You may have found yourself having some difficulty finding that perfect information technology job. When you entered the field, you were optimistic because others around you landed jobs left and right. However, you have sent out resume’ after resume’ and you are still waiting on that call.
The positions are out there; you just have to make your skills shine above the rest.
Every day there are information technology jobs waiting to be filled, but why every IT professional isn’t employed is because there is an increased emphasis on “skills.” The companies that are hiring are seeking experienced individuals that have a specific set of skills and the skills demand is going to vary from employer-to-employer.
If your experience or skill set does not align with what information technology recruiters are looking for right now, it doesn’t mean that you are never going to work in the IT field. All you may need to do is confirm that you are doing everything you possibly can to give yourself the edge that you need in a highly competitive marketplace.
Here is a little advice to give you that boost and make yourself shine before the eyes of an IT recruiter:
- Make Your Resume’ Sparkle
You have most likely sent your resume out a dozen or more times, but you have to ask yourself if it is any good? Does it truly highlight your skills and your talents? Does it make you marketable? If you have employment gaps, does it clarify them? What are your achievements? All of this is relevant information.
One item that employers are specifically looking for in a resume’ is how the applicant solved a critical problem, saved an organization from headaches, and increased efficiency for past employers. Take the time to explain such situations when highlighting past job duties.
Use the top of the resume’ to highlight specific qualifications and accomplishments as they pertain to that employer’s needs. You may need to tweak your resume’ for each job you apply for so that you can answer that specific employer’s questions.
- Evaluate Your Credentials
You are an information technology professional, so you know the importance of having up-to-date certifications and skills. Despite how good your credentials are, you do need to make sure that yours are the best for the information technology positions you are applying for. If you don’t have the right qualifications and credentials, you may not get the first interview or a second interview.
To solve this problem use your existing professional network to learn about what credentials your peers have that has landed them lucrative information technology careers.
You may find that today’s firms are looking for IT professionals who understand the challenges that businesses are facing. They want their employees to harness big data, seize mobile opportunities, and embrace the rapidly changes in the technological world.
- Expand Your Network
You already have a network of IT professionals that you can consult with, but you can always expand it. There are online forums and resources that will inform you of the trends within the industry so that you can evolve with it. By evolving with the industry, you can sign up for continuing education, seminars, and other learning opportunities so that you can expand your skill set to include what employers are looking for.
Overall, having a great resume’, staying educated, and remaining in the loop by building a strong network can pay off for you when you apply for an IT position that you want.