A HiTech Q & A With Leo Da Silva, Management & Recruitment Specialist of Logitech Consultants Inc. & founder of HITECHBC.ca [Question] What is your view on the current state of the technology job market in BC? Is Hi-Tech Employment in a growth mode? [Answer] The Hi-Tech market in BC is in a growth state and there is a shortage of skilled talent to fill positions. Previously, where a company may have posted a position and received up to 100 applications - in today's market - they may receive approximately 10 applications. [Q] What advantages can Hi-Tech Professionals give themselves when looking for Hi-Tech opportunities in British Columbia? Besides the specific technology skills required to fill specific high-tech jobs, what do Hi-Tech companies look for in a candidate? [A] Progressive companies looking for Hi-Tech candidates recognize technology as a strategic advantage. They look for candidates that can quickly add value to their business, those who understand that technology must align with their strategic directions and are willing to think 'out of the traditional box' in order to provide them with this strategic advantage. [Q] What do Hi-Tech companies need to be doing to find top Hi-Tech professional Talent? [A] Due to the shortage of qualified candidates, companies need to market themselves as much as the candidates do. The day of companies just posting positions and expecting top candidates to come to them are gone. Companies need to network and market why top candidates should come work for their company. [Q] What advice would you give to candidates who are looking to progress their high-tech careers? [A] Network, network, network. Candidates need to make their presence known - make every effort to meet anyone and everyone. [Q] What advantages does HITECHBC.ca bring to the Hi-Tech Professionals and Hi-Tech Employers in British Columbia?. [A] We hope to fill a void in the employment process. There are traditional 'job boards' that do little or nothing to foster communications between employers and candidates. There is more than just posting jobs and hoping qualified candidates apply - we have to act as a catalyst to connect people. [Q] What is missing currently in the Hi-Tech industry in connecting Hi-Tech Professionals with Hi-Tech Professionals and Hi-Tech Employers? [A] We need more opportunities to network and market (both employers and candidates). One of the major reasons HITECHBC.ca is a sponsor of the Massive Technology Show is that it provides such a critical avenue for our Hi-Tech community to network with their peers, employers and industry leaders. About Leo Da Silva Leo Da Silva, Hi-Tech Management & Recruitment Specialist is the President and Principal Consultant of Logitech Consultants Inc. an Information Management and Technology consulting firm that has developed and is powering HITECHBC.ca, the exciting Hi-Tech initiative that connects Hi-Tech Professionals with top Hi-Tech Employers and Hi-Tech Recruitment Professionals in British Columbia. He has been featured in the media on Hi-Tech Management and Employment related topics. About Hitechbc.ca HITECHBC.ca is the Hi-Tech connection that allows Hi-Tech Professionals to connect with Hi-Tech Employers, Hi-Tech Recruitment Professionals and other Hi-Tech Professionals. Some of the features experienced on HITECHBC.ca are Hi-Tech Employment Opportunities, Hi-Tech Employer Features, Hi-Tech Professional Profiles and a Hi-Tech interactive discussion forum. The "HITECHBC.ca" Connection is www.hitechbc.ca.