Do you know where your resume has been submitted during a job search, and by whom? By tracking your prospects, you present yourself as professional and organized. Most clients work with several different staffing firms. If more than one firm submits the same candidate to a job, some clients will disregard the candidate's application altogether. The candidate appears to be desperate or uninformed with regard to what is happening with his or her job search.

When talking with a recruiter regarding a position, in addition to the standard information: the recruiter's name, phone number and the staffing firm, always ask the recruiter for

• The client name.
• The specific job description.
• The client job number (or other identifier).

It is best to work with recruiters you trust and who will tell you to which client and job they are submitting your resume. AESI believes in always contacting a consultant first to discuss a specific job and receive authorization to submit the resume. With this information, if another recruiter calls you with what sounds like the same job, you can easily verify. You will not needlessly eliminate opportunities and demonstrate professional conduct to potential employers.

As a participant in the "high-tech" world, survival depends on keeping ahead of the technology curve. One means to survival is continuous education. If you do not develop your skills, you're sunk.

At this point, 1999, let the experts handle the Y2k problem. It's too late to get on board that train. What areas would be wise to invest in? Some of the hot fields include Object Oriented Development, Database Technology, E-Commerce, Client Server Technology and Smart Card Technology. Specific tools to get under your belt would be:

• C++ and Visual C++
• Rational Rose
• SAP
• Oracle
• DCOM/COM
• Corba
• Analog Input
• Firewall technology
• Front Page
• Cold Fusion
• ISS
• Java

So, dust off your brain. You've chosen a fast-paced industry. Start your engines.

Working with AESI can be a hassle-free experience. Here are some tips to assist you in getting the dream placement.

• Send us your resume first- The most efficient method is to email an MS Word file. Resumes can also be received as text in the body of an email message, by mail, and by fax. AESI will not submit resumes for positions without prior approval.
• Check web site for current openings- The AESI web site, www.aesi.com, is updated twice weekly with the current openings. Be sure to reference the job requisition number.
• Prepare references- AESI will contact references before submitting a candidate. References provide anecdotal information that can be used to sell a candidate to potential employers. Be sure to notify your references.

AESI is changing the newsletter format to better meet your needs. The newsletter will now be published in two forms: one targeted to meet client needs and another to meet candidate and employee needs.