IT professionals must develop broader skills to attract employers Viewpoint careers advice blog

IT professionals must develop broader skills to attract employers IT professionals with a clear view of the bigger picture are more attractive to employers. We’re working with industry-leading clients at the moment on some very large-scale infrastructure projects. Managing this process is always an exciting challenge, and of course our job as sector experts is to pay very close attention to the shifting requirements of employers. Demonstrate bigger picture thinking Whats interesting is how this is mirrored by an increase in the flexibility and adaptability displayed by our IT and technology candidates. In some areas it’s no longer quite good enough to manage your career as a logical linear path, acquiring and accumulating knowledge and ever more sharper and up-to-date skills. Of course there are roles that demand just this singular focus, but in certain key areas of project management, strategy, analysis, and now infrastructure, we are seeing fantastic opportunities for professionals and experts who can articulate and demonstrate a broader perspective. I am not by any means suggesting that we should all pursue a portfolio career. The trend we are seeing   is that candidates who can show a clear view of the bigger picture, rapidly contextualise their work, and understand the complementary business functions of those with whom they need to collaborate, will be on the whole, be more attractive to employers. So when you’re presenting yourself to your potential new boss, by all means emphasise your specialised, hard-earned expertise. And then be prepared to reveal the significance of this to other relevant areas of the business, and the larger context within which that business operates â€" markets, customers, suppliers, competitors and regulators. Read more related content here.