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Job Descriptions Web Developer

HTML Integrator : Job Description

Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive HTML Integrator job description to attract top talent.

The HTML Integrator specialises in programming and development, their mission being to translate a graphic language into computer language. The integrator assembles the different elements of a website, making sure they are aligned with the desired aesthetics and maintain a practical design.

HTML (Hypertext Mark-Up Language) is a computer language based on the use of formatting tags which is used in the creation of web pages.


Also explore the role of the C/C++ Developer

What is the role of the HTML Integrator?

Check editorial content and mock-ups

Firstly, the HTML integrator works closely with the Web Project Manager and the Art Director. For example, together, they determine how the pages should be structured in terms of content, design (style and animations) and functionality.

Translate design into computer language

The HTML integrator then translates the graphic design into computer language, both for web and mobile browsers. They must build each website page by placing all the necessary textual and graphic elements, such as images or videos.

Ensure compatibility and compliance with standards

The integrator must also ensure the compatibility between the various browsers (Safari, Firefox, etc.) while considering the standards in place (RWD, W3C, accessibility).

Required skills of the HTML Integrator

Deep technical expertise

The expert must obviously master the HTML language, as well as other web design technologies such as CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, SQL …

Creativity and sense of aesthetics

Further, the HTML integrator should be creative and have a strong sense of aesthetics. For instance, they must master graphic consistency, highlighting the website’s content in a marketing-savvy manner.

Ability to listen and adapt

In addition to being as responsive as the websites they create, the integrator must know how to adapt to the client and other professionals. They are most often working within very varied teams: Web designer, Digital Project Manager, E-Commerce Manager, etc.

Within the industry

A web integrator can work for all kinds of businesses, being often brought in to work with multiple departments at once (marketing, IT, etc.).

Salary of the HTML Integrator

The average daily rate ranges between €450 and €900.

Training of the HTML Integrator

In conclusion, a college degree in IT can be an excellent steppingstone to this technical position. However, it is advisable to complement that degree with dedicated licenses and certifications. After a few years of experience, an integrator will have the opportunity to move towards positions related to development, design, or even consulting.

Discover all the web development programming skills and professions

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IT Consultants Tips for your daily life as a freelancer

They wanted to come to my place at 10 pm: an unexpected freelance experience

I am Lilian Alvarez, freelance iOS expert and manager of a training organisation specialising in supporting IT freelancers. The story I am about to tell you really happened to me. I have intentionally changed and left out some details out of respect for my clients’ privacy. Discover an unexpected freelance experience.


An unexpected freelance experience

It all started with a message on a professional networking platform. 

Hello, Lilian. 

We need a developer to update the version of a mobile application … 

After a few messages were exchanged, I proposed a telephone meeting. 

During the meeting, the person told me they ran a web agency. A few weeks before, they had inherited a project from another team, and they were having a lot of technical issues with it. They needed assistance. 

So far, nothing surprising. 

Right away, I offered to make an estimate of the cost of my services. To do this, I needed to analyse the source code. 

And … That’s where things got tricky. 

The person refused to share the project files with me. 

That’s not odd by itself. Secrecy is vital for some companies (which I hear and respect). This is why I proposed signing a confidentiality agreement. But the person refused again. 

I tried to explain myself better: 

It’s like walking into the auto repair shops and saying, “My car won’t start anymore, how much will it cost me to fix it?”  

That’s a difficult question to answer without first getting your hands dirty to identify the origin of the problem. 

That’s when the person offered to come to my house after a full day of work. Because why not. 

– This way, I can make sure that you are not making any copies of the source code. 

– Uh, sorry? 

Okay, I should have ended the discussion right there. But no. 

Of an accommodating nature, I suggested meeting at a bar to assess the problem. The person accepted, only to end up cancelling 30 minutes before the appointment. 

I learned a lesson from this experience. To say the least:  

Not all leads that come to you are worth pursuing. 

Spending 2 days doing pre-sales for a service that won’t last more than a week is just not worth it. 

