Wherefore Art Thou, .NET Architect???

Fair Isaac Corporation is looking for Senior Software Engineer and Architect in NORCROSS, GEORGIA that has hands-on experience with the .NET platform, has demonstrated leadership abilities and a proven track record of successfully delivering enterprise-grade ecommerce solutions. This position will be involved in multiple aspects of the development process and must have the skills and desire to play a variety of roles and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities:

•Provide senior-level application architectural leadership within a fast paced organization following a variant of the Unified Process (OpenUP). This will involve early-phase requirement assessments, prototyping, level-of-effort estimation, and Technical Designs that lead to the production of application architectures that maximize processing efficiency, security and component reuse.
•Provide senior-level technical leadership to teams of application engineers. Will champion new solutions and approaches and guide successful technical adoption through mentoring, instruction, and by actively participating in software development projects.
•Be involved with hands-on development of proof-of-concepts and prototypes during the elaboration phase and actual development of the product during the construction phase.
•Collaborate with business associates at multiple levels to gain in-depth information of critical success factors, to translate complex technical solutions into easily understood business terms, and to provide intelligent analysis of various prospective solutions including cost/benefit/risk analysis.
•Collaborate with technical associates at multiple levels and occasionally with clients or partners in an effort to gain in-depth understanding of technical requirements and priorities and to build successful lasting relationships.

Experience/Qualifications :

• Senior-level Microsoft technical depth and design pattern knowledge
• Bachelors degree or higher in computer science or related discipline
• Motivated individual with proven track record of on-time delivery
• 10+ years of increasing responsibilities in software development
• 5+ years in senior architect role or equivalent
• Experience developing secure ecommerce projects
• Experience in designing Service Oriented Architectures
• Experience deploying composite applications leveraging reusable components
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
• Extensive experience in detailed software design, coding, unit testing, integration, documentation, and build management following a structured development methodology• Deep knowledge of Microsoft .NET framework
• Experience with relational database development using MS SQL server, stored procedures and competencies in data modeling and database design
• Experience with XML, XSL, XSLT, and Web Service Standards, i.e. WS-*
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to communicate at technical and non-technical levels
• Thorough understanding of basic Internet protocols such as HTTP, SMTP, SOAP, POP, SSL• Versatility in handling multiple projects and re-prioritizations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct architectural experience and deep understanding of Microsoft BizTalk or equivalent workflow process engine.
• Financial, mortgage, insurance or collections & recovery industry background
• Experience dealing with offshore teams
• Experience with playing the Architect role in the Unified Process
• Experience with multiple platforms and technologies
• Deep understanding of cryptography and securing customer data
• Deep understanding of Web Application and Network Security standards and best practices, able to demonstrate common hacking techniques
• Familiarity with operational requirements of ASP solutions business models; experience bringing software to 7x24 execution environments and embedding various system health monitors and activity status notification mechanisms
• Microsoft certificationPeople are our most important asset and what makes us successful.

Please apply today on-line to requisition number 3228 at http://www.fairisaac.com/.

Fair Isaac is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Really Geeky Birthday Cake

I just came across this funny birthday cake on the LA Java Users Group and thought I'd share it with you. This is the perfect party accessory for your favorite computer dork! :)


Enjoy! Miss Recruiter

Fair Isaac - MarCom Analyst (Internal Communications)

Working for FAIR ISAAC will be the best decision you’ll ever make.Fair Isaac’s powerful and intelligent software helps companies make better decisions every day.Discover the benefits of working for Fair Isaac:

•New direction, growth and advancement opportunities

•Excellent compensation and benefits package (featuring: one week of vacation accrual upon hire, most benefit plan eligibility begins on 1st day of employment, flexible work schedules, 401k with company match, excellent tuition reimbursement plan)

•Dynamic and energetic environment

•Global company

•Innovative and diverse products and technology touching many different industries

•Commitment to teamwork, offering challenges and the opportunity to innovate

Consider joining other talented individuals where your contributions make an impact in the role of Lead Analyst within our ITO business unit, located in our Minneapolis office.

The Lead Analyst will primarily take direction from the Director of Business Unit Operations and will have overall responsibility for developing, implementing and managing the internal communications plan across the Integrated Technology Organization (ITO) business unit. This unit is comprised of the software development, product support and IT groups within Fair Isaac.

Major areas of responsibility:

•Develop and implement communications strategy
•Develop and deliver written ITO-related communications to a global employee audience ranging from individual contributors to executives in both formal and informal settings
•Develop and maintain strong relationships with ITO managers to understand and support business needs across the business unit
•Develop and maintain an understanding of key processes, disciplines and organizations across Fair Isaac and within the ITO to effectively communicate with end-users and management
•Deliver written communications often under tight timelines and deadlines (i.e. “point-in-time” communications such as critical notifications, one time outage and deployment messages)
•Act as consultative support to assist ITO leadership and teams in determining best practices for communications and to provide a clear understanding of standard operating procedures
•Ensure ITO intranet web pages are accurate and provide necessary and appropriate information, messaging and branding
•Create process to facilitate communication requests from multiple managers and teams
•Develop methods for communicating key performance indicators to our business constituents and contribute to scorecard efforts to provide appropriate detail on improvements
•Lead and assist in efforts to uncover information such as research, surveys and reports that will aid us in understanding the needs of our employees
•Understand the needs of the intended audience and tailor communications as appropriate
•Deliver clear, effective messages that elicit appropriate client reaction/action
•Deliver regular, reoccurring communications such as monthly Core Values updates, weekly key initiatives communications
•Utilize understanding of basic information technology concepts in order to communicate messages through appropriate media
•Facilitate meetings to drive forward the ITO communication plan
•Prepare presentations for ITO leadership regarding the ITO communication plan

Requirements:
•Bachelor’s degree in business, journalism, marketing communications or related discipline or equivalent work experience.
•5+ years experience in professional communications (3+ years experience within an IT or SW development organization/function)
•Excellent verbal/written communication skills and presentation abilities
•Proficiency with various communications tools including SharePoint
•Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills
•Ability to work with all levels of management within a matrix-management structure

Preferred Qualifications:
•Demonstrated project management skills
•Prior experience with project-related and change-readiness communications
•Demonstrated problem analysis and solution recommendation capabilities

People are our most important asset and what makes us successful. With you, we can make a difference in the markets we serve. Apply today on-line to requisition number 3316 at http://www.fairisaac.com/.

