Toni Bowers

The fallacy of talent shortages and H-1B visas

techrepublic.com — I, as have you, have been hearing for months about a shortage of tech talent in the U.S. I, probably unlike you, have been on the receiving end of emails from countless U.S. IT pros looking for advice on how to get hired. U.S.

Cisco retires CCIE Voice but then rethinks it

techrepublic.com — Whether you're thinking of specializing in working with Cisco products or just broadening your overall skill-set, the ubiquity of Cisco's products and services makes the company's IT certifications an important part of developing your basic skills as an IT professional. On May 29, 2013, Cisco announced the new CCIE Collaboration track (based on the CCIE Voice cert).

You know what's important about end-user training? The end user

techrepublic.com — Let's talk about training a little bit. Training end-users is probably one of the most important aspects of successfully rolling out a new technology in an organization, yet it is also one of the most poorly executed tasks. I recently attended a training session on a new enterprise tool.

Ways to research a company before an interview

techrepublic.com — When you're preparing for an interview, it's always a good idea (and will make you more comfortable) if you do some research on the company beforehand. Go to the company's website and see what you can find out about its mission and history.

Your Twitter account: A recruiter's perspective

techrepublic.com — For the record, I am not a social media expert. If you were to examine my Twitter profile, even if adjusting backward a few months prior to recent back issues and surgery, you'd see that my Twitter Follower Friend (TFF) ratio is less than desirable.

Is the traditional resume about to be outdated?

techrepublic.com — Although IT pros make their livings from technological innovation, you have to admit that it has also disrupted employment in different industries many times over. From travel agents to telecommunications, it has cut out the middlemen in numerous fields and has eliminated some of the most traditional forms of communication.

Men and women in the office: Are compliments taboo?

techrepublic.com — In April, President Obama, when introducing California's Kamala Harris at a Democratic fundraiser, referred to her as brilliant, dedicated, tough and "by far, the best looking attorney general in the country." Many people, even long-time supporters of the President, were dismayed by the comment. Would he have said that about a male fundraiser?

Inflated job titles: Employees and employers beware

techrepublic.com — I've written before about how I hate inflated and obscure job titles. But, my personal preference aside, there are ways that an obscure job title can actually hurt you. (And I'm not talking about all those Directors of Inspiration, and other such rot, who may have been clubbed over the head.)

Three interview questions you need to be ready to answer

techrepublic.com — Employers are no longer relying on standard interview questions like "Where do you see yourself in five years?" To ace your interview, you need to be ready to answer a whole variety of new questions, including some rather odd ones, like "How many quarters would you need to reach the height of the Empire State building?."

Off-color remarks at conference result in two developers getting fired

techrepublic.com — I'd like to get some stats on how much the workload at the ACLU has increased since the advent of Twitter and Facebook. Not only are most people blissfully unaware of the consequences of social media posting, but the line between inappropriate and appropriate has become more hazy, causing more firing cases to hit the court room.