Jake Winship
Consultant
38 Collingwood Street, Collingwood Buildings, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1JF
- Specialism: ICT & Digital Technology
- Sector: Public Sector
- Roles: Permanent, contract, temporary and interim
- Location: North East
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Insight in ICT & Digital Technology
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The top Twitter accounts all ICT & Digital Technology professionals should follow
There are few industries where it is more important to stay on top of current trends than the IT and digital sectors. If you are looking for a new ICT or digital technology job, staying up-to-date on the latest developments in your industry will often be seen as an essential requirement by any prospective employer. In this regard, making sure you are following the right news sources and influencers on Twitter can make a significant difference. The business IT community on Twitter is a hugely active forum for news, analysis, industry insights and best practice commentary, and by tapping into these conversations, you will be able to gain vital awareness of the most important issues shaping the industry now and in the near future. As an expert in ICT & Digital Technology recruitment, Sellick Partnership’s principal consultant Adam Burgess has compiled a list of the essential Twitter accounts that we believe every professional in this field should be following. If you believe there are any accounts we have missed, get in touch and let us know! @ITPro - IT Pro is one of the UK’s top enterprise IT websites, positing regular news updates, insights and analysis from some of the industry’s top experts. They can be a great outlet for professionals who want to stay in the know. @ComputerWeekly - ComputerWeekly is another leading digital publication dedicated to sharing the latest headlines, thought leadership content and best practice from the IT profession. This is an invaluable source for updates from across the UK and around the world. @Computerworld - Computerworld UK from IDG offers the latest technology features, analysis and expert advice for IT professionals, including insightful roundtable discussions featuring top industry figures. @Computing_News - Computing is aimed specifically at UK technology decision-makers, combining market news and opinions on the latest key developments. Following a variety of news sources will ensure you are always kept informed. @sdtimes - SD Times provides news and analysis for software developers and development managers, giving you access to expert insights on the latest tools and methodologies being used by the sector. @cloud_comp_news - CloudTech is a digital publication focused on cloud computing news and trends, including headline developments and revealing research. By following, you can learn more about how best to take advantage of the power of the cloud. @thecybersechub - The Cyber Security Hub is one of the best sources of news on all things pertaining to information security. Follow them for updates on recent hacks, potential security threats and the newest protection methods. @TheHackersNews - The Hacker News is another trusted portal for news on hacking, cyber attacks, computer security and the measures businesses can take to stay safe. Follow them for insight into the latest trends and how they are shaping the world of IT. @UK_CIF - The UK’s Cloud Industry Forum (CIF) is an organisation dedicated to promoting transparency and security in cloud computing. They regularly share exclusive industry research, insights and opportunities for those in the sector to connect and share their knowledge. @GoogleCloud_UKI - As one of the world’s leading tech firms, it always pays to know what Google is up to. Following the official Google Cloud Twitter account will help you stay abreast of their latest updates and developments, as well as insights into how best to utilise Google’s cloud tools. @satyanadella - There are few more important figures in modern tech than Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. His Twitter profile is a treasure trove of industry insight, important updates and vital conversations that are worth listening to. @NCSC - The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre is a government organisation providing advice and support on how to avoid computer security threats. Follow them to get the latest official guidance straight from the source. @cyber - For a more global perspective, follow the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s official news account. You can hear the latest news, updates and insights from one of the world’s biggest and most powerful national cybersecurity agencies. @kaspersky - As one of the top vendors of cybersecurity solutions for businesses and consumers, Kaspersky’s insights on this topic are invaluable. Follow them for regular analysis, alerts and warnings from one of the industry’s most trusted names. @briankrebs - Brian Krebs is an influential investigative journalist examining matters relating to digital security, privacy and cybercrime. Follow him for breaking news and incisive journalism exposing hacks and security flaws that may affect businesses at large. @TheManyHatsClub - The Many Hats Club is a fascinating information security-focused podcast that features insights and contributions from guests from all walks of life. The podcast is run by @CyberSecStu who is the Director of Cyber Security at ZeroDayLab. Follow them on Twitter for updates about their latest episodes. @SellickGroup - Finally, no list is complete without including our own Twitter profile. By following Sellick Partnership, you will be able to hear about the latest ICT and digital technology news, events and job listings. To learn more about how best to utilise social media to support your job search, take a look at our guide to establishing your online profile. You can also get in touch with a member of our specialist ICT and digital technology recruitment team to find out more about how we can assist you.
