Data protection How a lost USB stick could be the key to finding your ideal career in tech

Data protection How a lost USB stick could be the key to finding your ideal career in tech by Michael Cheary How safe do you think your data really is?With the introduction of GDPR in May 2018, the way companies and individuals protect their data has become even more of a pressing concern. Especially with so much of our sensitive information stored across multiple servers and systems.We spoke to tech experts the Learning People, to find out more about data protection, and learned how something as simple as a lost USB stick could either be incredibly costly or the key to finding your ideal career in tech:The world’s most expensive USB stick?    In October 2018, Heathrow Airport was fined £120,000 for something labelled as ‘serious data protection failings’.The cause? A single lost USB stick.The data drive â€" thankfully recovered on a London street by a member of the public was lost by a member of airport staff in late 2017.It contained six folders with maps, videos and other documents related to the airports security systems, including everything from pol ice patrol timetables and locations of security cameras, right through to the Queen’s exact route to Heathrow.In the wrong hands, the information could have been deadly. What’s more, under new GDPR legislation, the penalty could rise to as much as £17 million for the same offence.So, what went wrong?Data encryption â€" what you need to knowCrucially, Heathrow didn’t have any data encryption policies in place â€" meaning their data was all left completely unprotected. And it isn’t just important for lost USBs.Unencrypted laptops and mobile devices are also incredibly dangerous, leaving any sensitive data you have on your system fully open to potential hackers.Encryption can also be a valuable defence against hacker attacks. Because even storing your data in The Cloud doesn’t mean it’s not susceptible to cyber security threats.Data protection training In the case of Heathrow Airport, staff had also never been trained about data protection, network storage or security â€" leaving a huge knowledge gap in the organisation.In fact, less than 2% of the airport’s staff received some element of formal data protection training.As a result, staff continued to use their own devices to store data. Something which directly led to the massive security breach they ended up with.Personal protection Data protection isn’t just important from a professional standpoint.In 2016, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign dropped 297 drives across the grounds of their university â€" and found that a staggering 50% of them went on to be accessed by the people who found them.Although many highlighted being good Samaritans as the reason they opened the drive, they were unwittingly opening themselves up to a multitude of malware threats.Even if they didn’t open any of the files themselves, some corrupted USBs are programmed to infect your computer as soon as you plug them in. Something which could leave all of your personal files exposed to hackers without you even k nowing.The data protection skills gapWith GDPR legislation in effect from May 2018, businesses are now more aware than ever of the need to protect their sensitive data.But that doesn’t necessarily mean companies are doing enough.Although 65% of the 800 UK employees we surveyed said that they weren’t allowed to access personal USB sticks at work, most still don’t have specific staff on board to help ensure they’re GDPR compliant.Only a quarter of businesses we surveyed earlier this year said they have an in-house Data Protection Officer responsible for heading up their cyber security.And according to CyberEdges 2018 report, four out of five organisations can’t find qualified staff to fill their cyber security positions.As a result, the lack of qualified staff in this sector has led to businesses frequently coming under attack of cyber-crimes.Cyber security training With over 800,000 additional workers with digital skills anticipated to be needed in the UK over the next five years, if you’re looking for a new career, now is the time to get involved.Not only are cyber security careers incredibly lucrative, they also don’t usually require a degree to get started. In fact, a professional cyber security qualification generally won’t ask for any prerequisites to get started.And, as you can get qualified in as little as six months, you could open the door to a new career in less than a year. Not to mention know what to do the next time you pick up a lost USB.Why study with the Learning People?The Learning People is one of the world’s leading providers of IT qualifications.They’ve exclusively partnered with the prestigious EC-Council, the world’s largest cyber security technical certification body, to become the singular reseller of their cyber security and ethical hacking courses including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Security Analyst (ECSA), Certified Network Defender (CND) and much more.Other benefits of studying with the Learning People include:Free, expert career adviceAward winning StudentCareTMCVdetox recruitment serviceFlexible payment optionsAn easy-to-use online learning platformProgress reports, so you can see how you’re getting onNUS student discount cardGlobal community of peersFind out moreInterested in a career in cyber security? Talk to the Learning People today.The Learning People are one of the UK’s leading eLearning providers, specialising in world-class certifications in project management, IT and digital marketing.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the Features What job suits me?

