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IT Consultants Job application advice

IT Job: How to Apply Without a Degree

Are you passionate about IT jobs but lack a degree in the field? Don’t panic! It’s entirely possible to find a job in IT without a degree. Practical skills and motivation are often more important to employers than academic qualifications. In this article, discover how to land an IT job without prior degrees.


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!


Identifying IT Job Opportunities

In-Demand Skills

To secure a job in IT, you must possess specific key skills relevant to the sector. Among the most important are programming skills, which include knowledge and mastery of languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, or Java.

You should also have an understanding of networking concepts and security. The ability to conduct data analysis is another essential skill for landing a job in IT, requiring proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, or Python. Lastly, don’t forget technical support skills, as you will need problem-solving abilities for common IT issues.

Types of IT Jobs

While general skills, like those mentioned above, are important for getting an IT job, you should specialize by choosing the type of job you want to pursue. There is a wide variety of IT jobs, and it can be challenging to navigate.

Here are some examples of IT positions you can aim for as you start your job search:

Training and Certifications

Once you’ve defined which area of IT you want to work in, it’s time to start your specialization. For that, it’s important to undergo training.

Online Training The first step is to train to gain the necessary academic skills. Many accessible and often free online courses are available for IT training.Here are a few platforms we recommend:

  • OpenClassrooms: Offers courses in various IT fields.
  • Coursera: Provides courses created by recognized universities and companies.
  • Udemy: Features thousands of IT courses, often at discounted prices.
  • Codecademy: Ideal for learning programming languages.

Also, check out Khan Academy for basic IT and programming courses, and W3Schools for web development learning. GitHub can also be useful for practicing and sharing your programming projects.

Also, discover the best SAP consultant training.

Certifications for IT Jobs

After completing one or more training programs, we recommend confirming your skills by obtaining a certification. This will validate and demonstrate your abilities to recruiters.

Here’s a list of relevant certifications you can pursue:

  • OpenClassrooms Certificate: Various courses with certificates upon completion.
  • Google IT Support Professional Certificate: A comprehensive training program in IT support.
  • CompTIA A+: A foundational certification in IT support and networking.
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): A certification in network management.
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): For those interested in cybersecurity.

Standing Out to Employers to Land an IT Job

Once you have enough to fill your resume in terms of training and skills, it’s time to dive into the job search phase.

Create a Portfolio

A well-organized portfolio can make all the difference. To create an effective one, showcase your skills through personal projects, such as a website you built or an application you developed. Additionally, participate in open-source projects on GitHub to demonstrate your ability to work in teams and solve real-world problems.

Furthermore, write articles on technical topics in a blog, showing not only your understanding but also your passion for the field. By combining these elements, your portfolio will become a powerful tool to enhance your application and prove your practical skills to employers.

Write a CV and Cover Letter

To land a job in IT, your CV must be clear and concise. Highlight your skills by listing the programming languages and tools you are proficient in. Also, mention any practical experience, even if unpaid, and include the projects you’ve completed in your portfolio.

For the cover letter, customize each letter for every job application. Show your motivation by explaining why you want the position and how you can contribute. Discuss your personal projects and what you learned while working on them. Moreover, don’t hesitate to provide quantifiable examples, as this will resonate directly with recruiters.

By following these tips, you can create an effective CV and cover letter that will attract employers’ attention.

Network and Apply to Find an IT Job

To optimize your chances of landing an IT job, networking and effective job applications are crucial. Create a professional profile on LinkedIn and connect with people in the industry to expand your network. Also, participate in forums and groups on sites like Reddit or Facebook, where you can share advice and opportunities with other IT enthusiasts. Finally, attend job fairs and tech events to meet employers directly and learn about job openings.

By combining these approaches, you will significantly increase your chances of finding an IT position.


Also read 6 Simple Steps to Improve Online Visibility as an IT Professional


Conclusion

Finding a job in IT without a degree is entirely possible with the right strategies. Focus first on acquiring practical skills, obtaining certifications, and creating a professional portfolio. Finally, network and stay motivated. With determination and effort, you can land your dream job in IT. Good luck!


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


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Job Descriptions Project Manager

IT Product Manager: Job Description

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

The position of IT Product Manager is naturally common in companies with an IT production activity. His/her primary role is to manage the various IT resources available to the company. And check that they are in line with the company’s information systems policy. This position is also called operations manager or technical account manager.

In this article, you will find a detailed description of the IT Product Manager’s job, the required skills, salary expectations, and educational background.


Also read our article about Project Management, roles, skills and career paths


IT Product Manager: the job description

This professional only works internally in organizations that produce or sell software or applications. He/she may also be in charge of the commercial dimension of the product itself.

The IT Product Manager, therefore, deals with the production of one or more IT products, the planning of their development, and, in some cases, also defines the marketing strategies adapted to achieve the business objectives.

