Here's how you can utilize your IT skills to discover fresh job prospects post-layoff.
Losing your job can be a daunting experience, but for those in the IT field, it's also an opportunity to leverage your skills for new job prospects. Your expertise in IT strategy – the alignment of IT capabilities with business goals – can be a strong foundation for your next career move. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an emerging talent in the tech industry, your ability to navigate and utilize technological solutions can set you apart in the job market. In this article, you'll discover how to use your IT skills to uncover new opportunities and pivot towards a successful future post-layoff.
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Sunil SawarkarTechnology Leader | CXO Incubator 2022 | LinkedIn Top Voice | Value Investor | Mentor
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Nicki CleggDEI advocate, NED, Board Advisor, performance coach, CTO, technology leader - unlocking the potential of organisations,…
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Sourav SahuDriving Digital Transformation at Google Operations Center| 20 Years in IT | Global Tools Strategy & Automation Leader…
Begin by conducting a thorough self-assessment of your IT skills. Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of expertise is crucial. This introspection will help you identify which roles you are best suited for and which skills may require further development. Consider your experience with IT frameworks, project management, cybersecurity, or any specialized software. By aligning your skills with market demands, you can better target your job search and highlight your most marketable abilities to potential employers.
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Arnab Baral
Chief Information Officer | Head of Revenue | Australian Mortgage Maven | Real Estate Enthusiast | Driving Financial Success at Cinch Loans | AI Enthusiast
Network: Reach out to your professional contacts, let them know you're looking for a job, and ask for referrals. Attend industry events and join online communities to connect with potential employers. Seek support: If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek support from career counsellors or mentors. They can provide guidance and resources to help you navigate your job search.
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Ruben Fuentes Marquez
TTCM IT Sr. Manager
En caso de encontrarte en esta situación y/o tener la curiosidad de emprendimiento, mi recomendación sería: 1. Ofrece servicios de consultoría. Regístrate en plataformas freelance para encontrar proyectos. 2. Desarrollo de Productos: Identifica una necesidad en el mercado y desarrolla un producto o servicio tecnológico para satisfacerla. 3. Educación y Formación: Ofrece cursos en línea o talleres presenciales sobre IT. 4. Crea un blog o canal de YouTube sobre temas de IT. 5. Servicios de Soporte Técnico: Ofrece servicios de soporte técnico remoto a empresas o particulares. 6. Desarrollo de Negocios Paralelos: Asocia con otros profesionales para ofrecer servicios complementarios.
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Deepak Kaushik
Strategy and Planning | Project Management
Prepare Resume and highlight your most relevant IT skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Update profile on social sites like LinkedIn and engage with industry-specific content and connect with professionals in your field. Also start network actively like attend industry meetups, webinars, and conferences. Join IT-related professional groups on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.Work on your skills. Obtain relevant certifications in your field Or enroll in online courses to learn new technologies or enhance your existing skills. Stay Informed and Adaptable with the latest trends and technologies in your field. Subscribe to industry newsletters, blogs, and podcasts. Prepare for Interviews Like Technical and Non-Technical skills.
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Shivam Rawat 🌱
🚀Top Software Testing Voice - LinkedIn 💡Technology Evangelist || Helping Businesses Strategize their Digital Transformation Journey
To utilize your IT skills for discovering fresh job prospects post-layoff, start by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your latest skills and experiences. Join online job boards and tech-specific platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow to connect with potential employers. Participate in virtual tech meetups, webinars, and online courses to network and stay updated on industry trends. Lastly, consider freelancing or project-based work to build your portfolio and gain exposure to new opportunities.
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Khaled Ben Driss
Conférencier, Strategist, Associé & Executive Dir. Wevioo, CTO Wevioo, Expert IA, CTO Bako Motors, World's CIO 200 Award, Expert GovStack, IT Due Diligence Consultant, Board of Directors Member
To leverage your IT skills post-layoff, update your resume and LinkedIn profile to showcase your strengths. Engage in online networking via platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow. Join virtual tech meetups, webinars, and courses to stay current with industry trends. Consider freelancing to expand your portfolio and access new job prospects.
Next, update your resume to reflect the most current and relevant IT skills. Make sure to include any recent certifications or projects that demonstrate your proficiency and commitment to staying current in the field. Use industry-specific language that resonates with IT recruiters and hiring managers. Your resume should not only list your technical abilities but also showcase your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in IT roles.