FI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Laid Off? So What?

I think all of us have been laid off at some point. Here are some tips on how to approach discussing such events at your next job interview... Miss Recruiter

How to Explain a Layoff at Every Stage of the Job Search

By Margaret Steen

Layoffs may now be routine in corporate America, but if you're unlucky enough to be left holding a pink slip, you probably have lots of worries. Among them: How will I explain this during future job hunts?

It's true that your layoff and the gap on your resume will probably come up, not just during the initial job search right after the layoff, but also during future job hunts. But it doesn't have to derail your search. The key, experts say, is to be honest about the layoff but to focus your communication with potential employers on what you can do for their company, rather than on your past. And when the layoff comes up, make sure you talk about what you accomplished during your time off.

Here's how to achieve these goals at all stages of the job hunt, in writing and in person:

Resumes and Cover Letters. Most career experts say you shouldn't mention a layoff at all in a cover letter.

"A cover letter is strictly to market yourself," says Marianne Adoradio, a career counselor in Silicon Valley. "'Here's what you're looking for, here's what I bring.'"

On a resume, you shouldn't say you were laid off, but you should try to account for any substantial amount of time you were out of work. Never try to bridge the gap between two jobs by using the wrong beginning or ending dates. Instead, focus on what you accomplished while you were out of work. Did you take a class? Do consulting work? Work as a volunteer?

On the whole, the less said in writing about a layoff, the better.

"Paper is two-dimensional," says John Haag, a career counselor at the University of Denver Career Center. "Face to face is a whole lot better."

Networking and Interviews. Face-to-face communication is critical, both in informal conversations with people while networking and in formal job interviews. This is where questions about your layoff will likely come up, and you need to be prepared with two answers: one about why you left your job, and one about what you did during the time you were unemployed.

"If it's the first time it happened to you, it's going to feel awful," says Libby Pannwitt, a career counselor and principal of Work Life Design Group in San Carlos, California. "You need to get over it and find the right words to talk about it wherein there were no bad guys."

The best strategy, Pannwitt says, is to craft a very short, matter-of-fact phrase: "I left in the layoff of 2002," for example.

In an informal networking conversation, discuss the layoff only if asked. Haag says the conversation will get off to a bad start if you open with, "I'm looking for work, I've been laid off." Instead, begin by asking intelligent questions and making a good impression on the other person.

"When it does come time for the person to ask you some questions, be forthright," Haag says. And don't use a "half-apologetic tone," he says. By that time you will have impressed your listeners with your interest in their work, and they won't care whether you were laid off.

Finally, be certain you're answering the right question. For example, Pannwitt says, if an interviewer asks "Why do you want to work here," your answer should be about how much you like the company and the job, not that you need work because you were laid off. "That isn't going to make the employer feel very good."

Recruiter Roundtable: Fashion, Grooming Tips

Recruiter Roundtable: Fashion, Grooming Tips
Yahoo! HotJobs

The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

What is the one piece of fashion and/or grooming advice you wish more candidates would heed before going on an interview?

Get the Details Right

The night before the interview, lay out your wardrobe to make sure everything fits, is free of wrinkles and is current with today's styles. Also take the time to polish your shoes. While this may sound minor, showing up with scuffed shoes may signal to the employer you lack attention to detail. Finally, remember that the interview is not your time to make a fashion statement, so avoid tight clothing, limit your jewelry, and go easy on fragrances. The interview is your opportunity to show hiring managers how talented you are, and maintaining proper appearance will ensure they focus on your abilities rather than your attire.

-- DeLynn Senna, executive director of North American permanent placement services, Robert Half International

Accessorize With Mints

I wish more candidates would take a strong breath mint before their interviews. It may sound silly, but you would be surprised how distracting bad breath can be during an interview! Gum also works, but remember to discard your gum BEFORE the interview.

-- Bob Hancock, independent staffing consultant

What Are Your Revealing?

Look in the mirror: If too much is showing, don't wear it! While low-cut blouses or shirts are in fashion, most are inappropriate for the workplace, including the initial interview. The interviewer could possibly be distracted by the inappropriateness of the candidate's attire and therefore not focused 100% on the interview. This is unfortunate for both parties; the candidate may not be getting the positive reaction to answers they want, and the interviewer may be less apt to probe for the information they need to make a solid hiring decision.

-- Joelle Thies, staffing specialist recruiter, Wells Fargo

The Smell of Success Is Scent-Free

If your perfume or cologne enters the room before you do, chances are your scent may be interfering with your chances of landing the job. You'll see subtle signs from the interviewer -- he'll lean away from you, she'll wrinkle her nose or open a window. If someone on the interview team has allergies or asthma, and if you're meeting with them in a small room, your strong scent will be just the excuse they need to leave the room quickly, without them getting a chance to hear the details about the brilliant marketing campaign you developed at your last company.
The focus during the interview -- and afterward when the interview team gets together to discuss your interview -- should be on your accomplishments, abilities, and why you're the right person for the job. So keep it scent-free.

-- Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter's Studio