IT Product Manager main tasks

The main activities of the IT Product Manager may include the design of new IT solutions and the redefinition of the functionalities of existing IT products. In the latter case, the IT Product Manager analyzes the tools in use, detects possible problems, identifies the expert who can solve them, and also the moment of their launch.

This professional figure also ensures that the IT products for which he/she is responsible reflect the strategy and objectives of the business.

During the product design and implementation phases, the IT Product Manager can collaborate with different teams made up of a wide variety of people, such as the developer, the UX Designer, and the Software Tester.

Monitoring the performance of the IT production system

The IT Product manager is responsible for optimizing production, finding the best hardware and software solutions, and IT operations of the company. They are also responsible for backing up and archiving the data produced.

Reliability manager

As a reliability manager, the security of the data produced and the quality of the networks are critical. With the huge evolution of companies to digital technology, data production is increasing and becoming indispensable for any business. This also includes operational maintenance in terms of quality, security, and cost of IT services.

Coordinating the work of the production team

One of the responsibilities of the IT Product Manager is to supervise the production team. He or she is responsible for coordinating the operations technicians, system administrators, and operations engineers. This also includes managing the technical resources required for a successful operation.

Required skills of the IT Product Manager

But, what does it take to be a IT Produc Manager? Here are the main required skills of this professional.

Knowledge of the system architecture

As a manager, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the IT structure in which one works. This includes mastery of the server operating system and the IT tools present during the production process.

Leadership

Since they are responsible for a team and in charge of coordinating it among several professions, IT Product Managers must be orderly and uncompromising.

Stress resilience

At the heart of the production, he or she is constantly under pressure because the operational maintenance of the business requires him or her to be vigilant.

Context

Because of the increasing use of data by companies, the role of the IT Product manager is becoming increasingly important.

Salary expectation of the IT Product Manager

For this type of position, a minimum of 5-10 years of experience in IT production as a production analyst or programmer analyst is required. The average daily rate is 550 e per day.

Education and training

This position of IT Product Manager requires a five-year degree from an engineering school or university.

Find an IT Product Manager job with Mindquest
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Job Descriptions Project Manager

Director of Information Systems: Job Description

Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive Director of Information Systems job description to attract top talent.

The Director of Information Systems job is a position that combines technical and managerial skills. This role requires the individual to be able to manage multiple responsibilities at the same time. In this article you will find a detailed job description of the Director of Information Systems.

They are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of their company’s information systems department and for the development and implementation of long-term strategies for improving those systems.

This professional must possess strong leadership skills to manage their teams effectively. They must also be detail-oriented individuals who can keep track of several projects simultaneously.


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!


Director of Information System job description

The Director of Information System is responsible for the entire information system of the company he or she works for. Their role is to ensure the achievement of the company’s objectives.

Let’s see in details what are the main tasks of the Director of Information Systems.


Also read our article about Project Management, roles, skills and career paths


Information system manager

The Director of Information Systems is responsible for the smooth operation of the company’s information system, which they look after from both the IT and telecommunications perspectives. To this end, he or she studies the needs of all lines of business of the company in order to apply the strategy accordingly. They are also responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of the information system.

Key role in the management

Generally, the Director of Information Systems is part of the company’s management, given the budgetary and managerial responsibility of the position. They are required to report on their activities, particularly at management meetings, in the form of a business unit by business unit. It must justify the costs applied to these units to provide a return on the IT investments made.

Management

One of the requirements for the Director of Information Systems position, which is acquired over time, is managerial ability. The quality of leading people is crucial for this type of position, as human relationships can easily deteriorate due to deadline-related stress. The Director of Information’s negotiation skills will be important, especially in dealing with service providers.

Required skills of the Director of Information Systems

But, what does it take to be a Director of Information Systems? What follow are the main required skills for this position.

General technical knowledge

skills of the Director of Information Systems

Obviously, it is necessary to have technical expertise in all components of the information system: infrastructure, data, applications…. Second, the Director of Information Systems must have a clear vision of the innovation and change management to implement.

Listening skills

Listening skills

In addition to technical skills, the Director of Information Systems is a leader of people and a visionary. They manage internal teams and deal with service providers. They are therefore responsible for all information system improvements.

Rigor and strength of the proposal

Rigor and strength

As a member of the management team and the first point of contact with service providers, the Director of Information Systems must be able to negotiate both an internal budget and the price of goods or services from outside. However, this should not affect the ability to listen to others to the detriment of the relationship with employees.

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Context

The position of the Director of Information Systems is a key role in a company and involves participation in management committees. Being a position of high responsibility, evolution will be horizontal. However, general management functions are also accessible, but more rarely.

Salary of the Director of Information Systems

There is no specific training for to the position of the Director of Information Systems. Senior IT professionals with 8 to 10 years of experience are the ones who can access this type of position. It is therefore necessary to have proven oneself. The average daily salary of an information systems director is between 800 and 1000 euros.