How to Write a Resume That Will Get You Hired

How to Write a Resume That Will Get You HiredWriting a resume is a full-time job, and the process itself is usually the first thing that most job hunters encounter once they get into the business. So if you're really wanting to land that career, you need to make sure that you're doing everything you can to make sure your resume has the best presentation possible. In this article we'll take a look at some of the things you should be doing in order to ensure your resume is going to go out to the right people.The first thing you need to do is to have a portfolio or a website in which you've created your own business, so that potential employers know that you're not just a get-rich-quick scheme. They want to be sure that you are capable of turning something from nothing to something. If you can't prove that you can do this, then they will not hire you.So the next thing you need to do is to give prospective employers some details about yourself. This includes your personal history, which includes what your educational background was like and how you found your current employment. Also, you need to tell them how long you've been employed and what your average annual salary is.The next key point is to present yourself as someone who is friendly, optimistic, and interesting. If you can accomplish this, you will have an easier time getting the attention of an employer. If they see that you have lots of excitement about the things you do and a lot of energy, they will be much more likely to hire you. So make sure that you write down all of your accomplishments and keep a record of how they apply to the job you're applying for.Writing a resume can be very hard work. Therefore, try to make it as short and sweet as possible. This is very important in order to make sure that potential employers see just what they need to see, which is the ability to get the ball rolling in your direction and ensure that you land the job.Make sure that you stick to the chronological order of your achievements. You never want to get on the same page with the company if they are expecting a six-month period because the company has very specific requirements regarding when they expect their employees to graduate. When you get this right, you have a better chance of winning their trust and therefore of getting the job you deserve.Finally, when you're writing a resume, you want to keep it short and sweet. Don't make it so long that you're lost for words, but try to keep it short enough that you can send it out quickly and easily. If you can get it done in a day, even better.Having a job can really be hard, but it can be made easier by looking at this advice and using it to get a better idea of how you need to go about things. Then you will find that you have less trouble finding a job and that you get hired quickly and effectively. All of this is a vital step in making sure that you get the job you deserve.

Executive Search vs. Staffing Agency vs. Employment Agency

Executive Search vs. Staffing Agency vs. Employment Agency In today’s employment climate, both employers and applicants are seeking the help of staffing agencies like Kelly Services over the usual methods. To many, terms like executive search firm, staffing agency, employment agency and headhunter are synonymous, and one agency is considered much like the other. In truth, although the different types of agencies have similar functions, there are still several differences between them. What Does An Executive Search Firm Do? Also called headhunters, executive search firms focus solely on high-level jobs in the corporate and legal sector. These agencies search for your Vice Presidents and Chief Financial Officers, sometimes recruiting, or “hunting,” them while they are still in their current positions. Because they recruit for such high-level positions, they often perform more services than agencies that recruit for lower-level positions. For example, an  executive search firm, like CSI Executive Search,  will focus and become very familiar with the company’s operations, culture and business plan to ensure they find candidates that are in line with the company’s business objectives. An executive search firm will also handle most aspects of the interview and screening process, as well as any negotiations during the hiring process. In addition, the firm also works with both the hiring company and the candidate to ensure that both parties are satisfied with the outcome. At the end of the process, the candidate becomes a direct employee of the company, not the executive search firm. Staffing Agency Role Unlike the executive search firm,  staffing agencies generally focus on jobs below the corporate level. These agencies search for your administrative assistants, middle managers, factory workers and even maintenance staff. They usually fill temporary openings, such as when someone goes on leave. Because they tend to deal with lower-level, temporary placements, they may not offer as many services as an executive search firm. For example, the staffing agency will review resumes, conduct background checks and drug screenings and conduct interviews, but they don not usually immerse themselves in the company’s corporate culture. Also, staffing agencies tend to have an existing pool of workers they can pull from as needed, rather than searching for a new candidate for each opening. When an employee is placed by a staffing agency, they are employed and paid by the staffing agency, not the company where they are placed. Employment Agency Functions Employment agencies are similar to staffing agencies in that they could have an existing pool of applicants, in addition to searching for new candidates. Employment agencies could be private or government-run and can place people in a range of positions from unskilled labor to executive. These agencies can offer a variety of services from simple applicant screening to functions similar to an executive search agency. For example, a state agency may review resumes and refer candidates to your company, but you will be responsible for the interviewing, screening, and hiring. On the other hand, a private agency may handle much of the screening, but leave the final hiring and negotiating up to the company and the candidate. Some employment agencies also act as staffing agencies: offering candidates to fill temporary positions, with the possibility of becoming permanent. When an employee is placed by an employment agency, the agency or the hiring company could employ them depending on the terms agreed upon by both parties. For example, in the case of a temp-to-perm arrangement, the candidate would be an employee of the employment agency, as a temp. If the company decides to hire the candidate permanently, then the candidate would then become an employee of the company.

