It’s Time to Make a Career Change

People change careers several times during their lifetime. The main reason is that they don’t make informed decisions about the careers they choose. They do not take into account their own interests, values, personality types while selecting career path. Because of these reasons, you may find yourself wondering whether you should be doing something different. Here are some valid reasons to leave your current career for a new one:

• Loss of purpose and passion – If your career has no meaning, you are no longer excited about it or you have grown tired of getting up in the morning to compete for something you don’t believe in anymore – it’s time to move on. The financial incentives are not enough, when the chance to find real personal significance and happiness is missing. 
• Talent potential is not valued - When your talent is not valued, it’s difficult to stay motivated. When your boss doesn’t trust your potential and will not sponsor your career advancement, it’s extremely hard to remain loyal. You must value your talent potential more than anyone else.   Never allow your talent to be taken for granted.  If it is, it may be time to move on.
• Professional growth is stunted - If you are unable to challenge yourself to grow and mature, then how can your employer help you? If you think your employer is not investing in your professional development, you must move on. If you don’t stretch yourself to do more or remain in your comfort zone for too long, you will have to pay the price later. Your resume should reflect enough success stories to merit advancement in your career.
• Workplace culture is not trustworthy - A hostile work environment that operates in silos - where the executives are not transparent - is difficult to trust.  This type of workplace culture becomes corrupted and begins to impact your performance and ability to advance. When you are part of an organization that is full of leadership and workplace problems, it’s time to consider a career change.
• Not sufficiently awarded - It’s easy to become contented in your career, but in today’s fiercely competitive and dynamic marketplace, you must be your own manager and continually be accountable to keep a “reward scorecard.”   Rewards are qualitative and quantitative measurements.  If you are not being rewarded for your work - based on industry standards (or better), it’s time to consider a career change.
• You make excuse for a day off - Do you make excuses to call in sick or let go opportunities to take lead? It may be time to assess your current career. If your sense of satisfaction fades away, you aren’t worried your performance review didn’t go well, or you spend more time on surfing internet than concentrating on business, it might be time to move on.
• Your life has changed - When you chose your career your life may have been different than it is today. For example you may have been single then and now you have a family. The crazy schedule or the frequent travel that is typical of your career may not suit your new lifestyle. You should look for an occupation that is more "family friendly."
• Your job is too stressful - Some occupations are inherently stressful. You knew that from the beginning about yours. You've come to a point, though, when it's become too much to handle. To preserve your mental and physical health, you will have to find a career that is less stressful.

If you want to make a career change, talk to the career counsellor for guidance and making a right move. Think about roles or jobs where you can use the knowledge and skills you already possess. If you are convinced that you want to make a career change, then take a dive! There is never a perfect time, so don’t wait. Try to prepare plan B, and then do it!

How to Find Internships

Internships can be a great way to get your foot in the door, gaining valuable work experience in a position that would not normally be open to someone with your skills. Finding one and getting it can be hard though. Follow these strategies to land great internships.

• Look for internship listings – Visit career services office of your school or regularly browse their website to check internship listings. Many companies also post internship positions on their ‘career’ web page. Select a number of different internships and be sure to follow the application instructions precisely. Many internships are very competitive and until you hear back from an employer – don’t assume that you will be accepted. Be proactive by continuing to apply to new internships as you find them.
• Make a good resume - You know what you are good at but the employer will need to see them in ink. Ready your resume, highlighting the skills that could be beneficial in that field and mention your achievements in previous internships or a project at college where you volunteered. Showcasing your skills, while keeping in the mind the requirements for the job, plays an important role in getting yourself the right internship.
• Do your research – Before going for an interview, research on not only the company and its products, but also on the business itself. Read about company’s stock market performance, its employees, their backgrounds, competitors, media coverage regarding news about the company etc. Potential interns who get noticed in an interview or on the job are the ones who have an opinion- they aren’t afraid to speak up, give input and contribute to brainstorming sessions. But in order to have effective and credible input, one has to put in the time and do the research.
• Use and know the product - Being unfamiliar with the product or web site of the company is fatal- because interviewers will get to know about your ignorance. Candidates, who have used the product or know it well, share insight and knowledge and they even have stories about how the product has helped them in their career etc. 
• Weigh benefits correctly – Weigh the benefits of internship in terms of the value they add to your profile the knowledge that you gain from that role. Taking up just any internship is not good for your profile. Get the one that is relevant to the career you intend to pursue. 

If you are looking for internship positions with renowned companies, log on to ThGongzuo.com to find the right internship and save your precious time.

Why Interns Should be Hired In Startups?

For some start-ups it is inevitable to hire interns at the initial stages of their company’s growth. While this may initially appear to be a good practice, especially with start-ups’ tight financial constraints, the grind of managing the interns could overshadow the benefits of having them in your office.