You can read also : 17 Director Of Information Systems Interview Questions and Answers and How to prepare an IT job interview


Education and training of the Director of Information Systems

In addition to technical education, with a BAC+5 engineering degree or a DESSS/DEA in computer science, the Director of Information Systems can also supplement this with an MBA.


Are you looking for IT mission opportunities in the Tech and IT sectors on a freelance or permanent basis? Mindquest can help you find your next IT mission opportunity. Find your next mission by browsing our freelance and permanent vacancies available on our digital recruitment platform.


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Job Descriptions Project Manager

Quality Manager: Job Description

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


Also read our article about Project Management, roles, skills and career paths


The Quality Manager is the guarantor of the quality of the company’s (or client’s) IT products. They define and accompany the implementation of new procedures and work methods while including the various regulatory and technical constraints.

Nowadays, the job of the Quality Manager is oriented towards the problems of respecting data security and the application assets of companies.

In this article you will find a detailed job description for the Quality Manager.

Quality Manager: the job description

The Quality Manager is a professional who ensures that all of a company’s products satisfy consistent standards. He or she develops and implements quality control tests to ensure that the company’s performance is as desired, inspecting the various stages of production and reporting on the results obtained to take action where necessary.

But what are the main tasks of the quality manager? What are his or her responsibilities and duties? The nature of the Quality Manager’s work is described below.

Compliance with the quality of products and methods

The main task of this position is, of course, to ensure that the quality of products and methods that teams use within the company are in accordance with current procedures and legal standards. They must also consider the quality objectives of their company.
Setting standards and methods, integrating existing standards, and adapting them to the structure are also part of the Quality Manager’s daily work.

Audit and testing

One component of the quality manager’s job is to conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with standards. To do so, they develop tests to verify the use of the standards. This allows him or her to detect nonconformities and ensure a level of quality in the processes. It is then the responsibility of the quality manager to oversee the company’s entire IT production chain.

Change management

The quality manager assists in change management during the implementation of quality processes, with the support of business departments. They are responsible for overseeing the change caused by the implementation of new processes.

Required skills of the Quality Manager

But what does it take to become a Quality Manager? Let’s take a look at the skills required of the Quality Manager.

Quality control and rigor

The basis of the management profession is the mastery of quality assurance. It is necessary to master audit procedures, standards, and protocols. In addition, these competencies must be complemented by a sound knowledge of information technology.

Managerial role

Given the cross-functional nature of the business and the different departments with which they work, the quality manager must demonstrate a sense of dialogue to ensure compliance with rules and methodological tools. This is also necessary for change management.

Strength of proposal

One of the key competencies of a Quality Manager is the ability to persuade. Indeed, being a proposal force is essential for quality improvements to take place.

Context

Since the democratization of the ISO 27001 standard on information security management systems, quality managers have steered their careers toward positions that address compliance with the security of companies’ data and application assets.

Career path of the Quality Manager

Depending on the size of the company, the Quality Manager is responsible for larger and larger areas. It is also possible to advance to positions such as operations manager, technical director or even CIO.

Salary of the Quality Manager

The average salary is 400 for a junior profile. But it can be double that for a senior profile.

Education and training

A four- or five-year bachelor’s degree from an engineering school, an undergraduate master’s degree, or even a business school is required for this type of position. However, knowledge of software development is often necessary.

You can also read : How to prepare an IT job interview

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Job Descriptions Project Manager

Chief Technical Officer (CTO): Job Description

Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive Chief Technical Officer job description to attract top talent.

The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) is in charge of technical innovation and the deployment of technologies adapted to the development and efficiency of a company’s activities. As a consequence, the CTO is one of the most important technology-related positions in a company. He/she leads the technology or engineering department.


Also read our article about Project Management, roles, skills and career paths


Chief Technical Officer (CTO): the job

Usually the highest-level information technology (IT) specialist in a company, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is the executive who manages the technical requirements of an organization. In other words, they must ensure that software, hardware, and technology processes are capable of serving the company’s members and customers. The CTO must always be well informed about all aspects of technology.

But, what are the tasks of a chief technical officer?

Oversight of all IT projects in the company

The CTO reviews the company’s short- and long-term technology needs through a technical audit. This will enable him or her to identify the company’s aging or obsolete facilities.

You can also read : 5 Steps to a Successful Technology Needs Assessment

Define the company’s innovation strategy

The CTO formulates development policies on infrastructure and innovation. To this end, he or she makes technology investments to help the company achieve its goals and increase revenues.

Providing innovative and fit-for-purpose solutions

The CTO plays a key role internally. He or she may also have to play a sales role in dealing with potential customers and clients.

Required skills of the Chief Technical Officer (CTO)

Excellent computer skills

The CTO must be an expert in: web, programming languages and development in general. This will help them understand the problems and goals of his projects. These skills also enable him to manage technical teams.

Delegation and team management skills

The CTO is, primarily, a manager. Thus, they must lead and motivate their teams toward the same goals. They work closely with the technical profiles that make up their teams and with the company’s management.