My advice 

Beyond this little adventure, I would like to give you some advice on the 4 types of customers you should flee: 

1. The torturer 

They have been abusing providers ever since they read Steve Jobs’ biography. 

They tend to change their mind about the colour of the connect button 45 times a day. Of course, they want these requests to be addressed immediately. 

How to spot this kind of client? Their last 3 providers have disappeared without leaving any trace. 

2. The bad payer 

They refuse to pay any deposit before the start of the job. 

3. The psychopath 

They want to come to your home at 10 p.m. to watch you work. I speak knowingly… 

4. The lawyer 

They want you to sign a contract with penalties for non-compliance with delivery deadlines. In an of itself, this type of contract is not bad, and may well have its place in a client-freelancer relationship. 

However, I must warn you: never sign such a document if you are dependent on resources and customer feedback to meet your deadlines. 

And it can get worse. If the boundaries and deadlines of the project are blurry, this kind of commitment is the best way to end up working for free and under pressure. 

Of course, it is possible to come across a serious customer who at first glance seems to fall into one of the categories mentioned above.  

But, as I often tell participants of my training courses, a freelancer is not just a consultant. A freelancer is also the manager of a company. And a manager must work to do the best possible job while preparing for the worst. 

And how about you, what’s your weirdest and unexpected freelance experience? 


Before closing this web page, I invite you to follow my newsletter. 

I regularly share advice on IT freelancing as well as my latest articles (one-click unsubscribe): ? https://bit.ly/3je2vvL ? 

You can also explore my trainings and guidance for freelancers here: www.lilianalvarez.com (Eligible for financing)

Lilian Alvarez. 

Find me on Twitter and LinkedIn 

To avoid ending up working with the bad type of client, you can also go through a partner such as Mindquest ?. Get access to the best jobs and benefit from personalised follow-up until the end of your contract. You focus on the project; they take care of the rest. 

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Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants

5 Free Online Business Courses for IT Pros

Now more than ever, IT professionals need to complement their technical expertise with soft skills and business acumen to remain on top of an ultra-competitive talent market. Well, we’ve put together a shortlist of free online business courses to help you do exactly that.  

Time to level up. 

Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market – edX

A little entrepreneurial spirit never hurt anyone. Even if you are a hardcore tech guy working deep within a big company’s IT department; having a better picture of how technology products go from inception to market can help you a great deal in the long-term.  

This course by Harvard’s Laboratory for Innovation Science and the University of California San Diego; is part of our online business courses shortlist because of the good overview it will provide you. Especially in how business basics and critical thinking can be applied to commercialising new technologies.  

Power Dressing in the Zoom Era – Future Learn 

The title says it all. Since remote work has become the norm, mastering traditional ways of communicating is no longer enough. In this free, two-hour course, you will learn how to improve the image you project online.  

What’s best to wear in video interviews? How can you polish your personal and business brands so that they are aligned and represent you the best possible way? How about non-verbal communication.   
 

Introduction to Finance and Accounting Specialization – Coursera 

You’ve heard it before. There’s no budget for this project at the moment. This will have to wait until the next financial year. Well, it’s about time you learn what such statements entail. If your idea of accounting boils down to household maintenance and personal budgeting; then you should probably work on developing your financial literacy.  

A solid understanding of how organisations get and administer money is a must for anyone in business. Whether they are a manager or an IT specialist. This Wharton School of Business course provides a good overview of the subject.   

Intercultural Communication and Conflict Resolution – Coursera 

Have you ever gotten yourself in an awkward situation by unknowingly saying something odd to someone with a different cultural background than yours? Unless you have been living under a tree your entire life, you probably have. In an increasingly global business world, being aware of cultural divides and how to breach them is a must.  

This quick course by the University of California Irvine serves as a great introduction to intercultural communication; and also about the resolution of the conflicts it creates.  

