Getting ahead in IT

“If you wish in this world to advance,

Your merits you’re bound to enhance;

You must stir and stump it,

And blow your own trumpet,

Or, trust me, you haven’t a chance.”

W.S. Gilbert - Ruddigore

OK, so its not the best start to an article, but what better way to get ahead in IT than to ‘blow your own trumpet.’  Simple it may seem, but is it? Having made the decision to move and further your IT career, many people find getting the desired job difficult and challenging. Perhaps it is the pigeon holed position you have been in for the last number of years, or your laid back attitude or your difficulty with communicating and selling yourself to people you don’t know.  It’s not all lost however!

Lets begin with your potential employer, or yes the ugly interviewer. Some of you might find him/her intimidating so the old advice of thinking about them in their underwear might work – but lets not dwell on that! More importantly, what is it they are actually looking for? 

Two things; firstly can you do the job?  They wonder about the competencies, skills and technical ability you have as a candidate and your match with the requirements for success in the position. 

Secondly, will you as an employee ‘fit’ into the culture of the organisation? Square peg and round hole springs to mind.  They are trying to uncover if your pattern of motivation and style fit with their organisation.  They are picturing you in the role, working with the rest of the team or clients on projects and wondering if this guy/gal will fit in.

So where is this all going?  Well for you to get ahead you need to think not only of yourself but your new employer as well (forget the underwear!)  There are a few basic but simple things below to help you get ahead:

Think ahead

Think now about your future jobs. Scary, I know! Experience is your best selling quality.  Demonstrating that you have worked on different projects and in a range of different areas is a key selling point to any future employer.  You need to take stock of your experience to date. You also need to avoid being pinned to slow moving, dead end projects in the future. 

If you are already in this type of situation, begin thinking of other areas you can get involved in: projects you can work on, publishing articles in IT magazines, research, joining societies or groups e.g. The Irish Computer Society (ICS). 

Also networking is always good. Like it or hate it, it simply involves developing contacts within and outside your company.  At all times you are trying to maximise your exposure to others – start selling yourself!

Your calling card

If you are going for a job, your CV is your potential new employers first view of you.  It is your calling card and your potential door opener.  It needs to be clear, concise, functional and chronological.  Ensure that only relevant information is on it i.e. that part-time kitchen-hand job from 12 years ago is probably not relevant any more!

While generic CVs are good, it is important to tailor your CV to the job you are applying for.  This is simply prioritising your qualities and experience.  Potential employers need to find the information about you easily. Can they clearly see, you can do the job and will fit in with the organisation?

Be prepared

Preparation, preparation, preparation! It is important that you prepare for each and every interview you attend.  Preparation means reviewing the CV that you sent; remember you tailored it? You should look at the job specification and pick out the key points that could be asked.  Research the organisation and know the ins and outs of their operations, products, services etc.  Have examples prepared particularly for the specific competencies they were looking for e.g. team work, customer service, problem solving.  Be able to talk confidently about your technical expertise and how you have applied it to different projects.     

Your appearance

Ok, so you might not have worn a suit or skirt to work for the last 5 years, but the day of the interview you need to make an effort.  Making it to the interview stage means that you are in as good a position to get the job as the candidate after or before you.  By making an effort you are showing your potential new employer that you are interested and serious about the role.

The interview

On the day, give yourself plenty of time to arrive early.  The red puffy and panting face doesn’t look great! Plus it will give you time to get your head together.  Good eye contact during the interview shows confidence.  Answer all questions positively using examples where possible.  Be honest, if you don’t know something, tell them so, but make it clear that you are always willing to learn. If there is water available use it – for thirst, yes, but also if you need to think of an answer it gives you a few seconds of a breather.  Remember they are looking to see if you are the right fit – you need to come across positive, motivated, experienced and enthusiastic.  At the end of the interview, whether it went good or bad, keep the head held high, smile and shake hands with each interviewer.

Feedback

Finally, if you get the job great!  If not, seek feedback from the organisation/recruitment agency on how you got on and why it didn’t go your way.  Take this constructive feedback and use it for the next job application or interview.  This is all about learning.  Getting ahead in IT is not only about your technical expertise but also about selling you as a person. You need to know why they didn’t buy the product. 

Always remember, an employer is looking to invest – would you invest in something that you think is unproductive or not going to give a good return? Exactly! Blow your trumpet, but blow it well!

Keith McCarthy is a Senior Consultant with SHRC limited, an Irish owned management consultancy established in April 2001. www.SHRC.ie

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