You know the story: Technologists have to work hard to keep their skills relevant and tech companies have to build strong brands to entice the best talent.

Polly Pearson, vice president of employment brand and strategy engagement at EMC, understands that all too well. She has worked closely with executives there to help build the company's employment brand, and writes extensively on her blog about what you can do to build your own reputation, stay relevant, and make yourself more attractive to employers. Staff writer Sonia Lelii sat down with Polly to ask her a few key questions:

How can IT people build their brand?

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIpb3QJfq60&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

What can set you apart during a job interview?

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEAMYjfjCOI&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

How important are soft skills?

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGtmCvcgfYw&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

-- Sonia R. Lelii