Computer Software Engineer Jobs

Despite the current economy, the market is good for those looking for a computer software engineer job.

Computer software engineers work with applications and systems software to create elements that make computers work. This can include design, development, testing and troubleshooting. Most computer software engineers are required to use programs like Java to create software and custom applications, according to an article by College Grad.

Most computer software engineers work in an office setting for about 40 hours per week, although the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that 17 percent of computer software engineers work for more than 50 hours per week.

Computer software engineers usually obtain a bachelor's degree and some experience with computer systems and technologies before applying for jobs. A master's degree might be required for higher-level careers.

Computer software engineers also can combine their degree with a certification program. These programs give the employee more experience, making them more marketable to a potential employers. Most certification programs focus on Cisco and Microsoft training.

The average annual salary for computer applications software engineers was $85,660 per year in 2007. That same year, systems software engineers made an average of $90,780 per year.

Looking ahead, there are expected to be 324,000 new computer software engineers through 2016. Of those, 226,000 will work as applications software engineers and the rest will work as systems software engineers. There should be a total of 1.1 million computer software engineers by 2016.

"Excellent job prospects are due in part to a rising sophistication in available technology along with the demand among clients for personalized software applications," the article notes. "Concerns over security should provide extra career demand for those with formal training or experience in software engineers."

Citrix Systems, Inc. to Cut Florida Jobs

Citrix Systems, Inc, a leader in application delivery infrastructure, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and announced a restructuring program to reduce its annual operating expenses.

Even though the company enjoyed a 14% growth in annual revenue, its fourth quarter net income was $60 million, down from $63 million from this time last year. Consequently, it has announced the implementation of a restructuring program and steps to reduce its headcount by approximately 10 percent. Florida jobs will surely be impacted, as the headquarters are located in Ft. Lauderdale.

"I’m pleased with our Q4 results and performance for 2008 – especially in the face of an extraordinary worldwide environment," said Mark Templeton, Citrix president and chief executive officer.

"While being fiscally cautious, we are more confident than ever in our vision and business strategy. Citrix products have a long track record of reducing IT costs, while simplifying enterprise computing – exactly what customers need.”

Simply Hired Brings Job Search to Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies List

Simply Hired, the largest job search engine and recruitment advertising network, has announced a content sharing agreement with CNNMoney.com to provide job listings on Fortune Magazine online for its annual, "100 Best Companies to Work For" feature. Visitors will be able to view current job openings at the employers that ranked on Fortune's special report, released January 22, 2009.

Job seekers visiting the "Best Companies to Work For" report will have access to jobs at top employers and Simply Hired's database of over 5 million jobs globally. In addition, Simply Hired will provide "100 Best Companies" and "Fortune 500" job search filters for all job seekers its site.

"The job listings provided through this partnership will complement the content of this special report, allowing highly qualified visitors to the site to potentially fill the open roles at these top companies," said Gautam Godhwani, Co-founder and CEO of Simply Hired. "It is a great distribution point for employers to reach into such an attractive audience."

Through this partnership, CNNMoney.com joins Simply Hired’s recruitment advertising network, which consists of over 5,000 social networks, blogs and content sites, including LinkedIn, Fox Television Stations, CNET, US News and World Report.

Employee Selection Can Benefit Business

Employee selection might be more important than you think.

Most companies know that their employees are the most valuable resource, but it can sometimes be a challenge to find the best employees. With a plethora of old-age and new-age ways to apply for jobs, the best hiring practices aren't always clear.

For instance, the current economy finds the retail service sector facing problems as resources and consumer confidence continue to dwindle. However, the industry may be able to thwart some of that backlash if it focuses on hiring practices, according to an article by Newswise Business News.

Some members of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology recently completed a study that hiring better employees contributes to better store effectiveness and sales figures. Rob Ployhart, associate professor of management at the University of South Carolina's Moore School of Business; Jeff Weekley of Kenexa and Jase Ramsey, who also works at USC, conducted the study.

“Intuitively, every hiring manager knows that employing better employees is going to lead to better results,” Ployhart said in the article. “The reality, though, is that many retailers maintain a certain amount of skepticism about the value of investing in frontline service employees.

"With high turnover rates, a problem many HR managers face, and few apparent differences among applicants, many organizations simply opt to fill their sales and clerical staffs with enough warm bodies to meet their staffing demands,” Ployhart added.

The study, which examined 114,198 employees throughout the country, is slated to be published in the Academy of Management Journal. The study analyzed employment applications and test scores to determine job-related knowledge, skills and abilities. The tests were based on personality, situational judgments and experience.

The study also found that stores with a greater percentage of employees with higher test scores outperformed stores that had workers with lower scores and stores with higher-skilled employees had an average of $4,000 more in sales per employee per quarter.

