Digital density is disrupting every industry and sector. From taxis to telecoms, retail to recruitment, manufacturing to mobile – the pace of change is accelerating. There has never been a better time to be working in a technology oriented career.
A whopping 99 percent of all jobs (yes, you read that right: of ALL jobs) now require some degree of tech savvy. And with an estimated range of 30 to 50 billion smart devices projected to be connected to the Internet around the world by 2020, the Internet of Everything (IoE) is set to change the playing field for as far as we can see. The era of digitization is here, which means job opportunities as a techie are growing.
We have put together five fundamental tips to help you chart your own course through the complex process of searching for a job.
One: Gain Knowledge.
It is basic, right?
All tech companies, from the social media behemoths to the smallest startups look for really solid technical skills in their engineers. Whether you are self-taught or formally educated with certificates, you will need a rock-steady foundation to build whatever it is they need: from networks to reliable software at scale.
That means mastering the technology skills needed. And keeping pace with innovation by ensuring that your knowledge and know-how are always up to date.
Two: Manage your Digital Reputation
Most tech companies (and non-tech companies) will use technology to thoroughly research their candidates and future employees.
If you blog or tweet about your experiences, passions, and hobbies then it is likely that a top search engine or social media recruiter will know. Which is why it is important to also share your passion about networking, VoIP, Java, etc. Recruiters and hiring managers can catch a glimpse of your interests through your social media presence, whether it is soccer, opera, scuba-diving, or volunteering. Whatever it is that you feel passionate about – and that tells the deeper story of you – share the love. Be passionate. And stand out that little bit further from the crowd.
While it is important to be passionate, it is even more vital to be professional online. Even if you think it is private, once something is posted on the Internet is there for everyone to see. Be sure you do not hamper your chances of being employed because of what you share on the Internet.
Three: Be Ready Always
Be ready for that interview at any time, any place, anywhere. Tech companies need to recruit talent fast and they tend to be dynamic recruiters at career fairs for instance. So if you happen to find yourself at a recruitment event, have your resume ready – and come psychologically equipped to ace that interview on the spot. Every interaction you have with the company counts, from the gentlemen who schedules your interview to the lady representative at the university career event.
Always be prepared; know your elevator pitch – a succinct summary of why you should be hired by a company, spoken within 20 to 30 seconds.
Four: Know Your Target
It is important to do your research about prospective employers, industry trends, and latest technological developments. You do not need to know everything, but it is important to be aware of basics.
Twitter is a great resource for information, and knowing what the hot topics are in your industry. Know about the companies you have applied to and the industry.
Human Resources specialists tell incredible stories about job candidates who come to interview without the slightest idea about their prospective employer. The message you send if you do not do your homework before you sit down to ask for a job—is that you are not interested in them. So why then should they be interested in you? Tech companies, big or small, are no different.
Five: Stay Curious
Wherever you secure that first interview, you would do well to come armed with a few questions of your own. Recruiters will be on the lookout for proactivity, curiosity, and self-esteem in potential employees.
Interviews and conversations with future employers are two-way streets. Asking intelligent, thoughtful questions are your chance to find out more about the role while also impressing the recruiter or hiring manager.
Of course, once you have aced that interview and scored the ideal job, you will need to continue honing these – and other – skills and attitudes to ensure your career stays well on track.
Keep on learning and you will keep on succeeding.
