Smart Insights, October 2009

By Dave Willmer

As we begin the last calendar quarter of 2009, it’s not too early to consider your career plans for next year — and beyond. While changing jobs may not be top of mind for every senior IT executive, especially considering the business and economic pressures facing global CIOs, it’s always advantageous to think long term about where you ultimately want to be.

In anticipation of a potential upturn, employers have started to identify areas of the business that will benefit most from an increase in talent. In a recent survey, The Employment Dynamics and Growth Expectations (EDGE) Report, which Robert Half International conducted with CareerBuilder, 501 hiring managers in the United States were asked which departments in their organizations they think will add positions first. Technology led the way, followed by customer service and sales.

It is undoubtedly good news that managers from a variety of industries will value technology even more in a post-recessionary environment.

As businesses look to lay the groundwork for future growth, they’ll need strong IT leaders to help them pave the way. The following are a few items CIOs can consider as you plan your next career steps:

You may need to conduct a career audit. Opportunities will open up and you need to be ready. Many executives are understandably so caught up in their immediate priorities that they rarely find the time to stop and take a big-picture snapshot of their careers. But doing so can be very enlightening. Look back on what you consider the highlights of your career, and you may discover a pattern.  Which activities gave you the greatest sense of accomplishment? Your top selections may all involve spearheading new initiatives, for instance. Take note of commonalities and consider whether these responsibilities are available at your present employer. Also evaluate your primary strengths and weaknesses, and ask trusted colleagues or peers for feedback as well. What you perceive to be assets or liabilities could be viewed differently by others.

Many skills are transferable. If you were to consider changing employers when hiring picks up, where do you see yourself? Do you prefer a smaller entrepreneurial environment or a large corporation? What industries excite you? Talk to others and find out what makes IT executives successful in these environments and determine which of your skills, qualifications or experience can be applied somewhere else.
 
Manage your digital footprint. As a growing number of employers search the Internet for information about job seekers, it’s become more important for applicants to regularly monitor and maintain their professional reputations online. You can also leverage the Internet by being an active contributor. Share your insights by posting useful advice and commentary on industry forums and authoring online articles or blogs in your area of expertise to add to your credibility. These also help to position you in a positive light to prospective new employers.

‘Soft skills’ are in strong demand. In addition to keeping current on technology skills, IT professionals should also consider ways they can make themselves more effective on the job by honing interpersonal and communication skills. In another recent poll commissioned by Robert Half, 49 percent of 1,689 CIOs in North America said they are very effective in communicating with the CFO to gain buy-in on the company’s IT needs and budget requirements. Another 38 percent felt they are only somewhat effective, and 11 percent rated themselves as ineffective. Is there room for improvement in how you communicate with senior management and staff or how to tactfully handle challenging business situations or negotiations?

With thorough self-evaluation, you can be confident that you’re making the right career decisions. If you take the time to think about your preferences and options carefully, you’ll set yourself on a course for greater fulfillment in your work in 2010 and beyond.

ASK THE EXPERT

Dave Willmer is Executive Director of Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of highly skilled IT professionals on a project and full-time basis. He manages operations for more than 100 Robert Half Technology locations worldwide and is a frequent speaker and writer on hiring and career issues for IT professionals. Willmer holds a degree in business administration from the University of Akron and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Ohio University.

You can ask Dave your questions on our discussion thread or in real time on October 13.