Employment Test for Michigan U.S. Census Bureau Jobs

If you're looking for a temporary job in Michigan, you might have luck with the U.S. Census Bureau, but not without first passing an employment test.

The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring thousands of temporary employees to help gather information for the upcoming 2010 Census. The Bureau is currently conducting pre-employment tests for the positions, which are slated to begin in March, according to an article by The Saginaw News.

Upcoming tests will take place: at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. January 23 at Davenport University, 5300 Bay, Grand Rapids; January 26 at Michigan Works, 3875 Bay; January 28, at Frankenmuth District Library, 359 S. Franklin and at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. January 24 during the job fair at the Buena Vista Community Center, 1940 S. Outer.

Practice tests, job descriptions and applications can be found at the 2010 Census Jobs Web site. The U.S. Constitution requires that a national Census be conducted every 10 years.

The Bureau, which is a branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce, will use the information from the 2010 Census to determine many important things. Among them, localities representation in government and how to distribute $300 billion per year in government funding for projects involving community services, roads, parks, housing, schools and public safety.

The temporary jobs will pay between $10.50 and $17 per hour. Available positions include: office clerk, recruiting assistant, administrative assistant, office operations supervisor, enumerator, crew leader, crew leader assistant and field operations supervisor.

Census Bureau jobs are ideal for retirees, college students, those who want to work part-time, those who are between jobs and anyone who wants to earn extra money.

Health Care Jobs Cut at WellPoint

WellPoint, Inc., a publicly traded commercial health benefits company, has announced plans to streamline its administrative cost structure in response to the ongoing economic downturn as it continues to manage its business for long-term success.

The company will eliminate approximately 1,500 positions, including more than 900 open health care jobs. The approximately 600 associates affected by the layoff will receive both severance pay and outplacement assistance in accordance with WellPoint's policies.

"With the current state of the economy we made the difficult decision to adjust the size of our workforce as we continue to meet our members' needs while appropriately controlling operating expenses," said Angela F. Braly, president and chief executive officer of WellPoint, Inc. "We remain committed to providing our members with the high-quality customer service they expect and developing innovative solutions to address the rising costs of health care."

Customer service to all members remains a high priority for WellPoint. This adjustment to the size of its workforce does not impact any existing compliance staff involved in its Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D compliance process.

"WellPoint remains a financially strong company with a diverse investment portfolio and ample liquidity," said Wayne DeVeydt, chief financial officer, WellPoint, Inc. "We proactively manage our business and make adjustments based on market conditions while striving to provide the best value through innovative products and services."

"We continue to build on momentum from our 2008 performance improvement plan, making the necessary changes to enhance our claims processing and customer service functions and streamlining operations," said Braly. "We will continue to make the necessary adjustments to meet our customer and financial commitments for 2009. We intend to discuss our 2008 performance and our 2009 outlook in our earnings release on January 28, 2009."

Jobs Oline: Search Tips

If you're applying for jobs online, there are some steps you can take to make the process a little easier.

Because of the current state of today's economy, more and more people are searching for work. While some people still use word-of-mouth to get jobs, many people turn to the Internet and online job databases to find positions.

In an article by The Associated Press, John Thieman, a career development specialist at Stratford University in Falls Church, Va., offered the following tips to help make the online job search easier.

First, you should build a professional Web site, which can double as a resume and portfolio to help showcase your skills and experience.

Second, you should use online resources to network. Social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook help you connect with potential references and employers and also show other people your skills and what kind of work you're searching for.

Third, you should try using various resume formats. For instance, an online video resume could give you an edge over the regular paper format.

Fourth, Google yourself. This way, you'll know what others will see when they look at your background. You should make sure you don't find any pictures or information you don't want others to see.

Fifth, you should be assertive. You can do this by using alert systems on job boards to help notify you of opportunities and by further checking companies' Web sites for employment opportunities.

Top 10 Pet Jobs

There are many unique employment opportunities available for those who want a pet job.

Maybe you always had pets growing up, or maybe it's a new-found passion, but whatever your reason for working with pets, there are many benefits to such a job. Many of the best jobs with pets allow you to work directly with animals while at the same time maintain a unique and important career.

Petside.com recently released a list of the Top 10 Coolest Jobs with Pets. The jobs include:

