Tips for finding your next job in IT.

I am in the process of looking for my next position. I am going to share some of the things I have been doing while in this process. I am present in the process. It helps to see the positives, and take action, to keep me grounded. So that I do not get lost in the defeated and failure mentality.

I have seen so many people in the IT field updating their status to "Available for work". They have so many emotions. Fear often drives their next move. How are they going to pay for things, feed their families, etc.?

It is important to have a positive focus. You have experience, you have abilities that not everyone has. You also are on a rollercoaster of emotions. Rejection is part of the process. Leaving the position, as well as not getting the call back for a new promising position, feels defeating.

Be aware of your emotions, you decide what emotion lands you, your next position. When fear is running as the primary fuel for your next position, so many things can happen. Burnout, feeling of failure, anger, resentment, fatigue, depression, etc. It can also lead to accepting any position to avoid that feeling of not having a job.

Take a breath. Do as much as you can, if you have a hard day. Rest and recoup. Get outside, focus on a tree, the sounds, the warmth of the sun.

Focusing on the “Problem” aka “No job” does not produce the results you need. There are steps you can take to help you resolve your problem. I will share some below. Also take time to think of other things, so that you do not go into a spiral of depression.

There was a time that I was new to IT. Just praying someone would share my post, make a connection, call me back! A lot has changed in the last 6 years. I wanted to share with others, things I have done along the way. That has just become part of my process. But was not something I knew right away!

I have had success throughout my career doing the following tips. I am confident that through my years of experience and building a network, I will find my next great opportunity!

Here are some tips to consider.

Consider the following as first steps, and as an investment into your future position. Doing this work as soon as you can, will allow the resources to work for you, even on the days you just cannot put another application in.

1.????Review your old Resume and consider what position you would like to explore next.

• Think outside of the box.
• Consider your experience and see if that experience could transfer to multiple different jobs.
• Explore what you liked best about the jobs you have worked in.
• Look at all IT jobs. Review the job descriptions. You might find that a different job title could suit you better than the ones you have experience in.
• Don't limit your job search to one specific title.

2.???Update your Resume and?Create a Cover Letter

• This is important because it is a snapshot of what you can bring to the table.
• You can also list references on this page.

3.???Reach out to colleagues, ask if they would be willing to become a reference?

4.???Update your LinkedIn.

• Review your LinkedIn
• This is a professional environment of potential employers. Make sure that you are showing the best you have to offer.

5.???Upload your Resume and create a profile to multiple sites.

• Make your profile visible.
• Dice.com (IT Professionals have a lot of success with this.)
• Indeed.com
• Monster.com
• etc.

6.??Fill out applications.

• The websites you have created a profile to, will have multiple jobs posted.
• Look up companies you’d like to work at.

7.???Reach out to contacts.

• Find out where people you know, are working. Are they hiring?
• This gives you first-hand knowledge of what a company offers as far as culture, benefits, work life balance, etc.
• ??Contact Examples:

- Previous colleagues

- Instructors

- Recruiters

8. Keep a list of jobs you have applied for

• This helps you keep track of what you have applied for.
• This also helps you to know where to go and check the status of the position.
• For those that need that checklist, this also gives you a sense of accomplishment for review and motivate you to keep focused.

9. Follow up

• Reach out to the recruiters that have submitted you for a position presently or in the past.
• Find out the status of the application.
• Continue to build relationships.

10. Continue Education

• Brush up on the terminology of your field.
• Practice - Keep your skills up to date.
• Learn new things.

11. Help Others

• Helping others find work, resources, connections, etc., helps you to have a positive focus. It is a good distraction and can mean a lot to others in need.
• Helping others helps you to build your strengths and lift others up. It is free to do but has an impact for all parties involved.
• Helping others is leadership.
• Together you all can build a successful future.

I hope these tips are helpful. Good luck and stay positive!