The job market, like any market, is not a static beast. It’s subject to trends, disruptions, and ups and downs like any other marketplace. You can’t manage your current job search — or your career in general — with the exact same strategies you used, say, five years ago.
That’s especially true for IT pros; the technologies and skills necessary to succeed are constantly evolving, perhaps more so than in most industries. So what should you be thinking about now? We asked IT recruiter Paul DeBettignies, head of Minnesota Headhunter, for his take on some of the top hiring trends on both sides of the interview table.
1. Social Media Profiles Aren’t A Fad.
The use of social sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook by recruiters isn’t new. But it has intensified of late, acccording to DeBettignies, as skilled IT talent has become tougher to find. Yes, updated social profiles will lead to more unsolicited — and sometimes unwanted — interest from recruiters and hiring managers. But it will help cut down on irrelevant inquiries, too.
“IT pros could help themselves if their LinkedIn profiles are complete and their Twitter bio says, “Minneapolis, MN” and “Software Engineer” or “.Net Developer,” DeBettignies said by way of example. “While this will may lead to more inquiries from recruiters it also may weed out the unnecessary ones.”