MindSolve 2003 Kickoff Meeting

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Dan BoccabellaGeneral Manager and CTOMindSolve
Technologieshttp//www.mindsolve.com
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agenda

• Background
• MindSolve Overview
• Getting a Job
• Gaining Experience
• Job Search Tips Traps
• Successful Interviewing

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my background

• Move from Aeronautical Engineering to ISE
• Combined BSISE/MBA Program
• Extensive work experience
• Internships with large (Exxon) and small company
• Deciding between a Fortune 500 company and a
  startup

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about mindsolve

• Started out as company developing software for
  the meeting and hospitality industry (Blade
  Software, Inc.)
• Expanded to more general consulting company. One
  of our consulting projects (Performance
  Appraisal) produced many sales inquiries from a
  variety of companies.
• Formed MindSolve in 1997 to commercialize Human
  Resources product software product line.

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what we do

• MindSolves human resource software is used to
  assess and develop employees.
• High-end enterprise product line can be
  purchased for on-site install or outsourced via
  our web-based service bureau
• Diverse client base
• Small, mid-size, and large companies
• Private, public, and non-profit business
• Industry-neutral service pharmaceuticals,
  manufacturing, consulting, gaming, healthcare,
  financial services, etc.
• End users in over 50 countries
• Only assessment process awarded a US Patent
  (5926794)

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mindsolve growth

• Sustained growth (over 250 growth over the last
  in three years)

while tech stock prices (Nasdaq) have declined
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Bucking the industry trend!
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MVP features

• MindSolve Visual Performance
• includes. .
• Individual Performance Reviews
• Setting/Tracking Performance Goals
• Performance Logging
• Development Planning
• Ad-hoc Multi-Source (360 Degree) Feedback
• Salary Planning
• Multi-Language Support
• More . . .

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the industrys easiest, fastest
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higher data quality
Always 5 Frequently 4 Sometimes
3 Rarely 2 Never 1
Instead of restricting feedback to just a few
choices, MVP allows employees to rate ANYWHERE
along the scale bar, even in between behavioral
anchors.
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higher data quality
Typical 5-point scale most people get rated 4
Numerical and Likert scale assessments produce
data that dont differentiate
Actual client results much wider distribution
MindSolves non-restrictive ratingsbetter
differentiate performance levels
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comment assistant
Comment assistant includes suggested comments as
well as performance log entries.
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on-line resource library
Each icon represents a different type of resource.
Detailed, categorized action item suggestions for
both employees and supervisors.
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multi-language support
Support for European and Asian languages.
MindSolve can provide translations or clients can
enter them via the administrator software
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corporate flexibility

• Much of MindSolves success has to do with its
  ability to respond to industry trends by
  continually reinvent itself.
• Transition from custom development projects to
  mature product lne
• Move from Windows to the web
• Transitioning from in-house applications to the
  ASP model

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industry outsourcing trends
About 90 of CFOs report outsourcing nonessential
business operations to specialized companies.
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MindSolves outsourcing trend
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gaining experience

• Volunteer your time to area companies /
  university departments
• Projects for yourself and your friends
• Secure a full-time internship
• Even non-engineering-related work experience is
  valuable
• Shows work ethic, dependability
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize (work and
  school)
• Helps put GPA in context

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standing out in the crowd

• We usually get 50-100 resumes. We have to narrow
  the pool of applicants to the very best before we
  start calling people back or inviting them for
  interviews.
• How to get the recruiter's attention
• Include a personalized cover letter explaining
  why you are a match for that specific company
• Be persistent follow up via phone, e-mail, etc.

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resume tips

• Tips
• Make sure the resume is of appropriate length
  most undergrad resumes should not be longer than
  one page
• Include all work experience (even if
  non-engineering related)
• Have multiple people read and proof A single
  spelling or grammatical error can disqualify an
  applicant

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resume tips

• Tips
• Prefix name with Mr. or Mrs. if gender cannot be
  easily determines from first name
• Include PAR statements (Problem-Action-Results)
  where possible
• Links to personal websites showing your
  creativity are a plus considering a separate
  URL and e-mail address for professional
  correspondence

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resume traps

• Traps
• Do not enumerate every buzzword / technology you
  have ever heard of, focus on your strengths
• Do not sell the company you worked for, sell
  yourself
• Be specific about job / project responsibilities
  and accomplishments
• If you dont have a lot of work experience, focus
  on your ability to learn
• Dont hide GPA (we assume the worst)

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interviewing basics

• Arrive on time - Do not show up late or 30
  minutes early, arrive 10-15 minutes before
  scheduled time
• Many interviews are decided in the first 10
  minutes
• Dress to Impress It is much better to be
  overdressed for an interview than to appear
  unprofessional
• Be prepared to explain exactly what your
  contribution was on a school project or previous
  job

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IT-specific tips

• Demonstrate sample programs, websites,
  applications
• Bring source code samples even if from hobbies
  or work done for friends
• Differentiate yourself from the DIS /
  non-engineering applicants
• Apply via correct channels
• When an e-mail address or website is provided,
  apply electronically
• Do not fax or snail mail resume unless in
  addition to electronic application

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