What's New

Employment Resources
We know how tough the job market is! We also know it is always tough to find qualified QA professionals, no matter how many applications you may get.

If you are looking for some helpful job sites or tips on how to find a job our new Employment Resources page can help. If you are a member who is looking for a new position, find out how our Job Bulletin service can help you receive information on job openings sent to AQAA.

If you are a recruiter looking for qualifed QA candidates, see our Employment Resources for how you can reach a wide pool of qualified applicants. AQAA members are dedicated professionals committed to keeping current on the latest QA tools and techniques.

The Top of Your Game!

By René Orlin

The lousy economy and the high rate of joblessness are hitting IT hard. The number of people I know that are unemployed keeps growing instead of shrinking. The job seekers are having to look farther and farther afield and consider salaries, locations and short-term contracts that they would have laughed at a couple of years ago. Those of us who still have jobs are hanging on by the skin of our teeth. Our employers know that our positions are precarious and take advantage of the lousy market by demanding longer hours, smaller or non-existent salary increases and the competence "bar" keeps rising to new heights.

While complaining makes me feel better for at least the first five minutes, I realize that it is more important than ever to stay at the Top of My Game on a daily basis. Whether you have a job or don't yet, you may need to rethink your work habits and your commitment to your profession. Listed below are some tips to help you stay at the Top of Your Game!

Keep a positive "Can-do" attitude - Your boss probably knows that new deadline is just as impossible as you do! While you are voicing your concerns, make sure you include strategies for success. Leave the impression that you want to be part of the solution. Try something like, "Yes, that is a very aggressive schedule, but I think if we reduce our test time for the low risk product areas, we can still work to meet that deadline."

Watch your time and expect long hours - The days of the two or three hour lunches are gone. Make sure you keep everyone informed when you need to be out of the office and offer to make up the time. If you telecommute, make sure that you are available during the hours you are expected to be available. Long hours are going to be expected, now more than ever. Prepare for it and don't whine. It doesn't help.

Keep up with the news - Keep on top of industry and quality trends. You need to keep up with the latest news in your company's industry and with the latest in quality trends. Subscribe to quality magazines and industry magazines. Be prepared to pay for these at your own expense. Your boss will be impressed by your commitment.

Get technical - Whether you do manual testing, automation or quality infrastructure, you need to understand the platforms, infrastructure, project architecture and issues concerning a technology choice. Make friends with developers and network guys; ask questions and do your own research. Set a goal to read up on a new tech term a week like: SOAP, XML, J2EE, DHTML and JUNIT.

Network, network, network - Never underestimate the power of relationships. If you don't belong to a professional organization, it's time to join. AQAA, of course, is a good first choice. But what about a tools users' group? What about a specialized technology organization? Techlinks© is a good way to find a group that you are interested in. Visit Techlinks at http://www.jaye.com/assclist.htm for details on local technology associations.

I would like to believe that the current trends will just go away. I want my stock options, long lunches, flexible schedule, company-paid training and nice fat salary of a few years ago - just as much as you do! But with more and more companies considering overseas outsourcing, I am not holding my breath for the state of the job market long-term. I have made a personal commitment to succeed and I am not counting on any company to help me get there. I think I can do it and so can you, if you commit to being at the Top of Your Game!