The 6 Skills Graduates Really Need to Get Employed

The 6 Skills Graduates Really Need to Get Employed With the estimated number of job seeking graduates increasing, its important that graduates show off the skills that employers really want to see. Its not just about the skills you  were taught  at university its the knowledge youve built up along the way, and the type of person that this experience has moulded you into. So what things are employers really looking for? 1) A positive attitude: Theres nothing worse than working with someone whos negative. The type of person that always has something to moan about and is never upbeat, excited or positive. A  positive attitude can turn your world around, youll even notice people communicating with  you differently. 2) Confidence: Employers are looking for the perfect  employee thats confident but not arrogant. It can be a hard balance to find but having a confident stride, handshake and interview  are all good signs. 3) Squeaky clean social media: Theres nothing professional about being tagged in a photo on Facebook that shows you chugging vodka  in a club on Saturday night.  You should make sure your social media platforms are as PG as possible. A good tip is to question whether or not you would show your grandma an updateif not, get it off! Being professional doesnt mean you have to get rid of your online personality however an employer might even giggle at your stupid jokes. 4) Good communication skills: Communication is an all important decider in whether a candidate is suitable for a certain job. The most important thing with communication is being clear, whether thats in person, in writing or on the phone. 5) Creative and outside thinker: Employers are not looking for robots who fit the job spec. They are looking for candidates who can bring something new, exciting and innovative to the team. Show them that you can solve problems creatively. 6) People person: Showing employers that you can work well in a team is very important for graduate recruiters. So show them that youre good with people, it will make a real difference. If youre a new graduate and currently looking for a job, I think you may be able to relate to the video below. Check out Hello from the graduate the job seekers take on Adeles number one hit! What skills do you think are important for graduates? Let us know on Twitter @UndercoverRec.

Resume Writing Services - How to Choose a Professional Service

Resume Writing Services - How to Choose a Professional ServiceResume writing services can be found all over the world. It's never been easier to get your own professional resume together, but it does take a lot of research and careful thought. Consider some of the things you can do to ensure your resume is as professional looking as possible.First off, if you are not self-employed, you need to find out about human resource law in your province. Do your research first, and make sure you have all of the rights and regulations you need to write a professional resume. There are many websites that offer free resume writing services to help you with this. One important thing to note: every government agency is different, so look up the regulations in your province before choosing a service.Resume writing services can help you with this process. Most services provide tips and pointers to help you make your resume more professional. This way, you won't have to worry about writing a professio nal resume for a company.Next, consider how long your resume should be. Obviously, shorter resumes will usually cost less than longer ones. If you have a ton of experience, try to keep it short and sweet.You should also think about how many resume writing services you are going to use. The more you hire, the more you will have to pay, but it can be worth it for the results.A lot of companies offer a resume writing service for free. Be sure to check your credentials and their track record. This way, you can be sure they are legitimate and will actually be good at what they promise.While it is nice to go with a more personal and professional resume, you may also want to take a peek at someone else's. You could even make copies of your resume and give them to a few different companies to see if they like them.The internet is full of resume writing services in St. Catharines. It may seem expensive to pay someone to do this work for you, but in the end, it will save you time and money.