Internships are a “give and take” relationship because the commitment goes both ways - an intern works for your start-up, but you have to teach the intern the necessary skills and give him or her individual learning plan in return. The intern is working for you because he or she wants to learn and get experience in his or her field of expertise.

Pros and cons of hiring interns

There are mostly ‘pros’, but you need to be aware of one con: Interns are time consuming in the beginning of their internship. You need to take the time to teach them a new set of skills and integrate them into the workplace.

Here are the benefits of hiring interns:

• The most important benefit to the start-ups is that they get cost effective dynamic workforce.
• For most interns, it is their first job, so they give their best to the employer. They are motivated and have desire to learn and progress within their field.
• Interns fill positions and assist employers with innovative ideas and technology.
• Internships allow employers to connect with and build relationships with students early in their academic careers
• Employers can test the candidates before offering him/her full time position within an organization.
• Smaller, less important tasks could be given to interns, so that experienced workforce could devote their full attention to more productive work.

However, these benefits could come at a cost of your time and energy.

• You spend more time teaching them how to work and what to work on
• If you have more number of interns, your business activities may suffer when interns go back to school.
• Most start-up founders will take the interns under their wing and teach them what they know. As an internship cycle usually repeats itself every 3/6 months, it can be quite taxing.
• If handover is not done properly when an internship comes to an end, you could lose your business.

In a small start-up, interns can either make or break your company. However, if handled and planned correctly, internships can be meaningful to both you - the employer and your interns.

If you plan to hire interns for your start-up, register on TheGongzuo.com and advertise your open positions to get qualified interns.

What To Do If You Miss Job Interview

An interview is your opportunity to impress an employer and show how perfect you are for the job. Missing the interview or arriving late can jeopardize your chances and is something you should avoid at all costs. However, unavoidable situations sometimes occur that would make it impossible to attend. If you take appropriate steps immediately, you might be able to appease the employer and get a second chance.

The right thing to do, regardless of the reason why you missed the interview, is to send the recruiter a formal letter or email message of apology/explanation. It’s best to keep your letter or message brief but sincere. Take responsibility for your failure to appear for the interview. If you still want to work for the company and you had a good reason for missing the interview, let the recruiter know this, too. It can’t hurt and you might get a second chance!

Even if you were caught among unavoidable circumstances, missing an interview is highly unprofessional. But, still you can request the employer to reschedule your interview. He/she may refuse, but you can try. If the interviewer does agree to schedule another meeting, make note of the time and date, and thank him or her for the opportunity.

If the interviewer agrees to reschedule the meeting, make an effort to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity, but do not mention the missed interview and do not make any excuses about it. Be polite, professional and do your best to show the interviewer that you’re a reliable, competent candidate. Good luck!

What to Ask Before Taking a New Job

When you are in the process of job hunting, you get eager to land a job that you would love. And when you get an interview call, you obviously get very excited and face the interview well-prepared. At such times, it gets very tough to reject the job offer on the criteria other than salary. But, it is very important to find whether you will be ‘culturally’ fit within that organization or not. Remember, you can’t work where you don’t feel comfortable.  The culture of the company you’re applying for carries tremendous weight on your decision to work there. Therefore, before you accept a job, conduct ‘culture audit’ to assess company’s culture.

What is a culture?

Culture is one very important way in which employees describe where they work. It underlies their understanding of the employer’s business and helps employees orient themselves in the organization. Company culture is the shared values, practices and beliefs of the company's employees. From hiring practices to how people work, make decisions, resolve differences of opinions, and navigate change, the culture defines the unwritten but very real rules of behaviour. 

If you are job seeker in that company, you should take into account its culture.

• If you ask an interviewer following types of questions, you will understand a company’s culture:
• What makes you proud to work at this company?
• How would you describe the culture here in few words?
• What's the process for on-boarding employees, and how do you handle beginner mistakes?
• Are the firm’s executives approachable?
• Is employee input sought for new initiatives including strategy? 
• How are big decisions made?
• Does the firm get together when new sales records or big customer orders are achieved? 
• Could you please give examples of people who succeeded wildly within the boundaries of the organization?
• What’s the difference between an average employee and the best one in this role/department/company?
• Is risk-taking encouraged and what if people fail?
• How does the organization support professional development and career growth?
• Are there formal quality initiatives in place such as Six Sigma or Lean?
• What’s one thing you would change about this company if you could?

Company culture is everything. You can’t work where you don’t fit. Ask a few of these questions on your next interview, and you’ll be sure to find the organization that’s the right environment for you.

Best US Cities for Tech Start-ups

When we think of tech start-ups, Northern California region comes to our mind. Companies in Silicon Valley area receive the largest share of funding from venture capitalists, but there are several other promising cities around the country to launch tech start-up.

