Use an Ideal Job Map to Search for Your Next IT Position

IT Recruiters aren’t mind-readers. If you want them to connect you to your dream IT job, you have to be able to tell them what that dream job looks like.

In previous posts, we’ve talked about the basics of working with a recruiter (aka ‘headhunter’), and how to ensure they put you at the top of their callback list.

But this week I was reminded that before you start connecting with recruiters – before you even start writing your resume, in fact – you need to do one very important thing:  Figure out what job you want by creating an ideal job map.

Your Ideal Career is More Than Just an IT Job Title

There is so much opportunity out there in the IT space that when you go out looking for your next career move, knowing what you want to be doing with your day is more important in an overall good fit then just starting with a job title. It seems obvious, but you will be surprised how often we don’t think this way when we want to make a move.

There’s a difference between process and result. Dig into the process here to avoid any headaches of taking the wrong position based on the title later. What would your ideal job look like?  No detail is too small. Does your ideal IT job, include lots of working independently and not many early-morning meetings or do you want to build with a team?

Mapping out your ideal job is a good exercise for anyone looking to make a job change no matter how much experience they have in the IT space. You always need to know what you want next.

Do Your Research

Now that you’ve got a detailed understanding of what you like to do, you can begin to look for IT careers – or career paths – that match.

No matter what career stage you’re at, there are likely all kinds of jobs, job descriptions and job titles you’ve never even heard of – especially in startups who get very creative with their IT job titles. Many of them will involve at least some of the things you’ve highlighted on your ideal job map. And they aren’t always obvious, so take time here to dig into what the job description is really telling you. And if you get that interview, you can ask what parts of the position match some of your ideal jobs.

Ask for Advice

Asking for advice from people can be a fantastic way to learn more about a career path that involves the tasks on your ideal job list. Recruiters who have an inside look into a company, other people who work at that company or have worked there.

Take a look around your network – you have been building your personal network, right? Network smarter, not harder to find people who might know more.  Call up someone who does a job similar to the one you’re looking at and ask them about their career path.

Finding the Right Job Recruiter for Your Next Career Move

Not all recruiters are the same.  Some specialize in temporary administrative work; others specialize in accounting professionals. There’s no point in getting a meeting with a recruiter who specializes in placing healthcare technicians if what you’re looking for is a job in Information Technology.

So you can save yourself a lot of time, energy and frustration (“I’ve sent out 56 resumes to recruiters this week – how come no one’s calling me back?!”) by figuring out what it is you want to do and then targeting the recruiters who are most likely to be able to help you.

If you are looking to make a move in your IT career we’d love to talk with you. Connect with us today about open positions or to discuss what type of position you are looking for.

For more tips on your IT job search, visit our Guide to Your Ultimate Position in IT.