​1.  Can you talk a little bit about your experience and expertise when it comes to dealing with IT professionals?

Having been in the IT recruitment industry for more than four years, I have realised that the industry is one that is forever changing and expanding. As a result, one needs to create quicker and more diverse solutions to existing problems. In my experience, IT professionals are vastly different from other professionals. As a specialist recruiter, I understand the pressures and stresses that they have to deal with on a daily basis and I need to ensure that I do not add extra stress while they are in the job market. The key to dealing with IT professionals is to find an effective way to communicate with them whereby both parties reach a mutual agreement that will be best suitable for both parties.

2.  What can you say are some of the obstacles IT professionals face in the industry?

The biggest obstacles that IT professionals face would be wanting to constantly develop their skills to stay relevant in an ever-changing market. I would also place dealing with customers, satisfying their career needs and speaking to their employers about setting realistic deadlines high on my list of obstacles. I say this because many IT candidates have expressed that they felt that their employers set unrealistic deadlines and expectations and they couldn't deal with the pressure of delivering on these expectations on a continuous basis. Consequently, they burn out as they are expected to work extensive hours, weekends and throughout the night to deliver as promised.

3.  How can IT professionals stand out from a competitive job market?

In order for IT professionals to stand out from this competitive job market, they need to have the following:

Good track record. They need to be with their current or previous employers for a long period of time (3 - 4 years)

The correct qualifications. IT-relevant qualifications and certifications will allow them to be confident in working with latest technologies

Willing to learn. They need to take on projects that will test their ability as an IT professional (pushing themselves out of their comfort zone)

Have the courage to fail. They shouldn't be afraid to fail as they learn and grow that way!

4.  What do you think are the common mistakes IT professionals make when they job search and how they can rectify them? 

As an Executive IT Recruitment Specialist, the first mistake would have to be the way their CV is constructed. Often it doesn't represent the candidate in a good light. It's riddled with grammatical errors which make them look unprofessional. As a result, they aren't invited for a job interview with a specialist recruitment agency or employer. Furthermore, IT is about skills. Candidates can add value to their CVs by elaborating on their duties of all their previous roles, along with a detailed skills matrix. This will give you the opportunity to explain further during their interview.

The second mistake is how they conduct themselves in the interviews. Many candidates are unprepared for interviews. They don't do their research before the interview. By conducting proper market research, this can add significant value to the applicant's interview and the company will immediately identify the value they can bring to the table. 

Lastly, is their lack of confidence and passion. I cannot stress enough how important confidence and passion is in the IT market. I have had clients informing me that the candidate they interviewed lacked motivation, passion or confidence in the interview and therefore they will not be a good fit for the company. IT professionals should always embrace the interview with a positive mindset and ensure that they are fully prepared for the interview by conducting research on the company, speaking to colleagues in the industry, using social media to gain current trends that are happening with the company.

5.  What are employers looking for in an IT candidate

My experience with employers in the IT sector is that they are mainly looking for candidates who have the following:

Passion. For many of our clients, it's not always about how much you know, but about the passion that you have for IT. A candidate who has the passion for doing the job but does not have the right skillset for the job will grow quicker than a candidate who has the right skillset but no passion for his work.

Qualifications. Employers are always more open to hire candidates that are continuously learning and upskilling themselves. It shows them that you want to stay relevant within the IT space.

Good track record. Our clients prefer candidates who have worked for an organisation for about of 3 - 4 years at a time, as they would want to see a return on their investment when employing the right candidate.

Technical Ability. Employers are looking for candidates that have a vast array of skills, as this will allow them to take on different projects in the future knowing that you will be capable of managing those projects for them. They do not have to back down from good potential business opportunities.

6.  How does one market themselves if they have an IT-related qualification but no job experience?

This is, unfortunately, the most challenging part graduates and Junior Developers face when entering the job market. The best form of advice that I can provide is to try to add as many achievements on your CV as possible. Highlight any great qualifications, academic or sport or leadership achievements and IT projects that you have performed over the years (for example, a small basic website that you created). Provide as much information about self-learning and certifications on your application in order for the client to understand that you are always open to upskill yourself.

7.  What advice would you give young IT professionals about finding the right career? 

Follow your passion! It doesn't matter whether you want to become a Technician, Data Analyst or even Developer if you are motivated to get your body out of bed every morning - then you have made the right career decision FOR YOU!

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