Is Now the Time to Look for a New Job?

Many IT professionals have a single question on their minds: Is now a good time to look for a new job? The answer is yes — if you have the right skills.

Research by Robert Half Technology, as well as input from our offices throughout the United States, indicates increasing demand for IT professionals, particularly those who possess expertise in the hottest specialties, such as networking, security and applications development.

But before you make the leap into the job market, you’ll need to consider a number of key factors, including:

• What you want. What are your professional goals? Take the time to review where you are in your career and what you would like to be doing in the future. Are you on the right track? Evaluating your progress toward your career objectives can help you determine whether to begin a job search or identify weaknesses that need to be addressed before launching one. For instance, if you want to transition from being a network administrator to a network security professional, you might need additional training or classes to enhance your expertise with security software and strategies. 
• What your employer has to offer. Before looking for a new job, consider if opportunities exist within your current organization. Most companies evolve over time, adding new positions and even departments to meet changing needs. What job at your firm is most suited to your current skill set and future career path? 
• Who you know. Networking is one of the most effective ways to hear of job leads. Make sure you stay in touch with your professional contacts — whether it’s meeting for breakfast once a quarter or connecting through LinkedIn — so you stay top of mind should they learn of IT openings that match your skills and interests. Also strive to add to your base of connections by remaining active on online social networks, attending association meetings or getting involved in community activities. You never know who might open the door to your next career opportunity.
• Where you might go. Always be on the lookout for new career opportunities. That’s not to say you should job hop the way many did during the dot-com era, but rather you should pay attention when you hear of interesting openings, even if you’re not actively seeking employment. The perfect match to your professional goals may turn up at a time when you are not scanning the job boards.

Finally, keep in mind that a job search should be guided by your ambitions, not the business climate. Make sure you know your career objectives and consider what it will take to achieve them. If you boost your marketability, maintain an active network and remain open to new job possibilities, you will increase your chances of finding the right position at the right time.