Best Practices for Getting Hired in a Downturn
Robert Half Technology's Dave Willmer looks at the IT jobs landscape.
Thu, May 28, 2009
Computerworld — Dave Willmer, the executive director of Robert Half Technology, discusses finding a job in a deep recession.
Slideshow: Where the IT Jobs Are: 10 American Cities
How is IT holding up in the downturn? Companies are downsizing, but IT has been more resilient than other areas. In fact, the unemployment rates for many positions within IT are significantly lower than the national average. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for computer software engineers for Q1 is 4.2%, or half the national average of 8.4% for the same period.
Our company also publishes on a quarterly basis the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report, and 8% of CIOs polled said they plan to expand their IT departments in the second quarter of 2009; 6% expect staff cutbacks. The majority of respondents, 83%, plan to maintain current staffing levels. Those companies that plan to hire cited reasons such as the increased need for customer/end-user support, rising workloads, corporate growth or expansion, and systems upgrades. CIOs planning to reduce staff said the primary reasons are reduced IT budgets, postponed IT projects and companywide layoffs.
When companies are doing mass layoffs, it's even more difficult than usual to find another job. What can help? A good way to jump-start your search is to reach out to members of your professional network and let them know you're looking for work. Be specific about what skills you can offer a potential employer and what type of position you seek to give people a better chance of helping you. Candidates should take a high-touch and high tech approach to networking. Be active at industry, business and community events, and explore online professional and social networking avenues like LinkedIn and Facebook to track down job leads on your own.
Make sure you update your r?sum?, and not just with details of your last job. Look at it from top to bottom to determine if it needs a complete overhaul. Employers want to see the quantitative results you've helped a company achieve, whether it's saving time or money, or improving IT efficiencies. This is important to convey in your r?sum? and cover letter, and during the interview.
Another good way to double up your job search efforts is by registering with a specialized staffing firm. Because of their long-standing relationship with employers in local business communities, they often can open doors to opportunities that haven't been advertise or announced. You can build skills and earn money by taking on project assignments, many of which can turn into full-time roles.
