IT is the ‘it’ job field of the moment

The ‘it’ job field of the moment is, well, IT.

According to a recent survey, IT-related hiring continues to see steady growth in 2015. Although the demand in this particular job market is promising, this also means the competition for these coveted positions is fierce.

With the influx of jobs centered on technology come new expectations for job candidates. The headline here is that interviewers aren’t just looking to fill a position, they’re looking to add an employee who can help their business grow, so you need to make sure you stand out in a sea of resumes.

As an IT talent adviser, I can personally tell you that social media is an integral tool in the recruiting and hiring process. Twitter and LinkedIn are perfect venues for IT professionals to share their thoughts on up-and-coming technology, projects they’re currently working on and for connecting with other professionals and thought leaders in the field. Though the platforms are great for showcasing your professional accomplishments and interests, be mindful of what you share because it’s public content for recruiters or others in your field to see.

As you’re looking, try to broaden your search and consider some non-traditional technology companies as you’ll be surprised by the number of jobs there are outside of the “tech” industry. For example, Progressive is mainly recognized for our work in the insurance industry but if you look a little deeper, you’ll see we’re also a hub for technology; from our Snapshot program with more than 12 billion miles of data to our mobile apps; and the evolution of our Business Innovation Garage, jobs in IT are almost everywhere.

Once you land the interview, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, do your research on the company, both historically, as well as current projects they’re involved in or new clients with which they’re working. Showing how your passion and talents can help the company move forward with a certain project sets you apart from other applicants.

Try to weave in a few examples that highlight your project management skills or innovative ideas, while being mindful of the interviewer’s time. Practicing what you want to focus on ahead of time will help you be clear and succinct.

It’s also a good idea to do some background research on each of your interviewers. If you’re speaking with a data analyst, be prepared to talk big data. On the flipside, if you’re speaking with a human resources manager, keep things high-level. He/she won’t have a firm grasp on many of the IT terms you may use on a daily basis. Their role is to make sure you will fit in well with the culture of the organization.

Lastly, in years past, IT professionals would have typically worked alone; now, businesses almost always have multiple IT staff members on-site. At Progressive, tech teams can consist of up to 20 team members! Showing off your personality and demonstrating your “soft skills” in a team setting can be the big differentiator between you and the candidate who is interviewed next. The horizon is bright for those in the tech sector, just take the time to practice and prepare before interviews so you can put your best foot forward.

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20150406/BLOGS05/150339957/it-is-the-it-job-field-of-the-moment