The following ranking is based on start-up survival rates, available talent pool, day-to-day start-up costs etc.

1. Austin, TX – Austin has topped the list, becoming alternative to Silicon Valley. It has a smaller population and that is  great for quality of life. It has the necessary talent available needed for tech industry.
2. New York, NY – This is city is very much open for business. Internet businesses are thriving in Manhattan. NYC’s mass transit system is a big plus in its digital success.
3. Seattle, WA – Seattle has great universities producing engineering and IT graduates. So, it has the highest density of tech talent. This is the biggest advantage for entrepreneurs.
4. Denver, CO – It has comparatively low office rents, affordable for budding CEOs and CFOs. It has smaller population, so people enjoy great quality of life.
5. Atlanta, GA – It has great public transport and subway system for commuters. Low cost of office spaces is good news for start-up owners. They get more money in hand to expand their business or to hire quality workforce.
6. San Francisco, CA – Here, over half of the population holds a Bachelor's degree. This is fantastic as it means there is a good spread of academic qualification and experience throughout the city to aid recruitment. Major downside is, it is the costliest place to open a new office.
7. Washington, D.C. – Academic talent pool is larger than most of the cities. This is fantastic news for anyone looking for a more academically qualified workforce, or looking for specific qualifications that come out of advanced degrees.
8. Miami, FL - Miami has one of the most thriving local business cultures of the entire Top 10 cities of this list. It can attract many different businesses from different sectors. It can attract many different businesses from different sectors.  Miami is blazing ahead in terms of number of new company formations.
9. Los Angeles, CA – It has second lowest transportation cost among the top cities listed here - good news for employees needing to get to their workplaces and the bosses who need to get them there early. LA is great place to start and grow business. It has a high rate of new entrepreneurs.
10. Houston, TX – Houston is the best city in terms of office prices. Being highly populated, it gives great local market for businesses. It has a wide variety of skills available, which is a big plus.

Ways to Make Money Online

When money is tight, an extra $1,000 a month could be life-changing. Although an additional $12,000 a year might not sound like a ton of money, for a single-income home, or for a family with a hefty car payment or medical bills, it could make all the difference.

You can start an online business if you have the right attitude and willingness to learn. Follow these steps to utilize your spare time and invest it into an online business.

• Find what interests you most and what are you good at – This is the starting point of setting up your online business. Spend enough time on thinking about this. Write down whatever comes to your mind and then make a short list of 5 such business ideas. Finally, you can come down to one such niche area, which you love the most or enjoy doing in your spare time.
• Develop your own website – The next step is to write blogs or articles about your interest area on a website. You don’t need tech skills for building a website. You will find online resources where you can get ready-to-use templates. You will get visitors to read information on your website. Your website contents should aim to solve their problems. For specific information, you can develop a video or present expert’s interview clip or info graphic and can ask for viewer’s email address in return. For additional free resources, visitors will share their email ids with you. In this way, you regular visitors become your subscribers.
• Start selling – Once you generate the list of subscribers, you can start selling your product. For example, if your niche area is tutoring, you can actually develop an online course for which your loyal visitors will pay you fees. Once you provide them quality information for free, they are ready to buy such services from you. People compare the cost of actual tutoring and the pain of commuting with the online resources.

Once you follow these steps, then the sky is the limit for how much you can earn. Keep updating your website contents to get repeat visitors. Keep growing your number of subscribers and enjoy being a successful businessman!

Steps to Design Start-up Business Plan

Launching a business without a plan is like going on a road trip without a map or GPS to guide you. Whatever may be the type of your start-up business, you have to have a business plan in place. Its real value lies in the process of researching and thinking about your business in a systematic way. Another advantage of having a start-up plan is that, you can present it to the investors to give them a clear idea about your business.

Start-up plan is nothing but the “to-do” list of everything to start your business. Once you list out the actions that need to be taken, assign a responsible person for every action and write down the deadline by which it needs to be completed. Any task without a deadline will never get completed.

Review the following steps to write your start-up plan:

• Mission statement - This is your reason for starting your business. Maybe you want to provide a specific service that's missing in your community. Your mission statement should explain your reasoning in a few clear and effective sentences.
• Your own background and information – Add a section about yourself, mentioning your qualifications and experience.
• Employees’ information – List the names of your employees, if you have already identified them or else you may write the titles, job descriptions, the responsibilities they would be handling etc. You may also include the salaries and benefits you are planning to offer to your staff.
• Market study – This includes the description of market that you are targeting. It includes either the geographical locations or people of particular age groups.
• Competitors - Besides their name and business type, note a brief reasoning as to why each business is considered competition. End with why your business will overcome the competition and be successful.
• Partners - These would be the distributors, vendors and contractors that you may need to hire as part of your business.
• Description of your product/service - Be specific about how you plan on producing or providing the product or service, and how you will deliver it. You will also need to explain the methods you will be using to sell the product or service and what modes of marketing your will implement.
• Financial section – This includes information about your credit status, sources of funds, business expenses and projected sales and profits.

