A Computerworld story says a growing number of recruiters and hiring managers are using search engines to research applicants. If you don't turn up in searches this could be a negative especially if hiring managers find positive information about your competition on the Internet.
In today's job market, turning up missing on the Web may not be a fatal flaw, and it's probably better than having a search result in a photo of you in a hula skirt. But over time, the lack of a Web presence - particularly for IT professionals - may well turn from a neutral to a negative, says Tim Bray, director of Web technologies at Sun Microsystems Inc.
"Particularly because we're a core technology provider, if someone came looking for a senior-level job and had left no mark on the Internet, I'd see that as a big negative," he says.
And it's not just about technology, Bray says. "Most companies would rather have somebody who has demonstrated the propensity to contribute, and one [sign] of that is going out and getting involved, joining in the discussion."
The web presence is obviously even more crucial for web professionals. A good video resume can't hurt either.
A CBS video news report says a new phrase is buzzing among employees of some companies: "wellness incentives." The video says some employers are offering rewards for staying healthy. The video talks about IBM paying employees these wellness incentives. Employers are paid for performing healthy activities like quitting smoking and exercising three or more days per week. CBS says IBM has paid out over $130 million in wellness incentives. A few articles about wellness incentives can be found here, here and here.
An article in the Columbian says engineering, architecture and veterinarian are some of the hottest career fields in the state of Washington.
Engineers, architects and animal lovers are in high demand across Washington, according to a recently released look at the state's 25 hottest jobs.
The state ranked the occupations that will have the highest annual growth rates between now and 2014, based on occupational projections and a job vacancy survey.
The findings: Most high-demand jobs require at least a four-year college degree, or an equivalent amount of on-the job training.
Certain fields are especially hot. Take animal care. Veterinary technologists, veterinary assistants and veterinarians will be in high demand in the coming years, according to the rankings. So will architects, landscape architects and architectural drafters.
Vet careers are likely on the rise across the country as pets have become more and more likely family members these days. If you are interested in a vat career this page provided by NetVet has a good collection of veterinary career resources.
This year's Webby Award winners have been announced. You can find the full winners list here. Here are the winners and nominees in the Employment category.
