So You're Looking for a Job?

If you are unemployed, and looking for a job, you probably have a little down time in between searches and interviews. While you are waiting for that call offering you the tech job of your dreams, use the downtime to refresh any rusty your tech skills, or better yet, learn something new to add to your skill set. Go online and download some free tools and software, and delve into something new and challenging, or work through some online tutorials. Spend some time working on things that can sharpen your skills, and that can be listed as accomplishments on your resume or portfolio. These type of things can also be good to show your future employer that you have the passion and desire to learn and stretch your skills into new areas.

If you have not already done so, update your resume. It is always good, even while you are working, to keep your resume up-to-date. After you have completed some task worth recording, immediately add it to your resume, so you won't forget about it later when the time arises to use your resume.

While it is important to keep the resume targeted to the job you seek, it is also important to list other non-technical skills: leadership skills, strong strategic thinking skills, etc. Market yourself by adding some focus on your former responsibilities and major accomplishments, and not just your previous roles. Show how all of your skills can benefit a potential employer, and be sure to bring out the accomplishments and strengths in more detail at the interview.

Use social media outlets like Twitter and LinkedIn to their full extend. Stay active, join LinkedIn groups like Tech Recruiters, etc. and look for conversations in the social media world that might give insights and opportunities to locate job openings. Do some research, ask questions, talk with people who are active in the field you are seeking. Find out what the most recent technology is, and what areas of technology the companies are looking to expand into. Find out some of the daily skills that are the most common, and these things will help you both boost the targeting of your resume, but will also aid in knowing some of the skills to highlight in the interview.

If you are currently in school, don't wait till the you're done to begin applying for positions. Some employers are looking for recruits months in advance. Start getting your name and availability out there, so when the time comes to actually graduate, you can have a jump start on landing a quick career.

These are just a few of the things you can do now to assist in finding that tech job of your dreams.

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, mail order book store manager, and an avid musician who is active in two local bands. He is also a lover of books, having a large personal library and squeezes in as much reading as often as he can. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Education Jobsite blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.