Are you on the hunt for computer-related positions? Here are four pointers that could help you land that dream position.
1) Ask Around.
Whether you’ve been working at the same company for years, or have just graduated from college, chances are you have made some friends and acquaintances wherever you have been. These people are valuable resources, and they could be the portals to your first – or next – career path.
Put the word out there as much as possible that you are seeking employment in your field. You can post a message on Twitter, Facebook or professional sites like LinkedIn stating what you are looking for and your qualifications.
Talk to former professors and academic advisors, former colleagues, neighbors and even family members, because you never know who has a connection in the industry who is looking for just the skills you have to offer.
2) Get Yourself Prepped For Interviews.
Those who believe in positive energy and manifesting your dreams say that it is best to make yourself into what you want to be before you even have the opportunity in front of you.
In the professional realm this means: preparing for the interview, updating your resume so it is presentable and current, and getting a few professional pieces for your wardrobe that would correspond well with the job you desire. Having a couple of pairs of dress pants, button-down shirts and/or tasteful dresses can help you look the part when you go for future interviews.
3) Exhaust All Avenues in Your Search.
While you can find jobs in IT via employment websites and local newspapers, there are also ways to have access to jobs that might fly under the radar. Working with an IT staffing agency is one method that can be beneficial. They typically have a lot of different positions open at any given time, because they have relationships with many companies on a local (and sometimes even national or international) level. This means that you can be specific about the field and kinds of roles you are looking to take on.
Once you make a connection with a representative, he or she can be on the lookout for appointments that might fit your skills and experience level. It is almost like having a personal assistant in your professional corner.
4) Stay Flexible.
There are a lot of computer science jobs out there in the economy right now. If you get offered an opportunity – or discover one – that is not exactly what you are looking for, consider checking into it anyway. Sometimes even lower-level positions can be a foot in the door at a great company. Also, many businesses promote from within, so if you prove you are more than matched for your current post, you could get moved up quickly.
Every job has the potential to increase your experience level and expand your skillset, as well as your circle of contacts. You never know where the job of your dreams will come from, so it’s best to keep an open mind.
Carlos works in IT for a large corporation, but before he was hired at his current job, he sought the services of a staffing agency to help him find work and gain experience. He thinks these firms, as well as the other tips on this list, can help others in his field find the work they are looking for.
