In the past several months, firms in the area have fought to win access to a pool of job seekers with coveted security clearances, a requirement for work on many federal projects that allows employees to view sensitive information, Savino said. Extensive background checks and system backlogs can make it difficult for workers to win the credentials quickly.
The Northern Virginia Technology Council, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and the workforce development programs Opportunity Inc. and the Greater Peninsula Workforce Investment Board are negotiating a deal that would move former military personnel from the southern part of the state -- home to a large Naval operation and other military bases -- to work for defense contractors and other businesses closer to the Washington area. The program would offer training and move people into technology jobs and other positions.
Many employers, especially those that offer technology consulting to government agencies, view the security clearances that former military workers already possess as a prize credential, recruiting experts said.
Other electronic resources for military folks in the hunt for work include www.militaryhire.com and www.militaryheadhunter.com.
Weaknesses Loses Strength
One of the most dreaded questions to emerge in job interviews may be the subject of a backlash.
"What are your weaknesses?" has turned cliche, according to a poll of more than 1,300 recruiters conducted earlier this month. Only 13 percent of interviewers said they found answers to that question useful, and 38 percent actively rejected it as a tool to help evaluate potential workers.
The question has become so common that it no longer tests how quickly candidates can think on their feet, said John Brady, president of HRnext.com, a Web site that sponsored the poll.
"There's several types of response to the question, but usually with the ones [recruiters] hear they need to get the barn boots out," Brady said. "The trick is to describe some kind of weakness that's really a camouflaged strength."
Send your tips and gripes to johnsonca@washpost.com. Join Carrie today at 11 a.m. at WashingtonJobs.com at www.washingtonpost.com for an hour-long chat about technology work.
