Job Hunting Tips for 'Techies'

October 23 2001 - There may be a high demand for their skills but technology workers still face job hunting challenges that can severely impair their career growth, according to Jerry Weinger, chairman of Bernard Haldane Associates.

Job-hopping is prevalent in the technology sector and many 'techies' lose track of their long-term career objectives. And the corporate culture at high-tech companies can also raise barriers to advancement.

"The technology sector attracts highly intelligent people," said Weinger, whose career management company has more than 90 offices in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. "But many are more comfortable working with machines than selling themselves. To make positive career moves, they have to market themselves effectively to non-techies."

A notable issue is that techies tend to work in teams, the more experienced staff mentoring younger colleagues. As mentors move up the career ladder, their proteges follow behind. But eventually most mentors careers hit a roadblock, trapping talented team members behind them.

Jerry Weinger is a specialist in helping professionals and executives with career transitions, and offers the following advice:

* Break the language barrier - Avoid potentially confusing technical jargon when interviewing with lay people.

* Become an extrovert during interviews - Many technology workers score as introverts on a Meyer Briggs personality test. Identify the things you love to do, and use that enthusiasm to overcome shyness.

* Practice on camera - Tape mock interviews until you can comfortably provide 30-second answers to potential interview questions.

* Avoid stagnation - Technology workers should be in transition, internally or externally, every 24 months.

* Make deliberate job changes - Develop a long-term career plan, and be sure that the next job is a stepping stone to your ultimate objective.

* Identify the things you love to do - Finding projects they enjoy is often a top priority for technology workers. Many rank that as more important than other factors such as pay, working conditions, and plush offices.

* Network outside the immediate peer group - Developing contacts outside your work team may ultimately lead to your next job.

* Don't be stigmatized as an independent contractor - As the technology sector cools, independent contractors are often the first laid off. Without a record of company loyalty, it's crucial to communicate that you are now looking for a stable company where you can build a career.

* Be realistic about your earnings potential - The job market has changed dramatically from this time last year. At the time of writing, salaries are plummeting for many technical jobs. Use salary sites on the Internet to make sure that your salary expectations are on target.

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