How to Live with a Decision that Screws You CareerMetis.com

How to Live with a Decision that Screws You â€" CareerMetis.com Source â€" Pixabay.comIt’s happened to all of us at one time or another in organizational life; we’ve been dealt a bad hand and have had to suffer the negative consequences of a decision that someone else has made.It might be a promotion that someone else got, a project lead role that was given to a colleague, a developmental lateral move you were refused or the media spokesperson assignment for a major company announcement that was given to someone else.A decision was made that you had virtually no influence over; one that was clearly not in your best interest. One that sets you back and removes privileges you worked hard and long to earn.evalYou could whine and snivel about your sorry misfortune, but you’re not likely about to change the decision; you either have to live with it or leave the organization and find opportunities elsewhere.Here’s how you might be able to hang in and live with it.1) Look at the bigger pictureevalDo your research on why the decision to not give you the opportunity was taken.If it were a tactical call, it was likely that you lacked the immediate skills and experience necessary to fulfill the new responsibilities you would have to assume.If it were a strategic call, it could be that the game plan of the organization required a different background than you have or a record of practical accomplishments in an area that you are lacking.At one point early in my career I lost the competition for a supervisor position in the data marketing department. My track record was devoid of strong data achievements so the opportunity was given to someone else.I was disappointed but when I took a step back and took a broader perspective of the decision, I still wasn’t happy about it but at least I was able to understand it.evalIt wasn’t personal; I was necessary collateral damage.As a post script to this story, six months later a new role came up in marketing that I was more than qualified for. I won the contest and it led to further mar keting promotions.2) Look long termAlways keep the long term first and foremost in mind.Short term set backs are a way of life for individuals who choose organizational life. Your immediate misfortune does not represent the end of your career.evalI know that we live in a world of immediate gratification but sometimes this can punish you and your long term potential.If your career planning horizon â€" and your expectations â€" are unrealistically short be prepared for more disappointment than you should endure.I suffered a setback through a corporate merger and was demoted from the executive leadership team. It would have been easy to tell them to p*ss off and leave, but I chose to do what I thought was the right thing for me and my family in the long run.I stayed and 1 year later was assigned the president position in our internet company.The good news is that short term setbacks always leave the doors open for more opportunities. Make the right call with your long term interests in mind.3) Take the punchShow your resiliency when you lose.Be that person who can take the punch, learn from your misfortune, move on and continue to make a valuable contribution to the goals of the organization.Stand apart from others who choose to stay in defensive retreat and be thevictim.The thing that people remember is not that you lost, but HOW you lost â€" that you were elegant and gracious in defeat, and that you sincerely congratulated the winner and talked up the importance of achieving corporate goals rather than dwelling on the injustice that has been given to you personally.evalThe ability to take a short term punch and recover to seek other opportunities is a proven recipe for success. No one ever gets to their ultimate destination on a single silver bullet.Your immediate misfortune is most certainly an opportunity in disguise â€" “look for the pony”4) Ask your mentorOn the way to your cave, seek guidance from a mentor who has, no doubt, experienced similar issues in their time. You need a third party perspective on your issue; someone who can introduce some objectivity.An it makes no sense to absorb all the pain of defeat by yourself. You’ve invested your time and energy in finding the right mentor so use them.Express your feelings, ask for advice and listen.evaleval5) Zip it!Keep your mouth shut! Take a deep breath, retreat to your safe placeand think about what happened before you go public with your opinion of the decision that went against you.It is always tempting and hard to resist, butavoid the acrimonious conversationswith colleaguesabout how unfairly and poorly you’ve been treated.Uncontrolled spontaneous reaction generally results in you saying things that are ill thought through and that you will regret.You don’t want your personal brand to be tainted with whining and sniveling; you want to be known as that person who can take the high road in the face of adversity.If you regress to your child state, your attitude will be se en as a negative and you will probably be overlooked for future opportunities once the crisis has past.If you start your career with the expectation that you will always be treated in the way you expect, you will be sorely disappointed. And you will no doubt crash and burn when it happens and you’re not prepared.You must accept the fact that you will be screwed over â€" in your mind â€" sooner or later but if you follow these simple suggestions you will not only rebound from your misfortune, you will go on to experience a successful and rewardingcareer.

