Living in what is dubbed as the ‘technological age,’ technological developments have become more consistent. The COVID-19 pandemic increased reliance on careers in the digital and IT-related fields. Even as normalcy returns, the demand for those jobs will remain.
Some of the most popular areas of technological reliance include:
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
- Functionality for users
- Data collection and implementation
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT)
Types of Careers Affected by IT Fields
The majority of the fields related to the internet, physical technologies (i.e., phones, computers, etc.), and cybersecurity were affected the most during the pandemic. These industries experienced a surge in development demand and struggled to handle the imbalance of open positions to the influx of unemployed people around the world. The internet and cybersecurity were among the most affected areas. As companies hurried to accommodate an increased client load, they turned to recruiters to fill positions with individuals who were qualified.
Qualifications and the Right Balance of Experience
The job-hunting process in the IT field became much more difficult due to a larger pool of available candidates with varying levels of experience and skills. Tougher competition meant standing out from the crowd would be challenging. Overall, employers want candidates with experience over academic knowledge. They believe having that experience indicates a person’s skill set is more refined because real-world applications are also learning opportunities.
Tips for Being Noticed in the Slush Pile
Most companies now utilize screening tools to narrow down their candidate lists, relying on recruiters to pick from it. Candidates would then move on to the interviewing process. But, in the slush pile of applications, having specific skills or experiences is extremely useful. Some things to include on your application are:
- Hard (technical) and soft (learned) skills
- Relevant work experience
- Unique skills
- Accomplishments
- Samples of previous work
- Links to online profiles
- Education
Education can play a role in the hiring process, but it will come second to experience. However, for candidates who have experience in fields or with jobs that are not closely related to the position they are applying for, it could still be useful in terms of adaptability and future positions.
You’ve Been Selected! Now What?
Candidates who move on to the interview process should consider a few things to further separate them from other applications. One thing to remember is, to be honest. If in an interview, a question is asked that the candidate doesn’t know the answer to, potential employers and recruiters will appreciate honesty more. It shows them the candidate values trust, understanding, and reliability in the workplace.
Technical skills can always be learned. On the other hand, it’s much harder to develop the habit of asking for help, thinking outside the box to find solutions, and communicating effectively with team members. Establishing a balance of technical skills and soft skills is one of the best ways to gain a potential employer’s attention.