• Pet photographer. This profession allows you to offer both private sessions for pet owners and photo shoots for books, magazines and Web sites. Pet photographers often enjoy their work because they get paid to capture the energy and spirit of animal models. Those hoping to step into such a career can test their skills by taking pet photos to decorate your home or make holiday cards.
• Pet fashion designer. Pet accessory options now not only include collars and leashes, but shirts, sweaters and coats, to name a few. New York hosts a Pet Fashion Week for dogs and cats. To practice for this profession, try making clothes for your own pets.
• Animal-actor trainer. Trainers work with animals who appear on television, movies and in commercials. Trainers are responsible for teaching animals basic obedience skills and various tricks. You can practice for this career by attending a beginner-training workshop with your own pets.
• Pet treat chef. There are now a variety of pet bakeries throughout the country, which create dog- and cat-friendly cookies, bagels and birthday cakes, among other food items. Many bakeries offer organic, kosher and human-quality ingredients. You can practice for this job by creating unique treats for your own animals.
• Pet writer. Pet journalists often write medical, behavioral and lifestyle articles for pet magazines and Web sites, as well as fictional and non-fiction books and stories. If you often write about pets, try selling your story to a magazine or Web site or simply share it with friends.
• Veterinarian. Animal doctors spend all their time taking care of animals as surgeons, pathologists or holistic veterinarians. To become a veterinarian you must complete a lot of schooling and undertake years of practice.
• Assistance dog trainer. These workers teach unique skills to dogs meant to assist disabled people, including the blind, deaf and those with mobility or seizure problems. To become an assistance dog trainer, you usually must complete a special training program.
• Animal care and control officer. These professionals often work for the government and respond to animal-related problems from taking care of strays to animal abuse investigations. Animal care and control officers also are responsible for teaching proper animal care to the public and rescuing animals from dangerous situations. Special government classes are usually required to obtain this position.
• Pet shop owner. Anyone in this job gets to be their own boss, sell products for pets and sometimes pets themselves. To help prepare for this position, read some books or take courses on starting your own business.
• Animal welfare lawyer. These people improve animal protection laws and ensure they're being enforced correctly. It is the lawyers job to defend the interests of animals and protect them while using the legal system. Animal lawyers also can deal with cruelty cases, veterinary malpractice and animal custody cases. To become an animal welfare lawyer, you should look into taking specialty classes, now offered in 89 law schools throughout the country.

Recession Proof Jobs in Chicago

Those without work had an easier time finding jobs in Chicago in November than they did in the previous month, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the month unemployment fell slightly, dropping 0.1 percent from 6.4 percent to 6.3 percent. In November the national average was 6.7 percent, which goes to show that the area is still fairing better than most of the country. Despite this, many in the city are still worried about losing their Chicago jobs. Because of this, jobs that are recession proof are becoming a point of interest.

One industry that seems to be immune to the problems plaguing most sectors is healthcare. Due to the necessity of the services this area of employment provides it continues to thrive. While many employers are laying off workers, many healthcare facilities can’t seem to hire enough workers. With the population growing and aging baby-boomers retiring, many positions are becoming available at a rapid speed. At this time, many community colleges and universities are unable to train enough new workers for a variety of positions in this field.

Another area that seems to be providing recession proof jobs in Chicago is the education sector. Primary schools are always necessary and provide more jobs than just those of teachers. With many worried about work there has also been a surge in attendance at colleges and universities across the nation. These academic environments have an even wider variety of jobs available than afore mentioned. Anything from clerical to janitorial positions can be found in this field.

Despite the struggling economy, these two areas of employment have seen a 1.3 percent increase since November of 2007. Those who do not feel that they are currently suited for this sort of work always have the option of returning to school to prepare themselves for such, which is what many are currently doing.

Jobs in Rhode Island Decline

It’s no secret, the national recession has been particularly hard on jobs in Rhode Island. For months now, unemployment has been climbing as employers layoff more and more workers.

Although jobs continued to disappear in November, it was the first month in a quite a while that the jobless rate remained steady. According to Rhode Island’s Department of Labor and Training, the unemployment rate stayed at 9.3 percent for the second month in a row. Currently, the national average is 6.7 percent.

Since the jobless rate remained the same, Rhode Island managed to fair slightly better than Michigan. During October, the two states were tied for having the highest unemployment in the country.

Despite the fact that there no change in the percentage of the population without work, the decline in Rhode Island jobs continued for the 11th consecutive month. Between October and November employers cut approximately 4,000 jobs, which was the worst month-to-month decrease to happen in the state since April of 1991.

Interestingly enough, only 400 residents in the area filed for unemployment benefits. Many experts say this is because those who did lose their jobs were able to find work in Massachusetts or Connecticut, both of which are nearby and have significantly lower jobless rates.

In November area retailers usually bulk up their staffs in hopes of increased sales during the holiday season, but not this year. Instead, employers in this industry did away with approximately 1,400 jobs, according to the most recent statistics.

Another area of employment that lost jobs in Rhode Island was the manufacturing sector, which lost 500. This industry has been struggling for some time now. Altogether construction, business services and accommodation and food services did away with a total of 1,200 jobs. As of now, very few sectors are creating new opportunities.

To make matters worse, Governor Don Carcieri recently announced that he is considering decreasing the amount of state aid given to various cities and towns throughout Rhode Island. This would lead to a significant number of layoffs in the government sector, which would only drive unemployment up even higher.

Many experts say that the state’s jobless rate will get as high as 11 percent before the recession ends.