Contract Management: Building Relationships in Business – Future Learn

In many ways, contract making is an art. Negotiation, risk assessment and market intelligence all play an important role in ensuring the drafting and signature of win-win business agreements. If you are an IT freelancer or have had to sign service agreements as part of your everyday job, you know what this is all about.   

This course covers all you should take into account when approaching contracts for the first time, or how to improve your contract-making capabilities if you already have some experience. Offered by the University of Southampton, the course is backed by UK government & World Commerce & Contracting. 

Categories
Digital Job Descriptions

IT Vendor Manager : Job Description

Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive IT Vendor Manager job description to attract top talent.

The IT Vendor Manager position is becoming increasingly ubiquitous within the IT departments of large companies. Its spread is a side effect of another increasingly ubiquitous trend: that of outsourcing of technological and IT functions. More and more companies are deciding to call on external service providers rather than carrying out certain developments internally.

This professional intervenes when a company has to choose, for example, new management software, or when it needs to renew its IT equipment or decides to call on an IT service provider. This person leads the supplier selection process, determining which one offers the best value for the business and managing the entire relationship with them.


Also explore the role of the Cisco Network Engineer

What is the role of the IT Vendor Manager?

Clearly define the company’s needs in terms of IT equipment and services

To do the best possible job, the IT Vendor Manager must establish a solid line of communication with all stakeholders. Particularly with the IT teams and businesses users that will be impacted by the IT solutions and equipment in question. IT Vendor Manager must listen carefully to them and conduct a thorough analysis to define their needs.

Manage the relationship with suppliers

The expert also needs to play the role of negotiator and mediator. They are in constant contact with the company’s IT suppliers. They must monitor their performance and work on the optimisation of all outsourced services.

Deal with the administrative and financial aspects

They will also be responsible for the administrative and financial aspects of the contract with these suppliers. They will have to ensure compliance with service commitments and negotiate penalties for non-compliance.

Required skills of the IT Vendor Manager

Excellent communication skills

For operations to run smoothly, the IT Vendor Manager must demonstrate transparency and diplomacy both internally and externally. Here communication is key.

Technical expertise

To be more successful communicating, the IT Vendor Manager must understand all the ins and outs of the subject of the contract. They must have a good knowledge of software, computer hardware and IT services, as well as in-depth knowledge of their business applications.

Be organised and rigorous

The manager must manage all aspects related to the execution of a contract and must therefore have solid project management skills. They must also be very rigorous and good with numbers to ensure proper administrative and financial management.

Within the industry

The IT Vendor Manager can rise within a company’s IT department in any industry but is most commonly found in industries such as information technology, service companies, and public administration.

Salary of the IT Vendor Manager

The salary varies greatly depending on the size and complexity of the projects to be managed, as well as on the specifics of the company, but the average daily rate tends to fluctuate between €450 and €900.

Training of the IT Vendor Manager

To access this position, it is recommended to have a university degree as well as a master’s degree in computer science, business or engineering. As this profession is relatively new, there are currently no specific courses or training that will get you there.

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Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants

The ABC for Landing the Best IT Jobs

Let’s get this out right off the bat. All jobs are fundamentally rewarding and can teach you at least one thing that you’ll be able to leverage for future assignments. But you will need a bit more focus if you want to go after the best IT jobs.

Outlining the best career path according to your needs and aspirations is an art, and; just like with every form of art; you need to start by mastering the basics. Here is a quick refresher of what you’ll need to cover to ensure you are building the career you want, one job at a time.


Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.


Define your professional aspirations

First of all, you will have to figure out what type of assignments you want to pursue. It is at this point that the choice of company and industry becomes essential.

You should learn all you can about that sector and account for the long term. Keeping in mind where you are and where you would like to get to will allow you to develop and implement a solid career strategy that sets you on the right path. For example, if you want to be in the luxury sector, you will have to prioritise companies or industries that are at least linked to it.

Position yourself for the best IT jobs

Then you should define your set of skills and position yourself according to the type of projects you want to target.