How To Handle The Phone Interview - CareerAlley

How To Handle The Phone Interview - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Today is yesterdays pupil. Thomas Fuller Recently, hiring managers and recruiters have turned to the phone interview as a method of cutting down their enormous list of applicants to a select few who are eligible for an in-person interview. The method has grown in popularity because it can help make the search process moreefficient and also cost-effective. Unfortunately, that means it also creates a bigger obstacle than you would like to deal with if you hope to go on to do the in-person interview. But, that doesnt mean you cant succeed at a phone interview. You just have to be aware of how the context of a phone interview means you must do more to make a meaningful connection and impression. Here are a few things to consider as you get ready for that phone interview. Prepare! You used to be able to go into a phone interview expecting a few questions and nice ten minutechat, but nowadays, phone interviews can last between thirty minutes to an hour. So whatare you going to talk about for so long? Well, everything you normally would in an in-depthpersonal interview. The preparation here is very similar to what you would do before showing upto meet the recruiters in person. Likewise, you should also prepare your schedule. Make sure youhave plenty of time before and after the time slot so you have flexibility to adjust to a change inschedule. Set the Scene A phone interview is a little different than an in-person interview because it lets you have ahome-field advantage. You can do the interview when and wherever youd like, within reason ofcourse. This means that you can make yourself as comfortable and prepared as possible, whichyou wouldnt be able to do in a meeting room. Try spreading out your notes, resume, and letterof application on your kitchen. By doing this, you can make sure you have all the necessaryinformation within easy reach. Observe Phone Etiquette This may seem like common sense to you, but youd be surprised how many horror stories areout there about poor phone interview etiquette. For example, dont do an interview while yourein the car or eating lunch. One thing to do is to answer the phone clearly and state your name.This will show the interviewer that you are expecting the scheduled call. It will also save him orher the hassle of asking to speak to you if all you had said was Hello? when you picked up. Andbecause you do not have visual clues to help you in following the conversation, dont be afraidto ask for the interviewer to repeat a question. Similarly, refrain from speaking while the other person is speaking. And lastly, be aware of the circumstances that go along with having a phonecall. Try to establish a way of getting back in touch if the call drops. If you can remain calm andcollected over the phone, think of the success youll have at the in-person interview. Good luck! By-line: This guest post is contributed by Kate Willson, who writes on the topics of best online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: [emailprotected]. Good luck in your search.Visit me on Facebook

How to find your dream job - Hallie Crawford

How to find your dream job I was working with my career coaching client, Margaret, last week and she made a great point. Sometimes its hard to identify specific things you want to have in a dream job, especially when youre not sure whats realistic or whats possible and when you dont have specific examples. If you havent had a job you truly enjoy, it can be tough to know what you want to do. This is because there are only a few examples to draw from to give you a sense of what would work. Margaret and I came up with this homework together. For the next 3 days, Margaret focused on identifying tangible examples of what she wanted in a job simply by paying attention to her current job, talking to friends, reading books, and noticing what other people did in her workplace. It was a simple exercise that gave her several tangible examples of things she wanted  in her dream job. Try focusing on what you like and don’t like at your current or previous job. You might be surprised to see what you come up with. Job Search Coach P.S. If you would like more help identifying your ideal career, check out this FREE REPORT:  Top Three Tools to Identify Your Ideal Career today.