It typically takes several weeks to complete a good plan. Most of that time is spent in research and re-thinking your ideas and assumptions. Be sure to keep detailed notes on your sources of information and on the assumptions underlying your financial data.

If you need any help in launching your business, register at TheGongzuo.com for free. We have mentors and advisors to help you in every single task – from building your start-up plan to market your product/service.

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi…..How These Terms Were Born?

Certain terms, which were once part of technical jargon, have taken place in our normal vocabulary. Ever wonder how these terms originated?  You will be surprised to find out the facts behind it.

• Bluetooth - Bluetooth comes from the name of an ancient Danish king called Harald Bluetooth. What's significant about King Bluetooth is that he united different regions and allowed them to communicate with each other.
• Wi-Fi - Wi-Fi, as it turns out, doesn't stand for anything. Phil Belanger, a founding member of the Wi-Fi Alliance, has gone on the record as saying the term was nothing more than a catchy word created by a brand consulting firm.
• Troll - While the imagery of a goblin-like cave monster seems awfully apt, there's actually more to the term than meets the eye. The word “troll,” you see, is also a verb meaning “to fish by trailing a lure or baited hook from a moving boat.”
• Wiki - Credit for the first wiki is commonly given to a guy named Ward Cunningham, who came up with a site called WikiWikiWeb. Ward was wooed by the word wiki when he traveled to Hawaii, where he saw a “wiki wiki bus”. “Wiki” means “quick” in Hawaiian.
• Ping - Ping, in its current form, traces back to a Unix-based network administration tool created in the early 80s. The program sends a data packet to a network-connected computer and then measures how long it takes for the system to respond.
• Spam - Spam, according to most popular accounts, comes not from the questionable canned meat but rather from a 70s-era Monty Python sketch.
• Cookie - The most common explanation suggests the term comes from Unix. In Unix, a “magic cookie” refers to a chunk of data that's passed between two programs.
• Bug – In 1946, Grace Hooper joined Harvard, where she traced an error in the computer due to a moth trapped in it. This bug was carefully removed, the word ‘bug’ is still being used to describe defects.
• Hotmail – Its founder tried all kinds of names ending with “mail”. Later he chose “Hotmail”, as it contains all the letters “HTML” - the markup language used to write web pages.
• Java - "Java" was selected from a list of suggestions, primarily because it is a popular slang term for coffee, especially that grown on the island of Java. As the programmers drank a lot of coffee, this seemed an appropriate name.
• Python - Named after the television series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”.

Want to Work at Google?

Among many IT professionals, working at Google is seen as a dream job. And no wonder. The flourishing company is a driving force in Internet development. Working for Google means working for an organization that’s extraordinarily well funded. It also means working alongside top talent. With as many applications as Google receives, the company has its pick of the best.

The good news is that Google is hiring. The bad news is that getting hired at Google isn’t easy. It requires a unique set of characteristics to land a gig with the search giant.

As per Google’s Director of Staffing, this is what you need to have, if want to be a ‘Googler’:

• Entrepreneurial spirit - While working in the IT department of any large manufacturing facility might not require entrepreneurial spirit, working at Google most certainly does. With the search giant’s rapid growth and its aggressive moves in arenas held by competitors, the need for smart, self-motivated and self-starters seems clear. It is also important from company’s “20 per cent time policy” point of view. As per this policy, employees are free to pursue projects they're passionate about on company time. It takes an entrepreneurial (and disciplined) spirit to use this unstructured time in ways that benefit the bottom line.
• Business skills – Google prefers to hire a candidate with business skills, because such a person can relate business and technical aspects and look at the mission-critical needs to the company, and really understand some of the context around why we’re building some of the infrastructure.
• Technical skills – Learn programming languages like C++, Java, Java Script, CSS etc. Understand algorithms and data structures. Get to know operating systems.
• Problem solving skills – Google wants to hire candidates who have handled analytically difficult problems. They want someone who has actually interacted in a real-world situation and during an interview; the interviewers get a sense of what the candidate considers to be difficult.
• Analytical skills – The skills that that differentiate you from rest of the pool. Google doesn’t care much about GPAs. According to them, in schools, people are trained to give specific answers. But they want people who like figuring out stuff where there is no obvious answer. They believe that GPAs and test scores don’t correlate with success at the company.
• Leadership skills – They want people, who at the appropriate time, step in and lead when faced with a problem.

