New Initiative Connects Companies with IT Talent While Helping IT Professionals Perfect Job Search Skills and Success

When it comes to finding a new job, even in this age of Internet job sites, LinkedIn and online social networking, it turns out that the most effective approach may still be one-to-one facilitated personal introductions.  At least that is what the IT professionals, displaced earlier this year when Sophos closed its Central Ohio operations, discovered during a recent networking event.  

In late December 2010, the Sophos employees started getting word that the Central Ohio office would soon be closing.  Wanting to remain in the region, a number of them reached out to Dan Harris, Central Ohio technology entrepreneur, who had previous experience working with the Sophos team and who has been selectively building his professional network for more than 20 years.  They wanted to know if Harris could put his network to work in helping them find new jobs. 

Harris says that often IT professionals find their first jobs as college interns where they connect with a team of IT professionals.  While they may move from company to company as a team, when the entire team is downsized, the members are less experienced in marketing themselves as individuals outside the team.  He also says that many IT professionals are unaware of all the companies and opportunities there are in the region.    

So he reached out to Rick Coplin, TechColumbus venture development director at the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center (DEC), asking if TechColumbus, through its CareerTrack program, and the DEC would like to help organize and sponsor a networking mixer – ala speed dating – during which connections could be made between the Sophos team and leading IT employers in the region. 

Harris tapped not only his personal network, but also those of the entire Central Ohio tech community including IT Martini, TechLife, the DEC and TechColumbus.  This resulted in more than 30 companies showing up for the January 12 event.  The informal event featured networking and mingling among companies and the Sophos team.  Each of the companies presented a brief synopsis of their company and the positions they were looking to fill.

By all accounts, the evening was a success.  Every one of the Sophos team looking for a job found one either directly at the event or as a result of contacts made during the event. 

A second TechConnect event is being planned for May 12 from Noon until 6 p.m. at the Conference Center at OCLC.  It will be a little more formally organized – similar to a jobs fair at a college.  TechConnect will feature the TechColumbus CareerTrack program, resume evaluations, coaching on interview skills, free video profiles from Talent Rooster and WBNS Channel 10 who will post candidates’ Rapid Resumes on its Web site.  Companies seeking to fill IT jobs will have tables at the event where candidates can learn more about open positions, the company culture and other key information about the employer.

Click here for more information, or to register.