Are You Skilled Enough to Land Today’s IT job?

The competition for jobs, particularly IT jobs, is fierce in this economy. Colleges are cranking out tech grads faster than Big Macs at McDonald’s. If you want to land a decent job in IT, you’ll need to be on your game—in everything from tech knowledge to organizational skills. Today’s employers want the complete package—not just tech geeks. Here’s what they’re looking for:

Can You Walk the Walk?

If you’re applying for a programming or database management post, you’ll need specialized training in the software and DB management tools the employer is using. Cloud computing is hot in infrastructure management, maintenance and support. More mobile devices and laptops, being able to sync data across multiple devices, and the virtual end of platform-specific software have pushed cloud computing into the forefront. It wouldn’t hurt to know jQuery, a JavaScript library that’s used for client-side scripting by IBM, Netflix, Microsoft and Google. You should also be tech savvy in HTML5, the web platform for today’s mobile web developer, enterprise guru or gamer. IT security is also gaining momentum as corporations seek to protect their mobile apps and cloud computing environments. Check out Mary K. Pratt’s 10 hot IT skills for 2013 in Computerworld.

Can You Talk the Talk?

Needless to say, you need to be able to communicate in any job, but IT people who spend most of their time in front of computer screens need to make sure they have good communication skills. In most IT jobs, you’ll be working in a team. Analysts and programmers need to convey what they know to upper management and in some cases, to end-users. So make sure your written and oral communication skills are up to the task. That includes listening, writing reports and giving oral presentations. Check out Robert Half’ Technology’s Listening skills are a must-have for today's IT staff for some insightful tips on listening.

Can You “Juggle Plates and Balls”

Can you work intensely on one job and then segue to another without missing a beat? In this fast moving, highly competitive economy, you’ll have to change priorities, meet new deadlines and shift gears on a day’s notice. All the more reason a diverse background in IT is so valued. You need to be a problem solver, a go-to person with skills honed from school and work experience. If you’re just out of school, work for several different companies at first to broaden your background, or get assigned to different divisions or groups within the same company, but always keep learning.

Are You Organized?

Project-based IT jobs have due dates and your employer will expect you to deliver results on time. Tasks and schedules won’t be allowed to slip and, in some cases, be moved up. This means you’ll have to organize your work schedule, to plan ahead for problems and roadblocks. You’ll also have to learn to document your progress and your solution to specific problems. Check out The Top 3 Must Have Soft Skills for IT Professionals Max Dubowy posted in OpenSesame.

Ready to leap into an IT career? Better be prepared with both tech and soft skills.

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