Start-up Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

More and more women are starting their own businesses and getting aware of the opportunities available outside their 9-to-6 jobs. But, for women it is challenging to focus on their new mission, as they have to struggle to strike work-life balance.

Here are the few tips that may help them to start a new business:

• Find your passion - You are going to spend long hours working for your business, so pick an industry that you don’t just like, but are passionate about. When you are passionate, it shows, and your enthusiasm and belief in what you are doing translates to your customers, sparking their enthusiasm about what you are offering.
• Keep your home and work life separate - It is important to set aside time for both personal and work lives, in order to give each the attention it deserves. Set specific office hours and unless there is an emergency, stick to them. Train yourself to work during office hours and do not accept calls or check emails after hours. Your customers and clients will also conform to your schedule as long as you stick to it.
• Don’t pay attention to any disadvantages - Don't put any energy into wondering if you have different challenges than any other leader or business owner because you are a female. If you are good at what you do, that's all that matters.
• Be positive, flexible and patient - It takes a good amount of time to build a business. Continue to have a positive outlook and don’t stop believing in yourself. There has never been a successful business owner that hasn’t run into some challenges!
• Don’t let the lack of confidence or fear hold you back – Women are generally more afraid of failure than their male counterparts. Moreover, cultural traditions also discourage women from taking leadership positions. Women are less confident than men in starting businesses. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from being an entrepreneur.
• Believe in yourself – Actually, women have better communication and consulting skills, are more caring and loyal towards their organisation and peers and, compared to men, are less competitive, confrontational and aggressive, and less driven by money. They are far more dynamic and capable than previously believed. So, believe in yourself and be a leader!
• Get the right support - Seek out networking groups, coaches and mentors that will not only cheer you on, but challenge you to take your business to the next level. Network with other businesswomen in your field that can give you an eagle’s view of what’s working and what’s not.

 If you are dreaming of setting up your own business, log on to TheGongzuo.com. We will help you in launching your start-up.

Tech Jobs with High Salaries

Everybody knows tech industry pays well. But specifically which jobs will put you in higher income tax bracket? Check out these tech jobs with enviable salaries:

• Software Architect - Designs complex software applications. Average salary - $130,000
• Software Development Manager – Project leader for software projects. Average salary - $123,000
• Solutions Architect – Designs and engineers complex software or computer systems. Average salary – $121,000
• Analytics Manager - Performs business and financial analysis to help the company measure its success and predict its needs. Average salary – $115,000
• IT Manager – Manages a company's technology infrastructure. Average salary – $115,000
• Product Manager - Helps run the teams that design and market a product. Although a product manager isn't a tech-specific job, it's a major role at many tech companies. Average salary – $114,000
• Data Scientist - Helps a company find insights out of heaps of data. This is one of the super-hot fields within IT. Average salary – $105,000
• Security Engineer - Designs, deploys and monitors systems that secure a company's network, software and other assets. Average salary – $102,000
• QA Manager - Performs tests to make sure a product, service or software performs like it should. Average salary - $101,000
• Computer Hardware Engineer - Designs computers and all sorts of other electronic devices. Average salary - $101,000
• Database Administrator - A company's database is among the most important bits of software it owns, keeping track of customers, transactions, and inventory. A database administrator runs it. Average salary - $97,000
• UX Designer - A "UX" designer, or "user experience" designer are the ones who make sure the product looks and feels good and functions in a way that is easy for people to use. Average salary - $97,000
• Software Engineer/programmer - Every company needs them, from the tech companies building software to sell to others, to the Sales Engineer - The technical resource for the sales force that helps them make sure bids and contracts meet the customers' technical specifications. Average salary - $91,000

Why You Should Be an Entrepreneur?

The thought of starting your own small business can be a little scary. Still, there are many great reasons for you to give it a go. Entrepreneurs are those who develop innovation to improve our world. The ability to start from “zero” and build it into a business that employs hundreds or thousands and generate significant revenues is remarkable.

There are plenty of reasons why you should consider being an entrepreneur and take the plunge.

• Industry, businesses and technology is changing – This is a great time to find opportunities in changing scenarios of business/tech world. Provide a product or service that will enable people to do ordinary things in extra-ordinary way.
• Pursue your passion - Part of the motive behind starting a business is to actually make a living doing what you love. If you do it whole-heartedly, you are bound to succeed.
• Sky is the limit - When you own your business, your creativity and skill will grow and can be used as you need them for the success of your company. Similarly, there is no limit for your earning potential.
• Meaningful work - As your own boss, you will have a chance to do work that means something to you, and perhaps to those who benefit from your goods or services.
• Flexibility – You can start part-time. Before taking the plunge, you can continue your existing job and devote only a few hours per day till the things settle down on business front.
• Dream come True – Owning a business is a dream for many. You can make it a reality.
• Boost your confidence - Being a small business owner is not an easy task, but succeeding at it may help you to be confident in everything you do.