You need to make inventory of your skills and update your CV accordingly. Making sure it is aligned with your profiles on social and professional networks like LinkedIn. Define your offering and highlight the capabilities you would like to develop through your next project. And don’t make things up. Recruiters are not stupid.

What you are offering should be in line with the strategic vision of the company or industry you are targetting. Therefore, it is important to understand the current state of the business as well as the possible needs that the company may have now and in the future.

Polish your brand and organise your activity

Finally, having a polished and coherent image is key. The image you project is vital because it reflects both your personal and professional brands. It should be aligned with your offering and the needs of the industry you are targeting to maximise your chances of attracting the attention of the right recruiters.

But your image is worth nothing if you can’t deliver on it. Most recruiters will ask for references from past companies for which you have worked.

Here self-organisation and the proper management of your time are key. There are several organisational tools out there that will make your life easier and will help you optimise your workflows.


Find your next assignment on our freelance and permanent IT recruitment platform, or join Mindquest so you don’t miss out on any job opportunity!


Need tips on how to find a job in IT? Check out our IT job hunting guide.

Categories
Cybersecurity Tech Magazine

Cybersecurity Careers Overview

When it comes to cybersecurity, one thing is certain: things only get more complex over time. Therefore, spurred by the global health crisis and the business world’s increasing reliance on IT systems, cybercrime is on the rise. At the same time, the industry is facing a rapidly widening talent gap that makes securing company networks and infrastructure doubly difficult. Moreover, the leading cybersecurity professional organization (ISC)² estimates that the global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 145% to meet the demand for skilled cybersec talent. Message received about cybersecurity careers: it’s the perfect time to be a cybersecurity professional

But it’s not always easy to identify the right career path in this ever-changing and all-encompassing area of IT. Here are a few guidelines to help you navigate the field. 

Three levels of roles  

All cybersecurity job titles fall within three levels or categories: entry-level, mid-level and advanced. Examples of jobs at the various jobs available depending on the level of experience include: 

  • Entry-level: System Engineer, System Administrator, Network Engineer, Security Specialist
  • Mid-level: Security Technician, Security Analyst, Incident Responder, IT Auditor, Cybersecurity Consultant, Penetration Tester
  • Advanced: Cybersecurity Manager, Cybersecurity Architect, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Cybersecurity careers : How to get a job

Although the previous distinction seems obvious at first glance—most careers have the same three levels—it is important to note that these don’t necessarily imply a linear progression, especially when looking to access mid-level cybersecurity roles.  

That is due to the fact that a large proportion of security experts started out as experienced IT professionals with deep technical expertise, only moving into cybersecurity after mastering the ins and outs of networking, cloud and other core areas related to the security practice. 

While accessing the cybersecurity industry through an entry-level role is possible and quite common—companies like to hire recent tech graduates who can quickly learn the basics and adapt to their particular workplace culture—most cybersec professionals are more on the senior side.  

According to (ISC)², the average cybersec pro has worked for 9 years in IT roles, having spent 5 of those working on cybersecurity-related projects. 

Top skills for cybersec pros 

Since cybersecurity has many specialisation fields, there is not a unique set of skills that applies to all positions. Those interested in more technical tracks will have to gain full proficiency of the protocols, environments, devices and applications that are important for their specific niche.  

Some of these technologies include: 

  • Operating systems & databases (Windows, Unix, Linux, SQL…) 
  • Programming (C, Python, shell, assembly languages…) 
  • Networking (configuration, TCP/IP, Proxy servers, firewall protection, VPNs…) 

Once that is covered, security pros tend to go onto focus on a particular field or family of technologies, including: 

  • Cisco and Microsoft 
  • Cloud computing 
  • Wireless 
  • Database modelling 
  • Cryptography 

In addition, managerial roles will require the ability to plan and conduct training, write technical specifications, evaluate risk and the compliance with legal regulations.   