Being visionaries and strategists

The CTO must also be able to implement the best business strategies and power the technology infrastructure. To do this, he or she must analyze the target markets and keep a constant eye on the situation.


Also discover What Makes a Good CTO


Context

Since R&D has been an essential strategic component of companies for many years, the rise of information technology and the digitization of companies have reinforced the importance of the Chief Technology Officer. Today he or she is employable within large companies as well as smaller structures such as start-ups.

Salary

The average daily rate for a CTO is between 600 and 1,000 euros.

Education and training

In conclusion, the CTO must hold a five-year degree from a university, computer science school, or engineering school. However, this position is not accessible after graduation, but rather, in general, after 5-10 years of experience.

Interested in the full picture? Download our comprehensive career guide on how to become a CTO.

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Job Descriptions Web Developer

Web Development, programming skills and professions

As the term itself suggests, Web Development is about building (developing) the application from scratch for the web. It is therefore about websites, web pages or anything else that runs on the Internet.

So, delving a little deeper into IT & Tech terminology, web development refers to the development of programming source code, the creation and organization of databases and markup languages, network protocols, web servers and computer security.

To start with, we will take a look at how to create a website and when it is necessary and recommended to contact a web developer. Furthermore, we will talk about the different specializations of web development.

1. How to create a website

Wed development - how to create a website

Today, creating a website is not as difficult as it used to be. It is not necessary to have a technical or computer background. To create a dynamic website, it is sufficient to be able to install a CMS (Content Management System) software such as WordPress or Joomla on a hosting space and that’s it.

Consequently, anyone can put a simple website online themselves and manage it easily with a publication control panel.

Although CMS software is a perfect solution for creating a blog or a small web magazine, CMSs are not suitable for the development of more complex websites.

If the website is the front-end interface of other corporate information systems, it still requires design (web engineering) and programming (web development) skills.

According to the company’s needs, computer language professionals work on all the website’s functionalities. They then propose tailor-made solutions to fulfil their mission in the company.


Also explore the role of Web developer and Robotics Engineer


1.1 How a website works

A website is a set of hypertext documents and multimedia elements (images, videos, etc.) organized in web pages. In other words, the webmaster uploads the document files onto the web space of a server computer (host) connected to the Internet 24 hours a day.

Today, web developers are increasingly in demand. Indeed, the rapid developments in the IT sector and the digital transformation that all companies must manage have led to a strong demand for new programs, websites and applications. No company can do without a web presence, so it will need an IT professional who can structure and manage it in an appropriate and up-to-date form.

When users (client) connect to the host’s address via their browser, the server sends them the requested hypertext document. In this way, users can navigate between documents on remote computers, even on the other side of the world.


Also discover the role of a Web Designer


2. Difference between Internet and Web

Although people use them as synonyms, internet and web are not the same thing. The Internet was born about twenty years before the web. The Internet (network of networks) is the technological infrastructure, while the web (World Wide Web, better known as WWW) is a protocol.

2.1 From web 1.0 to web 2.0

Over the last twenty years, web development has evolved from the first generation to the second ( web 2.0 ). Web 2.0 is the era of social media, social networks and CMSs.

2.2 What is web 3.0?

In the coming years it will further evolve to the third generation ( web 3.0 ) with the spread of intelligent websites with artificial intelligence. It is a technological revolution that has already begun. Just think of chatbots, online virtual assistants and the recent improvements in the use of the Internet.

Another evolving trend is RPA (Robotic Process Automation) that promotes productivity gains through the automation of business processes.


Also explore the role of RPA Consultant, highly sought-after profile in today’s business world, particularly in digital services companies.


2.3 Responsive and mobile websites

Web development is no longer just about the PC platform, but multiplatform, because users access the web with different devices, including mobile (e.g. tablets, smartphones, consoles).
Therefore, it is necessary to develop a responsive website that automatically adapts the layout to the device used by the user.

As mobile technology is growing exponentially, so are IT professions related to app development. The role of the Android Developer is to develop applications for all devices that run on this mobile operating system.


Also explore the skills needed to position yourself for the booming job role of Android Developer.


3 Frontend & Backend Web Development

In addition, let’s delve a little deeper into the web development field and see how different IT specialized professionals work to develop a website for the internet.

There are two classifications for the Web Development:

  • Frontend Development
  • Backend Development

Frontend Development refers to the part of a website that the user interacts directly. For this reason developers call it the ‘client side’ of the application.

Backend Development is the server side of a website (the part of the website that users cannot see and interact). The portion of software that does not come in direct contact with the users and where developers store and arrange data.


Also read our article about Mobile Application Security Development Cheat Sheet


3.1 Who is the Front End Developer

Web development frontend

The front end developer is the IT professional figure who is responsible for creating the graphical interface of a website or web portal, inserting the elements in the page, styling them (colours / fonts) and animating them.

Furthermore, in the modern web, the front end developer is also responsible for:

  • interacting with the back-end (to which it sends and from which it receives information to be displayed within the web page);
  • developing the logic of what happens in the interface.