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Khaled Ben Driss
Conférencier, Strategist, Associé & Executive Dir. Wevioo, CTO Wevioo, Expert IA, CTO Bako Motors, World's CIO 200 Award, Expert GovStack, IT Due Diligence Consultant, Board of Directors Member
Consider leveraging your IT expertise to explore new job opportunities following a layoff. Begin by updating your resume with recent certifications and projects, highlighting your technical skills and strategic thinking. Tailor your language to resonate with IT recruiters and emphasize problem-solving abilities. This approach showcases your commitment to staying current and enhances your appeal in the competitive IT job market.
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Marc White
IBM z Software Client Leader
Regularly updating your resume is essential for several reasons, whether you're actively job hunting or not. Immediate Availability: You never know when a job opportunity might arise. Having an updated resume means you can apply promptly without scrambling to update it. New Skills: As you acquire new skills or certifications, updating your resume ensures it accurately reflects your current capabilities. Recent Achievements: Documenting recent accomplishments and projects showcases your most up-to-date achievements and contributions. Self-Assessment: Regularly updating your resume encourages you to reflect on your professional growth, helping you identify areas for further development.
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Sachin Sureka
Global Sales Leader | Partner | Financial Services | Coach | Learner Amazon Web Services (AWS) . INSEAD
Include stories and examples in your resume. Also show in your resume how you keep growing and not stuck on same role or same type of job for long.
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Porus Mehta
Founder and Managing Partner - Enterprise Risk and Governance at Techknowconsultant Academy
Next, update your resume to reflect the most current and relevant IT skills. Make sure to include any recent certifications or projects that demonstrate your proficiency and commitment to staying current in the field. Use industry-specific language that resonates with IT recruiters and hiring managers. Your resume should not only list your technical abilities but also showcase your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in IT roles. Mention more on your interpersonal skills which is a key plus point.
Networking is key in the IT industry, especially after a layoff. Use professional social media platforms to connect with industry peers, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Sharing insights on IT trends or engaging with content posted by others can increase your visibility and establish you as a knowledgeable professional. Remember to be genuine in your interactions and express your interest in new opportunities without being overly aggressive.
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Sunil Sawarkar
Technology Leader | CXO Incubator 2022 | LinkedIn Top Voice | Value Investor | Mentor
Networking is very important aspect in professional growth. It must be done actively when you are employed and on job. It should not be started only after you are layed off. Grow your professional network both online through LinkedIn as well as offline through networking opportunities. Share your knowledge, IT skills through posting your articles, engage with people through your post. Send cold messages to IT managers who are hiring. Disclaimer: opinion expressed is mine as individual
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Sourav Sahu
Driving Digital Transformation at Google Operations Center| 20 Years in IT | Global Tools Strategy & Automation Leader | Expert in AI/ML, Automation, & Cloud | Speaker | Startup Advisor | Mentor|
Networking is key, especially after a layoff. Connect with people before you need them. It's easier to ask for help when you've already built a relationship. Your network can open doors that job boards can't. Don't wait until you're laid off to network. Build relationships now, so when you need support, your network is ready to help. Referrals and inside connections often beat online applications.
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Khaled Ben Driss
Conférencier, Strategist, Associé & Executive Dir. Wevioo, CTO Wevioo, Expert IA, CTO Bako Motors, World's CIO 200 Award, Expert GovStack, IT Due Diligence Consultant, Board of Directors Member
Networking is crucial post-layoff. Start building connections proactively rather than reactively. Prioritize genuine relationships over transactional interactions. Engage on professional platforms, join industry groups, and share insights to establish credibility. Your network can provide invaluable support and access to opportunities beyond job boards. Act now to cultivate a network that can bolster your career when you need it most.
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Sachin Sureka
Global Sales Leader | Partner | Financial Services | Coach | Learner Amazon Web Services (AWS) . INSEAD
Networking is critical but make it meaningful. Try to be authentic and think about what value you can bring to other person whom you are networking with. In any case, you should make the first move but do some research on the person you are networking with.
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Porus Mehta
Founder and Managing Partner - Enterprise Risk and Governance at Techknowconsultant Academy
Networking is key in the IT industry, especially after a layoff. Use professional social media platforms to connect with industry peers, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Sharing insights on IT trends or engaging with content posted by others can increase your visibility and establish you as a knowledgeable professional. Remember to be genuine in your interactions and express your interest in new opportunities without being overly aggressive. Network with like minded people and refrain from interacting with negative people.
