Entries tagged 'microsoft'
NBA lockout inspires real world job search advice
By Eugenia Sawa
Watching the nightly news recently got me thinking about the economy, the NBA lockoutWhen the economy of NBA basketball gave him lemons Tony went to Europe to turn his situation into lemonade. He made the decision to keep his skills sharp, play in a different league, and really think outside of the box in an unexpected move.
How does this translate to the regular world? A lot of this holds true in any job search:
- Look at your skills set and identify your options – Then see if skills translate into a different field. Some of the machine learning and AI software engineers I have worked with have experience in the biomedical field using their same skills but focusing on genetics or biomedical imaging. Just because you aren’t working in the field of your choice doesn’t mean there isn’t another field or area you can utilize your skills. This requires research, curiosity, and the ability to think outside of the box.
- Don’t limit yourself to jobs in the big leagues – While most people focus on getting jobs with big name companies or startups, keep an open mind to lesser known and perhaps smaller companies where you have more opportunity to be in the game, keeping and possibly even growing your existing skills. You can expand upon your skill set because you will likely get to wear more hats than you’re used to in this type of environment. A developer job in this type of setting may also require you to do testing, budgeting, or release management work. It’s easier to stretch yourself in this type of situation and the opportunity to do so is greater.
- Don’t let pay deter you from taking a job even if it is short term – I know this might be tough one. You know what you’re worth in the market and until you find that job that will pay you what you consider market value, it doesn’t hurt to work in a job that pays less than you are accustomed. You are using your skills keeping yourself sharp until you find your ideal job. Recruiters often ask about gaps in employment and while it’s not a deal breaker; it speaks volumes when someone keeps themselves busy and keeps their skills marketable. Tony knows this is a short term move in his long career and knows what he might be worth long term, but despite that, he’s working and learning.
So what does all this mean? Make a list of your skills and see if it translates into a different role. It could be one that you have never thought of and may be something you enjoy. Think differently even if it is out of your comfort zone and don’t limit your options. And the best part? You can do all of this while running a continuous job search for “the” job you’re hoping to land either now or in the near future. So go now – play ball!
Massive Microsoft Store opens in Seattle-area
Crowds packed Bellevue Square mall this morning as the seventh Microsoft Store (and the first on the company’s home turf) officially opened its doors.
The first 1,000 people into the store received VIP tickets to a Miley Cyrus concert at the store on Saturday. The next 1,000 got two general admission tickets to the show.
And in a surprise move later in the day, Dave Matthews took the stage for a special acoustic performance.
Are you a good fit for Microsoft? Show us (Part III of III)
Dear JobsBlog:
I'm gearing up for an interview with Microsoft. I’m prepared for the technical questions, but want to know what non-technical "soft skills" I should focus on in my interview. Any suggestions?-Covering All My Bases
Dear Covering All My Bases:
In Part I of my answer, I explained The Three P’s of Microsoft: Passion, Potential and People and I focused specifically on how to convey "Passion" during the hiring process. In Part II, I discussed "Potential.Today, in my final part of this series, I will talk about "People."
Are you a good fit for Microsoft? Show us (Part II of III)
Dear JobsBlog:
I'm gearing up for an interview with Microsoft. I’m prepared for the technical questions, but want to know what non-technical "soft skills" I should focus on in my interview. Any suggestions?-Covering All My Bases
Dear Covering All My Bases:
In Part I of my answer, I explained The Three P’s of Microsoft: Passion, Potential and People and I focused specifically on how to convey "Passion" during the hiring process.Today, I want to continue the conversation and discuss "Potential."
Microsoft via Pakistan, Purdue & Google
‘Softie in Question: Qudsiah KhanJob title: Software Development Engineer, Windows Web Services
Tell me about the path that brought you to Microsoft.
I was born in Lahore, Pakistan. I studied Computer Science there and then came to the US in 2005 to attend grad school in computer engineering at Purdue.While completing graduate school, I interned at Google in Mountain View. I worked on the Google Toolbar team.
Did you intend to work for Google after graduation?
I enjoyed interning at Google, but I decided that I wanted to explore other bases and find something different. I wanted to go somewhere that had a lot of great projects to choose from.I found the best blend of opportunities here at Microsoft.
Are you a good fit for Microsoft? Show us (Part I of III)
Dear JobsBlog:
I'm gearing up for an interview with Microsoft. I’m prepared for the technical questions, but want to know what non-technical "soft skills" I should focus on in my interview. Any suggestions?-Covering All My Bases
Dear Covering All My Bases:
Over the years, I’ve received many variations of this question from job candidates.I like to think of the answer in terms of The Three P’s of Microsoft: Passion, Potential and People. Hiring teams try to identify these “soft skills” along with the core skills required for the role. Understanding the Three Ps helps candidates make their best case during the interview process to get a “hire recommendation” from the hiring team.
Today, I’ll explain the First P – Passion – and I will follow up on Potential and People in the coming days:
Even in the Cloud, a good manager is essential
‘Softie in question: Chandra PrasadJob title: Development Manager in the Distributed Application Server group in the Business Platform Division
Chandra on the forefront of the Cloud. He works on the AppFabric Foundation on Windows Server and Windows Azure. In simple terms, Chandra oversees the development of some of the most cutting-edge technology in the world. That said, he believes that even in the most advanced of work environments, there is great value in a reliable manager.
Chandra, how did a manager affect your success at Microsoft?
I joined Microsoft as an industry hire with 15+ years of industry experience. While this experience was was relevant, it was even more important that I contextualized this experience to Microsoft. The manager who hired me into Microsoft played a crucial role in helping me fit my past experience into my new position at Microsoft, providing me with the right set of opportunities to showcase my strengths and establish credibility on the team. He helped me to build connections and networks that served me well.Making music on Windows 7 - Microsoft Product Fair 2010
Check out this footage from Microsoft Product Fair 2010: employees learn to make music using Windows 7 (64-bit) with DJ Darek Mazzone. Afterwards, they take home their new music on a jump drive.Darek discusses how Windows 7 "is a revolutionary operating system in the creative space." This was one of dozens of amazing products that employees were able to sample at the Product Fair this week.
Microsoft - how it all began
As they say: if you want to understand the present, you've gotta learn about the past. Check out this Channel 9 video about Microsoft in 1975 - the year it all began. It's pretty crazy to see how today's cutting-edge technology is built on the vision of a few plucky entrepreneurs who scratched out a combined grand total of just $16,005 their first year.
Bing is taking New York City dogs for a walk
If you live in Manhattan you might notice a new fashion trend that is spreading via the city’s Dog Walkers.We have partnered with Rodney Dorival, owner of Big Paws, Little Claws to bring awareness to Bing by outfitting the local Dog Walkers with Bing Branded t-shirts. And we just happen to love dogs too.