The IT job market isn’t exactly thriving, but there are definitely encouraging signs of improvement, a welcome relief after many scary months in which sweeping layoffs in the tech industry made headlines. It seems appropriate to share some tips for those who might be seeking new IT opportunities. Our Ann All compiled this list of helpful job hunting tips for IT pros who are out there looking for new opportunities, or just for a paycheck. Every job can’t be a dream job, after all. Be sure to check out Ann’s post for even more advice.
Also be sure to check out our recent slideshows, based on research by Dice.com, about the hottest IT job skills and job markets in the U.S. And while you are at it, be sure to check out our own job board for openings in your area.
Click through for 10 tips to help you land that IT job in today’s tough market.
Instead of e-mailing out lots of resumes, focus on making phone calls to companies that could use your skills. If you do send resumes, consider using snail mail. Those resumes may have a better chance of standing out since not many are submitted that way, says recruiting specialist Dr. Tony Beshara, owner of Babich & Associates.
When you call a company, try to connect directly with the CIO or CTO rather than the human resources department. Online research may yield a name. If not, call accounts receivable. Say, ‘I’m sorry I got you by accident. Do you know who is in charge of IT?’ suggests recruiting specialist Dr. Tony Behara, owner of Babich & Associates.
Develop a compelling ‘elevator pitch,’ a short description of what you can offer a potential employer, to use when leaving voice mail.
Another way of getting your resume directly to a relevant technology executive at a company you’re interested in: Connect with a colleague, friend or other acquaintance through a professional organization and ask if they’d be willing to forward your resume to the exec.
Don’t forget social media. Mention your job search on social networking sites and Twitter so folks know you are looking for a position. (DON’T do this, of course, if you are currently employed and don’t want your employer to know!) Become a fan on your desired employer’s Facebook page and/or its Twitter feed, and engage with the company there.
Develop a short list of staffing agencies by visiting job boards and seeing which agencies are advertising jobs of interest, checking out the agencies’ Web sites and consulting online reviews. An agency that specializes in IT placements may better understand your skills. Within an agency, try to find individual recruiters that specialize in your skill sets.
Increase the pool of potential opportunities by being willing to relocate. Focus on areas not hit as hard as others during the recent recession.
Expand your search to include temporary or part-time positions, especially ones in which you can acquire new skills and/or those that could turn into full-time employment. It’s also a great way to obtain new references.
Don’t be afraid to revisit companies where you’ve applied previously. Those companies may now have positions better suited to your skills.
If you score an interview, tell stories about your successes. Have a handful of two-minute stories ready, suggests recruiting specialist Dr. Tony Behara, owner of Babich & Associates, because they really make an impression on interviewers. Ask relevant questions. And go ahead and ask for the job.
