IT Job Search Survey

Nearly 60 percent of all information technology (IT) workers are currently looking for a new job. Four out of five of these workers say that their campaign is somewhat or very active.

Here are the top reasons for this high percentage of job search activity (percentage of respondents):

• higher pay (73%)
• no current advancement opportunity (66%)
• looking for a new challenge (58%)

This survey of nearly 1,000 IT workers was conducted by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). A press release is available summarizing the findings.

These survey results reveal a double-edged opportunity/challenge for active job seekers. The opportunity lies in the fact that job turnover is likely to increase leading to increased availability of positions. The challenge lies in the fact that you will likely be competing with many more highly qualified candidates.

Finding a new job can be simple -- but not easy. The best advice is to consistently implement proven job search strategies. The Boston College Career Center offers the following three solutions as a starting point in structuring your career advancement campaign:

1. Know what you want
2. Use a variety of job search strategies
3. Have as much personal contact with real people as possible

If you are currently in the job market (nearly 60% of you are), then rate yourself on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) on the following three questions:

1. Can you articulate the work you are looking for in an "elevator speech?" (1-2-3-4-5)
2. How many job search strategies are you currently using? (1-2-3-4-5)
3. How many personal contacts have you scheduled a meeting with this week? (1-2-3-4-5)

Setting aside one hour today to formulate a career advancement strategy based on answers to these three questions can help give you an edge against your competition and move your career one step forward.