Facing the IT Job Market

With the economy and job market still down in the dumps – though hopefully getting better next year, IT folks have been hurt like everyone else. Maybe you've been laid off, or are afraid of losing your job next year. Or perhaps your salary has stagnated or you're putting in long days and weekends because others in your group have lost their jobs.

 

I know a few colleagues who have lost their jobs or are eyeing a layoff next year. What can you do to keep your career afloat and make ends meet in this job market? Here are just a few thoughts and ideas that may help some of you in this situation.

 

1. This may be an obvious piece of advice for most IT folks, but always worth mentioning. Social networking sites are the new way of finding career and business opportunities. Sites like Facebook and especially LinkedIn offer you a way to stay in touch with colleagues, establish new relationships, and stay abreast of jobs and other developments in your industry.

 

Check out other aspects of LinkedIn that perhaps you haven't tried yet. The site offers you the ability to join different virtual groups, many geared toward your industry. LinkedIn also provides a job board. Though it typically doesn't display as many opportunities as you'd find on dedicated job sites, it's still worth viewing.

 

Reach out to your friends and colleagues. Let them know you're looking for good opportunities. Of course, if you still have a job and are searching for a new position, you'll want to be discrete about this.

 

If you haven't already done so, now would be a good time to beef up your LinkedIn profile. Treat your profile like a more dynamic and evolving version of your resume. Talk about your past jobs, your skills, your experience, but in a way that's more personal and vibrant than perhaps your resume conveys.

 

2. Go beyond the traditional job boards. Sites like Monster.com and Dice.com (News - Alert) used to be the go-to online places for digging up the latest job listings. But since then, other sites have arisen. I've seen many terrific opportunities on Craigslist, for example. Aggregator job sites like Indeed.com and Smuz.com collect jobs from a variety of different sources. Check out other unique types of sites. Jobs in Pods combines podcasts with job opportunities from different companies.

 

3. Think about your other skills. Many IT people tend to be specialists in certain areas. That can be helpful when competing for a job in that specific area. But if no jobs are available, you need to expand your horizons. Review your entire career. You're more than just your last job.

 

4. Consider part-time work. Whether you're currently unemployed or just having trouble making ends meet, a part-time opportunity may help. And I don't mean working at the corner drugstore. I'm talking about something that takes advantage of your knowledge and skills. Teaching is one example that comes to mind, since it's something I do on the side. I teach for different Continuing Ed programs at local schools. It's a great way to pick up extra cash doing something I enjoy.

 

Adult Ed programs are always looking for skilled computer professionals to teach the latest software. Think about all the applications you may know, everything from Microsoft (News - Alert) Office to Adobe Creative Suite. Also think about the technologies you use—social networking sites, smartphones, digital photography. I've taught classes on Windows and Microsoft Office. I teach one class on Web design and another on social networking. And next semester, I'll be teaching a class on how to use the iPhone (News - Alert).

 

Don't worry if you've never taught in a classroom before. You may already have the knack for it just from time you've spent in user support. I think most IT folks have a natural tendency to want to help people with technology. Take those natural IT instincts and apply them to a classroom setting. You may even find you enjoy it.

 

5. And finally, stay optimistic. Most analysts predict better times ahead for the economy and eventually the job market next year. If you can ride out any financial downturn for now, you should find better prospects in 2010.