What follow is a roadmap with a brief description of the languages and tools involved in the development of the front end.

  • HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. It is used to design the front end of web pages using markup language. It acts as a skeleton for a website, as it is used to make the structure of a website.
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) affectionately called CSS, is a language designed simply to simplify the process of making web pages presentable. It is used to style our website.
  • JavaScript is a scripting language used to provide dynamic behaviour to our website.
  • Bootstrap is a collection of free and open-source tools for creating responsive websites and web applications. It is the most popular CSS framework for developing responsive and mobile-first websites. Nowadays, websites are perfect for all browsers (IE, Firefox and Chrome) and all screen sizes (Desktops, Tablets, Phablets and Phones).

With the appearance of new frameworks, the professions around web development are more and more specific and a large number of professionals specialize in a particular technology. Among the different possible specializations is the front-end developer AngularJS.


Also, learn more about AngularJS Developer skills


3.2 Who is the Back End Developer

Web development backend

On the other hand, the back end developer deals with the structure of a website or web application. Back-end developers take also care of the functioning of the site and the management of the data they need to process.

Therefore it is important is to know the basic functioning of most languages and to choose one according to its particularities. Rather than talking about languages, let’s talk about the tools that developers use to implement the functionalities of a site.

As before, here is a roadmap of the back-end development tools.

  • PHP is a server-side scripting language designed specifically for web development.
  • Java is one of the most popular and widely used programming language. It is highly scalable.
  • Python is a programming language that lets you work quickly and integrate systems more efficiently.
  • Node.js is an open source and cross-platform runtime environment for executing JavaScript code outside a browser.
  • Back End Frameworks are: Express, Django, Rails, Laravel, Spring, etc

C is a general-purpose language from the 70s, and it is still in use in systems programming and robotics. C++ was born in the 1980s. It is the language of choice for those looking for performance, as it can execute complex code very fast. It is used for the design of mobile applications, the programming of operating systems or video games. Moreover, in the creation of certain military programs.


Want to know more about the role of C/C++ Developer?


3.3 Back-End programmer skills

Web development back-end programmer skills

Also read our Back-End Developer detailed job description

The skills of the backend programmer are:

  • Back-end languages (PHP, Python, Java, C#, .Net etc.);
  • Databases, where developers store the data they need to manage. The types of database is versatile and adapt to the needs of the system;
  • Server, it is important for a backend developer to be able to take care of the online appearance of the site and its maintenance.

There are many specialties and languages in the field of web development, including Swift, Node.js, React.js or Ruby.
Ruby is a free object-oriented and multi-paradigm programming language that is easy to understand and pleasant to use.


Also discover the role of the Ruby developer.


4. What the Full Stack Developer does

web development full stack

What characterizes the full stack developer is the ability to develop both the front end and the back end of a website. Therefore, the knowledge of the full stack developer includes everything that characterizes the two types of developers we have seen above.

An IT professional capable of dealing with the structure of web pages, their styling, animations, creating data structures, designing databases and implementing site functionality. Full Stack developers are familiar with all languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, etc.

Despite this vast knowledge, it is very difficult for such professionals to develop a website completely on their own. In fact, their task is mainly to collaborate with front and back end developers and support them in the realization of particular functionalities.

5. Programming languages for creating a website

As we have seen in the different specializations of web development, a programming language is a computer language used by programmers to communicate with computers. It is therefore a set of instructions written in a specific language to perform a specific task.

In conclusion, this is a list of the most widely programming languages used by the industries :

  • HTML language
  • PHP language
  • ASP language
  • Javascript language
  • Java language
  • Python language
  • CSS style sheets
  • C language
  • C++ language
  • C# language
  • R language
  • Go language
  • Ruby language
  • Swift

The IT professional that translate a graphic language into a computer language is the HTML integrator. By assembling the different elements of a website, the HTML integrator makes sure that they are aligned with the desired aesthetic and maintain a practical design.


Also delve deeper into the role of the HTML integrator


Some languages are gaining importance with the evolution of the semantic web, including: Open Graph Markup. Very useful to explain the content’s context of a page and gain control of the snippets.

6. Web Development and Cybersecurity Best Practices

IT professionals involved in Web Development need to have a good understanding of the importance of digital hygiene and web safety. In order to avoid common website security attacks, it is crucial to follow the highest cybersecurity standards across the development cycle.

Some cybersecurity good practices to put in place are as follows:

  • Ensure that the development team has attended cybersecurity training.
  • Set up a web application firewall (WAF).
  • Use parameterized statements in SQL tests.
  • Keep all security platforms and applications up to date.
  • Partition user data away from API file systems.

These good cybersecurity practices will help reduce human error (which contributes to an estimated 85% of data breaches). They will also increase the quality of applications.

Making cybersecurity a priority throughout every development cycle is therefore necessary to to battle the flood of digital attacks that threaten the modern web.


