The
tech
job market is tough and will continue to be so. Technological
changes
are a major cause of worker displacement, and changes in technology
affect
those in tech
jobs
faster than those in other fields. No other era has
seen such quantum leaps in paradigm-shifting technology in such short
periods
of time.
The
technical knowledge you have in the morning may be obsolete by evening.
In our
information-based era, new technology is blossoming and fading faster
than ever. The latest cars have more computerization than the Apollo 13
spacecraft, and the job of an auto mechanic can scarcely be termed
low-tech any
longer. In the manufacturing sector, jobs and processes have already
shifted to
countries where there is cheaper labor. In the knowledge sector, jobs
that can
be handled remotely have already become remote. Amidst the fast-paced
environment of the job market, relying simply on your technological
skills to
carry you through is no longer an effective career strategy.
Continually
updating your skill sets and developing other skills beyond your
arsenal of
technical abilities are essential today for a successful tech career.
The techie who keeps his or
her job is a survivor first and a techie second.
The best
worker is never laid off from his or her job. Corporations go to great
lengths, including offering training programs, to retain valuable
talent in technological jobs.
However, when your present technological skills are not adequate to
cope with
new technology in the field, your employer's decision to retain you
will not
depend on your technological skills. Your employer has to view you as
something
more than a simple techie, and it is up to you to make him or her see
that.
When employers are sure of the adaptive and results-oriented nature of
an
individual employee, his or her name is never going to be on the list
of
possible layoffs when there is an impending change in the work
environment.
Increase your value to your
employer.
- Work the
in-house network. Don't just be
the guy who's referred to for specific technical problems. Be
identified as a person who speaks the language of management.
- Make connections
with senior-level managers. Without
connecting with senior staff members, you will never come to know the
unwritten rules within a company and the industry. The knowledge and
information you gain from senior staff will help you make better
on-the-job decisions.
- Honor the time
of superiors and your commitments. Failing to keep
commitments and wasting the time of senior-level staff and superiors is
one of the easiest ways to lose credibility. On the other hand,
honoring their time and your commitments builds the credibility you
need to stay and progress in your career. Rather than looking for what
someone can do for you, look for what you can do for someone else.
- Volunteer for
projects that others are not ready to accept. More often than
not, the manager who makes the assignment knows which project most
employees will try to avoid. Your willingness to take the risk and help
out will stand you in good stead.
- Volunteer for
projects that span departments. Accomplishments
related to projects that span different departments help to build your
professional reputation.
- Focus on
accomplishments. Problems at
work are often generic across companies and industries. Today, more
emphasis is given to accomplishments on the job than to time spent in
the job. Exhibiting effectiveness in generic areas increases your value
both to your current and prospective employers.
- Ask for informal
evaluations from senior staff members and management. Having an
informal conversation with your manager about your work saves you from
unpleasant surprises. Open channels of communication reduce
misunderstandings and misjudgments.
- Don't be afraid
to blow your own horn. Being modest
about your accomplishments is not going to serve you well. Do not be
arrogant, but make sure everybody concerned is aware of your
bottom-line contributions to the company.
- Take every
opportunity to cross train. Select an area
of interest like marketing or sales within your company and cross train
yourself.
Remain
alert and develop yourself.
- Never be
complacent. Complacency
leads to inactivity, arrogance, and loss of sharpness.
- Keep yourself
ready for the eventuality of a job loss. Read the
changes in the wind and be prepared to respond efficiently when they
affect you adversely. Keep looking for better opportunities all the
time. Remember, it is always easier to negotiate with a prospective
employer while employed than it is to negotiate as an unemployed worker.
- Identify other
opportunities. Do not ignore
career options that are far from the beaten track. Continually assess
how your skills can fit into another position or another industry. Try
to identify opportunities outside your sphere of familiarity.
- Be prepared to
reorient your career objectives according to the market situation. Don't be
inflexible. If situations demand that you leave your comfort zone, do
so, and don't rule out relocation or a pay cut when there are better
future prospects.
- Never stop
learning. Take advantage
of all company offers of training seminars or tuition reimbursement. A
lot of people suddenly put a stop to their learning mode after
finishing their schooling. Do not end your education with your degree.
Above
all else, be confident that you can always find work. That's the manual
for job
survival.
- TechieCrossing
Technical Jobs
Article Source : http://fileblogs.com/index.php?page=author&author_name=Techie Crossing
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