12 Ways to Find the Perfect IT Job

The career outlook for information technology jobs looks excellent now and many years into the foreseeable future. Individuals completing an undergraduate IT degree program can expect to find themselves in a very healthy job market. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for computer and information systems managers is expected to increase by 11 percent between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average of all occupations. The BLS states, “about 42,400 openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.” Perhaps one of these openings will be the perfect IT job for you.

12 Ways to Find the Perfect IT Job for You

Finding the perfect job in any industry can be difficult. Not only must the perfect job exist, but also, once it’s located, you’ll need to meet the position’s prerequisites to qualify. Tech hiring managers often feel there’s not enough skilled IT talent in the market to meet their demands. Although skilled talent may truly not exist, it could be that adequately skilled talent has not properly demonstrated their skills to hiring managers.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at 12 actions you can take to identify the perfect job and determine what skills are needed to meet the hiring manager’s requirements.

1.    Define the Perfect Job

The “perfect job” will be different for different people. Each person must determine what criteria are essential when selecting the perfect job. It would be wonderful to get paid to do the thing you love and enjoy coming to work for.

The perfect job will be much easier to find if you know what you're looking for. Determine what attributes are essential for your “perfect job” scenario, so you'll know what you’re aiming for in your next job search.

2.    Consider Your Current Hobbies, Interests, and Skills

How you spend your free time can help you find the perfect job because it will point toward what interests you, things you are passionate about, and activities from which you derive pleasure. An essential characteristic of the perfect job is that it takes advantage of your strengths while allowing you to improve and expand your talent and skills. Making a list of your current hobbies, interests, and abilities can be beneficial in helping you find a job you enjoy.

3.    Determine a Company’s Culture

The average American will spend one-third of their life at work, some even more. Since you'll be spending so much time there, the company’s environment will dictate the quality of your professional life while working for that company; therefore, it’s crucial to determine the company’s culture – its values, goals, attitudes, and practices. The working environment, employee behavior, and company policies all contribute to company culture.

4.    Use Networking Contacts

Network contacts can help you land the perfect job. Not only will your professional connections give you the “real” scoop on a company and its culture, but their referral to a hiring manager may also yield a better response than applying directly.

5.    Research Potential Employers

Prepare for an interview by researching the potential employer. During an interview, employers may ask questions that can best be answered when you’re familiar with their products and services. It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with the organization's competitors and the challenges the organization may be facing. During your research, determine good questions concerning the organization’s culture and current projects. Thorough research will show a potential employer that you have a genuine interest in their organization and the position you seek to fill.

Be prepared with questions to ask the hiring manager at the end of the interview. Some hiring managers will not consider a candidate who leaves the interview without asking additional questions.

6.    Maintain Professional Relationships/Connections

Developing, maintaining, and deepening professional relationships is always essential - whether you currently have a fulfilling job, are searching for a new position, or are in between jobs. This means that you should always have a network in place and take time to make occasional face-to-face contact with those in your network.

Taking time to make authentic, personal network connections shouldn’t be reserved for when you need to find a new job. The best connections are hiring authorities and people decision-makers like, know, and trust to source talent.

7.    Develop an Honest and Substantial Resume

Whether you’re planning to write your own or hire a resume writing service, the perfect resume is honest and tells the complete story. Gather all information needed to craft a powerful resume that markets your qualifications and effectively tells your story. This is the resume that will help you land the perfect job. Make sure your resume and the information you have in your online profiles match up. If inconsistencies are spotted, a hiring manager may think you have something to hide or that you haven’t used care and attention in managing your online brand. Neither are good.

8.    Determine Where You Want to Live

Where do you want to live? Is the “perfect job” you’re considering close enough to this location? Is the perfect location close to family and friends? The best way to find a job in a specific place is to use multiple techniques or strategies to locate jobs in that area.

9.    Is the Salary Adequate?

Does the salary meet your needs? Does the salary enable you to live the lifestyle you desire?
Living happily will be difficult if you’re constantly worried about how to pay your bills. If you have a family that counts on you, it’ll be even more stressful if your salary doesn't meet your needs. An adequate salary is vital for the perfect job.

10.    Check Out Remote Jobs

Is remote work right for you? Pursuing your dream job may not require moving to Silicon Valley, Seattle, or Boston. Instead, many employers are open to allowing skilled IT professionals to work remotely, and that’s good news if you’re interested in remote information technology jobs. Many candidates are interested in working remotely; therefore, if you’re interested in remote jobs, you may only get one chance to nail the interview.

11.    Be Specific Concerning Your Fit for the Job

If you’ve located the perfect job, you need to be specific about your fit for the position. Now is not the time to be vague. When evaluating potential employees, hiring managers look at more than skill level and on-the-job competency. They also want to find the right “fit” for their organization. Being a good fit means more than being able to carry out the job’s duties. It also means having the right mixture of character traits, soft skills, and career goals that align with the organization’s values, mission, and existing company culture. Demonstrate that you’re an excellent fit for the job, for the department, and the company as a whole.

12.    Is Your Experience Enough?

There’s no way to answer this question adequately unless you’ve done your homework and determined what the organization is looking for. Find out what type of experience the organization needs. Some organizations want only generalized experience that applies to many fields, while others have particular requirements. After studying the job ad, determine what the organization wants. Then, ensure your resume is written to cover accomplishments and experience related to the advertised job.

Preparing Yourself for the Perfect IT Position

Whether you’re interested in systems management, cyber-security, cloud computing, or another area of the IT industry, pursuing an IT degree can help you impact an increasingly plugged-in world. Request more information today to learn more about an information technology degree. An admissions counselor will help you make the best decisions to further your education, achieve your goals and enhance your career.