Find your next 
web developer job

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Hiring an IT consultant IT Decision-makers

How to manage the onboarding of IT contractors in 5 steps

Onboarding is the set of actions implemented by the company to integrate its new employees. It corresponds to welcoming and integrating new recruited professionals, as well as investing in their internal career development. We often talk about onboarding for employees, but still little for external resources, such as IT freelancers. And yet, they are often called upon for strategic, long and customer-based assignments. It is important to manage onboarding well, cause a good onboarding system is therefore crucial for the success of their mission! It is therefore important for managing a freelancer to pay particular attention to onboarding.

But how do you properly manage the onboarding of an IT freelancer to get the mission of your tech or IT freelancer off to the best possible start? How to manage onboarding at the beginning of a consultant’s mission?

Discover in our article what are the best practices for managing the onboarding of an IT freelancer.

Why caring about onboarding?

Why take care of the onboarding of IT freelancers? Onboarding management is crucial at the start of a freelancer’s mission. Indeed, setting up a clear internal process can be very beneficial to gain in efficiency and optimize the simultaneous reception of several profiles. As a company, it is essential to establish a clear process for the onboarding of IT freelancers who come to carry out assignments within your company. Because if you have a clear and effective onboarding process, the freelancer will have all the elements in hand to be operational as quickly as possible and start his freelance mission well.

The onboarding of a consultant makes it possible to create a link with the IT freelancer and to lay the foundations for good communication. In addition, the onboarding period makes it possible to ensure that objectives are set and follow-up with the IT freelancer. Finally, the onboarding process will have the effect of involving and retaining the freelancer from the start.


Discover also our article: How to Manage the Offboarding of IT Contractors in 7 Steps !


How to properly manage the onboarding of an IT freelancer?

1. Upstream of the mission

Have you just recruited an IT freelancer? First, to properly manage onboarding, remember to check that the freelancer you have chosen is registered with the Business Formalities Center (CFE) (remember to ask them for a K-bis extract). You must also carry out the control of the obligations of declaration and payment of the social security contributions of the freelancer. Ask for a certificate of vigilance for this. Once these two elements have been verified, you can draft and have the freelancer sign the service contract (or subcontracting if you go through an intermediary). If necessary, you can also provide specific additional contracts such as a confidentiality agreement. Remember at this time to check that the freelancer has the necessary insurance, such as professional liability insurance (RC Pro) which is often essential. Finally define the terms of payment and provide timesheets if necessary.

2. Just before the start of the mission

Just before the start of the mission, it is important to warn all the teams of the arrival of the freelancer. Make sure you explain the scope of the IT professional mission to them. Also make sure to prepare before the arrival of the freelancer the material that will be made available to the new professional in the event that he/she will use the company’s resources. Also ask that their computer access be created prior to their arrival.

It is also a good idea to plan a phone call with the freelancer before the start of their assignment or to send them a comprehensive email with all the useful information for the first day. In fact, if the freelancer comes to work on your premises, it is important to give him/her a certain amount of information such as working hours, what equipment is required or made available. But also what the access or security constraints are, in which department they will be installed and which teams they will have to interact with. Communicating all these elements to the freelancer before he/she arrives will allow a more serenely at start at your company.

3. Ensure the onboarding of the freelancer on the first day of the mission

On the first day of the mission, it is important to give the freelancer a program for his or her first week. You should also give him/her all the materials he/she will need (computer, access badge, etc.). Plan a briefing with the freelancer on company culture, rules, team organization… Also give the freelancer all the technical documentation he needs for his mission from day one. Finally, introduce the freelancer to the whole team. This is necessary to get the consultant’s mission off to a good start.

4. The days following the first day of freelancing

The days following the first day of the start of the freelance mission, organize an individual interview with him/her to set the objectives. Also remember to organize contacts with the key interlocutors for its mission. Throughout the onboarding period, encourage the freelancer to ask as many questions as possible. To improve contact you can also plan a lunch with the freelancer if possible.

5. And after the onboarding of the freelancer?

At the end of the freelance onboarding period, start taking stock. In some cases, especially if the project is still at the ideation stage, a few days of audit may be necessary to allow the consultant to better understand all the parameters and then participate in the scoping. Then set up at this time the framework for monitoring the mission (reporting, weekly, monthly meetings, etc.). Remember to ask the freelancer for his/her feedback about the onboarding to make sure he or she has all the keys in hand. But also to improve this process with a view to integrating future freelancers.

You can also read 5 Simple Steps to Effective IT Offboarding

The expert opinion of Thomas Delfort, former DSI and co-founder of Mindquest:


“As for a recruitment of a CDI type profile, the onboarding process of an independent consultant within a tech or IT team is extremely important. A well-executed welcome will allow a quick and efficient handling of the subjects. The goal is for the freelancer to be operational as quickly as possible, and to be in optimal conditions to be efficient in his mission.”

