Looking for a job in the exciting world of Information Technology (IT)? You are in luck! According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for IT professionals is expected to grow by 12 percent over the next 10 years. Many jobs pay in the starting range of $40,000 to $100,000 annually, with great benefits and work environments, particularly as there are a shortage of specialists in many areas of IT.
If you are on the prowl for a new IT opportunity, here’s a checklist for finding a job:
- Put together a professional portfolio of your work in IT. Many employers not only want to get a resume from candidates, but they also want to see examples of work produced. Create an online portfolio that demonstrates this.
- Develop an outstanding resume and cover letter. Make this resume focused on your skills and achievements, and include details about the types of products and projects you’ve worked on.
- Get registered with an IT staffing agency in your area. The sooner you get on board with an IT staffing agency, the better. You can be placed in temporary assignments and on contracts that will enhance your skills and keep you active in the job market, while earning a paycheck.
- Stay connected with your peers in IT. Use social networking and local association networking to remain connected to others in the IT market. This can ensure you will be in the right place at the right time for new job leads.
- Ask your colleagues in IT to refer you to their companies. A large number of companies use employee referrals to staff upcoming jobs. Make sure your colleagues know you are interested and want to be referred directly for job opportunities.
- Attend local job fairs and events geared toward the IT industry. One never knows who they may bump into a local job fair or IT-related event. Make sure you prepare ahead of time with resumes ready to pass out to employers.
- Take on freelance and contract jobs in IT. Thanks to the Internet, there are a wide range of contract and freelance gigs available with companies around the world. Build your portfolio and earn a little extra cash by doing this on a regular basis.
- Reach out to local companies and offer your IT support. Nearly every company needs good IT people to help them maintain their processes. If you are good with people and know a lot about software and hardware, take the time to connect with local companies to see how you can help.
- Check in with your IT recruiter at the staffing agency frequently. Let the staffing agency know about your availability at least once a week. Sometimes last-minute assignments come in and when you call, you may be selected.
- Keep looking online daily for an IT job. There are many ways to search for a job in IT, so make this your full-time job until you find one. Online job boards, advertisement sites, and career networks post jobs all the time.
Check out our updated career portal for access to the latest IT jobs in your region.