Running a business is not an easy task. It takes a lot of time, energy, and determination. But it also renders great rewards, if done properly. Do your research and figure out if you are truly ready to invest your resources in it. Consider taking the plunge and live the dream. Good luck!!

Success Tips for First-Time Entrepreneurs

There are thousands of people who are working on or have just launched their company, but are worried about making wrong decisions. While you are working on building your team and designing marketing strategies, getting advice from successful business owners does help in avoiding mistakes and ensuring that you are on the right track!

The following tips are a summary of advices given by experienced businessmen that will help you navigate across the unseen world of entrepreneurship:

• Do what you know and are passionate about – Don’t jump into a business just because profit margins are high or because the business idea seems trendy. Do what you really love. Businesses built around your strengths and talents will have a greater chance of success. It's not only important to create a profitable business, it's also important that you're happy managing and growing it day in and day out. Pick something that excites and motivates you.
• Take that leap - There is never a perfect time to launch a start-up, so follow that famous advice and “just do it.” Take the first step to building your business, even if it’s only part time while you still have a paying job‎.
• Don’t be afraid of failures – In fact, look forward to failure. This is how you learn to succeed. There is plenty of time to get it right - so go ahead and just do it and get it wrong.
• Take care of your finances – You are running a start-up! So, learn to be frugal. Forget about stylish offices and expensive business lunches. Watch every dime and triple-check every expense. Maintain a low overhead and manage your cash flow effectively.
• Study your competitors - Make sure you are thoroughly researching competitive products or services in the marketplace, and keep yourself updated about new developments and enhancements from your competitors.
• Build the right team - You need to hire employees who have the relevant background and experience. They need to fit into the company culture you are trying to build. They need to be hard-working and flexible, as employees in start-ups often have to function in multiple roles‎.
• Focus on customer service – One way to be successful is to provide outstanding customer service and support. Getting customer referrals early on will immensely help you in growing your start-up. Go the extra mile to make your customers feel valued and when they refer your name to their friends or family, show your appreciation.
• Learn from other business owners – You are surrounded by experts in different areas. Talk to them, ask them questions and leverage their hard-earned knowledge. Along with the success stories, also learn about what didn’t work with them. You can learn as much by others’ failures as you can from the success stories.

If you also have jitters about starting up a new business, we at TheGongzuo.com are here to help you at every step of the way. Register at our website and share your business idea with us. We will connect you with our investors and mentors to guide you, so that you launch your business with confidence.

Starting a Job? Bid Farewell to Bad Habits

Negative thoughts, and certain actions or sayings, can prevent you from accomplishing a goal. They steer you away from the bigger picture, deterring you from whatever you’re trying to accomplish. Some bad habits cause more trouble than others. Shedding these habits will increase your productivity and allow you to enjoy the positive mood that comes with increased self-control.

• Being late to work – Punctuality is critical when you are working. Forget your college days when you enter the classroom while it is already in the session. The professional thing to do is to arrive on time and be ready to do what is expected. Being on time for meetings is even more important. Keeping people waiting in the meeting can be construed as inconsiderate, rude, disrespectful or arrogant.
• Negative attitude – Responding in pessimistic way or always finding problems in the suggestions given by co-workers is considered being uncooperative. Complaining too much about work culture, colleagues, bosses is another negative trait. These things will make you look unprofessional.
• Spending time on social media – Being on Facebook or even texting all the time when you are at work does create bad impression. Don’t spread bad things about your organization or co-workers through social media while being in the office. You could get fired if caught. Same thing applies when you are attending a meeting. Even when you feel meetings are extended beyond limit or discussion is going off-topic, don’t let your mind wander. Other people, especially your boss will catch you if you are not paying attention.
• Unprofessional looks – Again, remember you are not a college student anymore. Even if you feel comfortable in those pair of jeans and flip-flops, this is not the place where you wear these. You want to look like you take your job seriously when you walk into work. When you go to meet with a client, you represent your company and you should present yourself professionally.
• Using foul words/language – This is one of the worst habits you got to get rid of. Vulgar language an indication that an employee is not ready for promotion. You may be taken to the HR for serious discussions if you are caught multiple times using foul language.
• Using company phone/supplies for personal use – Making long distance frequent phone calls from your desk phone is easily traceable. Don’t commit such mistakes for saving few dollars. Similarly taking home office supplies such as notepads, folders etc. or using photocopy machine for personal use beyond a limit show your cheap behaviour.
• Unnecessary noise – Be considerate toward your co-workers as much as possible. Many people have habit of tapping toes or fingers while working or thinking. Maintain silence when at the work. Similarly, keep your phone or computer on silent so that each text message, email or IM won’t create any annoying sound that may disturb others.