Soft-skills are also critical for a successful career in cybersecurity. Team building and collaboration, a curious mind with a passion for solving puzzles, the business acumen to navigate corporate environments. All of these  

Cybersecurity careers: certify yourself 

Finally, and as it is often the case with technical careers, certifications are absolutely vital. There are several world-renowned organisations and companies offering certifications based on the area of focus: 

  • CompTIA 
  • EC Council 
  • (ISC)² 
  • ISACA 
  • Cisco Systems 
  • Microsoft 

Besides validating your expertise within the industry and justifying, for instance, a career change into cybersecurity, certifications will often allow you to earn more money. 

According to (ISC)² estimates, the average salary for cybersecurity experts holding a security certification is €60,000, way more than that of those who don’t —about €7,000 on average. 

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Digital Job Descriptions

SEO Expert : Job Description

Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive SEO Expert job description to attract top talent.

SEO, or natural referencing, has become a key point in generating quality traffic on a website. And users are growing more impatient: 91% of clicks are on the first page of the search engine. It is hence essential for a company to devote resources to maximising its online visibility. Enter the SEO Expert.


Also explore the role of the IoT Consultant

What is the role of the SEO Expert?

Performing an audit

The SEO Expert is often called upon by a company to review its SEO strategy. Their first mission is to analyse the current state of the site (metadata, keywords, etc.), the target, the impact (click-through rate, bounce rate, etc.), as well as the websites of competitors.

Strategy prescription

Once the analysis phase has been completed, the SEO Expert will be able to define an action plan and establish the strategy to be put in place to optimise the visibility of the site, according to the company’s sector of activity. Then it’s time to define the most effective keywords, optimise internal and external links, and reorganise the pages of the site depending on the positioning and objectives of the website.

Implementation and monitoring, performance measurement

They must then coordinate the implementation of all actions in conjunction with the technical teams. Experts must also manage the SEO teams if these exist, and work together with the content creation teams. They must put in place best practices and follow up to ensure their application. Finally, they must analyse whether the measures put in place have been effective and see if further actions are necessary.

Required skills of the SEO Expert

Knowledge of SEO tools and internet languages

Experts must have in-depth technical knowledge: they must know how to use basic SEO tools such as Google Analytics or Semrush as well as more specific tools. These tools are used during the analytical phase of a project and to measure the results of the actions implemented. It is also useful to have knowledge of HTML, CSS or even Javascript.

Analytical mind and rigour

The SEO Expert must be perfectly comfortable with numbers and master the (many) KPIs essential to their activity. They must also be organised and show great rigour, prioritising tasks and building a precise action plan. Since SEO is a discipline that evolves very quickly, the expert must update their knowledge very regularly, in particular regarding search engine algorithms.

Interpersonal skills

The SEO expert must be a good communicator. They have to work in conjunction with several teams and relay information. The Expert must also have deep knowledge of the company’s field of activity to design a proper SEO strategy. That also involves knowing how to put themselves in the shoes of the target audience.

Within the industry

The SEO profession is increasingly popular because of the thousands of websites being created every day. Companies are engaged in real battles of visibility, and the SEO Expert is at their forefront. SEO experts can work in an agency, in the marketing department of a company, or operate as independent consultants.

Salary of the SEO Expert

The average daily rate fluctuates between €250 and €600.

Training of the SEO Expert

To access this role, it is recommended to have a university degree from a marketing or engineering school.

It is possible to start with a professional license (e.g. SEO or web editor), then complete a master’s degree in digital communication, multimedia and e-commerce.

The competition is strong and it is often necessary to garner several years of experience before obtaining the desired position.

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ERP & SAP Job Descriptions

Salesforce Consultant : Job Description

Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive Salesforce Consultant job description to attract top talent.

Salesforce is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform that allows companies to streamline and optimise their interactions with their customers. The Salesforce consultant is on the IT side of customer relations and specialises in the Salesforce ecosystem. Their role involves advising companies on the implementation strategy and carrying out studies to address all customer requirements.


Also explore the role of the RPA Consultant

What is the role of the Salesforce Consultant?