In the ever-evolving field of IT, continuous learning is non-negotiable. Explore online courses, webinars, or workshops to expand your knowledge base and acquire new skills. This proactive approach not only enhances your expertise but also shows potential employers that you are adaptable and committed to professional growth. Focus on areas that are in high demand, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), or data analytics, to improve your employability.
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Khaled Ben Driss
Conférencier, Strategist, Associé & Executive Dir. Wevioo, CTO Wevioo, Expert IA, CTO Bako Motors, World's CIO 200 Award, Expert GovStack, IT Due Diligence Consultant, Board of Directors Member
To enhance your IT strategy amidst job uncertainty, leverage online courses to upskill in high-demand areas like cloud computing, AI, or data analytics. Expand your expertise through webinars and workshops, showcasing your adaptability and commitment to growth. Consider transitioning into teaching roles to share your knowledge, further demonstrating leadership and deepening your understanding. Continuous learning and teaching not only bolster your employability but also pave the way for new career opportunities post-layoff.
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Porus Mehta
Founder and Managing Partner - Enterprise Risk and Governance at Techknowconsultant Academy
Focus on areas that are in high demand, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), or data analytics, to improve your employability. Cyber Security is another field that makes a good opportunity. Update your knowledge. Get certified for vendor neutral certificates.
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Jörg Fritsche
Permanente Weiterbildung/Weiterentwicklung ist insbesondere in der IT extrem wichtig. Neue Möglichkeiten mit neuen Techniken und Methoden tun sich jeden Tag auf. In einer immer größeren Veränderungsgeschwindigkeit. Ich glaube nicht, dass man sich mit Zertifikaten behängen muss. Sehr viel wichtiger ist der Nachweis des erfolgreichen Einsatzes des neu Gelernten. Damit hat man Vorsprung vor anderen und wird zu einem begehrten Bewerber.
Consider taking on freelance work or consulting projects to keep your skills sharp and to build a portfolio of work. Freelancing can provide you with a flexible schedule, diverse experiences, and the chance to work on a variety of IT projects. It's also an excellent way to make industry connections and could potentially lead to full-time employment. Highlight successful projects and client testimonials to demonstrate the value you can bring to an organization.
Lastly, volunteering your IT skills can be a fulfilling way to bridge employment gaps and make a positive impact. Look for non-profit organizations or community groups that could benefit from your expertise. Volunteering can help you maintain a sense of purpose, build your professional network, and possibly open the door to paid opportunities. It's also a meaningful addition to your resume that can showcase your initiative and dedication.
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Nicki Clegg
DEI advocate, NED, Board Advisor, performance coach, CTO, technology leader - unlocking the potential of organisations, teams and individuals. Passionate about driving diversity, equity and inclusion.
The STEM Ambassadors national volunteering programme in the UK is a free to use platform, with lots of support and resources to guide you and help you volunteer in schools. Supporting young people allows you to contribute to improving diversity in tech talent pipelines as well as support social mobility. This will stand out to future employers who are looking for people with strong social values and a commitment to supporting DEI initiatives.
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Marc White
IBM z Software Client Leader
Volunteering offers numerous benefits to individuals, and society at large. Skill Development: Volunteering can help individuals develop new skills or improve existing ones, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Personal Fulfillment: Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as contributing to a cause can be deeply rewarding. Building Relationships: Volunteering provides opportunities to meet new people, make friends, and build a social network. Sense of Community: It fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the community, reducing feelings of isolation. Networking Opportunities: Volunteering can help individuals build professional networks and connect with people in their field of interest.
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Maciej Autuch
Consultant at EY | AI & Data
I think that doing personal projects outside work time is also a great way to experiment with new technologies and learn. Buying and working with Arduino or Raspberry Pi is another great way to improve your overall tech competency and have a new highlight on your resume. Those devices are amazing for E2E development plus give you freedom to experiment and figure out the most suitable tech stack for your project.
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Christophe Arnaudy
CIO
Cette situation délicate vécue par de nombreuses et nombreux d’entre nous souvent à des moments difficiles de la vie peut aussi être l’occasion de faire tout autre chose, nous avons des qualités techniques mais surtout humaines qui nous permettent d’être utiles autrement en dépassant le bénévolat.
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