If you receive any feedback about your habits, take it seriously and correct them. At the same time, develop good habits like actively looking for a job on TheGongzuo.com. We have hundreds of thousands of job listings for different positions within IT. Your chances of getting hired multiply when you register yourself at TheGongzuo.

Tech Layoffs – Make it a New Beginning

The tech industry may seem like it is thriving, and that is not absolutely true; but it is also important to know that many tech companies are often cutting costs and handing out pink slips. During mergers, acquisitions or restructuring, unexpected changes occur. If you hear rumours or have reliable information in regards to any changes, now is the time to start working accordingly towards a more secure position.

The best step to take in situations where changes occur within the company is to be prepared for the worst. Here’s how:

• Update your resume – Start preparing a list of your accomplishments and quantifiable achievements. Include a description of your current position in resume as written down by HR.
• Prepare list of references - Contact the people you would like to use as references to ask their permission to be used as a reference.  Obtain their current contact information and type up your reference list.
• Check job board websites – See what the market demands are and which types of positions are available for the candidates of your education and experience. Start applying right away, if you feel that the chances of getting laid off are high. 
• Consider different career alternatives – You can take layoff as an opportunity to start fresh. You may change your career and get into new field, you always wanted to be in. Instead of looking for a new job, you may try consulting or freelancing. The other option is pursuing further education or certification. You can make these career decisions now, when you could be possibly having more time in your hands.
• Network with friends/acquaintances – Start making contact with your network and re-establish the connection, so that if you get a pink slip, you will have already updated them on your situation and can then call them into action to help you track down job leads.
• Backup your personal files from office computer - In reality, you should never have personal stuff stored on your work computer, but we probably all do from time-to-time. It’s best to be safe and remove all your personal files because when you get the bad news, it comes swiftly and security escorts you out of the building. Bring in a flash drive as soon as possible and wipe all personal information off of your computer.
• Examine your finances - If you fear a layoff is on the horizon, now is the time to get your finances in order. Even if you are lucky enough to get a severance package or qualify for unemployment benefits, neither is often enough to pay the bills during the period you are out of work. Consider consolidating bills so you have fewer monthly payments and put a halt to any major purchases you had planned until you are solidly on your feet again.
• Talk to your family – This is probably the hardest thing – talking to your family about defeat, even if it’s not your fault. Your family are the very people you MUST talk with. These are your loved ones and key supporters. In addition, since their lifestyle and spending habits may have to drastically change in the near future, it’s best to prepare for the changes as a family.
• Moving ahead – Once you are ready, whether you get laid off or not, it’s time to go to the next step and prepare for your return to the job market. You have to look to the future and move your career forward!

Whether you are among the unfortunate ones, who have lost their jobs or just looking for a change, TheGongzuo.com is always there to help you find your new job and take you further up on your career ladder. Register on our website today!

Is My Resume ‘Unprofessional’?

You have the right skills and experience and now you are eager to move ahead with your career. But, if your resume fails to convince your prospective employer, you will have a hard time getting a new job. Resumes need to be used as a personal marketing tool. You need to focus on its style as well as contents. Prioritizing your accomplishments in the right order is very crucial.

Here are the issues which could hurt your resume and make it look ‘unprofessional’.

• Formatting – If your resume ends at the middle of the page or above, leaving more than half of blank page creates wrong impression on employer’s mind. He/she may infer that this candidate does not have much to say about his education or experience. This doesn't mean you have to stuff your resume with fluff. Describe more about what you have done, what you know, and how you can contribute to this job. Fill that white space with meaningful information that can set you apart.
• Fonts – Your prospective employer should notice the actual text or words in your resume and not the font! No Comic Sans font for resumes. Do not use colors, curly-cue fonts, and clip art. Keep your total font styles—including different points/sizes, bold text, and italics—limited to four.
• Keep personal life out of your resume - Try to keep references to your children, marital status, age, lifestyle, and religion out of your resume. If you have worked for any religious organization etc., let only its name talk about it. Don’t add additional details on your own.  
• Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes - All grammatical errors and spelling mistakes are a problem in a resume, but some may cause a proportionally higher level of damage than others. 
• Negative statements – Watch out for negative tone of the resume and edit it immediately. For example, statements like “I was not happy with my last job profile” sound negative. Instead, you can write “I learned a lot during my last job and now ready to move on”. 
• Sending unprofessional photo - If a photo isn't specifically asked for in the job application process, don’t send one.  If it is asked for, make sure that it portrays you as professional and personable.  Send a photo where you are dressed nicely and smiling.  Use your judgment. 
• Sending blank email with resume attachment – In your email, you should type a simple greeting, explanation of who you are and what you are sending. Sending blank email is not at all professional.
• Sending resume to multiple employers in the same email – If you do this, your email will most likely get deleted! 

