customer requirements; and the ability to provide implementation guidance based on best practices to the organization throughout the life cycle of the project.

Certification Progress: The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification is a 130-minute exam consisting of 65 multiple choice or multiple response questions. The certification exam costs $150 USD and can be taken at a testing center or online. It is available in English, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese.

Benefits: Having the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification shows employers you have the validated skills to architect and deploy available, cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and distributed systems on AWS. According to Global Knowledge, the average salary of an IT professional with this certification is $130,883 USD - which is nearly 25% higher than their non-certified counterparts. As cloud technology continues to increase in popularity, those with the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification will be ahead of the game, and stand out from the stack.

Jobs you can get with an AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification:

AWS Solutions Architect
Cloud Solutions Architect
Cloud Architect
Operations Engineer
Cloud Application Product Owner
Technical Release Manager
Systems Administrator

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification validates skills related to implementing cloud initiatives, cloud fluency, and foundational AWS knowledge. AWS recommends candidates have at least six months of exposure to the AWS Cloud; basic understanding of IT services and their uses in the AWS Cloud platform; and knowledge of core AWS services and use cases, billing and pricing models, security concepts, and how cloud impacts a business.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner IT Certification At-A-Glance:

Skills tested: The certification exam tests a candidate’s ability to complete the following tasks: explain the value of the AWS Cloud; understand and explain the AWS shared responsibility model; understand security best practices; understand AWS Cloud costs, economics, and billing practices; describe and position the core AWS services, including compute, network, databases, and storage; and identify AWS services for common use cases.

Certification process: To earn the certification, candidates are required to pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam (CLF-C01), a 90-minute exam consisting of 65 multiple choice and multiple response questions. The exam costs $100 USD and is proctored online or in-person at a testing center. It is available in English, Indonesian (Bahasa), Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. The certification is valid for three years.

Benefits: As one of the cheaper certifications, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner credential certifies your understanding of cloud computing. As more companies transition to using cloud systems and services, this IT certification will continue to rise in demand for employees.

Jobs you can get with an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification:

Developer
Solutions Architect
DevOps Engineer
Network Administrator

Why Get the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification?

Recruiter Insight — Jason Parker, Senior Executive Recruiter

“Having an AWS Certification is highly recommended because it’s the most widely used technology. More and more companies are moving to the cloud platform and AWS is certainly the most recognized leader of cloud service providers. Potential employers want to see [candidates’] expertise by getting the certification, and will also get [candidates] a better paycheck in the long run.”

As the demand for IT certifications grows, employers are going to be looking for candidates that have proven their expertise and can solve problems businesses are experiencing today. Candidates with IT certifications are positioned to get hired fast by being more qualified than their uncertified counterparts; being certified can also increase their salary, and ensure job security as businesses expand their IT needs. When considering which IT certification to get, candidates should consider the skills tested and the certification process, and ultimately choose the IT certification that best suits their current skillset and their career goals. Updating their resume and/or LinkedIn profile with the relevant training and certifications is a great way for IT professionals to stand out from the stack in their next job hunt. As experts in the IT space, Blue Signal is equipped to help both clients and candidates navigate these important decisions surrounding IT certifications, and how to combat the talent shortage with knowledge and strategy. Contact us today to learn more about how we can partner on your next IT search.

How 5G Will Revolutionize the Way You Do Business

January 6, 2021 by Aylish DeVore

By now you’ve probably caught the buzz about this thing called 5G that’s coming to change the world… but what is it really? And what will it mean for your business once it’s here? 5G is the 5th generation mobile network and the new global wireless standard. 5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps data speeds, much lower latency, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users across the globe. Simply put, it’ll make your mobile connectivity faster and more reliable. This technology is a huge breakthrough in wireless tech and some industry insiders have gone so far as to say that the 5G network will be as revolutionary as the printing press, the automobile, and electricity. So the question is, have you thought about how your business will change? In this blog, we’re hitting on all the key features of 5G that will revolutionize the way you do business and how to utilize them most effectively.

Ability to Work From Anywhere

With the recent pandemic and the majority of the nation’s workforce working from home, the capability to connect wirelessly, from any location is more necessary than ever. 5G enables just that; making being chained to an Ethernet cable or within range of a Wi-Fi hotspot a thing of the past. With the power of 5G, users will be able to connect to high-speed connections from just about anywhere. Yes, anywhere. A recent study shows 62% of employees work remotely at least part-time and this number only continues to rise as more employers continue to enforce health and safety precautions. With the abilities of 5G, businesses will be able to allow even more flexibility to their employees when it comes to working locations. In turn, this creates a larger candidate pool as geographical location ceases to be a qualifier for employees. This ease of accessibility is sure to increase morale and create a more relaxed workforce.

Seamless Functionality

With 5G, not only will the connection be vastly available but the functionality will be seamless. Through its fluid capabilities, 5G allows not just remote work but virtual work. The difference? Users will be able to access data, communicate with co-workers, collaborate on projects just as seamlessly as if they were physically in the same room. Remote workers will no longer be held back by needing access to large amounts of data, or a brainstorming session interrupted by poor video connection and lag. Further, with the increased capability, running more advanced technology becomes a breeze. Businesses will be able to access and implement virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI technology into their typical work routines creating a more connected and technologically advanced environment.

Increased Productivity

The entire workforce is buzzing in anticipation of the impact 5G will have on the way we function. 91% of US organizations and 88% of small to mid-sized enterprises agree that 5G will increase productivity. As mentioned earlier, lagging connections and download speeds can really disrupt remote and in-office employees’ workflow and attention span. Significantly faster data speeds mean far lower latency while waiting for a file to load, a meeting to start, attachments to download, etc. A big contributor to slow or glitchy connections is an influx of users in a centralized area. 5G allows for up to a million devices per square kilometer, making high-speed connections seamless even in extremely high traffic areas. There is an overwhelming amount of both large and small impacts that will contribute to maximized productivity from every angle. Even something as small as improved energy efficiency will result in prolonged battery life on devices, eliminating time searching for a lost charger or an outlet in a crowded coffee shop.

Improve Company Communication & Culture

Especially in the current state of the world, having a strong company culture is more important than ever to keep employees engaged. Human connection and interaction is key to keeping a positive mindset throughout the office and even more so for employees working at home. Companies are hiring more remote employees, expanding across the country and even the globe. While this leverages several benefits, it also can create some challenges in developing an inclusive company culture and connected dynamic. All of the capabilities 5G will introduce into your business play a role in how you’ll connect and interact internally, no matter your organization’s geographical location. Trust us, boring conference calls will be a thing of the past as the potential of 5G innovations expand to holographic calling, enabling users to view 3D presentations with or without glasses, and interactive meetings utilizing AI technology. Why would you choose to use small chat boxes on computer screens when augmented and virtual reality connectivity will run seamlessly?

It’s clear to see that the power and innovation 5G is bringing will revolutionize the way people do business in a big way. Here at Blue Signal, we plan to utilize many of these advancements in multiple aspects of our business. One area we are excited to embrace is the ability to further empower our remote employees’ flexibility in where and how they work. Blue Signal has a long history of leveraging a geographically diverse team as we’ve had recruiters working from all over the country since our inception. The ability to further advance the way we communicate and engage with each other internally will be a huge initiative in the coming year as we look forward to continuing to nurture our tight-knit company culture. Additionally, the connectivity and seamless functionality of 5G will allow us to better serve our clients and candidates. As the recruiting industry continues to grow, we continue to stay committed to rising above the norm by utilizing the most effective resources, technology, and processes available to us. Reach out to one of our recruiters today to talk about what 5G advancements mean for your workforce and how you can capture these benefits.