Define user needs and write specifications

Above all, the first task of the Salesforce Consultant is to collect the company´s needs and offer a set of Salesforce tools that address what the team is trying to achieve. Once the information has been collected, the consultant must write the specification describing the project´s needs and the proposed solutions.

Managing the development of the Salesforce ecosystem

Once the needs and specifications are established, the consultant is in charge of setting up the various tools and managing their development. They often keep assisting the team throughout the project´s life, helping optimise the system and the customer relationship strategy.

User training

Another key mission of the consultant is user training. Once the tools are deployed, the consultant must help teach users how to take advantage of them and help them get a good grip on the platform in general.

Required skills of the Salesforce Consultant

Mastery of the Salesforce CRM tool

The expert must, of course, have perfect knowledge of the Salesforce platform. And have a good understanding of the various tools available within it.

Analytical spirit and rigour

Also, a Salesforce Consultant must have a good analytical mind and good organisational skills. They should be able to process databases and extract relevant analyses to improve the customer relationship strategy in place.

Knowledge of marketing and sales

In addition, to be able to understand the needs of the team; it is useful for the consultant to know and master the essentials of client and prospect relationships. It also pays to have a 360° view of business processes and the specifics of the market in which the company operates.

Within the industry

A Salesforce Consultant can work in a wide variety of organisations; consulting firms specializing in IS, or companies that use this solution, all sectors combined.

Salary of the Salesforce Consultant

The average daily rate fluctuates between €300 and €800.

Training of the Salesforce Consultant

In conclusion, to access this role, it is recommended to have a university degree from a business or engineering school. It is also possible to access this profession by having completed a professional master’s degree specialising in Customer Relations and Marketing. Or in Management Sciences. To specialise in Salesforce CRM, the consultant should later take specific training provided by Salesforce or any third-party training organization. 

The Salesforce Consultant can evolve into the manager of a team of consultants or an in-house Salesforce. They can also transition to another customer relationship management solution.

Learn more about ERP and advantages and disadvantages of SAP

Categories
IT Consultants Tips for your daily life as a freelancer

IT Pros: The Best Free Software Tools to Organise Your Activity

What are the best free software tools to organise you activity as an IT Pro? We all have our own method to organise our daily and weekly tasks, but that doesn´t mean we shouldn´t be keep trying new things to see what we can improve. Better time management will allow you to increase your productivity, develop stronger relationships with your team and clients and even have some extra time to work on your career development strategy.

To make that easier, we have put together a list of free software tools in the hopes you discover at least one you are not yet using. If that’s not the case, you can take this list as validation of how good a job you are already doing. Wink. Wink.

Some of these tools are completely free, while others also offer several subscription tiers. Whether you are an independent contractor or part of a company’s IT department, they will help you build better and more robust projects, more effectively and in less time.


Also read our article: IT Pros: How to Work On Remote in the Post-Pandemic World


Best free software tools to organise you activity

Google Workspace

Best Free Software Tools to Organise Your Activity: Google Workspace

Does this one really need an introduction? Well, maybe. Especially since Google recently went and rebranded G in a move that surely confused many of us out there. Now known as Google Workspace, the productivity suite is a whole world in and of itself. From storage, to document collaboration, you will find in it everything you need to carry out all your basic everyday tasks.

Even more so since the rebrand, Gmail serves as the platform’s backbone, making it easy to create an efficient workflow between your email, calendar and files. Workspace also comes in handy when you need to share and work on documents with clients or people external to your organisation. Google Sheets is great for easily storing and sharing data sets.

Google Workspace

Evernote

Best Free Software Tools to Organise Your Activity: Evernote

Evernote is pretty much the only notebook you will ever need, and it’s free unless you want to use it in more than two devices at once.

It’s very intuitive and quick to use, and it allows you to share individual notebooks and notes with other people, anytime, anywhere. In addition, Evernote can integrate perfectly with other tools like Google Workspace and Slack, making it an ideal solution for collaboration.

