Know Your Objectives and Preferences
- Define your own specific objectives, both personal and professional, before you begin.
- Understand your preferences regarding work styles, environments, pace, etc.
- Determine the job criteria that will help you meet your requirements
- Think about which technologies you enjoy most, especially if you are experienced in more than one area.
- Consider what types of roles will help you achieve your long-term goals.
- Factor in the importance of learning new skills as you work.
Consider the Size of Organization You Like Most
- Many professionals want to work for large companies on the international IT scene.
- Others appreciate the opportunity to pave new roads with smaller innovative start-up firms.
- For still others, the size of the organization does not matter at all.
- Reflect on your own career experiences to date.
- Have you found yourself happier in a small organization, or thriving in a large environment?
- Factor your preferences in this area into your job search.
Select Hands-On Work or Management
- Moving into a management role can be very rewarding
- Management roles, however, include added responsibility, paperwork and the development of careers of those working under your supervision.
- If you enjoy hands-on technical work, management may not be the right direction for you.
- If you are contemplating a move into a management role, consider the reasons why.
- If you would simply like to pursue a higher salary, discuss that possibility with your current manager.
- If you are certain that management is right for you, demonstrate your willingness to learn and to lead.
Determine Your Salary or Rate
- Understand that there is a wide range of salaries and rates for every IT role.
- Research the ranges for different organizations in your local area
- Base your range on the type of work you do, your years of experience and your financial obligations.
- Seek a compensation plan that is appropriate for your given role.
- Factor benefits, such as training, insurance coverage, retirement funds, etc., into your evaluation.
- Avoid letting salary alone influence your decision to accept or reject a potential opportunity.
Are You Prepared to Commute or Relocate?
- Some individuals view a commute as an opportunity for quiet time before the day begins.
- Others prefer not to travel more than a few minutes to the office each day.
- Think about your willingness to commute when evaluating positions.
- Determine your transportation options to and from each workplace.
- Decide whether you would be willing to move to an area closer to where a given office is located.
- Consider asking whether the hiring organization offers telecommuting or other work-from-home options.
Factor In Your Special Needs
- You may have special needs that affect your career choices Single parents, for instance, may require a daycare facility onsite. If you have health considerations, you might need an organization with a comprehensive benefit plan. You may be averse to accepting a position that requires travel. Communicate your requirements up front so a potential employer can map an opportunity to those needs.
Stay Informed of Market Developments
- Many IT professionals enjoy the challenge of learning leading-edge technologies.
- Others prefer to work in areas in which they have experience.
- Beware of being unwilling to move with the market trends.
- At the same time, remember that lists of “hot” technologies are always changing.
- Stay attuned to emerging areas where there are opportunities to learn and develop as a professional.
- Understand market demands before investing in training in new areas.
- Read industry publications and watch trends in order to make informed career development decisions.