Do you know that the offboarding of an IT consultant is just as important as their onboarding? Indeed, companies are generally concerned with taking care of the onboarding of their employees, but sometimes neglect the last step. The stage where the employee leaves the company for new professional opportunities. Find out why it is important to take care of the offboarding of your IT consultant. But also how to properly manage the offboarding of an IT consultant in 7 steps.


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IT Consultants Tips for your daily life as a freelancer

IT Pros: How to Work On Remote in the Post-Pandemic World

Remote work is becoming increasingly common amongst IT pros. The way in which tech experts look for jobs and carry out missions was already changing before Covid-19 hit. IT freelancing was on the rise; With higher levels of remote work; slowly becoming an industry standard and the figure of the digital nomad gaining acceptance.   

Now that digital transformation efforts have accelerated and companies have had to adapt their hiring strategies to a world in lockdown; remote work across countries and time zones is out in the mainstream. Regardless of country reopenings and a slow return to the office, remote work is here to stay. Here’s how you can benefit from this trend and what you should keep in mind when pursuing a new gig from the comfort of your home or personal office.   

Finding IT remote work – Identify your target employer  

First of all, you need to pinpoint your target company type. The kind of company you will be applying for jobs at and that you will turn to support your remote work lifestyle. Whether that is as a freelancer or as a full-time employee.   

For that, you need to make sure you are aiming for industries and organisations that have friendly policies towards remote hiring and working. Most big tech companies have fully shifted to remote work after the start of the outbreak. So they will be open to receiving applications and collaborating with fully remote employees. Other sectors of activity will be less prone to hire remote employees due to a lack of organisational readiness or the nature of the job to be done; jobs relating to IT infrastructure and cybersecurity tend to involve an on-site component because of its confidential and hands-on nature.   

IT remote work: Make sure your environment and tools are ready  

This one sounds rather obvious. But you would be surprised to learn how many IT projects encounter roadblocks along the way. Due to unforeseen technical limitations on the remote worker’s side of things. And we are not talking here about a stable internet connection. 

Make sure you have analysed the project requirements and spoken with company stakeholders to understand the technical needs of the project. And also see if you should ask for extra equipment or services – think of cloud processing resources, networking equipment, etc.   

The social component  

Working remotely can make collaboration with other team members more difficult and requires you to put in some extra effort. The social component of remote working should not be overlooked, but you can follow a few easy steps to ensure you are properly connected with project stakeholders.  

First and foremost, make sure you are conducting a proper onboarding. As with most things in life, setting a robust foundation is key. If the employer doesn’t have a fully fleshed out onboarding process, be proactive and put together all the questions you will need clarification on. Make sure you get acquainted with the rest of the team. Even if that means proposing quick one-on-one virtual chats to get to know them a bit.   

Secondly, set up follow-ups and regular check-ins with your colleagues to keep track of the progress and let them know you are there and on top of things.   


The Top IT Skills to Master in 2021


Not interested in fully IT remote work?  

Maybe looking for a job remotely sounds good, but you would rather work on-site at least some of the time. Or maybe you are looking for a job remotely as a way of moving to another country. No problem. The IT jobs market has never been better for that.   

Just make sure you are considering everything first, like immigration regulations and demands (visas, health insurance, etc.). Sometimes, working with a recruitment partner who has experience relocating IT experts is the best choice. They will help you figure out all the details so you can get started with your new life as soon and as easily as possible. 

Read our article : How the Covid-19 Pandemic is Accelerating the hybridisation of Careers in Tech & IT

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

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ERP & SAP Job Descriptions

CRM Consultant: Job Description

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

What is the role of the CRM consultant or expert? How to become a CRM consultant? What are the required skilled and the salary expectation? We tell it all in our CRM consultant job description.


Are you looking for IT mission opportunities in the Tech and IT sectors on a freelance or permanent basis? Mindquest can help you find your next IT mission opportunity. Find CRM missions by browsing our freelance and permanent vacancies available on our digital recruitment platform.


CRM consultant: the job description

A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) consultant; otherwise known as a CRM expert; is a specialist in customer relationship management software and customer relationship itself. When creating a call center, this professional assists in optimizing the relationship with customers. But also in making decisions relating to the choice of IT tools. Usually, a CRM expert works for an ESN or a BtoB agency. They can work in a large group or in small structures and is mainly required to work in collaboration with customer service, as well as with the marketing and web-marketing service.

The role of the CRM consultant is to define, configure, implement and manage the CRM software while promoting its positive impact on the company’s strategy. CRM Software is the backbone of any call centre. Indeed, the CRM software makes it possible to keep all the history of exchanges with customers and to manage the call lists on a daily basis. In choosing which CRM to implement, they can choose between independent CRM software or an ERP (including other business management modules). They manage the CRM software on a daily basis. That is to say, they take care of monitoring developments and finding new improvement strategies. Furthermore, they also collect data concerning customers and their life cycle, and carry out reports.