Avoiding these mistakes is as easy as stepping back for a minute, proofreading, and engaging your common sense.

Invest enough time in writing your resume and when you are ready to apply for a job, register on TheGongzuo.com for free. Top IT companies are eager to hire professional employees. They will call you for an interview only if your resume reveals your professionalism!

Fun Facts about Computer Programming

• The C language is written in C.
• The first high-level programming language was FORTRAN invented in 1954 by IBM’s John Backus.
• The first computer virus was created in 1983.
• The first computer programmer was a female, Ada Lovelace.
• The first computer game was “Spacewar” designed in 1961.
• Programming and coding are not the same. Coder is clearly instructed on what should be done. Programmer must be able to imagine a broad set of solutions before writing codes.
• In programming there is a thing called “constant variable”.
• In programming algorithms, root comes at the top.
• Programming language Java was originally designed for interactive TV, but digital cable industry was not ready for the technology.
• Programming language Python came out as a result of boredom of its author Van Rossum during the Christmas week of 1989.
• Python is one of the official languages at Google and NASA.

Women in IT Industry

Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Yahoo, Microsoft and Apple - all are billion-dollar success stories. Thanks to their revolutionary technologies and must-have products. But these tech giants have one more thing in common - a shortfall of female employees.

The big names of Silicon Valley have begun releasing diversity figures that reveal men outnumber women two to one. If we consider purely technical roles in these companies women population is only 10 to 20 per cent of the workforce, whereas it is 57 per cent for all other professional roles in the US.

• Why there aren’t more women in technology?
• There aren’t enough women in the US choosing tech careers. According to a research, only one third female teens responded that STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) would be their first career choice.
• Women's decisions to have children make them less desirable to tech companies filling demanding roles. 
• Women do not consider IT as their choice of career because of hostile male culture.
• Lack of clear career path 

Organizations’ initiatives to attract women

Attracting and retaining women in IT is something several companies and organizations are working toward.  Google offers several scholarships for women in computing and technology. “Google Prize” is a financial award specifically for outstanding female computer science students. The prize is intended to encourage women to enter and remain in the field of computer science.

By inspiring the younger generation of females at high-school age, Microsoft have been showing the lighter side of IT and how women can make a difference to a very male-dominated workplace.

Many IT companies are hiring remote employees and offering flexible schedule to help them maintain work-life balance. This especially proves to be appealing to women who are often juggling career, children and home responsibilities.

Why do companies want gender diversity?

Diversity makes the team stronger. By bringing together different points of view, different personalities and life experiences, organizations build better teams. Studies show that teams with more women perform better. Woman-friendly workplaces are nice places for everyone to work. A diverse collection of skills and experiences (e.g. languages, cultural understanding) allows a company to provide service to customers on a global basis.

With the increased public awareness of the lack of gender diversity in technology field, companies will experience more pressure to disclose their statistics and be accountable for reaching diversity objectives. It is time for organizations to address their cultural bias and create initiatives to attract and retain women.

As more and more tech businesses are taking initiative to hire female employees, obviously, women have a better chance to get hired by a reputed IT company. Register on TheGongzuo.com and post your resume today!

How To Customize Your Search To Find The Best Local And National Jobs

Thanks to the plethora of online job portals it is now possible to customize your search to spot both local and national opportunities without any problems. While there are several job search sites, choosing the right one should be your aim. Specialty of a good job portal is that it helps to take both the employee’s career objectives and organizational vision forward and helps you find the right career in a good organization.

Searching for the best opportunities is not only easy at TheGongzuo job portal, but also accurate. The IT team at The Gongzuo has tweaked the systems to allow you to refine your search to the finest detail imaginable. Advanced filters have been placed to enable organizations to specify the exact requirements they look for in their potential employees. Even the information from job seekers /candidates is categorized clearly which permits easy filtering.

For those seeking a plum opportunity, The Gongzuo offers a great meeting place for some of the best organizations and teams to work with.

So, how can you customize your search to find local and national jobs at The Gongzuo?

• Browse through the portal’s brilliant network of ideators, entrepreneurs and organizations
• Use the advanced search filters for your specific query
• Use specific keywords to throw up matching options
• Create a best fit scenario

What is unique about TheGongzuo?

• Helps you make a near perfect match of opportunity with talent/skill
• Improves success rate in your job search
• Reduces risk
• Saves time and money
• Ensures best use of resources

The Gongzuo is a meeting place for great minds to take their dreams and aspirations to the zenith. Matching skill, talent, education and experience to evolving opportunities in organizations is the focus of job search systems at The Gongzuo. Through its in-built designs and systems, the portal gives you information about the best jobs, both local and national, so you are in a good position to make the most of the opportunity.