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The technical challenges of hybrid working
The events of 2020 have undoubtedly challenged pre-existing concepts about the way we work, and prompted many businesses to reflect on their remote working policy. According to a recent survey from the British Council for Offices (BCO), most office workers don’t want to return to the office five days a week when the pandemic is over; with the majority planning on splitting their time between the workplace and home. This hybrid working model, with a mixture of in office and remote working is expected to become the norm for many businesses. With this in mind, we have outlined some of the technical challenges associated with hybrid working and some tools that could help bridge the work-home gap. Technology and ‘mixed reality’ As many of us found when we started working remotely last year, there is already a wealth of relatively simple tools designed available to help with the process. Almost overnight, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet became an essential part of the ‘new normal’ but as employers begin to look ahead there is going to be an inevitable shift towards newer technology and collaboration tools that promise an element of ‘mixed reality’ - where staff are able to interact in the same way whether together in the office or at home - to increase productivity, engagement and maintain relationships. How businesses can make the shift to this new software, without causing too much disruption and upsetting the careful working balance that has developed since March, is something that is going to become increasingly important as we move forward. Security We know that this shift to hybrid working presents a number of challenges for those in digital and IT roles, not only will they have to adopt a new approach to working but have found themselves having to manage an increased workload. In addition to their normal responsibilities, they need to consider a range of additional security factors, including staff using personal devices, increased data breaches and phishing attacks. It is inevitable that businesses will look to implement new technologies to help manage these risks in a hybrid work environment. But this shift can bring with it its own set of security challenges and it is vital that businesses identify potential risks before introducing new technology. As Mike Stentonas, Chief Technology Officer at cyber security company CrowdStrike, told the FT, he has seen businesses try and roll out systems and platforms over the course of a weekend that should take six months to plan, research and test - risking the cyber security architecture. Accessing and storing information How information is accessed and stored is a technical challenge for businesses looking to implement a hybrid working model. With staff working from home and some using personal devices, it is difficult to ensure that the same level of security and privacy is maintained. Research carried out by security firm Tessian found that since the start of the pandemic it has become increasingly common to see company information and files sent and shared between personal email accounts. In the same survey, the IT professionals asked said they were worried about remote employees not understanding the risks of connecting to unprotected networks - with 58% of employees admitted to considering or already having connected to public wi-fi. It is clear that additional training is required to make sure that employees understand the risks associated with remote working and the importance of ensuring information is being stored and shared in the most secure ways possible. Ultimately, the hybrid model is going to mark a shift away from traditional office-based working and therefore some challenges are to be expected. Over time, businesses will be able to educate their employees about the potential security risks of hybrid working and digital and IT professionals will become better equipped to manage technical challenges. The increased flexibility afforded by hybrid working provides a fantastic opportunity to reconsider previous recruitment practices and consider recruiting talent from further afield.