Discover more about what is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)


The CRM consultant is also focused on determining the best strategies to increase customer loyalty and engagement. This professional thus sets up loyalty campaigns and works to understand which are the dissatisfied customers (detractors) and satisfied customers (promoters) by calculating the NPS score (Net promoter score).

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Required Skills

CRM Consultant skills

How to become a CRM consultant? The CRM consultant must have a perfect command of software packages dedicated to CRM. He or she must also possess solid knowledge in the areas of sales and marketing. Specializing in customer data analysis, it is important that he or she has knowledge and skills in data mining and brand optimization on search engines and social networks. The CRM consultant must demonstrate good analytical skills and be responsive to any changes they need to be able to detect. This professional must know how to approach a project as a whole.

A true specialist in customer relations, it is important that they know all the technical and strategic aspects. In addition, the CRM consultant must have a taste for contact, good listening skills and a sense of service. It is essential that the CRM consultant has a great spirit of synthesis and good adaptability.


Also discover our Job Description: IT Business Analyst


Salary

CRM Consultant Salary

How much does a CRM consultant make? The salary of a CRM consultant varies depending on the experience of the consultant. But also depending on the scope of their position and the size of the company. Indeed, some CRM consultants only work on the software aspect, while others will be responsible for a large part of the customer relationship.

Within a large group or small business, the salary range for this professional is wide. Generally speaking, a CRM consultant can earn close to €35,000 / year at the start of a career. At the end of his career, he can hope to earn more than €65,000 / year as a senior. The average salary of this professional is around €45,000 per year. The average daily rate for a CRM consultant developer is generally between $400 and $900.


Read more about 12 Best CRM Certifications in 2021 and 18 CRM Experts You Need to Follow


Training and education of the CRM Consultant

CRM Consultant Education

Different training courses allow you to become a CRM consultant, with a Bac + 4 or Bac + 5. Graduates from business or engineering schools are usually highly appreciated by employers. It is thus possible to enter a business school or an engineering school, with a diploma with a specialization in marketing or web marketing. You can take a Master in Marketing or International Marketing or join a communication or marketing school. There are also certifications for using software that are popular with employers, such as Salesforce certifications.


Find CRM assignments on our freelance and permanent IT recruitment platform, or join Mindquest so you don’t miss out on any CRM assignments!


Categories
Data & Business Intelligence Job Descriptions Web Developer

QlikView Developer: Job Description

Use our template to create a compelling and comprehensive QlikView Developer job description to attract top talent.

What is the role of the QlikView developer? Discover in this job description their missions, required skills, training and salary.

QlikView is one of the products of the Qlik company, a leading market leader in DataViz and BI tools alongside Tableau and Microsoft products like Power BI. Qlik is a company specialising in the development of data software, dashboards and self-service business intelligence products. 

To go into a little more detail, QlikView is a Business Intelligence platform facilitating self-service data interpretation. Thus, the QlikView solution enables big data analysis to be transformed into actionable insights. Globally, more than 24,000 companies use the QlikView platform. Thanks to its “Associative Difference” technology, the QlikView platform saves businesses time and allows users to easily consolidate, search, analyze and visualize their data. 


QlikView Developer: the job

Today, the use of big data has become commonplace and IT departments of enterprises are increasingly advanced in the use of BI solutions. This is where the QlikView Developer comes in. The role of this professional is to prepare prior data processing to adapt the tool to the business needs and the activities of the company. 

Their main missions are to collect and analyse business needs, write functional and technical specifications and implement the QlikView solution within the company. The QlikView Developer makes all the preparations for interpretation tools and data analysis tailored to each business. They are also responsible for modelling, designing and developing QlikView applications in line with the demands of the business. In addition, they ensure the correct and ongoing maintenance of the application. 

Required Skills

Technical skills

The QlikView developer should have a lot of technical skills related to the QlikView solution. They must know how to create a data model and a QlikView application. Moreover, they must be able to solve problems related to data structures. In addition, they must know how to define advanced uses of the script editor and master the concepts of synthetic tables and loops.

Read more about QlikView Dev tools

Communication and openness

In addition to technical skills, they must be a good listener. They must take into account the business environment, deal with the different actors with whom they work and take into account the needs and demands of different users. Also, they must have a good team spirit, a methodical spirit, and a sense of thoroughness and analysis. 

Passion and curiosity

The QlikView Developer should be curious about the advancements in the web environment and popular technologies, staying up to date with new evelopments in this area. It is important that they are passionate about computers and new technologies, and also curious, dynamic and motivated. 

Also read the differences between Big Data and Business Intelligence

Salary of the QlikView Developer

The average daily rate for a QlikView Developer is typically between 250 and 500 euros. 

Training and education of the QlikView Developer

To become a QlikView Developer, a bachelor’s degree in engineering is usually required. It is then possible to specialize in QlikView through specific training. There are also many online resources for professionals to learn QlikView.

Also discover more about IT skills with our Top IT Skills to Master in 2021 and about certifications with the Certification & Qualification FAQs

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Want to discover another job description? Learn more about the role of Swift Developer.