Interview with Sunday Business Post Newspaper Sunday 17 August 2003
Two years ago, Ireland's IT industry was characterised by a 30,000-strong shortfall in suitably skilled candidates.Now, the number of IT professionals without work has reached the 18,000 mark.
Those determined to gain secure employment in the current environment will succeed only with the right approach, according to career expert, Mags Corbett.
"The IT job market pendulum has swung from abundance to scarcity over the past 24 months but encouraging signs are starting to emerge within the sector. Contracts, assignments and projects are available to those who have an ear to the ground and remain connected to industry contacts," said Corbett.
However, she added that IT candidates on the lookout for a new job do not always take a sufficiently `multi-faceted' approach, choosing instead to rely solely on `tried and tested' recruitment methods.
According to Corbett, candidates can actually access a `hidden job market,' at a time when employers are placing as much emphasis on culture fit as on skills, by beginning to network instead of merely relying on their CV to get them into a new organisation.
"Companies cut down on spending in uncertain times. Hiring decisions may be put on the backburner and, as a result, hiring decisions that might usually take a week can stretch into months. Networking, actively forwarding CVs and following up can increase your chances of finding a job regardless of the larger labour market," she said.
Corbett added that candidates should not be concerned that pursuing a role proactively will make them seem `pushy.'
"Be patient - follow up routinely but don't overdo it. Plan ahead and give yourself ample time to travel to interviews, especially those in other counties. Make sure you have contact numbers in case you run late or need to reschedule," she said.
Mags Corbett is founder of career management consultancy, Stress Coach Ireland