You can include almost anything you want in your notes, from images and videos to PDF documents. Furthermore, the Evernote web clipper tool makes it possible to capture screenshots and ideas directly from the web. This information is saved in a note which includes a link to the original page. All your searches are saved in one place for easy access. You can also scan physical documents directly on the app.


To transfer your emails to Evernote, you only need to forward them to your unique Evernote email address.

Evernote

Trello

Best Free Software Tools to Organise Your Activity: Trello

This easy-to-use project management tool will inevitably improve your daily life. Juggling between a thousand tasks is not, well — an easy task. No one enjoys forgetting a deadline or wasting their time.

Trello allows you to create and manage to-do lists and set up reminders, so you don’t miss anything. What makes it particularly compelling is how simple and intuitive it is to use, letting you organise your activity without adding more work to your already packed workflow.

It’s advisable to use Trello in combination with another very practical and free tool: Toggl. This time-tracking tool allows you to have a precise idea of ​​the time you spend on each task on a daily basis. The goal is not to waste too much time on tasks that require a disproportionate time investment and to manage your time better to improve your productivity.

Trello

Asana

Best Free Software Tools to Organise Your Activity: Asana

Asana is a free tool that was originally created at Facebook to organise internal workflows. Compared to Trello, this project management tool loses the simplicity but offers endless customisation and deeper integration with existing workflows. It is particularly useful for collaborative projects.

You can assign and delegate tasks to collaborators and set the deadlines to meet. The whole team can easily see all pending and completed tasks in a single place. Everyone is then able to plan their time to their taste to meet the specified deadlines.

Asana

Calendly

Best Free Software Tools to Organise Your Activity: Calendly

Calendly works with your Outlook, Google, iCloud and Office 365 calendars, allowing you to consolidate all your schedules into a single one for optimal management of your time. It also allows you to precisely define “break” periods between several meetings or projects, to create secret events, and to avoid certain meetings or last-minute appointments. 

But perhaps the best thing about Calendly is its automated scheduling feature, which saves you the time-consuming hassle of having to send back-and-forth emails to agree to a time that works for both parties.

The tool is perfect if you need to collaborate with people from other countries since it automatically detects the time zone of your contacts for even smarter time management. 

Calendly


Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.


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Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants

How to become an IT consultant that stands out from the crowd

Nowadays, it is not enough to become an IT consultant, you need to stand out from the crowd to succeed in your career.

Here are a few quick pointers that will help succeed in your career path as an IT consultant.

Become an All-Terrain IT Pro

1# Reach a good level of experience

Cultivating a solid background at the end of your studies will allow you to differentiate yourself from candidates who are either too junior or too senior and therefore too expensive. Five to ten years of experience is usually the sweet spot in terms of employability.

2# Forget hyperspecialisation

Locking yourself into a skill and mastering it from start to finish may seem like the right way to go in order to differentiate yourself from overly generalist profiles. And in fact, there is nothing wrong with specialisation. It can be a solid career strategy. However, in the world IT —and especially if you are an independent contractor— it pays to adopt a multi-specialization approach. You don’t have to confine yourself to a single language or skill. You should not be satisfied with simple expertise either. Aim for “mastery”. Recruiters will move on quickly if mastery is not conveyed through your CV and profile.

3# Certify yourself

Having the right certification for the right position is a good approach. Certifications worth pursuing include Microsoft certifications, Ninja, Dev Star, and Code Crazy.

4# Soft Skills

Mastering the technical part of a position is not everything. Your personality will also weigh in the balance. Recruiters are looking for candidates who can be at the same time pleasant, knowledgable, committed, brilliant, altruistic, punctual, cunning, eloquent, humble, methodical, polite… Whether it is negotiation or communication, you need to master your soft skills as well. These are the essential soft skills every IT professional should have.

5# Compensation

Sensitive topic, but be realistic with your salary expectations and be ready to lower them a bit is the market calls for it. Especially considering the economic uncertainty brought about by the o pandemic.