In 2008, unemployment rates for IT managers and other professionals sat at only 2.5%. But in 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this number jumped to a staggering 5.2%. This is the highest the industry’s seen since 2003.
However, David Foote–of Foote Research Group–says the situation is starting to improve, with computer system designers and other similar professions leading the way. In his December report (PDF), he noted these jobs accounted for 6,900 new employment positions in November alone.
Back in 2003, the burst of the dot-com bubble caused massive layoffs, leaving a large number of professionals out of work. In 2009, the culprit was the recession and tighter budgets. To save money, employers are hiring individuals with specific skill sets rather than increasing the number of employees.
This means those seeking a new job will need to focus on their specific skill sets rather than just demonstrating the general skills needed to land the job. Stand out and be prepared to back up those skills. Also, take time to research the companies out there and target the ones most likely looking for your specific skills.
Look at it like the difference between general and niche medicine. If you have a serious earache and only have one chance to treat it, you’re more likely to pay an ear specialist than a general physician. The same is true of employers. Learn how to be the ‘ear specialist.’
On the bright side, specialists make more income and are in higher demand, and that’s never a bad thing!
(Image Source: superpuppy)