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How to prepare the perfect setting for your video interview
In the last few years, video interviews have become a common part of the recruitment process, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, those applying for new roles have had to get to grips with a whole new set of interview etiquette rules. Instead of practising their best handshakes and picking out an appropriate perfume or cologne, applicants now have to consider their webcam positioning, background noise and wifi reliability as they seek to make the best possible impression on a potential future employer. Here, we highlight some of our best tips to create the perfect setting and conditions for a video interview, bringing you one step closer to landing a dream role. Creating a clear, uncluttered and professional interview space In any interview setting, making a good first impression is crucially important, and this is no different even when you are interviewing from home. Video calls will give the interviewer a window into your personal environment, so it is important to do all you can to ensure that you represent yourself in a positive light. Arrange a neutral, tidy and uncluttered background for your interview call. An untidy or messy background could potentially reflect poorly on you, so take the time to clean up before starting the call. Use plants, tasteful furniture choices and relevant books placed in view to make your environment visually interesting. Your interviewer will inevitably be looking at what is behind you, so use this as an opportunity to underline your professional image. Remove anything overly distracting from the background. You do not want your interior decor to draw attention away from you, so make sure that you do not have any distracting items within your camera frame. Test the lighting conditions to get them just right. Once your interview space is set up, test out your camera to make sure the lighting looks correct. Is there any glare or shadows covering your face? If so, you may need to readjust the furniture or window coverings; make sure to do this around the same time of day that your interview will take place, so that your setup will reflect the actual lighting conditions. Test the position of your camera. Make sure you are not too close or too far away from the camera and that your head and shoulders are visible. Try facing the camera as well as sitting slightly to the side to find the best angle. You might need to raise or lower the height of your computer screen or your chair so it is best to test all this out ahead of the interview. Make sure you can provide a quiet environment for the interview. Your interview will go poorly if your interviewer cannot hear what you are saying, so it is vital to set yourself up in a quiet part of your home, ensuring that nobody will disturb you and that you are away from noisy pets, appliances or sounds from the TV. Double-checking your tech setup Getting your video interview space ready also means taking the time to set up and test out your tech setup in advance, ensuring that your conversation will not be delayed or disrupted by any technical glitches. Get the positioning of your computer and webcam right. When speaking to your interviewer, you will want to be framed just right by your camera. That means positioning the lens at the right angle and distance to get a good view of your head and shoulders, making sure the image is not too high or low, or that you are not too near or too far from the lens. Check the sound quality and iron out any problems. Are you certain you can be heard clearly during your call? Is there an echo in your chosen room? Will you need to wear noise-cancelling headphones? All of these are questions that you should be able to answer well before the interview starts. Ensure you have the software installed and test it out in advance. Whether your interviewer wants you to use Skype, Zoom or some other video platform for the interview, it is vital to get the software installed and set up well in advance. If you have never used it before, take the time to learn all of its key functions, potentially by holding a test call with friends or family. Make sure your internet connection is strong enough. A patchy or temperamental wifi connection could make it impossible to hold a coherent conversation. As such, you will need to make sure you are holding the call from a location with a strong connection, or else use a wired connection for the duration of the call. Check that your device is fully charged. Nothing will end your interview faster or more unceremoniously than a depleted battery! Make sure your device is properly charged before the interview starts, or keep it plugged in throughout the call to be on the safe side. Dressing to impress It is clear that many of the rules for making a positive impression on a video call are quite different from a traditional in-person meeting – but when it comes to getting your personal image right, many of the familiar old considerations will still apply. Dress appropriately for a professional meeting. When interviewing from home, it is still important to look the part. That means wearing a washed, ironed, smart and professional-looking outfit, avoiding anything too loud or overly casual. Do not wear anything distracting for the video call. Some clothing items and accessories may create unnecessary distractions during a video call, such as shiny buttons that cause a distracting glare, or jewellery that rattles against the desk or keyboard. If you notice anything like this during your practice calls, make sure to avoid these items for the interview itself. Hygiene and grooming are as important as ever. As with an in-person interview, you will want to look fresh, well-kept and smart, so make sure you take the time to shower and style your hair. The interviewer will notice and appreciate the effort you have made. Pay attention to your body language. Body language is almost as important on a video interview as it would be in person. Make sure you maintain good posture, avoid slouching, maintain eye contact and smile where appropriate – otherwise, you may risk coming across as disengaged or bored. By taking the time to make the right preparations, you can create the perfect conditions for a smooth interview experience, giving you the best possible chance of securing the role you are seeking – without even having to leave your living room. If you would like some additional support on getting ready, get in touch with the experts at Sellick Partnership today. Alternatively, you can check out our latest live jobs here.
