How to Send Large Files, But Not as Attachments

As you mostly know by now, the major Webmail providers limit your attachments to 25 MB, and many corporate email servers have much lower limits because they don't want their servers bogged down with attachments. To get around this problem, a number of file sending service providers have been created. Instead of using an attachment, they send a link in your email that connects you to their service, where you can download the file outside of your email stream. Each of the service providers have different limits of their own when it comes to how big a file that they can handle. With Zipsend, you have to upgrade to their paid ($50 a year) Pro version to be able to send up to a 2 GB file. This is the same price point and size that YouSendIt.com offers for their plan, which is no coincidence since Zipsend is an OEM of YouSendIt. Two GBs For Free But there are two free services that can handle up to 2 GB files: Sendthisfile.com and Dropsend.com. If you don't send big files often, it might be worth using one of these services. So why bother with Zipsend? Well, if you want to use the cloud completely for your file transfers, there are limitations on the browser in terms of how big a file it can upload and download. Most Web browsers restrict file uploads at 2GB. And IE8 restricts file downloads to 4GB, while the restriction in Firefox is for files smaller than 4GB. For the biggest files, you need special client software to do the transfers. SendThisFile has one, as does Zipsend, but both are only available for Windows clients. The Zipsend client is actually WinZip, which may be a reason to go with their service if that is a utility that you use frequently. YouSendIt and Dropbox.com both have Mac versions, and the latter can upload as big a file to their cloud drive as you have storage capacity to take it on, provided you use their desktop client. And if you are looking for another service for particularly large files, you might want to check out TrendMicro's SafeSync. Like Dropbox, SafeSync can store a file as big as your storage bucket allows.

How To Ace Your Technical Interview

Job candidates have clear expectations about the work that needs to be done during the job search to ensure success. They define their career goals. Resumes are updated. Interview skills are sharpened. Yet, as a recruiter who helps job seekers find software engineering positions, I see job candidates pay too little attention to one particular aspect of the job search: the technical interview. The technical interview is an opportunity for employers to put your hard-earned skills to the test. Technical interview questions can range across disciplines and include puzzles, problems and other questions designed to make you think hard on the spot. In my experience, job candidates find technical interviews extremely time consuming and stressful. And, to be honest, many job candidates struggle through the first few technical interviews and reduce their chances of landing what may be a great job. These nine keys to success can help you when faced with a technical interview. 1. Wear What’s Right The tech industry has a unique culture, one that is in stark contrast to other fields. The majority of technology companies are very relaxed, casual, and creative. They also favor personality and fit over snappy dress. When going for the technical interview, I tell my candidates to be clean, neat and presentable – buttoned down shirt, pressed pants and clean shoes. That being said, I do not suggest suits, and ties or jackets are optional as some companies may think you are conservative (and not a good culture fit). Overall, you need to feel comfortable and relaxed as the interview process can be stressful enough. 2. Don’t Wing It The activities that occur in most technical interviews are not practiced every day. Skills become rusty, especially if they’re ones that are different than what you do on the job. Some people decide to ignore this rust and just wing it, but this is a recipe for disaster. Practice and preparation are essential, and your recruiter should serve as your coach and guide. If not, you may need a new recruiter. 3. Communicate Effectively Communication is key in the technical interview. Interviewers don’t know your skill set unless you make it clear through your answers. Don’t leave the interviewers with any doubts about how skilled you really are, and avoid evasive or incomplete answers. Follow up with a “Did that answer your question?” to ensure you are on the same page with the interviewer. Ask good questions throughout the interview to engage with the interviewer. Work hard with your recruitment advisor, so you can be sure to ask the best questions. 4. Sharpen Your Technical Skills Many job candidates find their information and skills aren’t fresh enough for employers. Companies assess skills in a different way now, and they expect job candidates to evolve along with the market. Job candidates need to have a technical toolbox that suits the market and can get them through a rigorous technical interview. 5. Bone Up on the Fundamentals Make sure you review the fundamentals and computer science basics. Review core concepts and theories that are essential to good practice. The interview process is designed to gauge your technical and problem-solving skills, so take the time to refresh yourself on concepts and theories. 6. Try Brain Teasers Run through some brain teasers and logic problems in advance of your interview, as you may be asked to do one. These challenges are given as a way to assess how you think and work through a problem. Oftentimes, the solution is not the main goal; they are looking for skills such as confidence, tenacity, and persistence. Websites like CodingHorror, GrokCode, and ProgrammerPuzzlers offer free online puzzles for technical practice. 7. Work with the Interview Team Interviewers also screen your ability to interact and communicate in a team setting. Be sure to connect with the interviewer and work with them to show that you have adequate team skills. You want to remain confident and calm even if frustrated or defeated, so it’s best to keep composed and positive. 8. Know Your Close It is important to close the interview properly before you part ways with the interviewer. You want to express your level of interest in the job, so this is your chance to say how you feel about the position and your experience. Ask key follow-up questions to understand next steps, the process and the timeframe. 9. Continue to Create a Positive Impression The interview process is still about creating strong, positive impressions. I encourage my candidates to send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Another good follow-up is to offer a solution to an unsolved problem you were given during the interview. This goes over very well and can potentially save you if you were off track in the interview because it demonstrates that you care enough to give it additional time and attention. It also allows the employer to evaluate more of your work. Technical interviews are a major challenge for job candidates searching for the best technology jobs. Too many job candidates treat them casually at the beginning of their job search. Winging it is a bad idea. Preparation is essential. Use your time to practice, learn to communicate effectively, and sharpen your technical skills.