Getting Back into the IT Game
Posted September 18th, 2013
Time does not run the same in the IT industry as it does in other industries. Therefore, taking a year (or two) off from your career in IT can be professional lifetime. Companies release new products, update products with newer versions and phase out product lines.
The economy makes an impact as well, because as it changes, so do company goals. Departments get outsourced, companies change directions, industries become obsolete. Therefore, the world that you are trying to reenter may be very different from the one you left. To successfully reenter this world, consider taking these five steps:
Step 1: Research and Personal Skills Assessment
Ok, these are two steps, but they should be done concurrently. Research the specific job you want and determine what technologies are used in that job. Compare your own skills and technical knowledge to what is required. Look for gaps.
Step 2: Skill Enhancement
There will probably be gaps, so develop and execute a plan to enhance your skill set. This is sometimes easier said than done, so you might need to get creative. For example, leverage free evaluation copies of the needed software. The functionality may not be as robust, and there will be an expiration date, but these copies work well for educational purposes. Instructional videos are also a good choice and can be found on almost every topic.
Step 3: Update your resume
Don’t overlook the power of a well written resume. Seek professional help and/or help from a friend in a management role who could give you suggestions based on the resumes flowing to and from him.
Step 4: Build professional brand
In many respects, restarting your IT career is like starting your IT career. You need to look for each and every opportunity to get your name out in the marketplace in a positive manner. Attend local technology meetings, become active of LinkedIn groups specifically related to your expertise. It takes both offline and online networking to build your professional brand.
Step 5: Do informational interviews
Find people in your field at companies where you would like to work and ask to meet them in order to both learn and network. Do not expect to be hired during these interviews. Just like the name implies, they should be for informational use only. Whereas, many of us have heard of that one person who received a job offer during an informational interview, the truth is that walking in with this expectation will hurt your credibility with the person you are speaking with. If there is a job opportunity, you will be told about it if there is interest.
If you are looking to reenter the IT industry, Bayside Solutions can help. Temporary staffing can be a great solution, allowing qualified applicants to work within several of the top IT firms in the Bay Area. If you are looking for employment agencies in Pleasanton CA, contact Bayside Solutions today.
