TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

An Experienced Job Seeker? Here’s How to Move Your Career Forward

As a baby boomer, you may have colleagues and friends who are already beginning to retire, causing you to examine your own career path and potential next steps. The good news is that many businesses are launching critical IT initiatives and need experienced professionals like you to guide these projects. If you possess the right skill set, you may be in demand. But that doesn’t mean the perfect opportunity will fall in your lap; you must market your talents effectively and convince employers that you are the best person for the role. Here are some strategies that can help:  

Diversify your search

Smart professionals don’t rely on a single source to identify job leads. Employers advertise open positions through a variety of channels, and you should tap into as many as possible. Reach out to members of your network to get the ball rolling. In addition to informing you of vacancies at their firms, they can help you determine which companies to target and let you know of job-search strategies that have worked for them in the past. Also consider participating in professional associations; chapter meetings are great venues for learning of new opportunities. And contact a local recruiter. These professionals have deep networks that extend to firms that may not be advertising openings. 

Of course, you shouldn’t overlook the Internet. Industry publications and corporate websites can give you a good idea of which companies are hiring. Organizations such as AARP publish lists of the best employers, run job boards and manage career websites specific to baby boomers.

Refine your resume

One risk you may face as an experienced worker is being seen as overqualified for the position you seek. Overcome this obstacle by focusing your resume on your most recent experience. Chances are the positions you held 15 or 20 years ago no longer relate to your current career goals, so you may want to list only the company name and your job title. Spend the bulk of your resume on highlighting the skills and talents that make you most marketable today.

Also make sure to turn any aspects of your background that could be perceived as weaknesses into strengths. For example, if you possess more experience than is required for a position, highlight how your years in the workforce can be an asset to a potential employer. In your cover letter, you might point out that you’re a self-starter and can make a more immediate contribution to the team than someone with less experience due to your past performance, extensive knowledge and training. Whatever you do, don’t undersell your qualifications. Businesses need experienced workers.

Evaluate your options 

If you’re not quite ready for retirement or another 40-hour workweek, consider other options. Many companies have implemented alternative work arrangements, such as part-time and flexible scheduling, to help recruit and retain experienced IT professionals.

In addition, as a seasoned IT professional, you may be well suited for project work. Consulting provides exposure to a variety of work environments, technologies and positions, which can be particularly beneficial if you’re considering a move into a new specialty or industry. You also have greater control over your schedule, including the ability to plan time off between engagements or request assignments with flexible hours.

Working through a staffing firm may be particularly beneficial because you can gain insight into the job market and access to professional development opportunities. Additionally, many staffing firms offer benefits programs or discounts on such services.

A variety of career opportunities exist for seasoned IT staff. Consider how, in light of the current demand for your talents, you can market your skills appropriately and continue to find exciting professional challenges.

Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. The company has more than 100 locations worldwide. Search for jobs now or learn more at www.rht.com.