The information technology sector is huge, but it’s still growing in size and importance. There are plenty of IT jobs out there, but only a few are the special type of job that dozens of IT professionals are vying for. If you have your heart set on becoming an IT or security manager, consider the following tips for landing your dream job.
Work On Your People Skills
Many people interested in information technology are primarily focused on developing their technical skills. While these types of skills are a must when you go in for a job interview, people skills are often overlooked but just as important. To truly rise above the competition and stay memorable in the hiring manager’s mind, you’ll need to possess excellent people skills. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, watch practice interviews on YouTube and then run through some potential interview questions with a friend.
Network Whenever Possible
IT jobs are easy to find, but high-paying jobs with good companies might be a bit more difficult to secure. To improve your chances of finding a great job, network with others whenever possible. Job networking sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor are helpful, but it’s often advised to show up in person to tech networking events in your area. While it can be beneficial to network with your friends and coworkers online, it’s even better to meet new people in your area that might be able to help you out later down the road.
Further Your Education
The IT field is competitive, and you might need to specialize in order to land the highest paying job. Cyber security is gaining more attention and becoming increasingly important as IoT companies seek to find ways to safely store their customers’ data. If you’re interested in going back to school to increase your level of education, consider opting for a cyber security masters degree. Earning your master’s degree can make a big impact on your pay grade and the types of jobs that you’re able to land interviews for, so it’s advised for serious IT professionals to achieve high levels of education.
Work On IT Projects
Many tech companies are known for having a challenging interview process with an on-the-spot problem-solving session. To ensure that you’re ready for the challenge, start working on IT projects on your own time, like building a website or setting up and managing a network at your home. In addition to keeping your GitHub and personal website up to date, you’ll need to be able to thoroughly explain your methods and thought process.
Polish Your Resume
When you’re on the hunt for a new job, it’s vital to have a resume that accurately showcases your talents and work history. Many IT professionals find that it’s difficult to describe their abilities in an eye-catching way, so if you think you could use a little help creating the perfect resume, consider consulting with a resume writing service. It’s always helpful to put your best foot forward when sending out job applications, and a polished resume can have a big impact on how many call backs for interviews you receive.
Monitor Your Social Media Accounts
As an IT specialist, you likely already know that you need to watch what you post on social media. Most employers take a look at any accounts of yours that they can find, and they’ll want to ensure that you’re well written and responsible. If you have easily recognizable social media accounts that use your first and last name, take a bit of time before you start sending out applications to do a social media sweep to make sure that everything looks okay for a potential new manager to see.
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